Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless vs Canon PIXMA TS6520 Wireless Color Inkjet

Design and build quality

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 and TS6520 both feature compact designs suitable for home environments. The TR4720 is engineered with a focus on functionality, incorporating an auto document feeder which adds to its physical footprint slightly but enhances utility. The TS6520 emphasizes a streamlined aesthetic typical of the TS series, aimed at blending into living spaces. Both units support borderless prints up to 8.5 inches by 11 inches, indicating similar media handling physical constraints. Build quality across both models adheres to Canon's standard plastic chassis construction, ensuring durability for light to moderate usage scenarios.

Printing functionality

Functionality is a key differentiator between these two models. The TR4720 is marketed as a 4-in-1 device, explicitly including printing, copying, scanning, and faxing capabilities. This makes it a more comprehensive solution for home offices requiring fax transmission. The TS6520 is described as an all-in-one printer perfect for home users and hybrid workers, offering print, scan, and copy operations. While both handle standard document workflows, the inclusion of fax hardware in the TR4720 provides a distinct advantage for users who still rely on traditional telephony-based document transfer. The TR4720 also features an auto document feeder, facilitating multi-page scanning without manual intervention.

Performance

Print speed is a critical metric for productivity, and the TR4720 provides specific data in this regard. It boasts print speeds of 8.8 ipm for black documents and 4.4 ipm for color documents. These figures allow users to estimate workflow throughput accurately. The TS6520 documentation does not specify exact ipm ratings in the provided data, focusing instead on the quality of the output. Both models support automatic 2-sided printing, which helps optimize paper usage and speeds up workflow by reducing manual flipping. The TR4720's verified speed metrics give it an edge for users who prioritize known performance benchmarks over marketing generalizations.

Connectivity options

Wireless connectivity is standard on both printers, but the implementation differs. The TS6520 highlights reliable wireless connectivity with dual-band Wi-Fi support, operating on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz frequencies. This allows for more stable connections in congested network environments. The TR4720 offers wireless 4-in-1 capabilities but does not specify the frequency bands in the provided text. Both devices enable printing from smartphones and computers. The TR4720 integrates with Alexa for voice commands and smart reorders, adding a layer of smart home connectivity that complements the standard wireless printing features found on both units.

Power efficiency

Energy consumption is clearly defined for the TR4720, which carries an ENERGY STAR certification. It consumes 7W during operation, 0.8W in standby mode, and only 0.3W when turned off. These low power figures contribute to reduced electricity costs over the life of the printer. The TS6520 documentation does not provide specific wattage ratings or energy certifications in the provided text. For environmentally conscious users or those looking to minimize standby power draw, the TR4720 offers transparent data confirming its efficiency. The low off-mode power consumption of 0.3W is particularly notable for devices that remain plugged in continuously.

Ink system and maintenance

The ink systems differ in their described configuration. The TS6520 utilizes a 2-cartridge hybrid ink system designed to deliver sharp text and vivid colors. This system is highlighted for producing crisp, vibrant prints for both documents and photos. The TR4720 is designed for easy ink cartridge installation and replacement but does not specify the cartridge count in the provided text. Both models offer solutions to prevent running out of ink unexpectedly. The TR4720 connects to Alexa to receive low ink notifications and can place smart reorders from Amazon automatically if enrolled. This ensures maintenance is streamlined without needing a separate subscription service for the reorder functionality.

Price and value

Price is the most significant distinguishing factor between these two printers. The TR4720 is listed at $69.00, while the TS6520 is priced at $140.00. Despite the lower cost, the TR4720 includes additional hardware features such as fax and an auto document feeder. The TS6520 positions itself as affordable versatility for hybrid workers, but the price difference is substantial. When evaluating value based on features per dollar, the TR4720 offers a compelling proposition. The TS6520 justifies its higher price point through its dual-band connectivity and specific ink system claims, but for budget-conscious buyers, the TR4720 provides more tangible hardware features for less money.

Which one should you buy?

Choosing between these models depends on specific workflow requirements. If you need fax capabilities, an auto document feeder, and verified print speeds at a lower price, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 is the superior choice. It is particularly well-suited for home offices where document throughput and multifunction capabilities are priorities. If your primary focus is on photo quality, dual-band Wi-Fi stability, and you do not require faxing, the Canon PIXMA TS6520 may be preferable despite the higher cost. However, based on the provided specifications and feature count, the TR4720 delivers greater overall utility and value for the average user seeking a comprehensive all-in-one solution.