Canon TR4720 vs TR8620: Which PIXMA Printer?

Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

Canon TR8620 All

Stepping into the world of home printing can often feel like navigating a maze, especially when Canon offers such a diverse lineup of reliable PIXMA printers. Today, we’re putting two popular models head-to-head: the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All-in-One Wireless Printer Home use, with Auto Document Feeder, Mobile Printing and Built-in Fax, Black PG-275 Black Ink Tank, CL-276 Color Ink Cartridge and the Canon TR8620 All-in-One Printer for Home Office | Copier |Scanner| Fax |Auto Document Feeder | Photo and Document Printing | Airprint (R) and Android Printing, Black. Both promise versatility and convenience, but they cater to slightly different needs and budgets.

Choosing the right printer isn’t just about getting ink onto paper; it’s about finding a device that seamlessly integrates into your daily life, whether you’re a student, a busy parent, or managing a bustling home office. This comparison aims to cut through the marketing jargon and give you a clear, honest look at what each printer brings to the table. By the end of this article, you’ll have a complete understanding of their core features, performance capabilities, and overall value, empowering you to make the most informed decision for your specific printing demands.

In-Depth Look: Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

Key Features Analysis of the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is designed with simplicity and functionality at its core, making it an excellent choice for general home use. Its standout feature is its 4-in-1 capability, meaning you get printing, copying, scanning, and faxing all in one compact device. This versatility is crucial for households that occasionally need to send a fax, scan a document for school, or print photos for a project. The inclusion of an Auto Document Feeder (ADF) with a 20-sheet capacity is a significant convenience, allowing you to scan or copy multi-page documents without manually feeding each sheet. While it doesn’t offer advanced duplexing through the ADF, it still streamlines many tasks.

Setting up the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is touted as an “Easy Setup” through the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app. This is a huge plus for users who dread complex printer installations. The app guides you through connecting the printer to your home Wi-Fi network and getting started with mobile printing. Speaking of ink, the printer is designed for “easy ink cartridge installation and replacement.” It uses a two-cartridge system: one PG-275 Black Ink Tank and one CL-276 Color Ink Cartridge. This system is straightforward but might be less efficient for specific color photo printing compared to multi-ink systems, as running out of one color requires replacing the entire tri-color cartridge. However, for everyday documents and occasional color prints, it’s perfectly adequate and usually means a lower upfront cost for replacement inks.

Pros of the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

• Versatile 4-in-1 Functionality: Offers print, copy, scan, and fax, covering all basic home office needs in one device.
• Easy Setup and Use: Canon’s focus on simple setup via its mobile app and straightforward ink cartridge replacement makes it user-friendly.
• Compact Design: Its smaller footprint is ideal for tight spaces, dorm rooms, or small home desks.
• Auto Document Feeder: The 20-sheet ADF is a major convenience for scanning or copying multi-page documents quickly, saving time and effort.
• Affordable Initial Investment: Typically positioned as a budget-friendly option, making it accessible for many households.

Cons of the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

• Two-Cartridge Ink System: While simple, this system can be less economical for heavy color printing, as a single depleted color in the tri-color cartridge means replacing the whole unit. It also might offer less vibrant photo quality compared to multi-ink systems.
• No Automatic Duplex Printing: Printing on both sides of a page requires manual flipping, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming.
• Basic Control Panel: Lacks a touchscreen, relying on physical buttons, which might feel less intuitive for some users accustomed to modern interfaces.
• Limited Connectivity: Primarily wireless, lacking an Ethernet port for more stable wired connections, which might be preferred in some home network setups.
• No SD Card Slot: Direct photo printing from memory cards isn’t an option, requiring a computer or mobile device as an intermediary.

