Head-to-head · Best Resin 3d Printers

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 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 narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Smart feature users wanting high-resolution prints — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Resin 3d Printers

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

4.3

4 sources3 derived$299.99as of Aug 1

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

— Features a 9K monochrome display with 18 x 18 µm XY resolution for high-detail prints
— 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

Watch-outs

— AI camera is poorly positioned and ineffective for monitoring prints
— 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 #6 in Best Resin 3d Printers

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S

4.0

4 sources2 derived$299.99as of Aug 1

Tom's Hardware reviewed the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S as an affordable upgrade to their previous model, noting it maintains the same high screen resolution and printing volume of 16.5x7.2x17 cm. YouTube reviewer Ross praised it for being free of the technical issues that plagued his original Sonic Mini 8K, calling it a significant achievement given the price point. However, the printer is 1 cm shorter in height than its predecessor. This model targets budget-conscious users seeking premium print quality without the higher price tag of the original.

Strengths

— Setup runs clean out of the box, with no calibration or hardware snags
— Maintains same screen resolution and printing volume as original Sonic Mini 8K
— Offered at entry-level prices compared to previous model

Watch-outs

— Slightly shorter height in printing volume (1 cm less than original)
— May have limited long-term reliability data compared to established models

$299.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra

The Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra boasts a 9K monochrome display and tilt release mechanism, outperforming the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S in resolution and functionality. However, it falls short of the Anycubic Photon P1 in terms of thermal control and dual-material printing capabilities. Its AI camera is poorly positioned compared to the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra's network connectivity features.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S

The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S provides high-quality prints at an entry-level price, outperforming the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra in resolution and reliability. However, it's slightly shorter in height compared to the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and lacks the heated chamber of the Uniformation GK Three Ultra. It also doesn't feature the AI camera or Wi-Fi capabilities found in the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra	Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
Build Volume	153.36 x 77.76 x 165 mm³	16.5x7.2x17 cm
Pixel Size	18 x 18 µm	22 µm
Light Source	9K monochrome	LED Module
Print Speed	150mm/h	80 mm/hour
Layer Height	0.01-0.2mm	0.01 mm to 0.30 mm
Material	Metal	Acrylic, Metal
Dimensions	13.78"D x 14.96"W x 22.04"H	11.4"D x 11.4"W x 16.9"H
Weight	8.8 kg	10 kg
Display Resolution	16K	8K

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