Anycubic Photon Mono 4 vs Elegoo Saturn 4
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
The Photon Mono 4 and the Saturn 4 are monochrome LCD resin printers from 2024 with nearly the same XY resolution, 17 and 19 µm as declared by the manufacturer. What mainly changes is the build area, and €94 separates the two.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~180–250 € | ~299–319 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | — | 32.74 × 32.92 × 54.8 cm |
| Weight (kg) | — | 13.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 153.4 × 87 mm | 218.88 × 122.88 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 165 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 144 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 240 V |
| Maximum speed | 1.17 mm/min | — |
| Declared precision | 17 μm | 0.02 mm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 87 mm | 122.88 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 17 µm | 19 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 70.2 mm/h | 70 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The device is fully compatible with the main third-party slicing software options on the market, including widely popular solutions such as Chitubox and Lychee Slicer, alongside the proprietary Anycubic Photon Workshop application. This flexibility allows users to manage advanced exposure parameters, supports, and tolerance compensation without proprietary constraints. File preparation occurs primarily via offline transfer using a USB port, ensuring a stable workflow independent of active network connections. Managing print profiles for various commercial resins is highly intuitive, facilitating the optimization of layer-by-layer curing times for both standard materials and advanced formulations. | The machine is supported by major slicing software on the market, including optimized profiles for CHITUBOX and VoxelDance Tango, ensuring broad operational flexibility. The system relies entirely on USB connection for file transfer and offline printing, eliminating any dependency on cloud services. The onboard interface is managed via a practical 3.5-inch resistive touchscreen that allows users to start prints, monitor basic parameters, and utilize automated diagnostic features, such as the initial self-check of mechanics and sensors. |
The differences that matter
- Build area 153×87 mm versus 219×123 mm → one plate on the Saturn 4 where the Mono 4 needs two.
- Usable height 165 mm versus 220 mm → a part taller than 165 mm doesn't fit on the Mono 4.
- Price €215 versus €309 → the Mono 4 costs €94 less, but only worth it if you don't need the room.
Which one to choose
Choose Photon Mono 4 if…
You print miniatures and small parts, one or a few at a time, and want to keep the spend at €215. The 153×87 mm build area is enough for a plate of miniatures. You give up large parts: nothing taller than 165 mm or wider than 153 mm fits on the Mono 4.
Choose Saturn 4 if…
You print bigger parts, or want to finish in one plate what takes two on the Mono 4: the Saturn 4 has a 219×123 mm build area and 220 mm of usable height. It costs €309, €94 more, and the declared fineness is almost the same: that money buys room, not detail.
Where to buy
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