Canon Pixma MG3620 vs TR4720

Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless

Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

Choosing the right printer for your home office or personal use can often feel like navigating a maze of technical specifications and marketing jargon. Canon, a long-standing leader in imaging technology, offers a plethora of options designed to meet diverse needs and budgets. Today, we’re diving deep into two popular all-in-one wireless inkjet printers that often catch the eye of home users: the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless All-in-One Color Inkjet Printer with Mobile and Tablet Printing and the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer for Home use, with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax. While both aim to provide seamless printing experiences, they cater to slightly different user requirements and priorities.

At first glance, both models promise wireless convenience and the ability to print, scan, and copy. However, beneath the surface, there are distinct differences in their feature sets, overall performance, and ultimately, the value they offer to specific types of users. Understanding these nuances is crucial to making an informed decision that aligns with your everyday tasks, whether it’s printing school reports, scanning old photos, or even managing a small home-based business.

In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless and the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All. We’ll look at their core functionalities, unique selling points, ease of use, and the real-world experiences of other users. By the end, you’ll have a clear picture of which printer is the perfect fit for your digital life, ensuring your investment truly serves your printing needs without any unexpected surprises.

In-Depth Look: Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless

The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless stands out as a reliable and user-friendly all-in-one printer, designed primarily for the casual home user or student who needs a straightforward device for printing, copying, and scanning. Its main appeal lies in its simplicity and robust wireless connectivity, making it an excellent choice for modern households that rely heavily on mobile devices. This printer truly embodies the “set it and forget it” philosophy for many basic printing needs.

Key Features Analysis of the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless

One of the most compelling aspects of the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless is its extensive support for mobile and tablet printing. It offers compatibility with a wide array of platforms including AirPrint for Apple users, Google Cloud Print, NFC (Near Field Communication) for tap-to-print convenience with compatible Android devices, Mopria Print Service, and Canon’s own PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. This means you can effortlessly print documents or photos directly from your iPhone, iPad, Android phone, or tablet without needing to transfer files to a computer first. For busy individuals, this feature alone can be a huge time-saver and convenience booster. Imagine needing to print a last-minute boarding pass or a recipe you found online – the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless makes it incredibly simple.

Setting up the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless for wireless operation is generally quick and easy. Canon has streamlined the process, allowing users to connect the printer to their home Wi-Fi network with minimal fuss. This ease of setup is frequently highlighted by customers as a significant positive, reducing the frustration often associated with new printer installations. Once connected, the printer can be accessed by multiple devices on the same network, providing a shared resource for the entire household.

Under the hood, the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless utilizes Canon’s advanced FINE (Full-Photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) Technology. This patented print head technology ensures that ink droplets are precisely placed, contributing to high-quality prints for both text and images. Furthermore, the printer employs a new ChromaLife 100 ink formulation. This advanced ink system is designed to produce an even wider color range compared to previous generations, resulting in more vibrant and true-to-life color prints, particularly for photos. The ChromaLife 100 system also boasts improved fade resistance, meaning your printed memories and important documents can last for years when stored correctly. Another neat perk for users of genuine Canon ink cartridges is free access to Canon’s Creative Park Premium, an exclusive content service offering a wide variety of printable crafts, calendars, and other creative projects. This adds a fun, value-added dimension for families and hobbyists.

The printer uses PG-240 XL Black and CL-241 Color ink cartridges. The XL cartridges are a thoughtful inclusion, offering a higher yield than standard cartridges, which translates to more prints and fewer cartridge replacements. This can be a cost-effective solution in the long run, especially for those who print a moderate volume of pages.

Pros and Cons of the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless

Pros:

• Excellent Wireless Connectivity: With AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, NFC, Mopria, and the Canon PRINT app, it offers comprehensive mobile printing options, making it highly versatile for various devices.
• Easy Setup: Users consistently praise its straightforward wireless setup, reducing initial frustration.
• Good Print Quality for the Price: The FINE Technology and ChromaLife 100 ink formulation deliver decent color and sharp text, making it suitable for everyday documents and casual photo printing.
• Budget-Friendly: It’s often available at an attractive price point, making it a strong contender for those looking for an economical all-in-one.
• XL Ink Cartridge Option: The availability of XL cartridges helps reduce the frequency and cost per page of ink replacements.
• Creative Park Premium Access: A nice bonus for users interested in creative projects and crafts.

