Elegoo Saturn 2 vs Saturn S vs Saturn [Compared]

In this article I’ll compare all the Elegoo Saturn resin printers: the Saturn 2 8K vs Saturn S, original Saturn, and Saturn 8K.

The Elegoo Saturn series is chock full of amazing mid-range resin printers. All of them are easy to set up and make quality printing a breeze – but despite the similarities, they do have different features.

05/24/2023 11:33 pm GMT

Even if this is your first resin printer, it’s important to pick one with the right specs for the long run. You don’t want to feel disappointed by a purchase that sets you back a few hundred dollars.

To make the process easier, we’ll cover the main benefits of the Saturn series printers. This includes basic specs, as well as a deeper dive on what types of projects will work best for each printer.

Without further ado, let’s get started.

Elegoo Saturn 2 vs Saturn S vs Saturn – A Quick Summary

Elegoo Saturn 2 8K

• Price: Check latest price at ELEGOO here / Amazon here
• Printing technology: MSLA Resin 
• Build volume: 219 x 123 x 250 mm
• LCD Size: 10’’
• LCD Resolution: 8K, 7680 x 4320
• XY Resolution: 28.5 microns
• Connectivity: USB

The most expensive (and newest) printer in this lineup is the Saturn 2 8K. Elegoo released it in July of 2022, and it’s built to trump the older Saturn printers.

It has a relatively large build volume of 219 x 123 x 250 mm. Notably, there’s some extra vertical space that could lend itself to making some beautiful statuettes and larger scale models.

Where the Saturn 2 8K really shines is its capability to print at a very high resolution: 8K, as the name suggests. It has an LCD size of 10”, which measures out to an XY resolution of 28.5 microns.

That’s very impressive for a printer that’s still in the $300-$600 price range. The nice thing is that the Saturn 2 8K doesn’t sacrifice other features to reach that high-definition printing.

It comes with an activated carbon air filter, a touch screen, a screen protector, dual linear rails, and a sandblasted build plate with solid sticking power.

One of the main differences between the Saturn 2 8K and the older Saturn 8K is the light source technology. The Saturn 2 8K uses a Fresnel lens in tandem with 48 LED lights, intended to provide better printing accuracy and smoothness.

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Elegoo Saturn 8K

• Price: Check latest price at ELEGOO here / Amazon here
• Printing technology: MSLA Resin 
• Build volume: 219 x 123 x 210 mm
• LCD Size: 10’’
• LCD Resolution: 8K, 7680 x 4320
• XY Resolution: 28.5 microns
• Connectivity: USB

The Elegoo Saturn 8K isn’t old news just because it has a sequel. For a hundred bucks less, you still get the same incredible 8K resolution and 10” LCD. That means the XY resolution is identical at 28.5 microns.

You’ll have a great time printing models and other high-detail pieces, and the 219 x 123 x 210 mm build volume gives you some wiggle room. You could technically create small scale cosplay items, but you’ll be much more limited because of the 40 mm shorter vertical axis.

The fact that this printer is older and cheaper does hurt in a couple other ways. It has a smaller touch screen, for one thing. It also uses a Matrix style light source with 28 LEDs.

Although we want to emphasize that this is still perfectly functional, Elegoo does advertise the Saturn 2 8K’s light source tech as an improvement. It’s hard to say exactly how much of a difference in light distribution and print smoothness that this makes, though.

All in all, the Saturn 8K has most of the features as its “replacement” for less money. You’ll even get the free USB plug-in carbon air filter, screen protector, and the same build plate design.

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Elegoo Saturn S

• Price: Check latest price at ELEGOO here / Amazon here
• Printing technology: MSLA Resin 
• Build volume: 196 x 122 x 210 mm
• LCD Size: 9.1’’
• LCD Resolution: 4K, 4098 x 2560
• XY Resolution: 48 microns
• Connectivity: USB

The Elegoo Saturn S 4K is like the sequel to the original Saturn, just like the Saturn 2 8K is the sequel to the Saturn 8K. As is evident in the name, the Saturn S 4K takes a steep cut in resolution.

The LCD size is almost an inch smaller than the 8K versions at 9.1”. Despite that, the much lower LCD resolution means the XY resolution is sitting at 48 microns. The quality is still decent, but you might want to stick to models with less muddling details.