Customer Reviews for the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

Customers generally appreciate the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All for its reliability and ease of use, particularly for common household tasks. One user shared, “I have a new printer and it works great for pictures and documents for remote work and for my therapy business.” This highlights its solid performance for both everyday documents and photo printing, even for professional remote work scenarios. Another customer noted their overall satisfaction with the brand, stating, “I have changed out my printer since I purchased this item, but I have always been satisfied with this brand and cartridges.” This speaks to Canon’s reputation for dependable products and consistent ink quality, suggesting that while this model might be a replacement for some, the brand loyalty remains strong due to positive past experiences. The sentiment about it working “great for pictures and documents for remote work and for my therapy business” was echoed, reinforcing its suitability for mixed media printing and diverse personal and professional applications. The consensus points towards a dependable, no-frills printer that gets the job done effectively for a typical home environment.

Best for the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All

The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is ideally suited for home users, students, and small families who need a reliable, compact, and affordable all-in-one printer for occasional to moderate use. If your printing mostly involves documents, school assignments, basic photos, and the occasional fax or scan, this printer offers excellent value. It’s perfect for those who prioritize ease of setup and a straightforward user experience over advanced features like automatic duplexing or a touchscreen interface. If desk space is at a premium and you’re working within a tighter budget, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All could be your perfect match.

In-Depth Look: Canon TR8620 All

Key Features Analysis of the Canon TR8620 All

The Canon TR8620 All is pitched as a robust all-in-one solution for the modern home office, offering a significant upgrade in features and user experience compared to its more basic counterparts. Like the TR4720, it covers print, copy, scan, and fax functionalities, but it elevates these with enhanced efficiency and quality. A major draw is its “Intuitive control with an effortless user interface & 4.3″ LCD touchscreen.” This vibrant, responsive display makes navigation, settings adjustments, and job initiation far more pleasant and efficient than traditional button layouts.

For document handling, the Canon TR8620 All boasts a 20-Sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF), which is standard for its class and matches the TR4720’s capacity. However, its efficiency is bolstered by “Auto 2-Sided Printing,” a crucial feature for saving paper and time. This automatic duplexing applies to the main printing mechanism, making it effortless to print on both sides of a sheet. The ink system is also more advanced, typically utilizing five individual ink tanks (Pigment Black, Dye Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow). This individual ink tank system allows for more precise color reproduction, especially for photos, and is often more economical in the long run as you only replace the color that runs out.

Connectivity is another strong suit of the Canon TR8620 All. Beyond standard wireless printing, it includes Ethernet connectivity, providing a more stable and faster connection for network printing, which is often preferred in a busy home office. Mobile printing is exceptionally versatile, supporting not only the Canon PRINT app but also Apple AirPrint® and Mopria®, ensuring seamless printing from a wide range of smartphones and tablets. For photo enthusiasts, the inclusion of an SD memory card slot is a game-changer, allowing direct printing of photos without needing a computer. Additionally, access to apps like Easy-PhotoPrint Editor and Canon Creative Park offers robust creative printing options.

Pros of the Canon TR8620 All

• Advanced 4.3″ LCD Touchscreen: Provides an intuitive and user-friendly interface for easier navigation and control, greatly enhancing the user experience.
• Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves paper and time by automatically printing on both sides of a page, a significant advantage for document-heavy users.
• Five Individual Ink System: Delivers superior print quality, especially for photos, and can be more cost-effective as you only replace individual depleted color tanks.
• Versatile Connectivity: Offers both wireless and Ethernet options, providing flexibility for network setup and more stable connections. Extensive mobile printing support (Canon PRINT, AirPrint, Mopria).
• SD Card Slot: Allows direct photo printing from memory cards, bypassing the need for a computer or mobile device.
• Enhanced Photo Printing Features: Supports creative apps like Easy-PhotoPrint Editor and Canon Creative Park for more personalized prints.

