Formlabs Form 4 vs Phrozen Sonic Mini
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Form 4 and Sonic Mini are not direct competitors: different use classes (F3 vs F1), very different prices (~19.8×). Sonic Mini costs less (~€220) and is the entry-level choice; Form 4 offers more capability at a higher price (~€4349). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Form 4
Formlabs
F3 · Advanced
|
Sonic Mini
Phrozen
F1 · Entry
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2020 |
| Use tier | F3 — Advanced | F1 — Entry |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 4349 € | ~190–250 € |
| Universal specs | ||
| Dimensions (W×D×H) (cm) | 39.8 × 36.7 × 55.4 cm | 25 × 25 × 33 cm |
| Weight (kg) | 18.3 kg | 4.5 kg |
| Work area (mm) | 200 × 125 mm | 120 × 68 mm |
| Z-axis height (mm) | 210 mm | 130 mm |
| Power (W) | 480 W | 40 W |
| Voltage (V) | 240 V | — |
| Maximum speed | 100 | — |
| Declared precision | 50 μm | 62.5 μm |
| Category specs | ||
| Build area XY (short side) (mm) | 125 mm | 68 mm |
| XY resolution (µm) | 50 µm | 62.5 µm |
| Light source | Mono LCD | Mono LCD |
| UV power (mW/cm²) | 16 mW/cm² | — |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 100 mm/h | 50 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | — | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | The printing process is managed by the proprietary PreForm software, a closed application that automatically optimizes model orientation, support generation, and production time calculations. This software environment is designed to ensure a highly streamlined and standardized workflow, ideal for professional contexts where result predictability is crucial. PreForm integrates seamlessly with the manufacturer's ecosystem, receiving continuous updates that introduce new profiles for proprietary resins. The machine also offers optional access to Fleet Control and the cloud-based Dashboard platform, which are advanced tools that allow users to monitor print queues, manage multiple units in parallel, and track material consumption in real time remotely. | 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
- Price: Form 4 4349 € vs Sonic Mini 220 € — Sonic Mini wins (+1877%)
- Work area: Form 4 200×125 mm vs Sonic Mini 120×68 mm — Form 4 wins (+206%)
Which one to choose
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.