Cons:

• No Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): This is a notable omission for users who frequently need to scan or copy multi-page documents. Each page must be placed manually on the flatbed scanner.
• No Fax Functionality: As a 3-in-1 device (print, scan, copy), it lacks fax capabilities, which might be a deal-breaker for some home office environments.
• Print Speed: While acceptable for casual use, it might not be the fastest option for high-volume printing tasks.
• Ink Cost Over Time: While XL cartridges help, inkjet printers generally have higher per-page costs compared to laser printers, especially for color prints. Some users might find the cost of genuine Canon ink cartridges adds up.
• Perceived Quality Compared to Older Models: One customer mentioned the quality “is really lacking compared to the older model (we use genuine Canon ink).” This suggests potential variations or a slight downgrade in perceived output quality for some users familiar with previous generations.

Customer Reviews for the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless

It’s always helpful to hear directly from people who have used the product. Here’s a glimpse into what customers are saying:

• “Easy setup, quick printing, decent color, great price. Perfect budget option.” This review perfectly encapsulates the general sentiment for the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless – it’s a solid, affordable choice that performs reliably for standard tasks. The emphasis on “easy setup” is a recurring theme, highlighting Canon’s success in simplifying the initial user experience.
• “I got this one because I couldn’t find the older model of this MG3600 series which my work had. I wanted the older model for my home but settled on this. It was easy enough to set up for wifi printing but the quality is really lacking compared to the older model (we use genuine Canon ink)…I did ho” This review offers a valuable perspective, suggesting that while the setup is good, some users might perceive a decline in print quality compared to earlier models in the same series. This is an important consideration for those who prioritize pristine output above all else, especially if they are upgrading from an older Canon printer.
• “Easy setup, quick printing, decent color, great price. Perfect budget option.Read more” Another strong endorsement for its value proposition and user-friendliness. The repeated mention of “easy setup” confirms it’s a significant advantage of this model, particularly for less tech-savvy users or those who just want to get printing without a fuss.

Best for: Who Should Buy the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless

The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless is ideally suited for:

• Home Users: Perfect for families needing a versatile printer for homework, recipes, occasional photos, and general document printing.
• Students: Its mobile printing capabilities and ease of use make it great for printing assignments and research papers directly from laptops, tablets, or phones.
• Budget-Conscious Buyers: If you’re looking for an affordable all-in-one with reliable performance for basic tasks, this printer offers excellent value.
• Those with Minimal Scanning/Copying Needs: If you rarely scan multi-page documents and don’t require faxing, the lack of an ADF and fax machine won’t be an issue.
• Mobile-First Households: For homes where printing primarily originates from smartphones and tablets, its extensive mobile printing options are a huge plus.

Check Price for Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless on Amazon →

In-Depth Look: Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All positions itself as a more robust and feature-rich all-in-one printer, specifically tailored for the home office or individuals who require a broader range of functionalities beyond just printing, scanning, and copying. Its inclusion of a fax machine and an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) are key differentiators, signaling its intent to serve users with more demanding document management needs. This printer aims to be a complete solution for a small home-based business or a very organized individual.

Key Features Analysis of the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

The standout feature of the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is its true 4-in-1 functionality: print, copy, scan, and fax. This comprehensive suite of features makes it a versatile tool for various home office tasks. The integrated fax capability, while perhaps less critical for many personal users in the age of email, remains indispensable for certain professions or for interacting with institutions that still rely on fax for official documents. For those who occasionally need to send or receive faxes, having this built-in saves the hassle and cost of a separate device or third-party services.

Crucially, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All includes an Auto Document Feeder (ADF). This feature is a game-changer for anyone who frequently needs to scan or copy multi-page documents. Instead of manually placing each page on the flatbed scanner, you can simply load a stack of papers into the ADF, and the printer will automatically feed them through, significantly speeding up the process. This is invaluable for digitizing contracts, invoices, or school projects, transforming a tedious chore into a quick task.

Like its counterpart, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All emphasizes easy setup, primarily through the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. This app guides users through the wireless connection process, making it relatively straightforward to get the printer up and running on a home network. The app also serves as a central hub for managing print jobs, checking ink levels, and accessing various printer settings directly from your mobile device. This mobile-centric approach to setup and management aligns with the preferences of many modern users who prefer configuring devices without needing a computer.