It also takes a cut when it comes to build volume, resting at 196 x 122 x 210 mm. This isn’t tiny by any means, but it does feel a bit restricted compared to other Saturn printers.

The Saturn S 4K doesn’t deserve to be thrown under the bus, despite its shortcomings compared to pricier Saturn models. After all, the lower price is a significant draw– you can spend more money on resin, paints, or fabric and wigs for cosplaying instead of on the printer.

Elegoo isn’t one to be stingy when it comes to safety, either. The Saturn S has a hole in the lid to attach a larger air filter if need be and comes with the free USB carbon filter. It even has a touch screen, which is a nice addition for the price.

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Elegoo Saturn

• Price: Check latest price at ELEGOO here / Amazon here
• Printing technology: MSLA Resin 
• Build volume: 192 x 120 x 200 mm
• LCD Size: 8.9’’
• LCD Resolution: 4K, 3840 x 2400
• XY Resolution: 50 microns
• Connectivity: USB, Ethernet

The original Saturn is Elegoo’s self-proclaimed first large printer. In the fast paced 3D printing industry, its release in July 2020 does make it feel a bit dated– but not so much that it isn’t a strong contender for mid-level resin printers.

It has a build volume of 192 x 120 x 200 mm, which is the smallest out of the Saturn series. That build volume gives you a lot of freedom, though, when compared to the smaller Mars series. You can still enjoy faster batch printing and larger miniatures.

An interesting detail about the Saturn is that it has a 4K resolution, but it’s actually lower than the Saturn S: 3840 x 2400 compared to 4098 x 2560. Paired with a slightly smaller LCD at 8.9”, the Saturn has an XY resolution of 50 microns.

It’s significantly cheaper than the higher end of the Saturn series. The price you pay for that is having resolution that’s half as good and less build volume.

But the Saturn does have an edge on the competition with its Ethernet port. All other Saturn printers, including the Saturn 2 8K, have only a USB connection.

Another nice tidbit is that even the older Saturn was launched with a touch screen, quality sandblasted build plate, carbon filter, and lid hatch to hook up a better filtration device.

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The Similarities

Every Saturn printer has some key similarities to each other. After all, if they weren’t similar printers, they wouldn’t be a part of the same series!

In order to know which printer is going to suit your needs the best (or even if a Saturn printer is right for you), you need to know what these similarities are. There’s no point in purchasing a more expensive Saturn model if the older ones can suit your needs just fine.

So, we made this quick list of the main shared features between these 4 Saturn printers:

• A responsive color touchscreen
• Large port/hatch in the lid to add external heater, ventilation system, and so on
• Free USB-connected carbon air filter
• Sandblasted build plate
• Build plate significantly larger than the Mars 3’s 143 x 89 x 175 mm

We also have a piece comparing all the Elegoo printers, in case you’re not sure you actually want to settle on a Saturn.

The Differences

Build Volume

• Elegoo Saturn 2 8K – 219 x 123 x 250 mm
• Elegoo Saturn 8K – 219 x 123 x 210 mm
• Elegoo Saturn S – 196 x 122 x 210 mm
• Elegoo Saturn – 192 x 120 x 200 mm

The build volumes on all of the Saturn series printers clearly puts them in a different size category compared to the much cheaper Elegoo Mars printers, which comes with some key advantages.

For example, a bigger build volume means faster printing if you do it in batches. You also have more options for cosplay and architecture modeling pieces. Still, you don’t have complete reign over some of the larger cosplay items like helmets.

It’s possible to stitch some helmets together, but the build volume will be an ever-present constraint with any attempts at wearable items.

The original Saturn is the smallest, with a build volume of 192 x 120 x 200 mm. To be fair, the Saturn S’s build plate is only a tiny bit bigger. We don’t think there’s enough of a build volume difference between the two to factor that into your decisions, honestly.

If you love taller pieces, like statuettes and even pull-out swords, then it could be worth it to opt for the Saturn 2 8K just because of the build volume. The biggest improvement in build volume for the Saturn 2 8K is extra vertical space– you can’t get that on any of the other models.

XY Resolution

• Elegoo Saturn 2 8K – 28.5 microns
• Elegoo Saturn 8K – 28.5 microns
• Elegoo Saturn S – 48 microns
• Elegoo Saturn – 50 microns

XY resolution is another category where the Saturn 2 8K is at the top, but the Saturn 8K is right alongside it. They both have an impressively low XY resolution of 28.5 microns. This is one of the best resolutions on the market for consumer resin printers.

