Lexmark CX331adwe Laser Printer or Lexmark MS431dw Black White Laser Printer? Which Lexmark Model to Buy
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This guide compares the lexmark ms431dw black white laser printer vs cx331adwe laser printer. Both models share Lexmark’s durable steel frame construction, automatic duplex printing, and robust security features. They also support Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity for flexible office integration. The main difference lies in their color capabilities and physical footprint. You need to decide if you require color output or prefer a more compact, monochrome-only device for your workspace.
Key differences
| Aspect | Lexmark All-in-One Color Laser Printer | Lexmark Compact Monochrome Laser Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print Output | Color | Black and white |
| Printer Type | All-in-One | Not listed |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan, optional cloud fax | |
| Dimensions | 20 x 20.6 x 22.1 inches | 16.6 x 10.8 x 16.2 inches |
| Weight | 42.8 pounds | 20.6 pounds |
Which one should you choose?
Choose Lexmark All-in-One Color Laser Printer if
- You need to print, copy, scan, and optionally fax documents from a single device.
- Your workflow requires color printing for marketing materials or presentations.
- You prefer a machine with a two-line interactive display for system monitoring.
Choose Lexmark Compact Monochrome Laser Printer if
- You need a compact printer that fits easily into tight office spaces.
- You only print black and white text documents and want a lighter device.
- You prioritize a smaller physical footprint over multifunction capabilities.
Verdict: The CX331adwe is the better choice if you need a full-featured all-in-one device with color printing capabilities. The MS431dw is ideal if you strictly require monochrome output and need a significantly smaller and lighter footprint. Your decision should hinge on whether color and scanning functions are essential for your daily tasks.
Lexmark CX331adwe vs MS431dw Comparison
print output
The Lexmark CX331adwe is a color laser printer, producing vibrant monochrome and color pages at 26 ppm each. This makes it suitable for marketing materials, presentations, and documents requiring color graphics. In contrast, the Lexmark MS431dw is a monochrome black and white laser printer. It focuses solely on text and grayscale output. If your office primarily handles text-heavy reports, invoices, or internal memos, the MS431dw provides sufficient black toner efficiency. However, for any task requiring color fidelity, the CX331adwe is the only viable option. You must choose based on whether color is essential for your daily workflow.
printer type
The CX331adwe is an all-in-one multifunction device. It includes print, copy, scan, and optional cloud fax capabilities in a single unit. This consolidation saves desk space and simplifies workflow by handling multiple document tasks without needing separate machines. The MS431dw is a dedicated printer. It prints but lacks integrated scanning or copying hardware. You would need a separate scanner or multifunction copier if you require those functions. For small offices wanting a single device to manage all document creation and distribution, the CX331adwe offers greater versatility. The MS431dw is strictly for printing tasks.
size
Physical footprint matters in busy offices. The MS431dw is significantly more compact. It measures 16.6 inches wide, 10.8 inches high, and 16.2 inches long, weighing just 20.6 pounds. This allows it to fit easily on small desks or in tight corners. The CX331adwe is larger, measuring 20 inches wide, 20.6 inches high, and 22.1 inches long, with a weight of 42.8 pounds. Its all-in-one components and color engine require more internal space. If you have limited square footage, the MS431dw is the practical choice. The CX331adwe demands a dedicated spot for its larger frame.
supported functions
Functionality varies between the two models. The CX331adwe supports printing, copying, scanning, and optional cloud faxing. This suite allows you to digitize documents, duplicate originals, and send faxes digitally. The MS431dw supports only printing. It does not include scanning or copying hardware. While it supports wireless mobile printing and cloud connections for output, it cannot create digital files or duplicates directly. If you need to scan documents to email or network folders, the CX331adwe is necessary. The MS431dw is limited to outputting physical paper copies only.
display
User interaction differs in interface design. The MS431dw features a two-line display. This screen lets you configure settings, monitor system information, and navigate menus directly on the device. It provides immediate feedback on status and errors. The CX331adwe data does not specify an integrated display type. It relies more on mobile apps and web interfaces for configuration and monitoring. If you prefer managing settings physically at the machine without a computer or phone, the MS431dw’s display is advantageous. The CX331adwe may require external devices for full control.
Choose the right Lexmark model for you
You need color documents and scanning
The Lexmark CX331adwe produces color output at 26 pages per minute. It includes scanning and copying functions for a complete office workflow. You get automatic two-sided printing and duplex scanning. The unit supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connections. It measures 13.6 by 16.2 by 15.5 inches and weighs 42.8 pounds.
You want a compact black and white printer
The Lexmark MS431dw is a monochrome laser printer that fits in small spaces. It measures 8.7 by 14.5 by 14.3 inches and weighs only 20.6 pounds. It features a two-line display for easy configuration. The device supports Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. It includes automatic duplex printing and built-in energy-saving modes.
You prioritize portability and lightweight design
The Lexmark MS431dw weighs just 20.6 pounds, making it much lighter than the color alternative. Its compact footprint allows it to fit almost anywhere in your office. It connects via Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB. The printer includes automatic two-sided printing to save paper. It is designed for high durability with a steel frame.
The products compared
Lexmark All-in-One Color Laser Printer
Best for: Small offices needing color duplex printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Color
- Printer Type
- All-in-One
- Supported Functions
- Print, copy, scan, optional cloud fax
- Print Speed
- 26 ppm mono / 26 ppm color
- Connectivity
- Wireless LAN, USB, Ethernet
View on Amazon: Lexmark All-in-One Color Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Lexmark CX331adwe is a color all-in-one laser printer designed for small offices. It prints at 26 ppm for both mono and color tasks, with a 600 dpi resolution. You get wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity, plus automatic duplex printing and scanning. The steel-frame build aims for durability in compact spaces.