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All comes equipped with a complete set of ink cartridges: the PG-275 Black Ink Cartridge and the CL-276 Color Ink Cartridge. The PG-275 is designed to produce crisp, sharp black text, which is essential for professional-looking documents, reports, and forms. The CL-276 color ink cartridge, on the other hand, is formulated to deliver vibrant and accurate colors for photos, graphics, and colorful presentations. While not explicitly branded with ChromaLife 100 like the MG3620 Wireless, Canon’s reputation for color accuracy and longevity generally applies to its genuine ink products. The inclusion of a multi-pack of ink cartridges in the box means you’re ready to start printing almost immediately after setup.

Pros and Cons of the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

Pros:

• Full 4-in-1 Functionality: Offers print, copy, scan, and fax capabilities, making it a comprehensive solution for home offices.
• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): A major time-saver for scanning or copying multi-page documents, enhancing productivity.
• Sharp Black Text: The PG-275 Black Ink Cartridge ensures professional-quality text documents.
• Mobile Printing and Easy Setup: Seamless integration with the Canon PRINT app facilitates wireless printing from various devices and simplifies the initial setup process.
• Compact Design: Despite its expanded features, the TR4720 is designed to be compact, fitting well into various home office setups.
• Good Value for Features: For its price point, offering ADF and fax alongside standard AIO functions provides excellent utility.

Cons:

• Wireless Setup Can Be Tricky for Some: While Canon aims for ease, several customer reviews mention initial difficulties with Wi-Fi setup, suggesting it might require some patience or troubleshooting for certain users.
• Ink Cartridge Cost: As with most inkjet printers, the cost of replacement ink cartridges (PG-275 and CL-276) can accumulate over time, especially with frequent use.
• Print Speed: Similar to the MG3620 Wireless, it’s not designed for high-volume, high-speed printing, making it more suited for occasional to moderate use.
• Not Explicitly ChromaLife 100: While Canon inks are generally good, the absence of explicit ChromaLife 100 branding for the TR4720’s specific ink formulation might imply a slightly different standard for photo longevity compared to models that feature it.
• General Inkjet Limitations: Like all inkjet printers, ink can dry out if not used regularly, and print heads can clog.

Customer Reviews for the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

Customer feedback provides real-world insights into the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All’s performance:

• “A fine printer if you don’t need it for much. That doesn’t mean it isn’t capable I just don’t need one for much beyond printing return labels and the odd list of passwords for safekeeping beyond any password manager/computer you’re using. Just remember to keep them updated. As for the wi-fi aspect t” This review highlights its capability even for light use, but also touches on the Wi-Fi setup, which seems to be a common point of discussion. It implies that once past the initial hurdle, the printer performs well for basic needs.
• “Excellent printing and copying. It was somewhat difficult to set up with wi-fi but I figured it out. The instructions left a couple of steps out. No problems after set up. Easy to change ink cartridges. Have not had any paper jams.” This user praises the printing and copying quality and the ease of ink changes, but confirms the Wi-Fi setup can be a challenge. The absence of paper jams is a significant positive, indicating reliable paper handling.
• “Not bad for an economical color printer. It replaced an HP printer, which a recent firmware update locked the use of non-HP ink cartridges. You lost a customer HP! The Cannon printer prints fairly quickly and nice quality. The Canon is a little difficult to set up via wireless.” This review gives kudos for print quality and speed, especially as a replacement for a competitor’s printer that imposed restrictive ink policies. The sentiment about wireless setup difficulty is echoed, reinforcing it as the main initial hurdle for users.

Best for: Who Should Buy the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is an excellent choice for:

• Home Office Users: Anyone running a small business from home or frequently dealing with administrative tasks will appreciate the ADF and fax functionality.
• Users with Multi-Page Document Needs: If you regularly scan or copy several pages at once (e.g., contracts, reports, receipts), the ADF is indispensable.
• Individuals Requiring Fax: For those who still need to send or receive faxes, this printer provides a convenient all-in-one solution.
• Organized Households: Families who want a comprehensive tool to manage documents, school forms, and digital archives.
• Value-Oriented Buyers Seeking Features: If you’re looking for advanced functionality like ADF and fax at an economical price point, the TR4720 offers strong value.

Check Price for Canon PIXMA TR4720 All on Amazon →

Head-to-Head Comparison

Now that we’ve had a closer look at each printer individually, let’s pit the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless and the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All against each other across several critical aspects. This will highlight their core differences and help you decide which one truly aligns with your specific needs.

Functionality: 3-in-1 vs. 4-in-1

This is arguably the most significant differentiator between the two models. The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless is a classic 3-in-1 all-in-one printer, offering printing, scanning, and copying capabilities. It covers the essentials for most home users, allowing them to handle common document and photo tasks. It’s designed to be simple and efficient for these core functions.

