Creality’s SPARKX i7: The Bambu A1 Clone That Doesn’t Want You to Learn Slicing

A 3D printer that looks like a toy but prints like a pro? Creality’s SPARKX i7 Color Combo is here to simplify printing—and its spool system is as weird as it works.

The SPARKX i7 Color Combo ($399) positions itself as an entry-level 4-color 3D printer with a 260 x 260 x 255mm build volume. Its CFS Lite spool management system—a plastic spool holder that resembles an Easy Bake Oven—claims to eliminate the need for manual filament switching.

During testing, the system handled non-standard spools and soft materials like 85A TPU for tire prints, but its lack of filament retraction caused noticeable waste during multicolor prints. A 4-color calibration castle test used nearly 10% more filament than expected.

While the SPARKX i7’s design mirrors the Bambu Lab A1’s minimalist aesthetic, it adds an RGB LED strip and a camera with AI monitoring. The direct drive extruder and two-sided PEI build plate perform reliably, but the Cube Me app—meant to turn selfies into 3D models—suffered from persistent connectivity issues during review. Early adopters can purchase it for $339 until January 6, 2026.

Competitors like the Anycubic Kobra S1 Combo ($459) and Kobra 3 Max Combo ($599) offer more advanced spool systems, but the SPARKX i7’s low-maintenance approach appeals to users who prioritize simplicity over efficiency.

For those who’ve cracked foldable screens trying to pocket them, this printer’s toy-like design might feel oddly familiar—and just as practical.