What To Know
- It also features a built-in scanner with a flatbed and an automatic document feeder, allowing you to scan documents and photos easily.
- The Brother MFC-J4335DW, on the other hand, offers a duplex printing feature, allowing you to print on both sides of the paper automatically.
- If you prioritize vibrant photo prints, versatility in media types, and a built-in scanner with an ADF, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a might be the ideal choice.
Choosing the right all-in-one printer can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders in the market are the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and the **Brother MFC-J4335DW**. Both printers offer a comprehensive suite of features, including printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. But which one emerges as the ultimate champion for your home or small office needs? This in-depth comparison will shed light on their strengths and weaknesses, helping you make an informed decision.
Printing Performance: A Tale of Two Ink Systems
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a and the Brother MFC-J4335DW employ different ink systems. The Canon utilizes a 6-color ink system, including black, cyan, magenta, yellow, gray, and photo black. This setup is designed to deliver vibrant colors and sharp details in photos and documents. The Brother, on the other hand, relies on a 4-color ink system, comprising black, cyan, magenta, and yellow. While this system might not offer the same level of color depth as the Canon, it is generally more cost-effective in the long run.
Printing Speed: A Race Against Time
When it comes to printing speed, the Brother MFC-J4335DW takes the lead. It boasts a faster print speed for both black and color documents, making it ideal for high-volume printing tasks. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a, while still capable, falls slightly behind in this category. However, both printers offer decent printing speeds that should be sufficient for most home and small office users.
Connectivity: Staying Connected in the Digital Age
Both printers offer a wide range of connectivity options, ensuring seamless integration into your digital workflow. Both support Wi-Fi, allowing you to print wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. They also feature Ethernet connectivity for wired network setups. Additionally, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a provides NFC (Near Field Communication) for easy printing from compatible mobile devices.
Paper Handling: Versatility and Capacity
The Brother MFC-J4335DW excels in paper handling capacity, offering a 250-sheet input tray and a 50-sheet automatic document feeder (ADF). This makes it well-suited for handling large print jobs without frequent refills. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a, while offering a 100-sheet input tray, lacks an ADF. This might be a drawback for users who frequently scan or copy multi-page documents.
Specialty Features: Going Beyond the Basics
Both printers offer a few specialty features that enhance their functionality. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a stands out with its ability to print on a variety of media types, including photo paper, envelopes, and even CDs/DVDs. It also features a built-in scanner with a flatbed and an automatic document feeder, allowing you to scan documents and photos easily. The Brother MFC-J4335DW, on the other hand, offers a duplex printing feature, allowing you to print on both sides of the paper automatically. It also has a dedicated fax machine, making it ideal for businesses that need to send and receive faxes.
Cost of Operation: A Balancing Act
The cost of operation is a critical factor to consider when choosing a printer. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a uses individual ink cartridges, which can be replaced separately. This allows you to only replace the cartridges that run out, potentially saving you money. However, the Brother MFC-J4335DW uses a 4-color ink cartridge system. While this might seem less convenient, it often translates to lower overall printing costs per page, especially for black and white documents.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Printer for Your Needs
Ultimately, the best printer for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize vibrant photo prints, versatility in media types, and a built-in scanner with an ADF, the Canon PIXMA TR8620a might be the ideal choice. However, if you prioritize fast printing speeds, high paper handling capacity, cost-effective operation, and a dedicated fax machine, the **Brother MFC-J4335DW** emerges as the winner.
Beyond the Comparison: A Deeper Dive
While the Canon PIXMA TR8620a and the Brother MFC-J4335DW are both excellent all-in-one printers, there are other factors to consider beyond their core features.
User Friendliness: Navigating the Interface
Both printers feature user-friendly interfaces that are relatively easy to navigate. The Canon PIXMA TR8620a boasts a touchscreen display, providing a more intuitive and responsive user experience. The Brother MFC-J4335DW, on the other hand, relies on a button-based control panel, which might require some familiarization.
Software and Mobile Apps: Printing on the Go
Both printers offer comprehensive software packages and mobile apps that enhance their functionality. Canon’s PIXMA Cloud Link app allows you to print, scan, and copy documents remotely from your smartphone or tablet. Brother’s iPrint&Scan app provides similar features, allowing you to print and scan wirelessly from your mobile device.
Durability and Reliability: Long-Term Performance
Both printers are known for their durability and reliability. However, user reviews suggest that the Canon PIXMA TR8620a might experience occasional issues with ink cartridges clogging or print quality inconsistencies. The Brother MFC-J4335DW, on the other hand, has a reputation for being more robust and consistent in its performance.
The Final Word: Making the Right Choice
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a and the Brother MFC-J4335DW are both capable all-in-one printers that offer a range of features and benefits. Ultimately, the best printer for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. Consider factors such as printing speed, paper handling capacity, cost of operation, specialty features, user friendliness, and software compatibility. By carefully evaluating your requirements and comparing the strengths and weaknesses of each printer, you can make an informed decision that will meet your printing needs for years to come.
Quick Answers to Your FAQs
1. Which printer is better for printing photos?
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a is generally considered better for printing photos due to its 6-color ink system, which produces more vibrant and detailed prints than the Brother MFC-J4335DW’s 4-color system.
2. Which printer is more cost-effective for regular printing?
The Brother MFC-J4335DW tends to be more cost-effective for regular printing, especially for black and white documents, due to its 4-color ink cartridge system.
3. Which printer is better for small businesses?
Both printers are suitable for small businesses, but the Brother MFC-J4335DW might be a better choice due to its faster printing speed, higher paper handling capacity, and dedicated fax machine.
4. Can I print wirelessly from my smartphone with both printers?
Yes, both printers support Wi-Fi connectivity, allowing you to print wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop.
5. Which printer offers a touchscreen display?
The Canon PIXMA TR8620a features a touchscreen display, while the Brother MFC-J4335DW relies on a button-based control panel.
