Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra vs QIDI X-Smart 3
Head-to-head 3D printer comparison, 2026
Comparing FDM to resin? The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra ($459, RESIN) and QIDI X-Smart 3 ($349, 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-Smart 3 takes the crown with 8/10 vs 7.8/10. It pulls ahead in Beginner Friendliness, Speed. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra still puts up a fight in Print Quality.
Score Breakdown
Specifications
| Spec | Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra | QIDI X-Smart 3 |
|---|---|---|
| Price | $459 | $349 |
| Type | RESIN | FDM |
| Build Volume | 218 x 123 x 220 mm | 175 x 175 x 165 mm |
| Print Speed | 150 mm/s | 600 mm/s |
| Min Resolution | 0.01 mm | 0.05 mm |
| Weight | 11 kg | 9.5 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-Smart 3
+Fully enclosed CoreXY in a footprint smaller than most open-frame printers
+35C chamber heating helps layer adhesion on ABS and PETG without a full 60C setup
+QIDI's slicer is better than Creality's for enclosed use cases
+600mm/s speed in a machine this small is impressive
−175mm cube is the real ceiling: anything larger needs to be split and assembled
−QIDI's community is a fraction of Bambu's or Creality's size
−35C chamber heating is modest: the X-Plus 3's 60C chamber is meaningfully better for engineering 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-Smart 3 if you want:
- A great printer for compact
- A great printer for enclosed
- A great printer for beginners
- Enclosed CoreXY
- Chamber heating (35C)
- Auto bed leveling
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra better than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
By the numbers, the QIDI X-Smart 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-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 is more beginner-friendly (8/10 vs 6/10) with easier setup and a gentler learning curve.
Is the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra worth $110 more than the QIDI X-Smart 3?
The QIDI X-Smart 3 actually scores higher (8/10) despite costing $110 less. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra only makes sense if you specifically need resin.
What's the main difference between Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra and QIDI X-Smart 3?
Technology: the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is RESIN (filament) and the QIDI X-Smart 3 is FDM (resin). FDM prints bigger functional parts; resin delivers finer surface detail.