Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless
Canon TR8520 All
Stepping into the world of home office and photo printing, Canon’s PIXMA series has consistently delivered reliable and feature-rich options for years. Today, we’re diving deep into a comparison of two popular models that often catch the eye of consumers looking for an all-in-one solution: the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless All in One Photo Printer with Mobile Printing, Black, Works with Alexa and the Canon TR8520 All-In-One Printer For Home Office |Wireless | Mobile Printing | Photo and Document Printing, AirPrint(R) and Google Cloud printing, Black. Both promise versatility, wireless connectivity, and the convenience of an all-in-one device, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets.
Choosing the right printer can feel like a daunting task, especially when two models from the same reputable brand appear so similar on the surface. However, beneath their shared PIXMA branding lie distinct differences in features, performance, and overall user experience that can significantly impact your daily printing, scanning, and copying tasks. This comparison isn’t just about listing specifications; it’s about helping you understand which printer genuinely aligns with your specific home office demands, photo printing aspirations, and budget considerations.
In this comprehensive showdown, we’ll break down everything from initial setup and connectivity to print quality, everyday usability, and unique smart features. You’ll learn about each printer’s strengths and weaknesses, hear directly from other users through customer reviews, and ultimately gain a clear understanding of which Canon PIXMA model will be the best fit for your personal or home office environment. By the end of this article, you’ll be equipped with all the information you need to make an informed decision and confidently bring home the printer that truly meets your needs.
In-Depth Look: Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
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The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless positions itself as an accessible, feature-rich all-in-one printer for the modern home. It’s designed to seamlessly integrate into a connected lifestyle, emphasizing ease of setup and mobile functionality. For anyone juggling tasks from a smartphone or tablet, this printer aims to simplify the entire process. Its wireless capabilities are at the forefront, allowing users to connect and print directly from their mobile devices using the Canon Print app, a feature that many appreciate for its convenience in a busy household.
One of the standout attributes of the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless is its smart home integration. The fact that it “Works with Alexa” is a genuine game-changer for many, bringing voice control into the realm of printing. Imagine simply asking Alexa to print your shopping list or a coloring page for the kids – it’s a small convenience that can make a big difference in daily workflow. This integration also extends to ink management through “Dash Replenishment,” where the printer intelligently monitors ink levels and automatically reorders when supplies run low, saving you the hassle of last-minute trips to the store or running out of ink mid-project. This proactive approach to consumables is a thoughtful touch that adds significant value, especially for those who might forget to check ink levels regularly.
Beyond its smart features, the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless comes equipped with essential functionalities like a built-in Automatic Document Feeder (ADF). This means you don’t have to manually feed multiple pages for scanning or copying, which is a huge time-saver for anyone dealing with multi-page documents. The inclusion of AirPrint and Mopria Print Service further broadens its mobile printing compatibility, ensuring that users across various operating systems (iOS, Android, Windows 10 Mobile, Fire OS) can print without complex drivers or software installations. Its auto power On/Off feature is another subtle yet effective energy-saving and convenience benefit, allowing the printer to spring to life when a print job is sent and power down when idle. The compact footprint of the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless also makes it a suitable choice for smaller desks or home office setups where space is a premium, without sacrificing the core functionalities expected from an all-in-one device.
Pros of the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless:
- Excellent Mobile & Wireless Connectivity: With the Canon Print app, AirPrint, and Mopria, printing from smartphones and tablets is exceptionally smooth and user-friendly. The wireless setup is generally straightforward, though some router configurations might require a manual approach.
- Alexa Integration & Dash Replenishment: The ability to print with voice commands via Alexa and the automatic ink reordering through Dash Replenishment offer unparalleled convenience, making ink management and common print tasks effortless.
- Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): The built-in ADF streamlines multi-page scanning and copying, a crucial feature for productivity in a home office environment, saving significant time and effort.
- Compact Design: Its relatively small size ensures it fits comfortably in tight spaces, making it ideal for home users with limited desk real estate.
- Cost-Effective: Generally more affordable upfront than its more advanced counterparts, it provides robust all-in-one functionality at a budget-friendly price point.
- Auto Power On/Off: A smart energy-saving feature that helps reduce electricity consumption when the printer is not in active use, contributing to lower utility bills.
Cons of the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless:
- Two-Cartridge Ink System: This printer uses a two-cartridge system (one black, one tri-color). While simpler, it can be less economical for color printing, as you might have to replace an entire tri-color cartridge even if only one color runs out. Photo quality, while good, won’t match systems with individual color tanks.
