Formlabs Form 4B vs Phrozen Sonic Mini
Technical comparison · Resin 3D printing
Form 4B and Sonic Mini are not direct competitors: very different prices (~25×). Sonic Mini costs less (~€220) and is the entry-level choice; Form 4B offers more capability at a higher price (~€5499). Judge them by budget, not head-to-head.
| Parameter |
Form 4B
Formlabs
F2 · Intermediate
|
Sonic Mini
Phrozen
F1 · Entry
|
|---|---|---|
| Identity | ||
| Launch year | 2024 | 2020 |
| Use tier | F2 — Intermediate | F1 — Entry |
| Price | ||
| Price (€) | 5499 € | ~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 |
| Print speed (mm/h) | 100 mm/h | 50 mm/h |
| Tilt / peel system | — | Standard FEP |
| Ecosystem | ||
| Cloud dependency | No | No |
| Software notes | Print job management is handled by the proprietary PreForm software, which enables automatic model layout, optimized orientation, and guided generation of retention supports. The program integrates preconfigured and validated print profiles for all proprietary materials, reducing the need for manual calibrations by the user. Through the Dashboard cloud platform, users can remotely monitor production progress, manage print queues for multiple devices, and analyze material consumption. The software architecture requires a network connection for advanced monitoring features, but it also allows files to be transferred via local USB, Ethernet, or Wi-Fi connections, ensuring operational flexibility inside the laboratory. | 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 4B 5499 € vs Sonic Mini 220 € — Sonic Mini wins (+2400%)
- Work area: Form 4B 200×125 mm vs Sonic Mini 120×68 mm — Form 4B 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.