Anycubic Photon P1 vs Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Two resin printers with an almost identical plate (223 × 126 mm against 218.88 × 122.88 mm), so plate size does not decide. Price and declared speed do, in favor of the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2024 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~649–699 € | 399 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 36.6 × 33.8 × 53.9 cm | 32.74 × 32.92 × 54.8 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 13.6 kg | 14.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 223 × 126 mm | 218.88 × 122.88 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 230 mm | 220 mm |
| Power (W) | 215 W | 144 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 110 V |
| Maximum speed | 0.58 mm/min | 150 mm/min |
| Declared precision | 16.8 μm | 19 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 126 mm | 122.88 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 16.8 µm | 19 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | 5 mW/cm² | — |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 35 mm/h | 150 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | Tilt |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Model preparation for the Photon P1 is primarily handled by Anycubic Photon Workshop, a proprietary slicing software that has evolved significantly, offering an intuitive interface alongside advanced mesh repair and support tools. The printer still maintains an open nature, being fully compatible with popular third-party slicers widely appreciated by the community, such as Chitubox, Lychee Slicer, and Tango. Network connectivity via Wi-Fi and a LAN port, alongside the traditional USB port, allows for seamless remote control, integrating perfectly with the Anycubic mobile app. This flexibility grants users the freedom to choose their preferred software workflow, always ensuring the maximum output quality of the printed file. | The system natively supports ChituBox proprietary slicing software, widely adopted in the resin printing industry, ensuring smooth management of supports and exposure parameters. The machine integrates Wi-Fi connection modules that enable remote management and workflow monitoring. Compatibility with open formats ensures operational flexibility with leading third-party programs, allowing users to optimize printing profiles based on the specific resins used, whether standard or engineering-grade. |
The differences that matter
- Price → €674 against €399: the Saturn costs about €275 less.
- Speed → 35 mm/h against 150 mm/h, as declared: for a 50 mm part, about 20 minutes against nearly an hour and a half.
- Plate and resolution → 223 × 126 mm against 218.88 × 122.88 mm, 16.8 against 19 µm: small gaps that do not change what fits on the plate.
Which one to choose
Choose Photon P1 if…
you want the finer declared XY resolution, 16.8 µm against 19 µm, and a 230 mm height instead of 220 mm. The trade-off is paying about €275 more and a declared vertical speed of 35 mm/h instead of 150.
Choose Saturn 4 Ultra 16K if…
you print often and want short times: at a declared 150 mm/h, a 50 mm tall part takes about 20 minutes in theory, against just under an hour and a half at 35 mm/h. It costs €399; you give up a little resolution and 10 mm of height.
Where to buy
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