It's a fact, 56% of English people use their smartphone to take pictures, most of which end up on social networks or in the phone. But we may want to print some shots to keep them in an album or put them in a frame. For this, the smartphone printer is a must. Economical and efficient, there is something for everyone. Follow the guide to choose the right one.
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Our selection
"Who doesn't dream of printing their best photos taken with a smartphone? The compact Kodak PM-210 printer will certainly make you happy. It offers excellent…"
"This smartphone printer not only prints your pictures instantly, but also allows you to put on paper messages, lists, QR code... It is very versatile."
"If you are looking for a robust and efficient instant digital printer, we recommend the Kodak Smile. This model prints images on 2×3 sticker paper."
"For inkless printing from your smartphone, without the extra cost, buy the Polaroid Zip. It is compatible with Android and iOS. This device is also…"
Who doesn't dream of printing their best photos taken with a smartphone? The compact Kodak PM-210 printer will certainly make you happy. It offers excellent image quality.
See priceVery easy to handle, this photo printer for smartphone can be your best ally during your next trips. It is light and compact, which makes it really easy to store in a bag or suitcase. You can take it anywhere!
Data exchange is easy thanks to the NFC technology used by this printer. This device does its job well while providing good quality images without margins. Note that it supports JPG and PNG formats.
This smartphone printer not only prints your pictures instantly, but also allows you to put on paper messages, lists, QR code... It is very versatile.
See priceThis smartphone printer provides you with a wide variety of themes and fonts to make your prints and images unique! Lightweight and tiny, this device is at the same time very powerful. You can take it with you during your business or school activities.
The Aibecy GOOJPRT A6 smartphone printer offers a resolution of 203 DPI. It offers good quality images. It does not require the purchase of an ink cartridge, which makes it even more interesting in terms of investment.
If you are looking for a robust and efficient instant digital printer, we recommend the Kodak Smile. This model prints images on 2×3 sticker paper.
See priceThis mini Bluetooth printer for Android and iOS is simply a very good quality product. It not only prints the photos you have taken with your smartphone, but it also allows you to edit and share them.
You don't have to worry about the solidity of this product because it has a protective case made of polyurethane resin. This material is really robust. The compatibility of the printer with an iPhone, iPad and smartphone is ensured by the Bluetooth wireless connection.
For inkless printing from your smartphone, without the extra cost, buy the Polaroid Zip. It is compatible with Android and iOS. This device is also very easy to use.
See priceFor your images to display realistic colors on a waterproof and ultra-resistant paper, opt for this printer. This device is to be connected to your smartphone through a Wi-Fi connection. In no time, your selfies will become real printed photos to file in an album or display in a frame.
This printer is perfect for people who travel or move around a lot. It is easy to use, as it does not need to be connected to a computer to operate. Another great thing about this device: in addition to being able to connect to a phone, this printer can also be connected to a tablet.
Any specific needs?
The best smartphone printer in 2021
The best entry-level smartphone printer
The best high-end smartphone printer
A very economical smartphone printer
Your guide :
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| TOP OF THE LINE | CHEAP | TOP OF THE LINE | EXCELLENT | |
In accordance with our commitment, this buying guide does not contain any sponsored products. |
9/10 |
7/10 |
9/10 |
8/10 |
| OUR SELECTION |
Kodak PM-210
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Aibecy GOOJPRT A6
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Kodak Smile
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Polaroid Zip
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Who doesn't dream of printing their best photos taken with a smartphone? The compact Kodak PM-210 printer will certainly make you happy. It offers excellent image quality.
|
This smartphone printer not only prints your pictures instantly, but also allows you to put on paper messages, lists, QR code... It is very versatile.
|
If you are looking for a robust and efficient instant digital printer, we recommend the Kodak Smile. This model prints images on 2×3 sticker paper.
|
For inkless printing from your smartphone, without the extra cost, buy the Polaroid Zip. It is compatible with Android and iOS. This device is also very easy to use.
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Dimensions
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19.1 x 9.7 x 5.1 cm
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10.16 x 8.6 x 5.08 cm
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11.7 x 8.1 x 2.3 cm
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2.21 x 7.39 x 11.99 cm
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Compatible devices
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iOS and Android
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Windows, Android and iOS
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iOS and Android
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iOS and Android
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Wi-Fi
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Yes
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No
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No
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Yes
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Bluetooth
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No
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Yes
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Yes
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Yes
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USB
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Yes
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Yes
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The smartphone printer is correctly called "compact", and indeed, it is the lightest and smallest of all types of printers. This compactness is also explained by the size of paper that these devices process: 10cm x 15cm. The weight of all compact printers is less than 2 kg. We can't really talk about the double-sided option for a compact photo printer, but some models offer a custom back (mainly postcards).
To transfer files to the printer, these devices all have a USB port. Therefore, your files can be saved on a USB stick, on your PC or even an external hard drive. Depending on the model, the connection can be made directly with the camera via USB. This interaction is done using Pictbridge technology. Only some models are not compatible with this standard. There are also printers that work on Wi-Fi network or Bluetooth, which allows you to print the photos stored in your smartphone.