Cons of the Canon TR8620 All

• Higher Price Point: As a more feature-rich printer, its initial purchase cost is higher than basic models like the TR4720.
• Larger Footprint: Generally takes up more desk space due to its enhanced features and internal mechanisms.
• Potentially Higher Ink Cartridge Count: While more efficient in the long run, managing five individual ink cartridges might feel like more effort than a two-cartridge system for some users.
• Setup Complexity (for some users): While Canon emphasizes “Easy Setup,” some users might find the initial driver installation (as noted in one review) a bit less straightforward than expected, though this is often an isolated issue.

Customer Reviews for the Canon TR8620 All

The Canon TR8620 All garners attention for its robust feature set, particularly among those seeking an alternative to other printer brands. One reviewer expressed their strong satisfaction, stating, “This review is for the Canon TR8620. Running away from bad experiences with HP printers and that company’s anti-consumer practices (i.e. programming their printers with kill switches, rejecting generic inks, and suspicious subscription services) gave me enough motivation to search for better or less.” This reflects a common sentiment among users who value freedom in ink choices and dislike restrictive practices, finding Canon a refreshing change. Another user, while generally positive, highlighted a minor hiccup during setup: “Ok, if you follow the installation instructions verbatim like I tried, you will get to a point where the printer is setup and the on screen menu is in a normal ready to use screen. The Manual then tells you to go to a web address for Cannon to install the drivers. The driver for this machine is not.” This indicates that while the physical setup might be straightforward, the software installation might require a slight deviation from the manual or a direct download for the latest drivers. Despite this, the overall sentiment points to a capable machine, especially for those looking for advanced features and a more user-friendly interface, appreciating the intuitive control and quality output once operational. The repeated positive experience when contrasting it with “bad experiences with HP printers” further cements its appeal for users seeking a reliable and less restrictive printing solution.

Best for the Canon TR8620 All

The Canon TR8620 All is the ideal choice for home office professionals, small business owners, and advanced home users who require higher productivity, superior print quality for both documents and photos, and a more streamlined workflow. If you frequently print, copy, or scan multi-page documents, value automatic duplexing to save paper, need robust mobile printing options (including AirPrint), or desire the convenience of direct printing from an SD card, the Canon TR8620 All is designed for you. Its touchscreen interface and advanced ink system also make it a strong contender for those who appreciate a more premium user experience and better photo output.

Head-to-Head Comparison

Performance and Efficiency

When it comes to raw performance and efficiency, the Canon TR8620 All generally takes the lead. While both printers feature a 20-sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF), the Canon TR8620 All distinguishes itself with “Auto 2-Sided Printing.” This means it can automatically print on both sides of a page, saving you significant time and effort, especially when dealing with multi-page reports or school projects. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All lacks this automatic duplexing, requiring manual flipping of pages, which can slow down tasks and be prone to errors. For scanning and copying multi-page documents, both printers’ ADFs are a convenience, but the overall efficiency of handling heavier workloads, especially with duplex printing, gives the Canon TR8620 All a clear edge. In a home office environment where time is money, these small efficiencies add up quickly.

Print Quality (Documents vs. Photos)

This is an area where the ink systems truly differentiate the two models. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All uses a 2-cartridge system (one black, one tri-color). This system is cost-effective upfront for ink and simple to manage, delivering perfectly acceptable quality for everyday documents and casual photos. Black text is crisp, and colors are decent for general use. However, for serious photo enthusiasts or those requiring professional-looking graphics, the Canon TR8620 All, with its 5-individual ink system (Pigment Black, Dye Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow), offers a significant advantage. The dedicated pigment black ink produces sharper, smudge-resistant text on plain paper, while the additional dye-based color inks (including a separate photo black) provide a wider color gamut and smoother gradations, resulting in more vibrant, detailed, and accurate photo prints. If stunning photo quality and crisp, professional documents are a priority, the Canon TR8620 All is the superior choice.

