Unveiling the Ultimate Showdown: Canon PIXMA MG3650S vs Canon PIXMA TS3350 – Which One Reigns Supreme?

Choosing the right printer can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re considering a Canon PIXMA printer for your home or small office, two popular models often come up: the Canon PIXMA MG3650S and the Canon PIXMA TS3350. Both printers offer a blend of affordability, versatility, and ease of use, but they also have their own unique strengths and weaknesses. This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance, and overall value of each printer, helping you determine which one best suits your specific needs.

Design and Build: Sleek and Compact

Both the Canon PIXMA MG3650S and the Canon PIXMA TS3350 boast a sleek and compact design, making them ideal for those with limited desk space. The MG3650S features a slightly larger footprint compared to the TS3350, but both printers are still remarkably compact and easy to integrate into any home or office environment.
The MG3650S comes in a stylish black finish, while the TS3350 offers a choice of black or white to match your decor. Both printers have an intuitive control panel with a small LCD screen for navigating menus and managing print jobs. The overall build quality of both models is decent, offering a solid and reliable feel.

Connectivity: Wireless and Mobile Printing Convenience

Both printers offer a wide range of connectivity options for seamless printing from various devices.

• Wireless Connectivity: Both the MG3650S and the TS3350 support wireless printing, allowing you to print documents and photos from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop without the need for a physical connection.
• Mobile Printing: Both models are compatible with Canon’s PIXMA Printing Solutions app, which enables you to print directly from your mobile device. The app also offers features like remote monitoring of ink levels and troubleshooting.
• USB Connectivity: Both printers also include a USB port for connecting directly to your computer.

Print Quality: Vibrant Colors and Sharp Text

Both the Canon PIXMA MG3650S and the Canon PIXMA TS3350 deliver impressive print quality for everyday use. The MG3650S boasts a slightly higher resolution of 4800 x 600 dpi compared to the TS3350’s 4800 x 4800 dpi. This translates to sharper text and finer details in photos.
Both printers utilize FINE print technology, which uses tiny ink droplets to create vibrant colors and smooth transitions. The MG3650S also features a five-color ink system, while the TS3350 uses a four-color system. This difference in ink cartridges can impact the overall print quality, especially in terms of color depth and vibrancy.

Speed: Speedy Printing for Everyday Tasks

When it comes to printing speed, the Canon PIXMA MG3650S edges out the Canon PIXMA TS3350. The MG3650S offers a slightly faster printing rate for both black and color documents. However, the difference in speed is not significant for everyday printing tasks.
Both printers are capable of printing up to 9.9 images per minute (ipm) for black and white documents and up to 5.7 ipm for color documents. The actual printing speed may vary depending on the complexity of the document and the type of paper used.

Ink Cartridges and Costs: A Factor to Consider

The cost of ink cartridges can be a major factor in the long-term cost of ownership for any printer. Both the Canon PIXMA MG3650S and the Canon PIXMA TS3350 use standard Canon ink cartridges.
The MG3650S uses a five-color ink system, while the TS3350 uses a four-color system. This means that the MG3650S requires more ink cartridges to print the same amount of documents or photos. However, the cost per page for the MG3650S is generally lower due to the higher ink yield of its individual cartridges.

Paper Handling: Versatility for Different Printing Needs

Both printers offer a range of paper handling options to suit different printing needs.

• Paper Tray Capacity: The MG3650S has a larger paper tray capacity of 100 sheets compared to the TS3350’s 60 sheets. This is beneficial for users who frequently print large volumes of documents.
• Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): The MG3650S features an automatic document feeder (ADF) that can hold up to 20 sheets, allowing you to scan or copy multiple documents without manual intervention. The TS3350 does not have an ADF.
• Rear Paper Feed: Both printers have a rear paper feed that can accommodate thicker media like photo paper and envelopes.

Additional Features: Beyond Basic Printing

The Canon PIXMA MG3650S offers a few additional features that set it apart from the Canon PIXMA TS3350.

• Scanning: The MG3650S includes a built-in scanner, allowing you to digitize documents and photos. The TS3350 does not have a scanner.
• Copying: The MG3650S also has a built-in copier that allows you to create copies of documents and photos. The TS3350 does not have a copier.

The Verdict: Which Printer Wins?

Choosing between the Canon PIXMA MG3650S and the Canon PIXMA TS3350 boils down to your specific printing needs and preferences.

• Canon PIXMA MG3650S: If you need a printer with a scanner, copier, and a larger paper tray capacity, the MG3650S is the clear winner. It also offers slightly faster printing speeds and better print quality due to its five-color ink system. However, it comes with a higher initial cost and may require more frequent ink cartridge replacements.
• Canon PIXMA TS3350: If you’re looking for a more affordable printer with a compact design and wireless connectivity, the TS3350 is a good choice. It’s suitable for users who primarily print documents and photos occasionally. However, it lacks the advanced features of the MG3650S, such as a scanner, copier, and ADF.

Final Thoughts: Beyond the Features

Ultimately, the best printer for you depends on your individual needs and budget. Both the Canon PIXMA MG3650S and the Canon PIXMA TS3350 offer a solid blend of features and performance for everyday printing tasks. Consider your printing frequency, volume, and the specific features you require before making your decision.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the difference between the Canon PIXMA MG3650S and the Canon PIXMA TS3350?
The Canon PIXMA MG3650S is a more feature-rich printer compared to the Canon PIXMA TS3350. The MG3650S includes a built-in scanner, copier, and an automatic document feeder (ADF). It also has a larger paper tray capacity and uses a five-color ink system for better print quality. The TS3350, on the other hand, is a more basic printer that offers wireless connectivity, mobile printing, and a compact design.
Q2: Which printer is better for photo printing?
Both printers are capable of printing high-quality photos, but the Canon PIXMA MG3650S has a slight edge due to its five-color ink system. The additional color ink provides richer and more vibrant colors for photos.
Q3: Can I use generic ink cartridges in these printers?
While you can use generic ink cartridges in both printers, it’s not recommended. Using non-genuine cartridges can void your printer’s warranty and may affect print quality and performance.
Q4: Which printer is more energy efficient?
Both printers are relatively energy efficient, but the Canon PIXMA TS3350 has a slightly lower power consumption rating. However, the difference in energy consumption is minimal in everyday use.
Q5: What is the warranty period for these printers?
Both the Canon PIXMA MG3650S and the Canon PIXMA TS3350 come with a one-year limited warranty. You can extend the warranty period by purchasing an extended warranty plan from Canon.