I understand that the X1 is probably a better printer then the P1S, it’s logical because it’s like $500 more expensive. But honestly, it’s just that I think that the P1S is just overall better.
In my opinion, the whole screen hype about the X1 is not so much a big deal because you can strap an old iphone to the printer. Also, for the whole hype about abrasive filaments, you can totally buy the hardened steel hotend & extruder made for the P1S for like $40 and do the upgrade.
So honestly an “upgrade kit” for the P1S would cost, if you don’t already have one, $40-70 for an iPhone 6, and like $40 for the hardened steel setup off Bambu themselves. Now we’re just talking a lidar sensor for an extra 500 bucks, and the whole sensor thing kinda sounds gimmicky already.
We had this discussion several times here in the forum, especially, when the P1S was released. A few bullet points for you:
The print results are the same
for the extra money, you get some convenience features. if those are worth the extra price is a subjective question that only you can answer for yourself
there are more differences than screen and hardened steel in the X1C
better camera
faster processor (faster wifi, more responsive)
Lidar (automatic filament calibration, first layer check)
spaghetti detection
For me personally, the X1C was the right choice and I wouldn’t exchange it for a P1S when somebody would give me 500€.
Others are happy with their P1S and they wouldn’t pay the 500€ for a bit of convenience.
Obviously, there is no correct answer to your question.
Just get hardenned nozzle and hardnned extruder gear for ~$50 and P1S can print anything X1C can print.
Just some notes:
X1C side panels are alluminium which dissipates heat quite well to the room. On the other hand, P1S side panels are plastic which helps sustain chamber temperature a bit better.
X1C AP board runs Linux, which is somewhat more hackable than custom firmware on P1S. This can be considered more possible hacks for X1C, like x1plus for example. But the same time, developing linux stuff is easier than custom firmware for esp32, hence all beta stuffs would be rolled out first for X1, like the controversy about “bambu connect”, “orcaslicer or die”
The chassis of X1C and P1S are almost identical, but the electronics are totally different. Yep, you cannot swap AP board, camera, toolhead board, cables… from X1C and P1S or vice versa.
For me, I like the plastic enclosure of P1S, but I like the main AP board of X1C. I don’t care about the screen much as long as I have something like bambu handy to move the print head around for cleaning or so. I had bad experience with ESP32 so I just don’t like anything that use ESP32 as the main processor.
X1C owner here. I looked at the differences, picked the X1C, and am happy with the choice. I wanted the versatility and didn’t want to partially disassemble and reassemble the printer right out of the box to get the upgrades.
I don’t think that is true. For my understanding both printers are (default settings) equal at speed level. Indeed, the X1C takes around 100s longer due to the enhanced start routine.
They both have the same rods, as far as I know, they are nearly mechanically identical. The big differences are in the boards, sensors, and screen as mentioned above, however, I would note there are small differences in some mechanical parts like the toolhead components.
I personally like the screen on the X1, and all that jazz. I hate using the little screen/controls on the P1 series. I rarely have my phone on me, and I like getting things setup at the printer when I’m getting the plates ready and stuff. I like how I can quickly and easily fuss with printer stuff while at the printer. Being it preparing, or if I need to interject in the print for some reason.
I think a lot of people kind of poo poo on the whole screen aspect because whatever, you can use your phone, or strap an old iPhone to the printer and call it a day. I mean, my old iphone is busted all up, so… can’t really do that. But in generally, I just don’t carry my phone on me and don’t want to have to go find it, go through the passcode, load up the handy app, and all that. It’s quicker just to poke my finger around the screen on the printer itself.
There’s other little aspects throughout that people like to gloss over. Overall I think we can all agree that the print quality is more or less the same. The little quality of life improvements of the X1 sell it for me though. I imagine for those working with higher end filaments too might find the X1 a little more favorable.
Value proposition isn’t the same for all people. The maker space where I work has a p1p, I absolutely hate the p1 interface screen, it’s slower to use. While I find the X1 lidar a little gimmicky, it has value, like catching when I’ve got the wrong build plate installed, or didn’t put it in square.
The print head connectors are different, and the p1 version connectors are prone to wearing out even though we never change out the hotend. I do frequent hotend changes, and value the more reliable connectors.
As already pointed out, the different / better firmware has value for some, not worth it to everyone.
There are some times when the A1 mini is faster than the P & X series.
If you have a long multiple colour print with many swaps using four colours, the reduced time it takes the A1 mini’s AMS lite to swap colour vs the AMS can mean the benefit of the increased speed of the P & X series during the actual printing time is lost.
This is due to the AMS lite having the parked location of filament a couple of cm from the hot end whereas the AMS has to pull them all the way back to the main unit. The PTFE length is the multiplier here, that length increases the delay.
I like my P series, I don’t use the screen as using the BL filaments negates almost all need for it.
I do use the stop button when I have done something dumb though.
I have a P1P. Since I have never used an X1, the P1 series screen does not bother me at all.
I think it’s one of those subjective things. If you never had an X1, you won’t miss the touch screen. But if you are coming from the X1 series, the P1’s screen will be untenable.
Nothing beats using personally the printers.
Me is X1C all the way. If you use the X1c first then other after you will feel the difference.
It is also work based. I am into farm production and the X1C is what I need.
Camera
Build plate detector
Screen I use a lot. This will sound “meh” but the “print again” is amazing as I do high volumes from the same part.
Spaghetti failure especially if your parts are sensitive and prone to.
First layer inspection too for sensitive parts costing $$$$, instead of coming after hours and see ■■■■ inside.
That’s why I mentioned the toolhead differences. But note, those differences can largely be closed up with a $15 nozzle and $20 extruder mod. You will have to make do without the pretty LED and lidar though… sorry.
But IMO, if you can do without the nice touchscreen, the P1S with a hardened extruder gear and nozzle is the way to go. But that touchscreen is a big deal. Not to mention the P1S looks better IMO, I like the dark color.
Is the main reason i havent purchased a p1/s and with all the new models emerging on the market , i think they will start to be looked on as second best , especially when it comes to price and value for money
I have 3 X1C’s and 1 P1S. The P1S was my second printer. The P1S prints every bit as good and fast as the X1C.
Having X1’s, the screen on the P1 is annoying and so is only going in 1 step increments when moving the bed up and down. Admittedly this is only a thing when I clean and lube the lead screws, but the X1 is much easier to do this with.
If I were to buy another it would be another X1, or whatever the new model is.
The P1S is the option with more value.
LIDAR is convenient, but its not that good Compared to manual calibration.
Mine has been broken for a year, and its not a priority to spend more money replacing parts to fix it.