User Experience and Control

The control panel is one of the most immediate and noticeable differences between these two printers. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All features a more traditional button-based interface, which is straightforward and functional. For users who prefer physical buttons and a simpler display, this might be perfectly adequate. However, the Canon TR8620 All elevates the user experience with its “Intuitive control with an effortless user interface & 4.3″ LCD touchscreen.” This full-color touchscreen provides a much more modern and intuitive way to navigate menus, preview scans, adjust settings, and initiate tasks. It’s akin to using a smartphone, making complex operations feel much simpler and quicker. For frequent users or those who appreciate modern tech, the touchscreen on the Canon TR8620 All offers a significantly more enjoyable and efficient interaction.

Connectivity and Mobile Features

Both printers offer wireless connectivity, allowing you to print from various devices on your home network. However, the Canon TR8620 All expands upon this with a broader range of options and enhanced versatility. In addition to wireless, it includes an Ethernet port, which is crucial for users who prefer a more stable, wired connection, especially in home office setups where network reliability is paramount. For mobile printing, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All supports the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, which is functional. But the Canon TR8620 All goes further, supporting the Canon PRINT App, Apple AirPrint®, and Mopria®. This wider compatibility ensures that users with various mobile devices (iOS or Android) can print effortlessly and directly without needing to install additional drivers or specific apps, enhancing its appeal for tech-savvy households or those with diverse mobile ecosystems.

Value for Money and Running Costs

Initially, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All presents a more budget-friendly purchase price, making it an attractive option for those with tighter budgets. Its 2-cartridge ink system is also less expensive to replace per cartridge. However, the true “value” and “running costs” can be more nuanced. The Canon TR8620 All, despite its higher upfront cost, can offer better long-term value for heavier users. Its automatic duplex printing saves significantly on paper costs over time. Furthermore, its 5-individual ink system, while requiring more cartridges, can be more economical in the long run for color printing because you only replace the specific color that runs out, rather than an entire tri-color cartridge when only one color is depleted. For high-volume photo printing or frequent color documents, the Canon TR8620 All’s ink system can prove more cost-efficient per page. For casual users, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All’s simplicity and lower initial cost might still represent better overall value.

Design and Footprint

The design philosophy of these two printers aligns with their intended use cases. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is specifically marketed for “Home use” and is designed to be “compact.” This means it takes up less desk space, which is often a critical factor in smaller homes, apartments, or dorm rooms. Its utilitarian design is practical and understated. In contrast, while Canon printers generally aim for efficiency, the Canon TR8620 All, with its larger touchscreen, more complex internal mechanics for auto-duplexing, and additional features like the SD card slot and Ethernet port, naturally has a slightly larger footprint. It’s designed more for a dedicated home office desk where space might be less of a constraint than in a casual living area. Both are modern and sleek, but the TR4720 prioritizes space-saving, while the TR8620 prioritizes advanced functionality, which often translates to a slightly larger physical presence.

ADF Capacity and Efficiency

Both the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All and the Canon TR8620 All are equipped with a 20-sheet Auto Document Feeder (ADF). This means that for multi-page scanning or copying tasks, both printers offer the convenience of stacking up to 20 pages and letting the printer process them automatically, rather than manually placing each sheet on the scanner glass. This capacity is perfectly suitable for most home and small home office needs. However, the “efficiency” aspect extends beyond just capacity. While both have an ADF, the overall speed of processing documents, especially for tasks like scanning to cloud services or network folders (which the TR8620’s Ethernet connectivity might facilitate), could lean towards the more advanced TR8620. More importantly, while the ADF capacity is the same, the TR8620’s overall print engine efficiency, coupled with its automatic 2-sided printing capability, means that a larger print or copy job, even if manually loaded into the ADF, will be handled with greater overall efficiency and less user intervention once the print process begins.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Which printer is better for basic home use with occasional printing?

A: For basic home use, casual printing, and if budget and space are primary concerns, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is an excellent choice. It covers all the essential functions (print, copy, scan, fax) in a compact, easy-to-use package. It’s perfect for students, families with light printing needs, or anyone who doesn’t require advanced features like automatic duplexing or a touchscreen. You can check its current price on Amazon here.