In contrast, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All steps up to a full 4-in-1 offering by including integrated fax functionality. For many, faxing might seem like a relic of the past, but for specific administrative tasks, legal documents, or certain business communications, it remains a necessity. If your work or personal dealings occasionally require sending or receiving faxes, the TR4720 All will save you the trouble of finding an external fax service or a separate machine. This additional function makes it a more complete solution for a small home office environment.

Document Handling: The Advantage of the ADF

Beyond just the fax, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All boasts another critical feature for enhanced productivity: the Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). This component allows you to load multiple pages (typically 20-35 sheets) into a tray, and the printer will automatically feed and process them for scanning or copying. Imagine needing to digitize a 10-page contract; with the MG3620 Wireless, you’d place each page individually on the flatbed scanner, scan, remove, replace, and repeat – a laborious process. With the TR4720 All’s ADF, you simply stack the pages, press a button, and let the printer do the work. This feature alone can drastically improve efficiency for anyone dealing with multi-page documents, making the TR4720 All far more suitable for light administrative tasks. The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless, lacking an ADF, requires manual placement for every single page, which can be a significant drawback for specific use cases.

Wireless Connectivity and Setup Experience

Both printers are designed for wireless connectivity, but their reported user experiences vary slightly. The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless explicitly advertises “Quick and easy wireless setup” and offers a wide array of powerful printing options including AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, NFC, Mopria, and Canon Print. This broad compatibility ensures that almost any mobile device can connect and print seamlessly. Customer reviews largely corroborate the ease of setup for the MG3620 Wireless.

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All also promises “EASY SETUP” through the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. While the app itself is user-friendly, some customer reviews indicate that the initial Wi-Fi setup for the TR4720 All can be “somewhat difficult” or “a little difficult” for some users, suggesting it might require a bit more patience or troubleshooting than the MG3620 Wireless. Once connected, both printers offer reliable wireless performance for daily tasks, but the initial hurdle might be slightly higher for the TR4720 All.

Ink Systems and Print Quality

The ink cartridges used are different for each model. The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless uses CL-241 Color and PG-240 XL Black ink cartridges. A notable feature here is the “new ChromaLife 100 ink formulation” and FINE (Full-Photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) Technology. ChromaLife 100 is Canon’s system for making photos that last longer and have a wider color range, suggesting a focus on vibrant and durable photo output. The FINE technology ensures precise ink placement for sharp detail. Customer reviews for the MG3620 Wireless mention “decent color” and “great price,” although one user did note a perceived drop in quality compared to older models.

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All uses PG-275 Black and CL-276 Color ink cartridges. It is described as producing “crisp, sharp black text” from the PG-275 and “colorful photos and images” from the CL-276. While it delivers “nice quality” as per customer reviews, there’s no explicit mention of the ChromaLife 100 formulation. This might imply that while its color output is good for everyday documents and casual photos, it might not offer the same enhanced longevity or specific color gamut range as the MG3620 Wireless for dedicated photo printing. For text-heavy documents, both printers generally provide sharp and legible output, which is a hallmark of Canon’s black ink cartridges. The initial cost of buying replacement cartridges is a consideration for both, and opting for XL versions (where available for both, though only explicitly mentioned for MG3620) is usually more economical in the long run.

Value for Money and Target Audience

The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless typically comes in at a slightly lower price point, positioning it as an excellent “budget option.” Its value lies in providing reliable core printing, scanning, and copying functionalities with excellent mobile integration for minimal investment. It’s perfect for a student, a light home user, or someone who needs a backup printer without spending much.

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All, while still economical, usually sits at a slightly higher price due to its expanded feature set. The added fax capability and, more importantly, the ADF, provide significant value for specific users. For a home office, a small business, or anyone frequently handling multi-page documents, the productivity gains from the ADF alone can easily justify the slightly higher cost. It’s a “more complete” solution for those whose needs extend beyond basic print/scan/copy.

Overall User Experience and Reliability

Both printers are Canon products, so a baseline of reliability and general ease of use can be expected. Customer reviews for both highlight “easy setup” (though with a caveat for TR4720 regarding Wi-Fi) and generally good performance for their intended purposes. Paper jams seem to be infrequent for the TR4720 All, which is always a good sign of reliable paper handling. The MG3620 Wireless is praised for being a “perfect budget option” that delivers on its promises. The perceived quality dip for the MG3620 Wireless compared to older models is an isolated but noteworthy point, indicating that demanding users might want to scrutinize print samples. Ultimately, both are solid choices within their respective categories, with the TR4720 All offering more advanced features for a slightly more involved home office setup.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which printer is better for basic home printing and school projects?

