Elegoo Mars 4 vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Mars 4 and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $149 vs $329. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
It's a dead heat, both score 7.2/10 overall. The Elegoo Mars 4 wins in Value, Speed, while the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S takes Print Quality, Reliability. Pick based on which strengths matter more to you.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Mars 4 | Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $149 | $329 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 153 x 77 x 165 mm | 165 x 72 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 80 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.02 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 6.2 kg | 6.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.2/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Mars 4
+$149 entry into Elegoo's quality resin lineup
+7K resolution is still detailed enough for D&D and Warhammer minis
+WiFi monitoring included even at this price
+Elegoo's brand reliability is the best in budget resin
−No tilt release: FEP films will need replacing more often than the Ultra variants
−7K detail is noticeably softer than the 9K and 12K machines on fine surface textures
−Slower at 80mm/hr vs 100mm/hr on the Ultra
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
+22-micron XY resolution: individual scales on dragon miniatures, every rivet on armor, no blurring
+ParaLED 3.0 delivers even exposure across the full plate, no hot spots
+Mono LCD longevity is proven at 2,000+ hours without degradation
+Phrozen's resin profiles are dialed in out of the box
−80mm/hr print speed is the slowest on this list: patience required
−165x72mm plate is tiny; large models need slicing and gluing
−No WiFi: USB drive and manual file management only
−Phrozen's recommended resin is pricier than generic alternatives
Who Should Buy Which?
Choose the Elegoo Mars 4 if you want:
- A great printer for budget
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- 7K mono LCD
- WiFi
- USB
Choose the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S if you want:
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for detail
- A great printer for resin
- 7.1" 8K mono LCD
- 22-micron XY resolution
- ParaLED 3.0
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Mars 4 better than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
They tie at 7.2/10. The Elegoo Mars 4 suits budget and resin, while the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S is aimed at miniatures and detail.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Mars 4 or Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Mars 4 to save $180.
Is the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S worth $180 more than the Elegoo Mars 4?
The Elegoo Mars 4 actually scores higher (7.2/10) despite costing $180 less. The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S only makes sense if you specifically need miniatures.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Mars 4 and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
Build volume (153x77x165mm vs 165x72x180mm) and print speed (80 vs 80 mm/s). The Elegoo Mars 4 is best for budget; the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S targets miniatures.