Head-to-head · Best Resin 3d Printers

Anycubic Photon P1 vs Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Anycubic Photon P1 comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Prosumer users wanting advanced resin printing features — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Resin 3d Printers

Anycubic Photon P1

4.3

4 sources$619.99as of Aug 1

The Anycubic Photon P1 is a high-end resin 3D printer featuring a 14K mono LCD, thermally-controlled resin vat, and dual-material printing capability. Reviewers noted its powerful light system, precision build platform, and auto-leveling features. However, it lacks automated resin filling and the dual-material vat does not include heating. The printer is designed for industrial-grade prosumer use with a 223 x 126 x 230 mm build chamber and weighs 13.6kg. It's suited for users seeking advanced resin printing features but may not appeal to those wanting fully automated workflows.

Strengths

— 14K mono LCD with 16.8 x 24.8 μm resolution and LighTurbo 4.0 engine delivering 5000μW/cm² with ≥2° collimation accuracy
— Thermally-controlled resin vat capable of maintaining temperatures up to 40°C for optimized resin flow
— Dual-material printing capability with dedicated kit for simultaneous color/material printing

Watch-outs

— No automated resin filling system
— Dual-material vat lacks heater, potentially limiting material options

$619.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #7 in Best Resin 3d Printers

Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S

4.0

2 sources1 derived$1,199.99as of Aug 1

Phrozen's Sonic Mega 8K S is described as a high-quality, well-built large-format LCD printer that strips out expensive components to reduce cost while maintaining premium standards. Tom's Hardware praised its construction and reliability, though reviewers noted that its print quality is less sharp than expected due to 43-micron pixels spread across a 15-inch screen. The printer's 330x185 mm build area and 8K resolution are highlighted as key specifications. This product is best suited for users seeking a robust, reliable printer rather than maximum resolution. Those expecting ultra-sharp detail comparable to 4K or higher resolution printers may find it underwhelming.

Strengths

— Largest mono LCD in Phrozen's range, with a 330 x 185 mm build plate
— Metal chassis with dual linear rails and a ball-screw Z axis
— Quoted at 600 layers per hour, quick for a plate this size

Watch-outs

— Print quality comparable to smaller resolution printers like the Sonic Mini 4K with 35-micron pixels
— Pixels are 43 microns, making it less sharp than expected for an 8K resolution

$1,199.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Anycubic Photon P1

The Anycubic Photon P1 offers a 14K mono LCD and thermally-controlled resin vat, outperforming the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra in resolution and temperature control.

Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S

The Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S provides a large build area with a 15-inch screen, rivaling the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra's volume but with lower pixel density (43 microns vs. 18 microns in the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra). Unlike the Uniformation GK Three Ultra, it doesn't feature a heated chamber or auto resin refill, making it less suitable for professional workflows but more affordable for casual users.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Anycubic Photon P1	Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S
Build Volume	223 x 126 x 230 mm	330x185 mm
Pixel Size	16.8 x 24.8 μm	43 microns
Light Source	LighTurbo 4.0	405nm ParaLED Matrix 3.0
Print Speed	25-35 mm/h	600 layers/hr
UV Wavelength	405nm	405nm
Layer Height	0.012-0.15 mm	0.01-0.30 mm
Material	Aluminum	Metal
Dimensions	28"D x 14"W x 13"H	18.6"D x 15"W x 22.3"H
Weight	13.6 kg	26 kg
Display Resolution	16.8μm*24.8μm	8K

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