Photon Mono 4 vs Sonic Mini
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Photon Mono 4 leads on the measurable specs (starting with work area), while Sonic Mini shows no advantage of its own. Choose Photon Mono 4, unless non-technical factors (availability, support, ecosystem) tip the balance.
| Parameter |
Photon Mono 4
Anycubic
F2 · Intermediate
|
Sonic Mini
Phrozen
F1 · Entry
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2020 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F1 — Entry |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~180–250 € | ~190–250 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | — | 25 × 25 × 33 cm |
| Weight (kg) | — | 4.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 153.4 × 87 mm | 120 × 68 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 165 mm | 130 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 40 W |
| Maximum speed | 1.17 mm/min | — |
| Declared precision | 17 μm | 62.5 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 87 mm | 68 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 17 µm | 62.5 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 70.2 mm/h | 50 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 device operates primarily through third-party slicing software widely adopted within the maker community, such as ChiTuBox and Lychee Slicer, ensuring high flexibility in file preparation. Integration with these programs allows granular control over exposure parameters, support generation, and lift times. The machine features no integrated wireless connectivity or reliance on cloud platforms, requiring completed print files to be transferred exclusively via a removable USB flash drive. This configuration guarantees complete offline operational autonomy and mitigates the risk of interruptions caused by network issues or forced remote software updates. |
The differences that matter
- Work area: Photon Mono 4 153.4×87 mm vs Sonic Mini 120×68 mm — Photon Mono 4 wins (+64%)
Which one to choose
Choose Sonic Mini if…
it shows no measurable advantage over Photon Mono 4 on the available specs: consider it on price or availability.
MakerSpecs is an independent atlas. We don't sell products: this comparison links to both sheets, where you'll find complete data and official links.