Nozzle Notes

Creality Ender-3 V3 SE vs Bambu Lab A1 mini

Two entry-level open printers; the A1 mini lists much higher speed and acceleration, the Ender has the taller bed.

Creality Ender-3 V3 SE open-frame 3D printer seen from the front at a three-quarter angle on a plain white background

Creality Ender-3 V3 SE

Creality product page
Bambu Lab A1 mini compact 3D printer with AMS lite and four spools of coloured filament on a plain light grey studio background

Bambu Lab A1 mini

Bambu Lab product page

Short verdict

Both are open printers aimed at newcomers. The Ender-3 V3 SE lists a 220 x 220 x 250 mm (12.1 L) bed, more than twice the A1 mini's 180 x 180 x 180 mm (5.8 L). The A1 mini lists a 500 mm/s maximum speed against 250 mm/s, and 10,000 mm/s² acceleration against 2,500.

The A1 mini can run multicolour with the AMS lite; Creality lists the Ender-3 V3 SE as single filament. The A1 mini lists Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, while the Ender-3 V3 SE lists SD card file transfer. The A1 mini lists an 80 °C bed against 100 °C on the Ender, and a 300 °C nozzle against 260 °C. Specs do not show how the two feel to use, so read the first-look pages for the rest.

Based on published specs only. We have not tested either printer.

Specs side by side

SpecificationCreality Ender-3 V3 SECrealityBambu Lab A1 miniBambu Lab
Design
Motion systemi3 Gantry (bed slinger)Maker wording is "i3 Gantry".Cartesian (print platform moves on Y axis, printhead on X)Wiki: "utilizes a Cartesian coordinate motion system".
EnclosedNot publishedMaker does not state; an enclosure is sold separately as an accessory.Not publishedMaker pages do not say open or enclosed outright; the store FAQ only says it prints materials "that don't require an enclosure".
Build volume (mm)220 x 220 x 250Also stated in the FAQ on https://www.creality.com/support/creality-ender-3-v3-se180 x 180 x 180
Build volume (litres)12.1 LHigher5.8 LComputed from 180 x 180 x 180.
WeightNot publishedNet weight not found on the maker pages checked.5.5 kgNet weight of the A1 mini (without AMS lite).
Printing
Max nozzle temperature260°C300°CHigher
Max bed temperature100°CHigher80°C
Max print speed250 mm/sMaker maximum; typical 180 mm/s per https://www.creality3dofficial.com/products/ender-3-v3-se-3d-printer500 mm/sHigherMaker lists this as "Max Speed of Tool Head".
Max acceleration2500 mm/s²Maker states "<=2500".10000 mm/s²HigherMaker lists this as "Max Acceleration of Tool Head".
Standard nozzle0.4 mm0.4 mmStainless steel; 0.2, 0.6 and 0.8 mm also offered.
Features
Multicolour / multi-materialNone (single filament)Maker lists no multi-material system; single direct-drive extruder.AMS lite (A1 mini Combo)Store FAQ: AMS lite is required for multicolour and the standard AMS is incompatible. Maximum colour count not stated on this page.
Bed levellingCR Touch auto leveling with strain sensor for auto Z offsetAutomatic: nozzle-contact probing, 6 x 6 grid (36 points) height map
Built-in cameraNot publishedNot stated by maker.YesLow framerate camera (up to 1080P), timelapse supported.
Screen3.2-inch colour knob screenNot publishedMaker pages call it a touchscreen but give no size.
ConnectivitySD card file transferMaker lists file transfer as SD; OTA firmware updates are listed.Wi-Fi and Bluetooth (mainboard SoC)Wiki describes the SoC as having Wi-Fi and Bluetooth basebands.
Filament runout sensorNot publishedMaker sells a Filament Detector Kit as an optional accessory; no built-in sensor is stated.Yes
LaunchedNot publishedNot stated on the maker pages checked.Not publishedNot stated on the maker pages checked.

Specs checked against the maker's pages on 2026-10-10. Want a different pairing? Open this in the comparison tool to add a third printer.

Read more