Of course, it is through the screen and buttons that you can control and manage your compact photo printer. Still, you can skip a sophisticated touchscreen model and go for a screenless printer that produces very good quality images. A slim printer with an elegant design without a screen, or with a small 3-inch screen (like the Polaroid Zip) is already doing the trick as long as it allows you to apply a red-eye correction, crop your images...
A smartphone printer combined with an app offers many editing possibilities.
In
the middle range, you can easily find printers with a card reader. This reader is often compatible with the most common formats: SD cards, Memory Stick or Compact Flash. The compact photo printer does not require a connection to a computer, but you will still find models compatible with Windows devices. This is the case with the Aibecy Mini Portable Photo Printer, for example. Make sure the device is suitable for your phone's operating system.
The vast majority of compact photo printers offer very good print quality - 300 x 300 dpi. Two other factors also play a role in the overall quality of the photo ("rendering"): the quality of the camera and the quality of the paper. Check the resolution of the photo you want to print; for example, a 72 dpi photo on your computer will not print in good quality at 10 x 15 cm.
A smartphone printer allows you to connect your camera to a Wi-Fi network via a cable or USB adapter. This connector allows the printer and the camera to connect virtually.
If you have a smartphone that is compatible with a compact printer, it will be able to transmit your data through radio waves. The result is a color photo with takeoff and a variety of themes and decorations. Smartphone printers are smaller than laser or inkjet printers.
In addition, they are useful for producing instant images on paper with realistic shades. Since they do not use ink cartridges, they are easier to maintain compared to traditional printers.
To obtain photos with a portable photo printer, you will need dedicated photo paper that is ink-free or contains dye crystals that are imperceptible to the naked eye. When heated, the colorless paper will display realistic colors. This is how printing is done with the smartphone printer.
Currently, Wi-Fi printers represent an important part of the market for professionals and individuals.
A smartphone printer is small in size. You can store it in a pocket, a compartment in your purse or your travel bag. It is easy to use. You can use it anytime and anywhere, as long as it has the necessary charge. It makes you want to travel and capture the most memorable moments of your trip. Also, this device can be used in the workplace. The only drawback is that it prints photos in mini format.
Classic computer printers can print very high quality images on glossy photo paper. You won't have to go to a commercial printer to get prints. From home, you will be able to connect your printer to your machine, however, it can only be connected to your smartphone via a USB connection. It's neither compact nor lightweight and you can't carry it with you in the manner of a mini smartphone printer. In addition to being expensive, it requires a lot of maintenance and repairs.
To make life easier, a smartphone printer is the perfect solution for printing photos stored in your mobile devices. It's portable and small, and can easily be connected to your phone. However, there's nothing to stop you from investing in a traditional printer that will allow you to print larger photos.
Print from anywhere
Standard printers, with a larger footprint, are not portable and must be plugged into a power source before they work. The convenience of mobile printing will give you peace of mind. Print from the office, on the road or from home. If you're on your way to an important meeting, don't worry about forgetting to print important documents. As long as you have network access, you can connect to any smartphone printer.
Save time
You don't have to wait until you're behind the computer at your desk to print a document. Print it whenever you want, at home, in the middle of the night, in a traffic jam or at a client's office. As a result, your printed document will be ready and waiting for you when you return to the office.
Print from any device
No laptop? No problem. If you can access your files from another device, you can print from that device too. Downloading apps to your tablet and smartphone will provide you with a quick and easy way to print, whether you're in the office or not.
Individual use
Printers are some of the most widely used office equipment. In some environments, "a single person may touch a printer 3-5 times a day". In addition to frequent cleaning and disinfection, it is also helpful to reduce contact with shared equipment, especially during and after a pandemic. It makes your day-to-day work easier and is suitable for both business and home users.
Security
Using a smartphone printer offers a variety of options to prevent printed documents from being seen by those not involved. If you have sent a file for printing, you will receive a PIN code on your mobile device. By entering this PIN code on the printer, the document will be printed.
Print with Google Cloud Print
On a smartphone, open Google Chrome, then the page you want to print. Use Google Drive to print Word or Excel documents. Click on "Share", accessible in the menu. Then, select the printer and make the necessary settings before validating.
Carrying a battery backup
Have
a backup battery to prevent possible breakdowns or lack of charge. The autonomy of a Smartphone printer may not be satisfactory.
Take into account the technology used
A
little tip to ensure the quality of images from a smartphone printer: consider the technology used by said printer. Dye sublimation is the one we recommend.
Evaluate the run time
Your
printer needs to maintain a certain speed when printing, which is why it's important to evaluate the print speed. In general, this process requires about 45 min, 60 min at the most.
Find the email address of your printer
The
email address of your printer can be useful in case of a breakdown or handling error. To find it, look in the control panel or in the Web Services menu.
The best smartphone printer depends on your needs and budget. Read our buying guide to find out which products are the best.
Use the photo paper supplied by the printer manufacturer or paper of the same quality with the dimensions: 5 x 7.6 cm or 5.4 x 8.6 cm.
Smartphone printers can also print photos from a tablet. Some models can also print from a camera with a Bluetooth or Wi-Fi connection.
A smartphone printer does not use ink cartridges because its papers already contain colorless crystals (inks).
A good smartphone printer costs between 70 and 200 euros, but it is quite possible to find a cheaper and more efficient product.
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