Elegoo Mars 5 vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Two resin printers with monochrome LCD screens, about €340 apart. What decides it is fineness of detail: the Sonic Mini 8K states a 22 µm pixel on the XY plane, the Mars 5 35 µm.
| Parameter | ||
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2021 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F2 — Intermediate |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | ~169–199 € | ~450–600 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 23 × 23 × 43.35 cm | 29 × 29 × 43 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 5.2 kg | 10 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 143.43 × 89.6 mm | 165 × 72 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 150 mm | 180 mm |
| Power (W) | — | 50 W |
| Declared precision | 35 μm | 22 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 89.6 mm | 72 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 35 µm | 22 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 70 mm/h | 80 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | Standard FEP | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The device supports the leading slicing programs on the market, including Chitubox and Voxeldance Tango, ensuring high flexibility in print file preparation. Integration with these software tools allows optimal management of resin exposure parameters, support generation, and production time optimization. Since there is no mandatory dependence on proprietary cloud platforms, users retain full local control over their workflows via USB file transfer. This feature ensures maximum project confidentiality and operational continuity even without a stable internet connection, making file management simple, secure, and immediate for any level of experience. | The system integrates seamlessly with the leading third-party slicing software available on the market, offering substantial operational flexibility. Users can utilize popular solutions such as ChiTuBox and Lychee Slicer, which feature pre-configured and optimized profiles for this specific model, simplifying file preparation and advanced support management. Connectivity occurs primarily via a USB port for offline file transfer, ensuring total stability during the printing process without the risk of interruptions caused by network fluctuations. Exposure parameters are fully customizable directly within the software, allowing for precise optimization across a wide range of both proprietary and third-party resins. |
The differences that matter
- XY pixel → 22 µm against 35 µm (manufacturer's stated values): the Sonic Mini 8K is the one for the smallest details.
- Build plate → 143 × 90 mm against 165 × 72 mm: the Mars 5 is deeper, the Sonic Mini longer; the shape of your parts matters more than the area.
- Price → about €184 against €525: the Sonic Mini 8K costs about €340 more.
Which one to choose
Choose Mars 5 if…
you are starting with resin or printing functional parts that do not need the finest detail: the plate is deeper on the short side, useful for wide parts. You spend about €340 less and it takes up 23 × 23 cm of bench at 5.2 kg. The limit is height: the Z axis reaches 150 mm.
Choose Sonic Mini 8K if…
you print parts with tiny details, up to 165 mm long and up to 180 mm tall. The trade-off: it costs about €340 more, the short side of the plate is only 72 mm, it weighs 10 kg, and the model dates from 2021 against 2024 for the Mars 5.
Where to buy
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