Anycubic Photon P1 vs Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Anyone chasing fine detail on miniatures and jewelry, and anyone who needs to fit more parts on the plate or print large pieces in one go, are looking at two different machines: the Photon P1 focuses on resolution at a lower price, the Sonic Mega 8K S on a larger build plate.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2026 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F3 — Advanced |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~649–699 € | 1560.90 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 36.6 × 33.8 × 53.9 cm | 47.2 × 38 × 56.6 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 13.6 kg | 26 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 223 × 126 mm | 330 × 185 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 230 mm | 300 mm |
| Power (W) | 215 W | 240 W |
| Voltage (V) | — | 230 V |
| Maximum speed | 0.58 mm/min | — |
| Declared precision | 16.8 μm | 43 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 126 mm | 185 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 16.8 µm | 43 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | 5 mW/cm² | — |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 35 mm/h | 70 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | Film ACF |
| 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 machine is compatible with major slicing software on the market, offering maximum freedom in the workflow. Fully supported by CHITUBOX and Lychee Slicer, it reads the proprietary .CTB and .PRZ formats. Thanks to continuous updates of resin profiles, users can quickly import optimal printing parameters. File management and job initiation occur primarily through the local touchscreen interface and loading via USB drive, maintaining an offline and secure operational setup suitable for production environments. |
The differences that matter
- Price: €674 vs €1560.9 → the Sonic Mega 8K S costs €886.9 more.
- Build plate: 223×126 mm vs 330×185 mm → the Sonic Mega 8K S fits more parts per batch or larger single pieces.
- XY resolution: 16.8 μm vs 43 μm → the Photon P1 renders finer detail on miniatures and jewelry.
Which one to choose
Choose Photon P1 if…
Pick the Photon P1 for miniatures, jewelry and fine detail: the 16.8 μm XY resolution (manufacturer-declared) keeps edges and textures sharp, at €674. The 223×126 mm plate does limit how many parts fit in one print.
Choose Sonic Mega 8K S if…
Pick the Sonic Mega 8K S if you need to fill the plate with more parts or print large pieces in one cycle: at 330×185 mm it's nearly double the P1's plate, and the film-ACF vat holds up better to repeated prints. It costs €886.9 more and has a coarser 43 μm XY resolution than the P1.
Where to buy
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