A: For basic home printing, occasional scanning, copying, and school projects, the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless is an excellent choice. Its ease of setup, extensive mobile printing options, and budget-friendly price point make it ideal for casual users and students who don’t need advanced document handling features like an ADF or fax. You can find more details and purchase it here on Amazon.

Q: I need to scan multi-page documents frequently for my home business. Which printer should I choose?

A: If you regularly need to scan or copy multi-page documents, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is definitely the better option. Its integrated Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) will save you a tremendous amount of time and effort by automatically feeding multiple pages, eliminating the need to manually place each sheet. This feature is a game-changer for productivity in a home office environment. Check it out on Amazon here.

Q: Does either printer have fax capabilities?

A: Yes, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is a true 4-in-1 printer that includes built-in fax functionality. The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless, on the other hand, is a 3-in-1 device and does not have a fax feature. If faxing is a requirement for your needs, the TR4720 All is the clear choice.

Q: How easy are these printers to set up wirelessly?

A: Both printers are designed for easy wireless setup. The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless is widely praised by customers for its “quick and easy” wireless setup across various platforms (AirPrint, Mopria, NFC, Google Cloud Print). The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All also offers easy setup via the Canon PRINT app, though some customer reviews indicate it can be “somewhat difficult” initially for Wi-Fi connection, requiring a bit more patience. Once set up, both provide reliable wireless printing.

Q: Are the ink cartridges expensive for these printers?

A: Both printers use a two-cartridge system (one black, one color) which is common for Canon’s home inkjet lineup. Inkjet cartridges, in general, can be a recurring cost. The Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless uses PG-240 XL Black and CL-241 Color cartridges, and the XL option helps reduce cost per page. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All uses PG-275 Black and CL-276 Color cartridges. While initial purchase prices might be low for the printers, always factor in the cost of replacement genuine Canon ink, as generic alternatives can sometimes lead to issues. For economical printing, consider purchasing XL versions of the cartridges if available for the specific model you choose.

Q: Which printer is better for photo printing?

A: Both printers can print photos, but the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless explicitly features the “new ChromaLife 100 ink formulation” which offers an even wider color range and improved fade resistance, making it potentially better suited for dedicated photo printing and ensuring your prints last longer. While the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All produces “colorful photos and images,” it does not explicitly mention the ChromaLife 100 system. For casual photo prints, both will suffice, but for preserving memories with enhanced vibrancy and longevity, the MG3620 Wireless might have a slight edge.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Making the final decision between the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless and the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All boils down to understanding your specific daily needs and your budget. Both printers offer reliable performance and the convenience of wireless connectivity, but they cater to distinct user profiles.

If you are a casual home user, a student, or someone with basic printing, scanning, and copying needs, the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless is likely your ideal choice. It’s incredibly user-friendly, boasts easy wireless setup, and offers a comprehensive suite of mobile printing options (AirPrint, Mopria, NFC, Google Cloud Print). Its ChromaLife 100 ink system also gives it a slight edge for vibrant and long-lasting photo prints. It’s a perfect budget-friendly workhorse for everyday tasks without unnecessary frills. If your document handling rarely involves more than a single page at a time and you don’t need to send faxes, you’ll be very happy with this compact and efficient printer.

Choose the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless for simplicity and value →

However, if you’re setting up a home office, deal with multi-page documents regularly, or have an occasional need for faxing, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is the superior option. Its key advantage lies in its true 4-in-1 functionality, which includes a much-appreciated Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). The ADF transforms the tedious task of scanning or copying stacks of paper into a quick, automated process, significantly boosting your productivity. While some users reported initial Wi-Fi setup challenges, the benefits of the ADF and built-in fax machine often outweigh this minor hurdle for those who need these features. It provides a more comprehensive document management solution, making it a better investment for more demanding home office environments.

Opt for the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All for enhanced home office features →

Ultimately, both Canon printers are reliable and offer strong wireless capabilities. Your choice hinges on whether the advanced document handling features of the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All (ADF and Fax) justify its slightly higher price and potentially more involved initial setup, or if the straightforward, budget-friendly appeal of the Canon Pixma MG3620 Wireless is all you truly need. Consider your workflow, look at your budget, and you’ll easily find the perfect Canon companion for your printing adventures.