Q: Which printer is better for a bustling home office?

A: For a busy home office or small business environment that demands higher productivity, better print quality, and advanced features, the Canon TR8620 All is the superior option. Its automatic 2-sided printing, 4.3″ LCD touchscreen, 5-individual ink system, and versatile connectivity (including Ethernet) make it much more efficient for heavier workloads and professional output. Find out more about the Canon TR8620 All on Amazon.

Q: Does either printer support automatic double-sided printing?

A: Yes, but only one. The Canon TR8620 All features ✓ automatic 2-sided printing, which can significantly save on paper costs and streamline document handling. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All does not offer this feature, requiring manual flipping of pages for double-sided prints.

Q: Can I print photos directly from an SD card with either of these printers?

A: Only the Canon TR8620 All is equipped with an ✓ SD memory card slot, allowing you to print photos directly without needing a computer. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All ✗ does not have this feature, so you would need to transfer photos to a computer or mobile device first.

Q: What’s the main difference in the user interface between the two?

A: The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All features a standard, button-based control panel, which is simple and functional. In contrast, the Canon TR8620 All offers a more modern and intuitive 4.3″ LCD touchscreen, making navigation, settings adjustments, and task management much easier and more interactive. This is a significant difference in daily usability.

Q: Are the ink cartridges interchangeable or expensive for these models?

A: No, the ink cartridges are not interchangeable, and their cost structure differs. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All uses a 2-cartridge system (PG-275 Black and CL-276 Color), which is simpler but can sometimes be less economical for heavy color printing if only one color runs out. The Canon TR8620 All uses a 5-individual ink system (Pigment Black + 4 Dye Inks). While the initial purchase of 5 cartridges might be higher, it can be more cost-effective over time for frequent color printing, as you only replace the specific color that is depleted, potentially saving money and reducing waste.

Q: Which printer is easier to set up?

A: Both printers are designed for ease of setup. The Canon PIXMA TR4720 All emphasizes “Easy Setup” through the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app, making wireless connection straightforward. The Canon TR8620 All also offers “Easy Setup for smartphone and computer” and wider mobile compatibility (AirPrint, Mopria). While both aim for simplicity, the TR8620’s broader connectivity options (including Ethernet) might require slightly more steps for advanced configurations, but generally, both provide a user-friendly initial experience.

Final Verdict: Which One Should You Choose?

Deciding between the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All and the Canon TR8620 All ultimately boils down to your specific needs, budget, and how you envision using your printer. Both are excellent all-in-one machines from a reputable brand, but they cater to distinct user profiles.

If you’re a casual home user, a student, or have relatively light printing demands, the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All is likely your best bet. It’s compact, affordable, and provides all the essential 4-in-1 functions (print, copy, scan, fax) with a convenient 20-sheet ADF and easy setup. It’s the reliable workhorse for everyday documents and occasional photos without breaking the bank. You prioritize simplicity, space-saving, and a lower initial investment. It’s perfect for those who need a printer that just works, without a fuss.

However, if you run a home office, manage a small business, or are a demanding home user who needs more advanced features, higher productivity, and superior quality, the Canon TR8620 All is the clear winner. Its 4.3″ LCD touchscreen offers a much more intuitive user experience, while automatic 2-sided printing saves paper and time. The 5-individual ink system delivers notably better photo and document quality, and versatile connectivity options like Ethernet and an SD card slot significantly enhance its utility for a professional or enthusiast. The slightly higher price is justified by its robust feature set and efficiency, making it a powerful tool for serious printing needs.

In summary, for straightforward, budget-conscious home use, choose the Canon PIXMA TR4720 All. For a feature-rich, high-performance printer for your home office or creative projects, invest in the Canon TR8620 All. Either way, you’re getting a quality Canon PIXMA printer tailored to your specific demands.