Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Two mid-range resin printers that are close on detail and size, so the choice comes down to how you work: Wi-Fi and faster printing on one side, USB only on the other. The XY resolutions declared by the manufacturers are 18 µm and 22 µm, a small gap.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2023 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 249 € | ~299–350 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 26 × 26.8 × 45.15 cm | 29 × 29 × 43 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 8.8 kg | 10 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 153.36 × 77.76 mm | 165 × 72 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 165 mm | 170 mm |
| Power (W) | 72 W | — |
| Voltage (V) | 100 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 2.5 mm/min | — |
| Declared precision | 18 μm | 22 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 77.76 mm | 72 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 18 µm | 22 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 150 mm/h | 80 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Tilt | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Machine control and management rely on a flexible and modern software ecosystem. The device natively supports leading industry slicing programs, including ChituBox and Voxeldance Tango, ensuring extensive customization of printing parameters. Integrated Wi-Fi connectivity allows for remote monitoring and file transmission via cloud functionalities or cluster management, streamlining the workflow in multi-unit laboratory environments. The proprietary firmware handles real-time error notifications, such as resin shortage or residues in the vat, interfacing directly with the touchscreen display to guide the user through operational troubleshooting independently and safely. | The machine offers broad compatibility with leading third-party slicing software options, notably popular solutions like Chitubox, Lychee Slicer, and Voxeldance Tango. This software flexibility prevents users from being locked into a restrictive, closed proprietary ecosystem, allowing them to utilize advanced support generation and model orientation algorithms. File transfer is handled entirely offline via a standard USB port, a design choice that prioritizes connection stability during data transmission but lacks native Wi-Fi connectivity or cloud-based management features. Material profiles are easily accessible and customizable, significantly streamlining the fine-tuning of exposure times for a wide variety of commercial 405nm photopolymer resins available on the market. |
The differences that matter
- Price → €249 versus about €325: the Mars 5 Ultra costs about €75 less, for similar detail and plate size.
- Declared print speed → 150 mm/h with a tilt system versus 80 mm/h with a standard FEP: tall prints finish sooner on the Mars 5 Ultra.
- Plate → 165×72 mm on the Sonic Mini 8K S versus 153×78 mm on the Mars 5 Ultra: the Phrozen is longer and narrower, so an elongated part fits only there, and a wide one only on the Elegoo.
- Connection → Wi-Fi on the Mars 5 Ultra, USB only on the Sonic Mini 8K S: files from the PC on one, a USB stick for every job on the other.
Which one to choose
Choose Mars 5 Ultra if…
you send jobs from the PC over the network, check progress without leaving your chair, and run miniature batches regularly, where the time saved on each plate adds up. The trade-off is the plate shape: the long side is shorter, so an elongated part has to go in diagonally or be split.
Choose Sonic Mini 8K S if…
you print elongated parts that won't fit lengthwise on the Mars 5 Ultra, and carrying each file over on a USB stick suits you. You pay in convenience and time: no Wi-Fi, a lower declared print speed, and the machine costs more.
Where to buy
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