What To Know
- In terms of print speed, the EcoTank 3850 edges out the Smart Tank 7301 with a maximum print speed of 15 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white documents and 11 ppm for color documents.
- The EcoTank 3850 boasts an impressive ink capacity of up to 7,500 pages for black and 6,000 pages for color, while the Smart Tank 7301 offers a capacity of up to 6,000 pages for black and 8,000 pages for color.
- While the EcoTank 3850 excels in print speed and photo printing capabilities, the Smart Tank 7301 boasts a larger touchscreen display and a higher ink capacity.
In the realm of printing, Epson and HP reign supreme, offering a plethora of ink tank printers designed to cater to the needs of cost-conscious consumers. Among their latest offerings, the Epson EcoTank 3850 and HP Smart Tank 7301 stand out as formidable contenders. In this comprehensive comparison, we delve into the intricacies of these two printing powerhouses, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and the key factors that differentiate them.
Design and Build
The Epson EcoTank 3850 and HP Smart Tank 7301 share a sleek and compact design, seamlessly integrating into any home or office space. Both printers feature a front-loading paper tray that can accommodate up to 100 sheets of plain paper, ensuring uninterrupted printing sessions. The EcoTank 3850 boasts a dedicated photo tray for printing high-quality photos, while the Smart Tank 7301 offers a rear specialty tray for printing on various media types.
Connectivity and Features
In terms of connectivity, both printers support Wi-Fi, Wi-Fi Direct, and USB connectivity options. The EcoTank 3850 features an intuitive LCD screen for easy navigation and printer management, while the Smart Tank 7301 includes a touchscreen display for added convenience. Both printers offer mobile printing capabilities through the respective Epson and HP mobile apps, allowing you to print directly from your smartphone or tablet.
Print Quality and Speed
The Epson EcoTank 3850 and HP Smart Tank 7301 deliver exceptional print quality for both documents and photos. The EcoTank 3850 utilizes Epson‘s PrecisionCore technology to produce sharp and vibrant prints with a resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi. The Smart Tank 7301, on the other hand, employs HP’s Thermal Inkjet technology, offering a print resolution of up to 1200 x 1200 dpi.
In terms of print speed, the EcoTank 3850 edges out the Smart Tank 7301 with a maximum print speed of 15 pages per minute (ppm) for black and white documents and 11 ppm for color documents. The Smart Tank 7301 trails slightly behind with a print speed of 11 ppm for black and white documents and 6 ppm for color documents.
Ink Costs and Capacity
One of the primary advantages of ink tank printers is their low ink costs and high ink capacity. The Epson EcoTank 3850 and HP Smart Tank 7301 both come with large ink tanks that can hold a substantial amount of ink, significantly reducing the frequency of ink refills. The EcoTank 3850 boasts an impressive ink capacity of up to 7,500 pages for black and 6,000 pages for color, while the Smart Tank 7301 offers a capacity of up to 6,000 pages for black and 8,000 pages for color.
Running Costs
When it comes to running costs, the EcoTank 3850 and Smart Tank 7301 are both incredibly economical. The EcoTank 3850 offers a cost per page of approximately 1.1 cents for black and white documents and 3.9 cents for color documents. The Smart Tank 7301, on the other hand, has a slightly higher cost per page of approximately 1.3 cents for black and white documents and 4.2 cents for color documents.
Warranty and Support
Both Epson and HP provide comprehensive warranties for their ink tank printers. The Epson EcoTank 3850 comes with a standard one-year warranty, while the HP Smart Tank 7301 offers a two-year warranty. Additionally, both manufacturers offer extended warranty options for an additional cost.
Which Printer is Right for You?
The choice between the Epson EcoTank 3850 and HP Smart Tank 7301 ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences. If you prioritize high print speeds and a dedicated photo tray, the EcoTank 3850 is the ideal choice. On the other hand, if you value a large touchscreen display and a higher ink capacity, the Smart Tank 7301 is a better fit.
Final Thoughts: The Battle of the Ink Tank Titans
The Epson EcoTank 3850 and HP Smart Tank 7301 are both exceptional ink tank printers that offer superior print quality, low ink costs, and convenient features. While the EcoTank 3850 excels in print speed and photo printing capabilities, the Smart Tank 7301 boasts a larger touchscreen display and a higher ink capacity. Ultimately, the best printer for you depends on your individual requirements and preferences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which printer has a higher print resolution?
A: The Epson EcoTank 3850 has a higher print resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi, compared to the HP Smart Tank 7301’s 1200 x 1200 dpi.
Q: Which printer has a lower cost per page?
A: The Epson EcoTank 3850 has a slightly lower cost per page of approximately 1.1 cents for black and white documents and 3.9 cents for color documents, compared to the HP Smart Tank 7301’s 1.3 cents for black and white documents and 4.2 cents for color documents.
Q: Which printer has a larger ink capacity?
A: The HP Smart Tank 7301 has a larger ink capacity of up to 6,000 pages for black and 8,000 pages for color, compared to the Epson EcoTank 3850’s 7,500 pages for black and 6,000 pages for color.
Q: Which printer has a touchscreen display?
A: Only the HP Smart Tank 7301 features a touchscreen display.
Q: Which printer has a dedicated photo tray?
A: Only the Epson EcoTank 3850 has a dedicated photo tray for printing high-quality photos.
