Canon PIXMA TR160 Wireless Portable Printer, vs Canon PIXMA TS3720 Wireless All-in-One Printer for

Price Comparison

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 is significantly more affordable than the Canon PIXMA TR160, costing $86.00 compared to $219.99. This makes the TS3720 approximately 61% cheaper, which is a notable difference for budget-conscious buyers. While the TR160 offers portability and advanced features, the price disparity can sway many consumers who are looking for basic functionality without breaking the bank.

The TR160's higher price reflects its portable design and additional features, such as an optional battery for printing on the go. However, if you primarily need a printer for home use, the TS3720 offers great value at a fraction of the cost.

Portability

The Canon PIXMA TR160 excels in portability, making it an ideal choice for users who need a printer they can easily take on the go. It is lightweight and compact, designed to fit into a bag or backpack with room to spare. This makes it suitable for business professionals who travel frequently or students who need to print documents away from home.

In contrast, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 is designed primarily for home use and lacks the same level of portability. While it does provide good printing capabilities within a stationary environment, it cannot match the TR160's convenient design for mobile printing needs.

Print Quality

Both printers deliver high-quality prints, but they cater to slightly different requirements. The Canon PIXMA TR160 uses a 5-Color Hybrid Ink System to produce sharp black text and vibrant color images, suitable for printing everything from documents to borderless photographs. This feature allows for detailed prints up to 8.5” x 11”, making it versatile for various printing tasks.

On the other hand, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 also offers high-quality printing but is more focused on everyday home printing. It utilizes a FINE Hybrid ink system that produces crisp black text and vivid colors. While it can print documents and photos, its capabilities are generally geared toward standard home printing needs, which may not satisfy users looking for more advanced photo printing features.

Connectivity Options

When it comes to connectivity, both printers offer wireless options, but the Canon PIXMA TR160 has a slight edge with its Wireless Direct Mode, allowing users to connect directly to the printer without needing a wireless router. This feature is particularly beneficial for quick and seamless printing from mobile devices.

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 also provides ample connectivity options, including Dual Band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz or 5GHz) and mobile device printing capabilities through the Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service. While both printers support easy wireless setups, the TR160's direct connection feature can be a deciding factor for those who prioritize mobile printing convenience.

Ease of Use

Both the Canon PIXMA TR160 and TS3720 are designed with user-friendly features, but they differ slightly in their interfaces. The TR160 includes a 1.44” monochrome OLED display that allows users to easily check ink levels and printer status, facilitating a more straightforward user experience. This feature is advantageous for those who prefer to manage their printing tasks directly from the printer.

Conversely, the TS3720 features a 1.5” segment LCD screen that is intuitive and easy to navigate. Its streamlined setup process makes it quick to get up and running, which can be appealing for users who may not be as tech-savvy. While both printers are user-friendly, the TR160's display offers a more detailed overview of printer settings and status.

Additional Features

The Canon PIXMA TR160 comes equipped with a few standout features that enhance its functionality, such as the ability to save up to five custom templates for quick printing directly from the device. This adds a layer of convenience for users who frequently print the same documents.

In comparison, the Canon PIXMA TS3720 offers versatility in media support, allowing it to print on various media types, including envelopes and banners. It also includes access to PosterArtist Online for creating professional posters and signage, which might be appealing for home users looking to expand their printing capabilities.

Both printers have their unique features, but the TR160's focus on portable printing and template functionality provides specific advantages for certain user needs.

Customer Satisfaction

The Canon PIXMA TS3720 has a better sales rank at 717, compared to the TR160's sales rank of 1977. This indicates that the TS3720 is a more popular choice among consumers at the moment, potentially reflecting greater customer satisfaction or demand in the home printing category.

While sales rank is not the sole indicator of quality, it can be a useful measure of how well a product is received in the market. The TS3720’s lower price point and robust features for home printing likely contribute to its popularity, while the TR160 appeals to a more niche audience focused on portability.

Which should you buy?

Ultimately, your choice between the Canon PIXMA TR160 and the Canon PIXMA TS3720 will depend on your specific needs. If you require a portable printer that can handle diverse printing tasks and you’re willing to invest more for added features, the TR160 is the way to go. However, if you're looking for an affordable, reliable home printer that covers basic printing needs effectively, the TS3720 is an excellent choice at about 61% less cost.