- Basic Display: It features a more basic monochrome LCD screen, which is functional but less intuitive and visually appealing than a full-color touchscreen, potentially making navigation and settings adjustments a bit more cumbersome.
- Setup Can Be Tricky: While generally easy, some users report needing to follow instructions precisely or encountering issues with non-WPS routers, leading to a slightly longer initial setup process for some.
- No Memory Card Slot: Lacks a memory card slot, meaning direct printing from SD cards or other memory devices is not possible without an intermediary device.
- Not Optimized for Heavy Photo Printing: While it is a “Photo Printer,” its two-cartridge system suggests it’s better for occasional photo prints rather than high-volume, professional-grade photo output where color fidelity and longevity are paramount.
Customer Reviews for the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless:
One user noted, “Okay, so this wasn’t hard to set up, but you do need to follow the instructions. This isn’t a printer you can just plug in and start printing. I’ve noticed a lot of bad reviews because some people can’t figure out why the printer can’t detect the paper you’ve loaded, but there’s a reason.” This highlights the importance of reading the manual to avoid common setup pitfalls.
Another customer shared, “Arrived quickly, well packaged in original box. Set up was not as easy as it could have been but not due to the printer. The easy wireless set up failed because my router is not WPS as my internet company considers it less safe. Ok by me, I love security but I had to reset and start over so check your router settings first!” This review perfectly illustrates a common challenge where router security settings can impact wireless setup, emphasizing that knowing your home network configuration is key.
A third reviewer reiterated, “This isn’t a printer you can just plug in and start printing. I’ve noticed a lot of bad reviews because some people can’t figure out why the printer can’t detect the paper you’ve loaded, but there’s a reason.” This persistent theme suggests that while the printer is user-friendly once configured, patience and adherence to the setup guide are crucial for a smooth start.
Best for:
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless is an excellent choice for individuals or small families who need an affordable, compact, all-in-one printer for everyday document printing, occasional scanning, copying, and light photo prints. Its strong emphasis on mobile connectivity and smart home integration (Alexa, Dash Replenishment) makes it perfect for tech-savvy users who appreciate convenience and automation. If your printing needs are moderate, leaning more towards documents and school projects, and you value a clutter-free desk with smart features, the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless offers great value.
In-Depth Look: Canon TR8520 All
CUSTOMER REVIEWS
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The Canon TR8520 All steps up as a more robust and feature-rich all-in-one printer, specifically designed with the demands of a home office in mind. While it shares the wireless capabilities common to modern PIXMA printers, it elevates the user experience with several premium features that cater to higher-quality output and more efficient workflows. The core differentiator lies in its sophisticated 5-color individual ink system, a significant upgrade from the basic two-cartridge setup, promising superior document clarity and breathtaking photo quality with richer, more accurate colors and smoother gradients. This makes it an ideal choice for anyone whose printing needs extend beyond basic documents to include vibrant photos, professional-looking presentations, or detailed graphics.
Beyond print quality, the Canon TR8520 All focuses heavily on intuitive usability and comprehensive connectivity. Its 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen display immediately sets it apart, offering a modern, smartphone-like interface for effortless navigation through menus, settings, and print jobs. This tactile experience reduces frustration and speeds up tasks like copying, scanning, and managing faxes. The inclusion of a memory card slot further enhances its versatility, allowing users to print photos directly from an SD card without needing a computer, a massive plus for photographers or anyone who prefers direct media access. For those working with physical documents, the 20-sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) is a substantial benefit, enabling efficient batch scanning, copying, and faxing of multi-page documents, truly enhancing home office productivity.
Connectivity on the Canon TR8520 All is expansive, ensuring seamless integration with virtually any device or cloud service. Alongside standard Wi-Fi and USB, it boasts Bluetooth connectivity, providing another layer of convenience for short-range wireless printing. Support for AirPrint and Google Cloud Print ensures compatibility with both Apple and Android ecosystems, while its ability to print directly from cloud services (like Dropbox or Google Drive) and social media platforms adds unparalleled flexibility for content creators and those who store files online. The printer’s compact design, despite its advanced features, means it doesn’t demand excessive desk space, making it a powerful yet unobtrusive addition to any home office. The comprehensive suite of features, from its advanced ink system to its intuitive interface and broad connectivity, solidifies the Canon TR8520 All as a premium solution for diverse home office and creative printing needs.
