Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra vs QIDI X-Max 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459, RESIN) and QIDI X-Max 3 ($799, FDM) use fundamentally different technologies. FDM melts filament layer by layer; resin cures liquid with UV light. Here's how they stack up.
Our Verdict
The QIDI X-Max 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Speed. That said, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra saves you $340 and wins on Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | QIDI X-Max 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $799 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 325 x 325 x 315 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 11 kg | 25 kg |
| Overall Score | 7.8/10 | 8/10 |
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
QIDI X-Max 3
+325mm enclosed with 60C active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500
+Independent Z motors keep the bed trammed even on 24-hour prints
+Handles PA-CF and PC natively without a fight
+600mm/s in a large-format heated chamber is rare at any price
−25kg: set it up once and it lives there
−$799 with a smaller community than Bambu means you're mostly on your own troubleshooting
−QIDI's slicer profiles are thin for specialty materials
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 QIDI X-Max 3 if you want:
- A great printer for large-prints
- A great printer for engineering
- A great printer for professional
- Enclosed
- Large CoreXY
- Chamber heating (60C)
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra better than the QIDI X-Max 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Max 3 scores higher (8/10). But "better" depends on your use case, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra may be the smarter buy if you need resin.
Which is better for beginners, Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra or QIDI X-Max 3?
Both score 6/10 for beginners. Go with the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra to save $340.
Is the QIDI X-Max 3 worth $340 more than the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra?
The QIDI X-Max 3 scores higher overall (8/10 vs 7.8/10). The extra $340 gets you 325mm enclosed with 60c active heating is a combination you almost can't find under $1,500.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra and QIDI X-Max 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Max 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.