Paying more will often net you a larger printer, but not a better resolution. At 28.5 microns, the Saturn 8K and Saturn 2 8K are both superior options to similar printers like Anycubic’s Photon M3 Plus. That printer only hits 34 microns and often sells for more.

If your main reason for purchasing a resin printer is highly detailed models, especially for painting, then the Saturn S and original Saturn will be disappointing.

There’s no noticeable difference between the Saturn’s 50 micron resolution and the Saturn S’s 48 microns; But there’s a clear improvement between these two printers and the Saturn 2 8K and Saturn 8K.

Connectivity

• Elegoo Saturn 2 8K – USB
• Elegoo Saturn 8K – USB
• Elegoo Saturn S – USB
• Elegoo Saturn – USB, Ethernet

Every Saturn printer has USB connectivity except for the original Elegoo Saturn, which also has an Ethernet port in the back. Usually, Ethernet isn’t the most popular choice for connectivity because of having to hook everything up with cables.

That might be the reason why Elegoo decided to discontinue the Ethernet port in later Saturn models– even though that’s technically a downgrade. We think this shouldn’t factor into most people’s decisions, but it’s good to know in case you’re a fan of Ethernet file transfer.

Safety

Although all of the Saturn printers in this lineup come with a free USB carbon air filter and a circular hatch in the lid for adding an external air purification system, they do differ when it comes to screen protection

The Saturn 8K and Saturn 2 8K both have a tempered glass screen protector. It has 9H hardness and is identical between the two printers.

On the other hand, the Saturn S and original Saturn aren’t advertised as having any screen protection. The Saturn does have an undocumented peel-off screen protector, but it was actually only included on Gen 3 models. Gen 1 and Gen 2 (which are pre-2021) versions of the Saturn don’t include this undocumented protector.

It’s unknown if the Saturn S also includes an undocumented screen protector, but it certainly doesn’t have the same tempered glass ones that the newer Saturn printers have. Those nicer glass protectors usually cost between $15 – $25 for a pack.

Price

• Elegoo Saturn 2 8K – $550
• Elegoo Saturn 8K – $450
• Elegoo Saturn S – $330
• Elegoo Saturn – $300

There’s a $250 gap between the original Saturn and the fully improved Saturn 2 8K. That money could easily be spent on upgrades, resin, paints, or other parts of your cosplays. It could even be put towards another resin printer (like a second Elegoo Saturn).

Most of the features that make the Saturn series impressive, like a larger build volume and reliable design, are a given no matter which printer you purchase. If you opt for the more expensive printers in the series, you’re mostly paying for better resolution and slightly better build volume.

The core functionality and features of a Saturn printer can be purchased for just $300.

05/24/2023 11:33 pm GMT

Saturn 2 8K vs Saturn 8K vs Saturn S vs Saturn– The Bottom Line

Overall, the Saturn and Saturn S are great printers for anyone looking for a more casual, cheaper foray into the world of resin printing.

They might not have the same level of high-definition printing or the same build volume, but they’re still impressive for the price. Plus, the build volume is actually pretty good compared to truly budget printers like the Elegoo Mars series.

But if you do have the budget for a Saturn 2 8K, we think it’s worth it because of all the upgrades (and 0 downgrades) – especially the increased build volume and resolution.

The Saturn 8K also has a place for anyone who only cares about getting better resolution. It’s not worthwhile to pay $100 for a couple small upgrades and increased build volume if you really just want to print some high-quality models now and then. 

Related Articles:

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• Elegoo Neptune 3 Pro vs 3 vs 2S vs 2 vs 2D vs X
• [Compared] Elegoo Mars (3 & 2 Pro) vs Anycubic Photon Mono 4K
• Elegoo Mars 3 / 3 Pro vs Anycubic Photon M3
• Elegoo Jupiter vs Phrozen Sonic Mega 8K / Mighty 8K
• Anycubic Photon M3 Max vs Elegoo Jupiter (& Saturn 2)
• Which Is The Best Between The Elegoo Saturn vs Elegoo Mars (2 Pro / 3)
• Anycubic vs Elegoo: Which Of Their Resin Printers Is Best For You?
• Complete Buyer’s Guide: The Best Elegoo 3D Printers