Head-to-head · Best Resin 3D Printers

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.2). Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra is best for: Smart feature users wanting high-resolution prints. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Resin 3D Printers

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

4.5

2 sources$299.99as of Oct 10

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra stands out as a feature-rich resin printer with a 9K monochrome display and 18 µm XY resolution, making it one of the most capable consumer models Elegoo has produced. Reviewers praised its tilt release mechanism and AI camera, though the latter was deemed ineffective due to poor positioning. The printer lacks an air filter and chamber heating, which may disappoint users seeking advanced environmental controls. While it offers Wi-Fi connectivity and a user-friendly interface, the placement of ports and the camera's functionality are notable drawbacks. This printer is ideal for users wanting high-resolution prints with smart features but may not suit those needing advanced environmental controls.

Strengths

— Includes a tilt release mechanism that reduces print stress and improves adhesion
— Equipped with an AI camera for real-time monitoring and time-lapse photos
— Supports Wi-Fi printing for convenient remote printing capabilities

Watch-outs

— No air filter or chamber heating included
— Power switch and USB port located on the right side rather than front

$299.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Resin 3D Printers

Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S

4.2

1 source$1,199.99as of Oct 11

Phrozen's Sonic Mega 8K S is a large-format LCD printer that strips out expensive components to reduce cost while maintaining premium standards. Tom's Hardware praised its construction and reliability, though reviewers noted that its print quality is less sharp than expected due to 43-micron pixels spread across a 15-inch screen. The printer's 330x185 mm build area and 8K resolution are highlighted as key specifications. This product is best suited for users seeking a robust, reliable printer rather than maximum resolution. Those expecting ultra-sharp detail comparable to 4K or higher resolution printers may find it underwhelming.

Strengths

— Largest mono LCD in Phrozen's range, with a 330 x 185 mm build plate
— Quoted at 600 layers per hour, quick for a plate this size
— Built-in resin drip hanger and lift-up lid make large prints less messy

Watch-outs

— Print quality comparable to smaller resolution printers like the Sonic Mini 4K with 35-micron pixels
— Pixels are 43 microns, making it less sharp than expected for an 8K resolution

$1,199.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra has an 18 x 18 µm pixel size, finer than the 22 µm of the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S, and prints at a listed 150mm/h against 80 mm/hour. It has no chamber heating, where the Anycubic Photon P1 has a thermally-controlled resin vat and the Uniformation GK3 Ultra a heated build chamber, and it costs far less than either. It supports Wi-Fi printing, though its AI camera is poorly positioned.

Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S

The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S has a 330x185 mm build plate, larger than the 300 x 160 mm footprint of the Uniformation GK3 Ultra. Its 43-micron pixels are coarser than the 22 µm of the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S and the 18 x 18 µm of the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra. The GK3 Ultra has a heated build chamber and an auto resin refill system.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra	Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S
Build Volume	153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm³	330x185 mm
Pixel Size	18 x 18 µm	43 microns
Light Source	9K monochrome	405nm ParaLED Matrix 3.0
Print Speed	150mm/h	600 layers/hr
Layer Height	0.01-0.2mm	0.01-0.30 mm
Material	Metal	Metal
Dimensions	13.78"D x 14.96"W x 22.04"H	18.6"D x 15"W x 22.3"H
Weight	8.8 kg	26 kg
Display Resolution	16K	8K
UV Wavelength	—	405nm

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