Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer, vs HP Smart Tank 5103 Wireless All-in-One Ink Tank

Design and Build Quality

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is a compact and straightforward all-in-one printer designed for home use, while the HP Smart Tank 5103 emphasizes durability and long-term reliability with its tank system. The Canon offers a traditional ink cartridge setup with a focus on easy installation and replacement, which suits users looking for simplicity and convenience. Its 100-sheet capacity and ENERGY STAR certification highlight an environmentally conscious design.

In contrast, the HP Smart Tank 5103 is built as a cartridge-free, refillable ink tank printer meant to last for years with minimal maintenance. Its mess-free refill system and robust tank construction cater to users who need high-volume, reliable printing without the frequent hassle of replacing cartridges. The HP model includes AI-enabled features to enhance printing precision, indicating a more advanced design approach focused on efficiency and user experience over time.

Printing Performance and Speed

When it comes to printing speed and output quality, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 delivers 8.8 pages per minute (ipm) for black and white and 4.4 ipm for color prints, striking a balance suitable for casual home users. It supports auto two-sided printing and borderless prints up to 8.5" x 11", enabling versatile document and photo production.

The HP Smart Tank 5103, while not specifying exact ipm numbers, emphasizes high-volume, cartridge-free printing with up to 6,000 color or black pages included right out of the box thanks to two years of ink supply. Its AI capabilities ensure precision in printing web pages and emails, reducing wasted paper. This makes the HP model superior for users who prioritize volume and cost-efficiency over raw speed numbers.

Ink and Cost Efficiency

The most significant difference between these printers lies in ink management and cost. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 uses traditional cartridges with smart reorder features via Alexa, helping users avoid running out of ink but still requiring regular cartridge purchases. Its price at $69.00 reflects a budget-friendly entry point but may incur higher ink costs over time.

On the other hand, the HP Smart Tank 5103 comes with up to two years of ink included, enabling thousands of cartridge-free prints and drastically lowering the cost per page. The refillable ink tank system allows users to replenish ink mess-free, providing long-term savings and convenience. However, this comes at a higher initial price of $199.99, nearly three times more than the Canon, but with potential savings for those who print frequently.

Connectivity and Features

Both printers support wireless connectivity for seamless mobile and home network printing. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers wireless 4-in-1 functionality (print, copy, scan, fax) with Alexa integration for smart ink reordering and notifications, adding a modern convenience layer without subscription fees.

The HP Smart Tank 5103 also features wireless capabilities alongside AI-enabled printing adjustments that optimize web page and email prints, reducing paper waste and enhancing output quality. Its smart, connected nature ensures up-to-date security and easy integration into various workflows, making it ideal for tech-savvy users who value intelligent printing solutions.

Paper Handling and Capacity

Paper handling is another area of distinction. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 includes an auto document feeder and supports auto two-sided printing with a 100-sheet capacity, which suits typical home or small office needs. The ability to print borderless photos up to letter size enhances its versatility.

The HP Smart Tank 5103 also supports a 100-sheet capacity and comes with 100 sheets of photo paper included, indicating a readiness for photo printing alongside document tasks. It is designed for high-volume printing, supported by its large ink tank, but the data does not specify an auto document feeder or duplex printing features, which may affect some workflow preferences.

Durability and Warranty

Durability and warranty coverage differ notably between these models. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 offers a one-year limited warranty, standard for home printers, with a focus on energy efficiency, evidenced by its low power consumption (7W active, 0.8W standby).

HP markets the Smart Tank 5103 as “the last printer you’ll ever need,” highlighting its robust tank system designed to outlast traditional cartridge printers. Its premium support and easy maintenance system suggest a device built for longevity. Although no specific warranty length is mentioned, the design intent is clearly for extended use with minimal downtime.

Price and Value

Price is a critical factor for most buyers. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 is priced at $69.00, making it about 65% cheaper than the HP Smart Tank 5103 at $199.99. This lower price point makes the Canon an attractive option for users with light to moderate printing needs who want an affordable, compact all-in-one printer.

Conversely, the HP Smart Tank 5103, despite its higher upfront cost, offers two years of included ink and cartridge-free printing, which can significantly reduce the total cost of ownership for high-volume users. The value proposition here is geared towards those willing to invest more initially for long-term savings and reliability.

Which should you buy?

Your choice depends mainly on your printing volume and budget. If you need a budget-friendly, versatile all-in-one printer for occasional home use, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 at $69.00 offers solid features like wireless printing, fax, and an auto document feeder, with smart ink reorder support via Alexa. Its bestseller rank (283) reflects strong popularity for everyday printing needs.

However, if you require a durable, high-capacity printer capable of handling thousands of pages with minimal maintenance, the HP Smart Tank 5103 justifies its $199.99 price with two years of included ink, cartridge-free refilling, and AI-enhanced printing. It is ideal for users with high-volume printing demands seeking long-term cost savings and reliable performance.

In summary, choose the Canon PIXMA TR4720 for affordability and ease of use or the HP Smart Tank 5103 for volume, longevity, and ink cost efficiency.