Before we get into the differences between the JGAurora A5S and the basic A5, let’s look at the many ways that the two are similar.

Like the JGAurora A5, the new model has the same sizable 305 x 305 x 320 mm build volume – not too shabby for a budget-priced machine. Outside of the generous build area, the JGAurora A5S still includes commonplace features like filament run-out detection and power recovery

The JGAurora A5S 3D printer comes partially assembled in just two main parts: the base and frame. These two sections can be connected with just a few screws and bolts, allowing the user to get up and running with the printer in around 15-20 minutes.

From our research, we believe that the new A5S is still equipped with an E3D V6 hotend clone that has a custom heatsink, as well as the same Black Diamond Glass Heated platform, which is a glass plate with some additional coating for improved adhesion, comparable to the popular Anycubic Ultrabase.

There’s still no automatic calibration, but the bed-leveling assistance makes the manual process as simple as possible. You also get the 2.8″ full-color touchscreen slapped on the front of the base, making it easy to navigate and modify settings.

As far as we can tell, the price of the JGAurora A5S tends to fluctuate between $320 and $459. The cost varies depending on certain flash deals and discounts that online retailers are offering. On the manufacturer’s website, the new 3D printer is listed at $459.

New Design Improvements

We’ve seen how most of the features boasted by the JGAurora A5S are identical to those found on the original, so what really sets the new version apart from the old? From our findings, it appears that most of the changes have been focused on improving the design of the 3D printer.

To start, the manufacturer has added additional screws into the frame of the A5S, improving the overall stability. The extruder has been slightly raised to reduce the length of the Bowden tube, which we imagine is beneficial for the flow of filament.

There are also some slight changes that aim to improve the usability of the JGAurora A5S, including the SD card slot, which is now on the front of the 3D printer, and a glass surface that extends to the end of print bed.

While the JGAurora A5 came equipped with a handful of 3D printed parts, the manufacturer decided to replace these with injection molded parts, providing some extra durability to the components.

Perhaps the most important upgrade made to the JGAurora A5S is the new 32-bit mainboard with A5984 stepper motor drives. Manufactured in-house, this new mainboard offers faster processing speeds and lower power consumption.

It also has a silent motor drive and MOSFET tube that allows for better heat dissipation. Another small modification made to the mainboard is that the wiring for the motors and limit switches are now color-coded, making the wiring process slightly easier.

Unfortunately, the firmware for the JGAurora A5S appears to be closed and scripted in-house, a factor that is sure to leave a sour taste in the mouths of open-source enthusiasts and Marlin users.

Is it Worth Buying the JGAurora A5S?

Considering that most of the improvements made to the JGAurora A5S were focused on the inner workings of the machine, it could be difficult deciding whether it’s worth spending the extra money for the upgraded version or not. In our view, it ultimately depends on what price you can find the new model for.

The price of the JGAurora A5 usually rests right around $320 -350, so if you can get your hands on the A5S for just a few more bucks, we’d say the improvements are well worth it. However, for the listed retail price of $459, you’re probably better of sticking with the original or, better yet, looking into a more affordable option like the Creality Ender 3 or Anycubic i3 Mega.

Nonetheless, the JGAurora team has integrated some pretty impressive under-the-hood enhancements into the new A5S, most of which are attempting to improve the printer’s overall performance and usability. And, in a budget market where many hardware changes tend to be superficial and aesthetically-driven, that’s something we certainly get behind.