Get the Saturn 4 12K if you have desk space — 3x the build volume, 12K screen, the better choice for batch-printing armies. ~$370. Get the Mars 5 Ultra if your desk is tight or you primarily print single heroes — compact footprint, current-generation Elegoo features (smart auto-leveling, AI failure camera), ~$280. Both are current Elegoo flagships, both excellent.
| Pick | Printer | Best for | Buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best Overall | Elegoo Saturn 4 12K | Batch printing armies and larger models — the value sweet spot | Check price → |
| Best Compact | Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra | Small desks, single heroes, learning resin printing | Check price → |
At a glance: spec-by-spec
| Spec | Mars 5 Ultra | Saturn 4 12K |
|---|---|---|
| Format | Small (7-inch screen) | Mid (10-inch screen) |
| Build volume | 153 × 77 × 165 mm | 219 × 123 × 220 mm (~3x volume) |
| Screen resolution | 7-inch 9K mono LCD | 10-inch 12K mono LCD |
| XY resolution | ~18 μm | ~19 μm (similar) |
| Smart auto-leveling | Yes (mechanical sensor) | Yes |
| AI failure detection | Yes (camera) | Yes (camera) |
| Print speed | ~150 mm/h (claimed) | ~70 mm/h |
| Release mechanism | ACF release film (low peel force) | Tilt-release |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi + USB | Wi-Fi + USB |
| Footprint | ~22 × 22 cm desk space | ~30 × 30 cm desk space |
| Released | Late 2024 | 2024 |
| Price (2026 approx) | ~$280 | ~$370 |
Same generation, different formats
The Mars 5 Ultra and Saturn 4 12K are both current-generation Elegoo flagships. Both have smart auto-leveling, AI failure-detection cameras, Wi-Fi printing, and the Wi-Fi app integration. Print quality on a single 28 mm Stormcast Liberator is essentially identical between the two. What you’re actually choosing between is how much you print at once:
- Mars 5 Ultra build plate fits ~4–6 standard 28 mm infantry or 1 hero/monster at a time. A 60-figure army takes ~12 print jobs.
- Saturn 4 12K build plate fits ~15–20 standard 28 mm infantry or 4–6 large monsters at a time. Same army takes 4 print jobs.
If you paint complete armies, this is the difference between a printer that runs every day for a month and one that finishes the same army in a week.
Where the Mars 5 Ultra wins
- Compact desk footprint — ~half the desk space of the Saturn 4. Often the deciding factor for hobby corners.
- $90 cheaper — ~$280 vs ~$370. Real money for resin, paints, or a wash & cure station.
- ACF release film — Elegoo’s anti-stick film handles fine detail beautifully. Less risk of fragile features detaching from the build plate.
- Lower resin consumption per fill — smaller vat means less commitment when trying new colours or testing settings.
- Quieter — smaller fans, lower noise. Useful if the printer shares space with sleep.
Where the Saturn 4 12K wins
- 3x the build volume — the headline. Batch printing whole units of miniatures in a single run.
- Print larger pieces in one job — tall heroes, monsters, vehicles, and centrepieces that don’t fit on the Mars 5 plate.
- Tilt-release mechanism — reduces peel force on fine features, which translates to fewer failed prints on complex models even if speed-per-hour looks similar.
- 12K vs 9K screen — technically higher resolution, though invisible on 28 mm minis (matters more for 75 mm+ display pieces).
- Easier upgrade path — if you outgrow it, the Saturn 4 Ultra 16K is a direct successor for display work.
Final recommendation
For most buyers: Saturn 4 12K. The build-volume difference compounds dramatically over time. Even if you don’t paint armies today, the larger plate means you’re never blocked by “wait, this won’t fit.” The $90 premium pays back in saved print jobs within months of regular use.
For small spaces or single-figure workflows: Mars 5 Ultra. The compact footprint, ACF release film, and lower price make it the right pick if you genuinely print one model at a time and value desk space. It’s a current-generation printer with all the modern features — not a compromise.
Where to buy
- Elegoo Saturn 4 12K (recommended) — Check price on Amazon →
- Elegoo Mars 5 Ultra (compact pick) — Check price on Amazon →
Related decisions: Saturn 3 vs Saturn 4 if budget is tight, Saturn 4 12K vs Ultra 16K if display work is the goal, Photon Mono 4 vs Saturn 3 if you’re cross-shopping Anycubic. Full lineup in the 2026 printer guide.
FAQ
Is the Mars 5 Ultra worth the upgrade from the Mars 4 Ultra?
The Mars 5 Ultra adds smart auto-leveling and the AI failure-detection camera over the Mars 4. If you don’t already own a Mars 4 Ultra, get the Mars 5 (these are the features that genuinely reduce beginner failure modes). If you have a working Mars 4 Ultra, the upgrade isn’t mandatory — the print quality is comparable.
Will I see a difference between 9K (Mars 5) and 12K (Saturn 4)?
On 28–32 mm tabletop miniatures, no — both produce detail finer than the eye resolves at hobby scale. The 12K shows up on display busts (75 mm+) where you’re inspecting surface finish up close. For armies and most Warhammer use, it’s not a deciding factor.
Which is more reliable out of the box?
Both ship with smart auto-leveling and AI failure detection — the two features that historically caused most beginner failures are addressed on both. Reliability is essentially even. The Mars 5’s ACF release film gives it a small edge on fragile features (sword tips, antennas) where peel force matters most.
Can either print terrain?
Small terrain pieces yes, but for large Warhammer terrain (ruined buildings, dungeon walls, ITC objectives) FDM is the better tool — resin gets expensive per millilitre for large solid pieces. See the best 3D printer for terrain guide for FDM picks.