Pros of the Canon TR8520 All:
- Superior 5-Color Individual Ink System: This is the major advantage for photo and high-quality document printing. Individual ink tanks mean you only replace the color that runs out, potentially saving money in the long run and offering significantly better color accuracy and detail for photos compared to a two-cartridge system.
- Intuitive 4.3-inch LCD Touchscreen: The large, responsive touchscreen provides a much more user-friendly experience for navigating menus, previewing documents, and operating the printer’s various functions without needing a computer.
- Memory Card Slot: Direct printing from SD cards is a huge convenience for photographers or anyone wanting to quickly print photos without transferring them to a computer or smartphone first.
- Robust Connectivity Options: Beyond Wi-Fi and USB, the inclusion of Bluetooth, Cloud printing, and social media printing offers exceptional versatility, catering to a wider range of devices and workflows.
- 20-Sheet Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): A clearly specified and adequately sized ADF capacity for multi-page scanning, copying, and faxing enhances home office productivity significantly.
- Dedicated Fax Functionality: Explicitly designed for faxing with a modem speed, making it a reliable tool for professional home office use where faxing is still necessary.
Cons of the Canon TR8520 All:
- Higher Initial Cost: As a more premium model, the Canon TR8520 All typically comes with a higher upfront price tag compared to entry-level all-in-ones.
- Ink “Hog” for Photos (as per review): While the 5-color system provides excellent quality, one customer review mentions it can be an “ink hog” when printing high-quality photos, meaning frequent photo printers might find ink costs adding up.
- No Explicit Alexa/Dash Replenishment: Unlike the TR4520 Wireless, the TR8520 All does not explicitly advertise integration with Alexa or automatic Dash Replenishment for ink reordering, which might be a missed convenience for some smart home users.
- Learning Curve for Advanced Features: With more features and connectivity options, there might be a slightly steeper initial learning curve for users who are less tech-savvy, despite the intuitive touchscreen.
- Physical Size: While described as compact for its feature set, it is generally larger than the more basic TR4520 Wireless due to its additional hardware like the touchscreen and more complex internal components.
Customer Reviews for the Canon TR8520 All:
One reviewer enthusiastically stated, “I gave this top stars even though it is an ink hog. BUT before you stop reading, when pro to g photos on “best” as I often do, very few printers are not! For a home office this is spectacular. It’s very compact, it comes with an automatic document feeder, which is very RARE in this price range.” This highlights the trade-off between premium photo quality and ink consumption, while praising its compact size and ADF, an uncommon feature for its price point.
Another user shared their positive setup experience: “I am so happy with my new printer and I am glad I didn’t listen to the reviews that it’s hard to wirelessly connect to a Chromebook because it was simple. All I did was goole how to add it to Chomebook and all you have to do is go into your settings, search printers, go to add printer manually and p” This provides reassurance for those concerned about specific device compatibility, demonstrating that wireless setup can be straightforward for various systems.
A third customer, replacing an older Canon model, commented, “My old Canon Pixma printer died on me. It worked fine for many years and I would have been happy to buy the same model. Of course, the model numbers change like fashion so I had to pick a new one.I went looking for a replacement and was stunned at all the negative reviews – of pretty much every mo” This speaks to the general challenge of finding universally praised printers, but also suggests that loyal Canon users find suitable replacements within the brand, implying a certain level of consistent quality or familiarity.
Best for:
The Canon TR8520 All is ideal for users who demand higher quality outputs, especially for photos and graphics, and require more advanced features for a productive home office. If you frequently print high-resolution photos, need to fax regularly, value an intuitive touchscreen interface, or often print directly from memory cards or cloud services, the Canon TR8520 All justifies its higher price point. It’s perfect for small business owners, photographers, or anyone who needs a more robust and versatile all-in-one solution that can handle a wider range of tasks with professional results.
Head-to-Head Comparison
When pitting the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless against the Canon TR8520 All, it becomes clear that while both serve as excellent all-in-one printers, they are engineered to cater to different user profiles and priorities. Let’s break down their performance across several key aspects to highlight where each truly shines.
Print Quality and Ink System
This is arguably the most significant differentiator between the two models. The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless operates on a traditional two-cartridge system: one for black ink and one for a combined tri-color (cyan, magenta, yellow) cartridge. This setup is common in entry-level printers due to its simplicity and lower manufacturing cost. For everyday documents, school reports, and basic color printing, this system performs adequately, delivering clear text and acceptable color graphics. However, when one of the colors in the tri-color cartridge runs out, you have to replace the entire cartridge, even if the other colors are still full, which can lead to waste and higher running costs for frequent color users. Photo quality, while decent, will be limited by the narrower color gamut and potential graininess compared to more advanced systems.
