Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra Review – 12K Resin Power 2026

Introduction to the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra

If you’ve been anywhere near the resin 3D printing community over the past year or two, you’ve almost certainly heard the buzz around the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra. And honestly? The hype is well deserved. This machine arrived in 2024 as one of the most anticipated large-format resin printers on the market, and it quickly earned the title of Elegoo’s best-selling resin printer of that year — a fact officially confirmed by Elegoo themselves when they announced the follow-up Saturn 4 Ultra 16K in January 2025.

But what exactly makes this printer so special? Is it the jaw-dropping 12K resolution? The intelligent auto leveling that lets you print straight out of the box? Or maybe the tilt-release technology that dramatically speeds up the printing process? In this Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra review, we’re going to break down every key aspect of this machine — specs, build volume, speed, auto leveling, price, and how it stacks up against both its predecessor and the competition.

Whether you’re a seasoned maker looking to upgrade, or a curious beginner wondering if resin printing is worth diving into, this guide will give you everything you need to make an informed decision. Let’s get into it.

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2. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 12K Resin Printer – What’s New?

The headline feature of the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 12K resin printer is, without question, its display. The Saturn 4 Ultra is equipped with a 10-inch 12K mono LCD, boasting an incredible resolution of 11520 × 5120 and an XY resolution of 19 × 24 μm, presenting exquisite models with stunning clarity and precision. ELEGOO To put that in perspective, this is significantly sharper than the 4K and 8K screens that were considered premium just a few years ago.

Monochrome LCD technology is a major part of why this matters so much. Unlike older RGB-based LCD panels, a mono LCD allows far more UV light to pass through the screen per exposure, which means faster curing times, longer screen lifespan, and sharper image rendering overall. The result? You get prints that are crisp, clean, and incredibly detailed — without having to wait ages between layers.

What truly sets the Saturn 4 Ultra apart from its predecessors, though, isn’t just the raw resolution. The improvements are within the machine itself — it has auto leveling with built-in sensors, a print monitoring camera that can also shoot time lapses, Tom’s Hardware and a host of smart safety features that make the printing experience feel genuinely modern. Elegoo seems to have understood something important here: people don’t just want more pixels — they want a printer that’s easier to use, more reliable, and smarter out of the box. The Saturn 4 Ultra delivers on all of those fronts.

The Saturn 4 Ultra uses Elegoo’s proprietary lighting technology that combines a COB light source with a Fresnel lens collimator. This produces a 405 nm wavelength light beam and illuminates the screen at a right angle with a light angle of less than 5°, resulting in a field of view uniformity of more than 92%. 3DJake This is a big deal in practice because uniform light distribution means consistent curing across the entire build plate — no dark corners, no under-cured edges, just smooth, reliable prints every time.

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3. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra Specs Breakdown

Let’s talk numbers. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra specs are genuinely impressive for the price point, and understanding them will help you appreciate exactly what you’re getting. Here’s a detailed look at the official technical specifications sourced from Elegoo’s official product pages:

Specification	Detail
LCD Screen	10-inch 12K Mono LCD
Screen Resolution	11520 × 5120 pixels
XY Resolution	19 × 24 μm
Build Volume	219 × 123 × 220 mm
Light Source	405 nm COB + Fresnel Collimating Lens
Light Uniformity	≥ 92%
Astigmatism Coefficient	≤ 0.5%
Max Print Speed	Up to 150 mm/h
Release Film	PFA Release Film
Release Technology	Tilt Release Technology
Leveling System	One-Click Automatic Leveling (Mechanical Sensor)
Touch Screen	4-inch Capacitive Touch Screen
Storage / OS	Self-Developed System, 8GB ROM
Connectivity	Wi-Fi + USB
AI Camera	Yes (Failure Detection + Time-lapse)
Machine Body	Solid Metal Body
Cover Design	Flip-up Hinged UV Hood
Slicer Software	ChituBox Basic (included)

 

One detail worth highlighting is the self-developed system with 8GB ROM, which guarantees stable file transfer and faster computing ELEGOO — something that makes a real difference when you’re slicing large, complex files or managing multiple printers at once.

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4. Build Volume Explained

When it comes to large-format resin printing, build volume matters enormously — and the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra build volume does not disappoint. The Saturn 4 Ultra offers a print size of 219 × 123 × 220 mm, Micro Center which gives you a very generous workspace for a printer in this price range.

That 219 × 123 mm footprint is large enough to comfortably batch-print dozens of tabletop miniatures in one go, or tackle substantial single-piece models like cosplay armor sections, dental arches, or detailed busts. The 220 mm height is perfectly suited for most hobby and professional applications, though it’s worth noting that the Saturn 3 Ultra offers slightly more vertical space at 260 mm if you specifically need that extra height.

