Canon PIXMA G3420 vs. HP Smart Tank 515: The Ultimate Ink Tank Printer Showdown
What To Know
- The Canon PIXMA G3420 sports a compact and stylish design, with a sleek black exterior and a user-friendly control panel.
- The HP Smart Tank 515, on the other hand, features a more angular silhouette, with a larger footprint but a more modern aesthetic.
- If you value scanning and copying functionality, a larger ink capacity, and more connectivity options, the HP Smart Tank 515 is a better fit.
In the realm of home and office printing, the battle for ink tank supremacy rages on between two formidable contenders: the Canon PIXMA G3420 and the HP Smart Tank 515. Both printers boast impressive features and promise cost-effective printing solutions. But which one reigns supreme? Let’s delve into a comprehensive comparison to determine the clear winner.
Design and Build
The Canon PIXMA G3420 sports a compact and stylish design, with a sleek black exterior and a user-friendly control panel. The HP Smart Tank 515, on the other hand, features a more angular silhouette, with a larger footprint but a more modern aesthetic. Both printers have integrated ink tanks, eliminating the need for messy cartridge replacements.
Printing Performance
The Canon PIXMA G3420 excels in speed and efficiency, producing up to 13 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 6.8 ppm in color. The HP Smart Tank 515 matches the black print speed but falls slightly behind in color printing, reaching 11 ppm. However, the HP printer offers faster photo printing speeds.
Print Quality
Both printers deliver sharp and vibrant prints. The Canon PIXMA G3420 uses a hybrid ink system that combines dye-based and pigment-based inks, producing rich colors and crisp text. The HP Smart Tank 515 utilizes a thermal inkjet technology, resulting in similar print quality but slightly less saturated colors.
Ink Capacity and Cost
The Canon PIXMA G3420 boasts an impressive ink capacity, with its refillable tanks holding up to 135 ml of black ink and 70 ml of each color ink. This translates to approximately 6,000 black pages and 7,700 color pages. The HP Smart Tank 515 offers slightly lower capacities, with 180 ml of black ink and 100 ml of each color ink, yielding around 6,000 black pages and 8,000 color pages.
In terms of cost, the Canon PIXMA G3420 has a slight edge. Its ink bottles cost approximately $12 for black and $18 for color, while the HP Smart Tank 515’s ink bottles cost $15 for black and $20 for color.
Connectivity and Features
Both printers offer wireless connectivity, allowing for easy printing from smartphones, tablets, and laptops. The Canon PIXMA G3420 features Wi-Fi Direct for direct printing without a network connection. The HP Smart Tank 515 boasts a wider range of connectivity options, including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB.
Additionally, the HP Smart Tank 515 comes with a built-in flatbed scanner and copier, while the Canon PIXMA G3420 does not.
Summary
The Canon PIXMA G3420 and the HP Smart Tank 515 are both excellent ink tank printers, each with its own unique strengths and weaknesses. The Canon PIXMA G3420 offers a more compact design, faster printing speeds, and lower ink costs. The HP Smart Tank 515 counters with a larger ink capacity, built-in scanning and copying capabilities, and more comprehensive connectivity options.
Ultimately, the best choice for you depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize speed, cost, and a smaller footprint, the Canon PIXMA G3420 is a solid choice. If you value scanning and copying functionality, a larger ink capacity, and more connectivity options, the HP Smart Tank 515 is a better fit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which printer has a higher monthly page yield?
A: Both printers have a monthly page yield of up to 15,000 pages.
Q: Can I use third-party ink with these printers?
A: No, both Canon and HP recommend using only their own brand of ink to ensure optimal print quality and performance.
Q: Which printer is better for photo printing?
A: The HP Smart Tank 515 has faster photo printing speeds and slightly more saturated colors, making it a better choice for photo printing.
Q: Can I print directly from my smartphone with these printers?
A: Yes, both printers offer wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities.
Q: Which printer is more environmentally friendly?
A: Both printers use refillable ink tanks, which reduce waste compared to traditional cartridge-based printers. However, the Canon PIXMA G3420 has a slightly lower energy consumption rating.