In stark contrast, the Canon TR8520 All boasts a superior 5-color individual ink system. This comprises a pigment black (PGBK) for sharp text, a dye-based black (BK) for photo depth, and individual dye-based cyan (C), magenta (M), and yellow (Y) cartridges. This system is a game-changer for anyone serious about photo printing or who requires professional-looking color documents. The individual cartridges mean you only replace the specific color that’s depleted, leading to less waste and potentially lower long-term ink costs if you print a lot of one specific color. More importantly, the combination of pigment black for text and dye-based colors (plus an extra black for photos) results in significantly richer, more accurate, and vibrant photo prints with smoother gradients and finer detail. Documents will also exhibit sharper text and more impactful graphics. So, for superior print quality, especially photos, the Canon TR8520 All is the clear winner.
User Interface and Ease of Use
Usability is crucial for any home office device. The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless offers a functional but basic user experience. Its monochrome LCD screen and physical buttons are straightforward for simple tasks like initiating a copy or checking ink levels. However, navigating through deeper settings or troubleshooting can feel a bit cumbersome, requiring multiple button presses and referring to the manual. Its strength in ease of use comes from its mobile app integration and smart features like auto power On/Off. Once set up, many functions are accessible directly from your smartphone, bypassing the printer’s physical interface.
The Canon TR8520 All provides a significantly more modern and intuitive interface thanks to its 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen. This full-color display offers a smartphone-like experience, making navigation effortless with taps and swipes. Previewing documents, adjusting settings, accessing cloud services, or initiating complex scan jobs are all made much simpler and faster. This enhanced interface reduces the learning curve for advanced functions and contributes to a more pleasant overall user experience. For those who appreciate modern tech and seamless interaction, the Canon TR8520 All’s touchscreen is a definite advantage.
Connectivity and Smart Features
Both printers excel in wireless connectivity, offering Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Mopria Print Service for seamless mobile printing. However, there are notable differences in their extended connectivity and smart integrations. The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless shines with its “Works with Alexa” functionality and Dash Replenishment. Voice commands for printing basic tasks and automatic ink reordering add a layer of convenience that smart home enthusiasts will love. It truly embodies the idea of a “smart” printer that proactively manages its own supplies.
The Canon TR8520 All, while not explicitly advertising Alexa integration, offers a broader range of connectivity options that appeal to different types of users. It includes Bluetooth for short-range wireless printing without a network, and more importantly, direct printing from various cloud services and social media platforms. This is incredibly useful for creative professionals or anyone who stores their work online and needs quick access to print. It also features a memory card slot, enabling direct photo printing from an SD card, a feature conspicuously absent from the TR4520 Wireless. So, while the TR4520 Wireless focuses on smart home integration, the TR8520 All emphasizes comprehensive digital workflow integration.
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) and Faxing
An ADF is a critical component for productivity in any home office, allowing for hands-free scanning, copying, and faxing of multi-page documents. Both printers include a built-in ADF, which is a big plus. However, the Canon TR8520 All explicitly states a “20 sheet ADF,” which provides a clear expectation of its capacity for handling batch jobs. The TR4520 Wireless also has an ADF, but its capacity isn’t specified, typically implying a smaller or standard capacity, likely around 10-20 sheets. For heavy document handling, a larger and more robust ADF is always preferred.
When it comes to faxing, both are “all-in-one” printers, implying fax functionality. However, the Canon TR8520 All highlights its dedicated “Super G3 color fax” with a modem speed of “Up to 33.6 Kbps,” and a memory capacity of approximately 250 pages. This explicit detail suggests a more professional and reliable faxing capability, which is vital for some home office environments where sending and receiving faxes is a regular necessity. The TR4520 Wireless includes fax, but without such detailed specifications, it suggests a more basic implementation suitable for occasional use.
Value for Money and Target Audience
The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless generally represents a stronger value proposition for budget-conscious users or those with lighter, more casual printing needs. Its lower initial purchase price makes it an attractive option for students, small families, or individuals who primarily print documents and only occasionally venture into color prints or photos. The convenience of Alexa and Dash Replenishment offers excellent value for a streamlined user experience at an entry-level price point.