Pros
- 26 ppm print speed for mono and color documents
- Automatic two-sided printing and scanning
- Wireless, USB, and Ethernet connectivity options
- Color laser output with 600 dpi resolution
- Sturdy steel frame construction
Cons
- Print resolution limited to 600 dpi
- Weighs 42.8 pounds, making it bulky to move
- Cloud faxing is optional, not standard
Good fit if
- You need color printing for marketing materials
- You want automatic two-sided document handling
- You require wired and wireless connectivity
Skip if
- You need high-resolution 1200 dpi prints
- You prefer a lightweight, portable unit
- You only need black and white output
Verdict: Lexmark CX331adwe Color Laser Printer suits teams needing reliable color output and duplex scanning in a compact footprint. It fits offices prioritizing standard connectivity and durable construction over high-end resolution.
Lexmark Compact Monochrome Laser Printer
Best for: small offices needing compact monochrome printing
- Print Technology
- Laser
- Print Output
- Black and white
- Connectivity
- Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB
- Duplex Printing
- Automatic two-sided
- Features
- Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing
- Use Case
- Office
View on Amazon: Lexmark Compact Monochrome Laser Printer Affiliate link
The Lexmark MS431dw is a compact black and white laser printer designed for small offices. It prints at standard speeds and supports automatic two-sided printing to save paper. You get Wi-Fi, Ethernet, and USB connectivity for flexible setup. The steel frame and energy-saving modes add durability and efficiency. This model suits teams needing reliable monochrome output without color features.
Pros
- Compact dimensions fit tight spaces
- Automatic duplex printing included
- Wi-Fi and Ethernet connectivity
- Steel frame for durability
Cons
- Monochrome output only
- Small two-line display limits info
- No color printing capability
Good fit if
- You need reliable black and white printing
- You want automatic two-sided printing
- You have limited desk space
Skip if
- You require color printing
- You need a large touch screen
- You print high volumes daily
Verdict: The Lexmark MS431dw Monochrome Laser is a solid choice for small teams needing efficient black and white documents. It fits well where space is tight and color is unnecessary.
Specifications side by side
| Spec | Lexmark All-in-One Color Laser Printer | Lexmark Compact Monochrome Laser Printer |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Laser | Laser |
| Print Output | Color | Black and white |
| Printer Type | All-in-One | not stated |
| Supported Functions | Print, copy, scan, optional cloud fax | not stated |
| Print Speed | 26 ppm mono / 26 ppm color | not stated |
| Connectivity | Wireless LAN, USB, Ethernet | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic two-sided | Automatic two-sided |
| Print Resolution | Up to 600 dpi | not stated |
| Features | Duplex Printing | Duplex Printing, Mobile Printing |
| Use Case | not stated | Office |
| Scanner Type | not stated | Portable |
| Scanning | Wireless Scanning | Wireless Scanning |
| Duplex Scanning | Duplex | Duplex |
| Dimensions | 22.1 × 20 × 20.6 inches | 16.2 × 16.6 × 10.8 inches |
| Weight | 42.8 pounds | 20.6 pounds |
| Size | 13.6 x 16.2 x 15.5 in. | PRINTER |
| Color | White | BLACK |
| Model | CX331adwe | MS431dw |
Frequently asked questions
Which Lexmark printer has a smaller footprint?
The Lexmark MS431dw is significantly more compact. Its dimensions are 16.6 inches wide, 10.8 inches high, and 16.2 inches long. It weighs only 20.6 pounds. The CX331adwe is much larger at 22.1 inches long and 20.6 inches high. It also weighs 42.8 pounds. Choose the MS431dw if desk space is limited.
Does the Lexmark MS431dw support duplex scanning?
Yes, the MS431dw supports duplex scanning. You can scan both sides of a document automatically. This feature saves time when digitizing multi-page files. The scanner type is listed as portable. It works well for small offices needing efficient document handling without manual intervention.
Can the CX331adwe print color documents?
Yes, the CX331adwe produces color output. It is designed for teams needing vibrant graphics and color pages. The print resolution reaches up to 600 dpi. This makes it suitable for marketing materials or presentations. The MS431dw only prints in monochrome black and white.
Which model includes wireless scanning capabilities?
Both models include wireless scanning. You can send scan jobs directly to your computer or network folder without cables. This feature is standard on both the CX331adwe and MS431dw. It allows for flexible placement in your office while maintaining easy connectivity to your devices.
Is the MS431dw suitable for mobile printing?
Yes, the MS431dw supports mobile printing. This feature allows you to print directly from smartphones or tablets. It is ideal for modern offices where staff work from various locations. The CX331adwe does not list mobile printing as a specific feature in its attributes.
What is the difference in weight between the two printers?
The MS431dw weighs 20.6 pounds, while the CX331adwe weighs 42.8 pounds. The monochrome model is roughly half the weight of the color all-in-one. This makes the MS431dw easier to move or relocate. The CX331adwe is heavier due to its additional scanning and color hardware.
Does the CX331adwe offer automatic two-sided printing?
Yes, the CX331adwe features automatic duplex printing. You can print on both sides of the paper without manual flipping. This reduces paper usage and simplifies workflow. The MS431dw also includes this feature. Both models help you save paper and time during high-volume printing tasks.