To give you a clearer picture of how the Saturn 4 Ultra compares to other popular printers in its class, here’s a handy side-by-side breakdown:

Printer	Build Volume (mm)	Screen Resolution	Price (approx.)
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra	219 × 123 × 220	12K (11520×5120)	~$369–$524
Elegoo Saturn 3 Ultra	218.88 × 122.88 × 260	12K (11520×5120)	~$285–$375
Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 16K	211.68 × 118.37 × 220	16K	~$479–$624
Elegoo Saturn 4	219 × 123 × 220	12K (11520×5120)	~$309–$399

 

As you can see, the Saturn 4 Ultra sits in a sweet spot — it offers the same impressive XY footprint as the Saturn 4, but pairs it with Tilt Release Technology, auto leveling, and an AI camera that the standard Saturn 4 doesn’t include.

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5. Auto Leveling System

One of the most celebrated improvements in the Saturn 4 Ultra is its Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra auto leveling system — and if you’ve ever wrestled with manual bed leveling on a resin printer, you’ll immediately understand why this is such a big deal.

Thanks to its intelligent mechanical sensor, the build plate will be automatically leveled every time once you click the button, saving your time and efforts. With one single click, the Saturn 4 Ultra will perform a quick self-check to verify whether its components are working properly before your printing starts. ELEGOO

This one-click approach is a genuine quality-of-life upgrade. On older printers like the Saturn 3 Ultra, leveling required manual four-point adjustment — a process that, while manageable for experienced users, was a common frustration point for beginners. The Saturn 4 Ultra eliminates that friction almost entirely.

The Saturn 4 Ultra supports residue detection to prevent damage to the LCD screen, as well as resin shortage and leveling failure alarm to further enhance the safety and reliability during printing. ELEGOO So not only does the machine level itself automatically, but it also monitors itself continuously — alerting you if something goes wrong mid-print, whether that’s low resin, a leveling failure, or debris on the LCD.

Elegoo has realized that they don’t really need to make their printers bigger, faster or with more resolution. What we need is a printer that’s easier to use. The Saturn 4 Ultra delivers. Tom’s Hardware This observation from Tom’s Hardware reviewers really captures the spirit of what Elegoo achieved with this machine. The auto leveling isn’t just a convenience feature — it’s a fundamental rethink of what the out-of-box experience should be.

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6. Printing Speed & Performance

Speed is one area where the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra printing speed genuinely impresses. The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra adopts tilt release technology, which enables the model to be peeled off from the release film quickly by tilting the resin tank, achieving a fast printing speed up to 150 mm/h. ELEGOO

To understand why that’s significant, let’s talk briefly about how tilt release works. Traditional MSLA printers peel the cured layer away from the FEP film by lifting the build plate straight up — a process that creates suction and stress. Tilt release, by contrast, angles the resin tank slightly to break that adhesion more gently and efficiently. The result is both faster cycle times and reduced stress on your prints, which means less warping and fewer failures on delicate parts.

You can switch between two printing modes as needed for more flexibility and efficiency. 3DJake This allows you to choose between a standard quality mode for detailed, slow prints and a high-speed mode when you’re doing batch work or prototyping and don’t need every micron of detail.

In real-world testing by Tom’s Hardware, prints using Elegoo 8K Standard resin at 0.05 mm layer height with 3.5 second exposure times produced excellent results. A complex multi-character print (Rocket and Baby Groot) completed in 3 hours and 13 minutes — very competitive for the detail level involved. The results are excellent, with clean and clear details around the teeth on Rocket and the vines on Baby Groot. Tom’s Hardware

The PFA release film also contributes meaningfully to performance. PFA release film offers superior release performance, as its non-stick surface prevents the resin from adhering to the film, making it easier to peel off. ELEGOO This reduces the mechanical stress during each layer release cycle and helps prolong both the film’s lifespan and the overall reliability of your prints.

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7. Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra vs Saturn 3 Ultra

If you’re upgrading from the previous generation, or trying to decide between these two models, the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra vs Saturn 3 Ultra comparison is essential reading. Both share the same 12K resolution screen and similar XY footprint, but they differ significantly in terms of usability and smart features.

Feature	Saturn 4 Ultra	Saturn 3 Ultra
Screen	10″ 12K Mono LCD	10″ 12K Mono LCD
XY Resolution	19 × 24 μm	19 × 24 μm
Build Volume	219 × 123 × 220 mm	218.88 × 122.88 × 260 mm
Z-axis Height	220 mm	260 mm
Max Speed	150 mm/h	150 mm/h
Leveling System	One-Click Auto Leveling (Sensor)	4-Point Manual Leveling
Release Technology	Tilt Release	Standard Lift (ACF Film)
Release Film	PFA Film	ACF Film
AI Camera	Yes	No
Residue Detection	Yes (Mechanical Sensor)	No
Light Source	COB + Fresnel Collimating	COB + Refractive
System / Storage	Self-Developed OS, 8GB ROM	Linux OS, 4GB RAM
Hood Design	Flip-up Hinged Cover	Lift-off Box Style
Approx. Price (USD)	~$369–$524	~$285–$375

 

The biggest practical differences come down to three things: auto leveling, tilt release, and the AI camera. The Saturn 3 Ultra requires manual four-point leveling — a process that’s more involved and potentially frustrating for newcomers. The Saturn 4 Ultra’s one-click auto leveling eliminates that hurdle entirely. The tilt release mechanism is also a meaningful upgrade, as it reduces peel forces and allows for smoother high-speed printing. If you’re a complete beginner or someone who values convenience, the Saturn 4 Ultra is the clear choice. If you need the extra 40 mm of Z-height and are comfortable with manual leveling, the Saturn 3 Ultra remains a solid, more affordable option.