The Canon TR8520 All, while having a higher initial cost, offers superior features that justify its price for a specific demographic. Its advanced ink system, intuitive touchscreen, and extensive connectivity make it a powerful tool for a serious home office, small business, or individuals with a passion for high-quality photo printing. For users who rely heavily on their printer for diverse tasks, including professional documents and vibrant photos, the investment in the TR8520 All provides a richer feature set, better quality output, and enhanced productivity tools, representing better long-term value despite the higher upfront cost and potentially higher ink usage for intensive photo printing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which printer offers better photo printing quality?
A: The Canon TR8520 All offers significantly better photo printing quality due to its 5-color individual ink system. This setup allows for a wider color gamut, smoother gradients, and sharper details compared to the 2-cartridge system of the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless.
Q: Is one printer easier to set up wirelessly than the other?
A: Both printers are designed for easy wireless setup via the Canon Print app. However, some users report that the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless might require careful adherence to instructions, especially with non-WPS routers. The Canon TR8520 All, with its larger touchscreen, might offer a slightly more guided experience for some users, but generally, both require a bit of patience if your network setup is unusual.
Q: Which printer is better for a bustling home office environment?
A: The Canon TR8520 All is generally better suited for a bustling home office. Its 5-color ink system, 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen, 20-sheet ADF, memory card slot, and extensive connectivity (including Bluetooth and cloud printing) provide a more robust and efficient workflow for diverse tasks like document printing, high-quality photo production, scanning, copying, and dedicated faxing.
Q: Does either printer work with smart home assistants like Alexa?
A: Yes, the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless explicitly states that it “Works with Alexa” and supports Dash Replenishment for automatic ink reordering. This is a significant smart home advantage for the TR4520 Wireless. The Canon TR8520 All does not explicitly mention Alexa integration in its features.
Q: Which printer will be more economical to run in terms of ink costs?
A: This depends on your printing habits. The Canon TR8520 All, with its 5 individual ink tanks, can be more economical for color printing in the long run, as you only replace the specific color that runs out. The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless, with its tri-color cartridge, can lead to wasted ink if one color runs out before the others. However, if you primarily print black and white documents, the TR4520 Wireless might appear cheaper initially. For heavy photo printing, the TR8520 All might consume more ink, as noted by some users, but it delivers superior quality.
Q: Can I print directly from a memory card with either of these printers?
A: Only the Canon TR8520 All features a built-in memory card slot, allowing you to print photos and documents directly from an SD card. The Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless does not have this feature.
Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?
After a thorough exploration of both the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless and the Canon TR8520 All, it’s clear that Canon has designed two excellent printers that cater to slightly different segments of the market. Your ultimate choice will hinge on your specific printing habits, budget, and the level of functionality you truly need.
For the casual home user, student, or small family with basic printing, copying, and scanning needs, the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless stands out as the more practical and economical choice. It’s compact, integrates seamlessly with smart home ecosystems like Alexa, and offers the incredible convenience of Dash Replenishment for ink management. While its 2-cartridge ink system is less ideal for high-volume photo printing, it delivers perfectly acceptable quality for everyday documents and occasional photos. If you’re looking for an affordable, straightforward, and smart-enabled all-in-one printer without needing professional-grade photo output, the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless is your champion.
However, if you’re setting up a more demanding home office, are an avid photographer, or simply require superior print quality and advanced features for a truly versatile workstation, the Canon TR8520 All is undeniably the superior option. Its 5-color individual ink system is a game-changer for vibrant photos and crisp documents, while the intuitive 4.3-inch LCD touchscreen transforms the user experience. The added memory card slot, Bluetooth connectivity, and robust fax capabilities further solidify its position as a powerhouse for productivity and creativity. Yes, it comes with a higher initial price tag and might be an “ink hog” for intense photo sessions, but the investment is justified by the enhanced functionality, professional output, and streamlined workflow it provides.
In summary:
- Choose the Canon PIXMA TR4520 Wireless if:
- You need a budget-friendly all-in-one.
- Your primary use is documents, with occasional photos.
- You value smart home integration (Alexa) and automatic ink reordering.
- Desk space is limited.
- Choose the Canon TR8520 All if:
- You require superior photo and document print quality.
- You have a home office with diverse printing, scanning, and faxing needs.
- You appreciate an intuitive touchscreen interface and direct media printing (memory card).
- You need comprehensive connectivity options, including Bluetooth and cloud printing.
Both printers uphold Canon’s reputation for quality, but by understanding their core strengths, you can confidently select the PIXMA model that will best serve your individual needs and bring efficiency and quality to your printing tasks.
