Documents or Photos Laser Printers? Compared by Specs
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This comparison examines the documents vs photos laser printer debate, though note that both units here are ink-based, not laser. We compare the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 and the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500. Both are wireless all-in-one printers with refillable ink systems for low-cost printing. The main difference lies in their intended use. The HP model targets general document workflows, while the Epson model focuses on high-quality photo output with a specialized 6-color ink system.
Key differences
| Aspect | HP Smart Tank Plus Wireless All-in-One | Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Ideal For | Documents | Photos |
| Print Technology | Ink tank | Supertank |
| Ink System | Refillable ink tank, cartridge-free | Claria ET Premium 6-color ink |
| Supported Functions | Print, scan, copy, fax | Print, scan |
| Size | Medium | Large |
Which one should you choose?
Choose HP Smart Tank Plus Wireless All-in-One if
- You need a printer that handles faxing alongside scanning and copying for home office documents.
- You prioritize a more compact footprint and a lighter machine for your workspace.
- You want a system explicitly designed for general document printing with included ink for years.
Choose Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer if
- You require vivid, detailed photo printing with a 6-color ink system for vibrant hues.
- You want to print on specialty media like cardstock, CDs, and DVDs.
- You prefer a larger format with a touchscreen interface for easier navigation.
Verdict: Choose the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 if your primary need is efficient document management with fax capabilities and a compact design. Select the Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 if your workflow centers on high-quality photo printing and creative media. Each model excels in its specific intended use case.
Documents vs Photos Printer Specs
Ideal Use Case
The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is explicitly labeled as ideal for documents. It includes an automatic document feeder, which helps you process stacks of paper quickly. This makes it a practical choice for home offices handling contracts or school papers. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is marked as ideal for photos. It supports printing on cardstock, envelopes, CDs, and DVDs. This versatility suits creative projects better. You should choose the HP model if your daily work involves scanning and copying multiple pages. Pick the Epson unit if you need to produce high-quality images on various media types.
Print Technology
Both machines use ink tank systems, but the ink formulation differs. The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 uses a standard ink tank system designed for sharp text and rich colors in general printing. It focuses on reliable, cartridge-free printing for everyday tasks. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 uses Claria ET Premium 6-color ink. This six-color system provides breathtaking detail and vibrant colors for photographic prints. The extra ink colors allow for smoother gradients and better skin tones in photos. If you print mostly text, the HP system is sufficient. For photo enthusiasts, the Epson six-color technology offers superior image quality.
Supported Functions
The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is a full all-in-one device. It supports printing, scanning, copying, and faxing. It also features a mobile printing capability and a wireless connection. The inclusion of a fax function adds value for home businesses that still need to send faxes. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 supports printing, scanning, and copying. It offers wireless scanning and Wi-Fi Direct connectivity. However, the data does not list fax support for the Epson model. If you require faxing capabilities, the HP unit is the clear choice. The Epson is better if you prioritize photo printing and do not need fax functionality.
Build and Size
Size matters for desk space. The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is a medium-sized printer. It measures 14.7 inches in width, 17.7 inches in length, and 7.8 inches in height. It weighs 10.3 pounds, making it relatively light and easy to move. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 is a large unit. It measures 15.9 inches in width, 24.1 inches in length, and 13.7 inches in height. It weighs 18.5 pounds. The Epson takes up significantly more floor or desk space. If you have a small workspace, the HP model fits better. The Epson requires a larger, sturdy surface to support its weight and footprint.
Connectivity
Both printers offer wireless connectivity for modern printing needs. The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 supports wireless printing and mobile printing. This allows you to send jobs from smartphones or tablets easily. The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 also provides wireless connectivity. It specifically highlights Wi-Fi Direct connectivity, which allows devices to connect directly to the printer without a local network. It also features a 4.3-inch touchscreen for navigation. While both connect wirelessly, the Epson adds direct connection options and a physical screen for easier control. The HP relies more on mobile apps for setup and management.
Choose the Right Printer for You
Home office users needing high-volume document printing
The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is ideal for documents. It includes an automatic document feeder to process paper stacks quickly. You get two years of ink included, allowing thousands of pages without cartridge changes. The wireless connectivity and mobile printing features let you manage tasks from anywhere in your home.
Photographers seeking vibrant color and borderless output
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 uses six-color Claria ET Premium ink for vivid details and vibrant hues. It supports edge-to-edge borderless printing, which is essential for high-quality photo output. The large 4.3-inch touchscreen makes navigation easy. This unit handles cardstock, envelopes, and media like CDs and DVDs with precision.
Users who need to print on diverse media types
The Epson EcoTank Photo ET-8500 handles various media beyond standard paper. You can print directly on cardstock, envelopes, CDs, and DVDs. The six-color ink system ensures professional results on these surfaces. Wireless scanning and printing capabilities provide flexibility for different project types, making it a versatile choice for creative home use.
Quick picks
| # | Product | Best for | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | HP Smart Tank Plus Wireless All-in-One | High-volume home document printing | Check price of HP Smart Tank Plus Wireless All-in-One on Amazon |
| 2 | Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer | Vibrant photo printing with edge-to-edge output | Check price of Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer on Amazon |
The products compared
HP Smart Tank Plus Wireless All-in-One
Best for: High-volume home document printing
- Ideal For
- Documents (what this guide is about)
- Print Technology
- Ink tank
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-one
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy, fax
- Connectivity
- Wireless, mobile printing
View on Amazon: HP Smart Tank Plus Wireless All-in-One Affiliate link
The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is a wireless all-in-one ink tank printer designed for home use. It supports print, scan, copy, and fax functions. The device features a refillable ink tank system that includes up to two years of ink. You get 8,000 color pages or 6,000 black pages included. It connects via Wi-Fi and supports mobile printing. This model is ideal for documents.
