Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Resin 3d Printers

HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo vs Phrozen Sonic Mini 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.

Verdict is reader-supported. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. Some links on this page are affiliate links — if you click through and buy, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our ratings are sourced from independent publications, not sponsors.
The short answer

HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.5 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about Plug-and-play users wanting fast, simple printing — read the strengths below before deciding.

HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo
Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Resin 3d Printers
HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo
2 sourcesall derived$999as of Sep 13

The HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo is a production mSLA printer built around ease of use. The Blueprint software and pre-tuned profiles for HeyGears resins handle tuning for you, while an Open Material Mode allows compatible third-party resins with adjustable print settings. This printer is ideal for users seeking a plug-and-play solution but may not suit advanced users wanting full control over their printing process.

Strengths
  • — Easy-to-use software with intuitive Blueprint slicer interface, per 3DPrintBeginner
  • — Automatic calibration and leveling eliminates user setup hassle, Dennys Wang notes
Watch-outs
  • — Pre-tuned profiles cover only HeyGears' own resins; third-party resins require Open Material Mode
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
Ranked #6 in Best Resin 3d Printers
Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
4 sources2 derived$299.99as of Sep 25

Tom's Hardware reviewed the Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S as an affordable upgrade to their previous model, noting it maintains the same high screen resolution and printing volume of 16.5x7.2x17 cm. YouTube reviewer Ross praised it for being free of the technical issues that plagued his original Sonic Mini 8K, calling it a significant achievement given the price point. However, the printer is 1 cm shorter in height than its predecessor. This model targets budget-conscious users seeking premium print quality without the higher price tag of the original.

Strengths
  • — Setup runs clean out of the box, with no calibration or hardware snags
  • — Maintains same screen resolution and printing volume as original Sonic Mini 8K
  • — Offered at entry-level prices compared to previous model
Watch-outs
  • — Slightly shorter height in printing volume (1 cm less than original)
  • — May have limited long-term reliability data compared to established models

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

HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo

The HeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS Turbo offers easy-to-use software, surpassing the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra in automation and user-friendliness. However, its pre-tuned profiles cover only HeyGears' own resins, with third-party resins requiring Open Material Mode. It also lacks the large build volume and heated chamber features of the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra or Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S.

Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S

The Phrozen Sonic Mini 8K S provides high-quality prints at an entry-level price, outperforming the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra in resolution and reliability. However, it's slightly shorter in height compared to the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra and lacks the heated chamber of the Uniformation GK Three Ultra. It also doesn't feature the AI camera or Wi-Fi capabilities found in the Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra or Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra.

Specs side-by-side

SpecHeyGears Ultracraft Reflex RS TurboPhrozen Sonic Mini 8K S
Display Resolution10.3-inch 8K amber screen8K
Light Source405 nm WavelengthLED Module
UV Wavelength405nm—
Weight20 kg10 kg
Layer Height30-100 μm0.01 mm to 0.30 mm
Build Volume222 x 122 x 228 mm16.5x7.2x17 cm
Pixel Size—22 µm
Print Speed—80 mm/hour
Material—Acrylic, Metal
Dimensions—11.4"D x 11.4"W x 16.9"H
← See the full ranking of best resin 3d printers