Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S are both RESIN 3D printers competing in different tiers, $459 vs $329. Both are scored across value, beginner-friendliness, quality, speed, and reliability. Here's the full breakdown.
Our Verdict
The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra takes the crown with 7.8/10 vs 7.2/10. It pulls ahead in Speed. That said, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S saves you $130.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $329 |
| Type | RESIN | RESIN |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 165 x 72 x 180 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 80 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.01 mm |
| Weight | 11 kg | 6.5 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 7.2/10 |
Pros & Cons
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra
+218x123mm plate fits a full Warhammer squad in one run, not two
+12K resolution holds up just as well as the Mars at 14K for most print sizes
+Tilt release is worth it at this plate size: peel forces on large prints are brutal without it
+Terrain and base tiles look genuinely stunning at this resolution
−Resin consumption goes up fast when you're filling a plate this size
−Post-processing for a full plate run takes 45-60 minutes minimum
−The purifier helps but a plate this big curing kicks up more fumes
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 Saturn 4 Ultra if you want:
- A great printer for resin
- A great printer for miniatures
- A great printer for large-prints
- 12K mono LCD
- Tilt release
- Air purifier
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 Saturn 4 Ultra better than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
By the numbers, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra scores higher (7.8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S may be the smarter buy if you need miniatures.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra or Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S to save $130.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $130 more than the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra scores higher overall (7.8/10 vs 7.2/10). The extra $130 gets you 218x123mm plate fits a full warhammer squad in one run, not two.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra and Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S?
Build volume (218x123x220mm vs 165x72x180mm) and print speed (150 vs 80 mm/s). The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is best for resin; the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S targets miniatures.