Pros
- Refillable ink tank system with no cartridges
- Includes up to two years of ink
- Prints up to 8,000 color pages
- Supports print, scan, copy, and fax
- Wireless connectivity with mobile printing
Cons
- Ink tank technology, not laser
- Prints color, not just monochrome
- No display listed in specs
Good fit if
- You need high-volume document printing
- You want to avoid buying cartridges
- You need fax capabilities at home
Skip if
- You require a laser printer
- You only need black and white output
- You prefer cartridge-based systems
Verdict: HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is a high-capacity ink tank all-in-one. It suits home users who print many documents and want to skip cartridges.
Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer
Best for: Vibrant photo printing with edge-to-edge output
- Ideal For
- Photos (what this guide is about)
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, scan, copy
- Print Speed
- Up to 16 ppm
- Connectivity
- Wireless, USB
View on Amazon: Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer Affiliate link
The Epson ET-8500 is a large wireless all-in-one designed for photo printing. It uses a 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system for vivid details and edge-to-edge output. The unit features a 4.3-inch touchscreen and supports wireless scanning. It handles cardstock, envelopes, and media like CDs. This supertank printer suits users who prioritize color accuracy and high-volume photo creation over compact office footprints.
Pros
- 6-color Claria ET Premium ink system for vibrant photo colors
- Edge-to-edge printing capability for full-bleed images
- Wireless connectivity and 4.3-inch touchscreen interface
- Supertank ink system reduces cartridge dependency
- Supports printing on cardstock, envelopes, CDs, and DVDs
Cons
- Large physical footprint measures 24.1 inches in length
- Heavy build at 18.5 pounds reduces portability
- Optimized for photos rather than high-speed document workflows
Good fit if
- You need professional-grade color reproduction for photos
- You want edge-to-edge printing without borders
- You prefer wireless scanning and large ink capacity
Skip if
- You require a compact printer for small desks
- You primarily print black-and-white text documents
- You need a lightweight device for frequent travel
Verdict: Epson ET-8500 Color Supertank Printer delivers specialized photo output through its 6-color ink system and edge-to-edge capability, making it ideal for creative users who value color fidelity over space-saving design.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | HP Smart Tank Plus Wireless All-in-One | Epson EcoTank All-in-One Photo Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Ink tank | not stated |
| Print Output | Color | Color |
| Printer Type | All-in-one | All-in-One |
| Supported Functions | Print, scan, copy, fax | Print, scan, copy |
| Print Speed | not stated | Up to 16 ppm |
| Connectivity | Wireless, mobile printing | Wireless, USB |
| Ink/Toner System | Refillable ink tank, cartridge-free | Supertank |
| Features | Mobile Printing, Automatic Document Feeder, Scanner, Copier, Fax | Scanner, Copier |
| Ideal For | Documents | Photos |
| Use Case | Home | not stated |
| Scanner Type | Portable | not stated |
| Scanning | Auto Document Feeder | Wireless Scanning |
| Auto Document Feeder | ADF | not stated |
| Dimensions | 17.7 × 14.7 × 7.8 inches | 24.1 × 15.9 × 13.7 inches |
| Weight | 10.3 pounds | 18.5 pounds |
| Size | Medium | Large |
| Color | White with Black Top | White |
| Model | 651 | ET-8500 |
Frequently asked questions
Can a laser printer handle photo printing?
Standard laser printers are not designed for photo printing. They use toner, which is better suited for text and graphics. For vibrant, edge-to-edge photos, you need a specialized inkjet system like the Epson ET-8500. This model uses a six-color ink system to deliver the color fidelity that laser technology typically cannot match for photographic output.
Which printer is better for home documents?
The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 is ideal for home document printing. It features an automatic document feeder, allowing you to scan or copy stacks of paper quickly. This wireless all-in-one unit is designed for users who print many documents and want to skip traditional cartridges, making it a practical choice for high-volume home office tasks.
Do these printers support wireless connectivity?
Yes, both the HP Smart Tank Plus 651 and the Epson EcoTank ET-8500 support wireless connectivity. You can connect them to your network for easy printing from various devices. The HP model also supports mobile printing, giving you flexibility to send jobs from your phone or tablet without needing a direct cable connection.
What is the difference in size between these models?
The Epson ET-8500 is significantly larger than the HP 651. The Epson measures 24.1 inches in length and weighs 18.5 pounds, while the HP is 17.7 inches long and weighs 10.3 pounds. If space is a concern, the HP Smart Tank Plus offers a more compact footprint for your desk or workspace.
Do these units include scanning capabilities?
Both printers include scanning features. The HP Smart Tank Plus 651 offers scanning, copying, and faxing with an automatic document feeder. The Epson ET-8500 provides wireless scanning for your digital files. You can use these functions to digitize physical documents or photos directly from the printer interface.
Is the Epson EcoTank suitable for creative work?
The Epson ET-8500 is designed for creative users who value color fidelity. It delivers specialized photo output with edge-to-edge capability. This makes it suitable for printing vibrant images where color accuracy is important. It is not optimized for high-volume text documents like the HP model, but excels in photographic quality.