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8. Competitor Comparison

No review is complete without an honest Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra comparison against what else is out there. The mid-to-large format resin printer space is competitive, with Anycubic and Creality both offering compelling alternatives.

Feature	Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra	Anycubic Photon Mono M5s	Creality Halot-Mage Pro
Resolution	12K (11520×5120)	12K (11520×5120)	8K (7680×4320)
XY Pixel Size	19 × 24 μm	19 × 24 μm	29 × 25 μm
Max Print Speed	150 mm/h	150 mm/h	120 mm/h
Auto Leveling	Yes (One-Click)	Yes	Manual
AI Camera	Yes	No	No
Release Technology	Tilt Release	Standard Lift	Standard Lift
Light Uniformity	≥ 92%	~90%	~90%
Approx. Price (USD)	~$369–$524	~$400–$500	~$350–$450

 

The Saturn 4 Ultra competes directly with machines like the Anycubic Photon Mono M5s Pro and Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K S, but it undercuts both on price while delivering superior resolution and build volume. 3D Tech Valley The AI camera and tilt release technology are genuinely differentiating features that competitors haven’t fully matched yet at this price point. If resolution, reliability, and smart features are your priorities, the Saturn 4 Ultra has a compelling argument in its favor.

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9. Price & Value for Money

Let’s talk about the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra price — because at the end of the day, value is a critical part of any buying decision.

On Elegoo’s official US store, the Saturn 4 Ultra is listed at a regular price of $524.00 USD, with sale pricing available at $369.00 USD. ELEGOO Sale events are common on Elegoo’s website, and the printer frequently becomes available at discounted rates during holidays and promotional periods. Bundle options — which include accessories like the Mercury XS wash and cure station and resin — are priced higher but can represent excellent value if you’re setting up your workspace from scratch.

When you consider what you’re getting — a 12K resolution screen, tilt release technology, one-click auto leveling, AI print monitoring, a solid metal body, and Elegoo’s well-regarded customer support ecosystem — the price is hard to argue with. Professional-grade resin printers with comparable specifications used to cost several times more. The Saturn 4 Ultra democratizes that level of quality in a meaningful way.

The Saturn 4 Ultra pays for itself quickly if you sell prints or need professional-grade results. 3D Tech Valley For hobbyists, the ongoing costs to factor in include replacement PFA films, resin (typically $30–$60 per liter depending on brand and type), and isopropyl alcohol for post-processing. These are standard consumables for any resin printer and aren’t unique to the Saturn 4 Ultra.

It’s also worth noting that the newer Saturn 4 Ultra 16K, which launched in January 2025, is available on Elegoo’s official store, priced at $519.99 USD. ELEGOO That puts the 12K and 16K versions remarkably close together in price — making the choice between them a matter of what you prioritize: the 12K Ultra’s larger build volume and proven track record, or the 16K’s finer pixel resolution and smart tank heating system.

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10. Final Verdict – Is This the Best Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 3D Printer?

After everything we’ve covered, the answer is a confident yes — the Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra 3D printer is one of the best large-format resin printers available in 2026, especially for the price. It’s not perfect (the Z-height is slightly shorter than the Saturn 3 Ultra, and it lacks a built-in air purifier), but the sum of its parts is genuinely impressive.

The one-click auto leveling alone is a game-changer for beginners. The tilt release technology meaningfully speeds up printing while reducing stress on models. The AI camera adds a layer of peace of mind that you simply don’t get on most competitors. And the 12K screen, paired with Elegoo’s excellent Fresnel collimating light source, produces prints with exceptional clarity and surface quality.

Elegoo’s Saturn 4 Ultra is impressive with never seen before features and quality prints all at an affordable price. Tom’s Hardware That’s a pretty accurate summary. Whether you’re printing tabletop miniatures, jewelry masters, dental models, or cosplay props, the Saturn 4 Ultra has the resolution, speed, and reliability to handle it all.

Who should buy it? The Saturn 4 Ultra is the ideal choice for hobbyists upgrading from a 4K or 8K machine, small studios that need reliable batch printing, and anyone who wants a premium large-format resin printer without spending a fortune. It targets serious hobbyists, miniature artists, and small production studios who demand both detail and reliability. 3D Tech Valley

Who might look elsewhere? If you specifically need more than 220 mm of Z-height, the Saturn 3 Ultra’s 260 mm might serve you better. If you need the absolute finest XY resolution currently available in this size class, the newer Saturn 4 Ultra 16K is worth the small price premium.

But for the vast majority of users? The Elegoo Saturn 4 Ultra is an outstanding machine that delivers on its promises. It’s fast, smart, beautifully detailed, and priced to compete. In 2026, it remains one of the best resin 3D printers you can buy.

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