With the arrival of high-quality cameras on smartphones, the number of photos we take every day has increased. But one thing doesn’t change much: some memories are best kept on paper. If you’re one of those people who usually print out all of your memories, you need to get yourself a portable printer. The models we’ll show you below will amaze you.
These palm- sized printers are a great solution when it comes to printing out any of the photos you have on your phone or tablet. And all of this is done without using any cables! The reason is that all of the current models use wireless communication technologies . Therefore, everything is done in a very convenient way, since there is no need to use any cables.
Xiaomi Mi Portable Photo Printer
One of the things that stands out about this accessory is that it is capable of printing photos in just 15 seconds , making it a very fast model. In addition, it integrates Bluetooth and allows up to three devices to work with it at the same time.
It offers great compatibility and has a resolution of 313 x 400 dpi, so it is quite accurate. An important detail: it only weighs 81 grams, so you can take it everywhere.
Reviews praise its speed and ease of use, but some users mention that the print quality may not be the best in terms of sharpness compared to other higher-end models. However, its Bluetooth connectivity and portability are big pluses.
Instax Mini Link 2
The Instax printer is one of the smallest you’ll find on the market. It also has a very striking aesthetic thanks to the pink color. Although without a doubt its greatest advantage is that it is capable of printing an image in just 12 seconds.
It has a rechargeable battery that is capable of printing up to 20 photos at a time. As for connectivity, it connects via Bluetooth so you will never have any compatibility issues. It is very easy to use, as well as very intuitive. Remember that if you buy it from Amazon you can try changing its color. If you don’t mind, you may find it cheaper in some colors than in others.
Users praise the ease of use and compatibility with a variety of devices thanks to Bluetooth , though some note that the cost of film cartridges can be high. Still, the overall experience is positive, especially for those looking for a vintage aesthetic.
Polaroid Hi-Print
As expected, one of the biggest brands in photography, Polaroid, had to have a portable printer in its stock. This Hi-Print is one of the best-rated on the market. It has Bluetooth and is so pocket-sized that it will fit in it like a mobile phone.
Convert all your photos, captures or whatever you need to print in a matter of seconds. They are 2×3 inch self-adhesive and very, very high quality.
You can connect to the Polaroid Hi-Print mobile app to edit and customize your content for a personal touch. For printing, it uses dye-sub cartridge technology, printing very high-quality photographs. Cartridges are purchased separately.
Reviews highlight its good connectivity via the mobile app, although some users mention that the cartridges are somewhat expensive and that the battery life could be improved. However, the print quality is one of the best in its category.
KODAK Mini 2 Retro
This Kobak model is perfect for anyone looking to print their favorite photos quickly and conveniently. Featuring Bluetooth connectivity technology, this inkjet printer offers a special portability feature that makes it ideal for printing photos on the go. Forget about having to go to a copy shop and get your best photos instantly.
This device uses 9Pass technology to print high-quality photos. This layered printing and laminating process ensures that the photos are fingerprint-resistant, water-resistant, and perfect for hanging in your room without fear of them getting damaged. You can print your photos in two different formats : 5×21, with or without margins. You can find this model on Amazon for just $99.99.
Users rate the durability of the photos highly , mentioning that it is ideal for those who want memories that will last. However, some comment that the Bluetooth connectivity can be a bit slow at times. As for the design, many find it nostalgic and attractive, but the cost of the ink cartridges is a bit high for some users.
GuKKK
This model with this very particular design is extremely light and you can take it with you anywhere, it will fit perfectly in any backpack or small bag.
Featuring thermal printing technology, this printer does not require ink cartridges, making it eco-friendly and easier to use. Simply connect the printer via Bluetooth to the Tiny Print app on your mobile phone and you can print your black and white photos wirelessly.
Equipped with a 1200 mAh high-density rechargeable lithium-ion battery, this printer offers longer battery life so you can print more photos without interruption. This small printer only costs 23 euros, its only problem and therefore its price, is that you can only print photos or documents in black and white, but if it is a gift for someone younger, it can be a great option since you can also print stickers.
Owners appreciate it for its simplicity and low price, noting that it is ideal for children or people who do not need color printing. However, the print quality is basic and some comment that the images lack detail. Still, many consider it a fun and practical option, especially for creating stickers.
Instax Square Link
This Instax model stands out from all its competitors not only because of its curious and innovative design, but also because of its features. The main feature that characterizes this instant camera is that you can stop any video at the exact moment you want to print the photo, and do so without any problem.
As if that weren’t enough, thanks to its compact size and weight of just 237 grams, you can take it with you anywhere and print photos under any circumstances. Isn’t that amazing?
However, its most outstanding quality is not its extravagant design or its compact size, but its great value for money. Thanks to features such as the built-in augmented reality, 62 x 62 millimeter images and ISO 800, we can say that this is a high-end instant camera model.
People highly value the printer’s print quality and the ease of carrying it anywhere thanks to its compact size. However, some people mention that the mobile app is not as intuitive as others, although the extra features make up for it.
recommendation
It may not seem like it, but the world of portable printers is much bigger than you think. In this list I have reduced the number to four because they are the ones that, in my opinion, can be used the most and because they reflect the demands of all users. The rest that you can find outside this post are not bad by any means, but they are not going to improve what is there either.
We are talking about the fact that the quality-price ratio in this world is not as palpable as it can happen in the field of smartphones, more or less depending on what we spend we will get quality. That is why it is best to choose the one that best suits your needs.
On the other hand, if you are here it is because you are waiting for a recommendation, a name among so many candidates to help you clarify your doubts. Well, in that case, you have to stay with the Instax Mini Link 2, it is for me without a doubt the best you will be able to find. We already know the quality of its cameras and here you have all that quality concentrated only in the image printing part. The investment is not at all unreasonable for a printer of these characteristics.
In fact, the biggest expense you will have will be the printing paper, but that is something that no printer will be able to solve for you, so you know, if you are looking for a pocket photo printer, do not hesitate to get the Instax Mini Link 2 .
Key parameters for making the right purchase
There are certain features that you should always take into account before making a purchase. This way, you will always be sure to choose the right portable printer.
- Paper size: The more compatible this is, the better. And it is very important to know that each model may require a different paper size. It is essential that you check what size the printer needs and see how much the spare parts cost. This way you will know if it is worth the investment or not.
- Printing speed: This is another important factor, since if it is not good, the process of printing a photograph can seem eternal. Ideally, it should not take more than a minute for each copy, whether or not it uses color, because if it exceeds this figure, you probably won’t enjoy the process.
- Paper Load: This is the number of sheets that can be stored in the printer itself. Ideally, it should be a minimum of ten. Anything below this number is not positive, as it is too little to avoid having to open and close the accessory.
- Compatibility: In this section, you should check that the model you purchase supports JPEG and PNG files, which are the most common. This way, you can be sure that you won’t have any problems sending the files and that the printer will recognize them.
- Autonomy: In these products, this is measured by the number of copies you can make rather than the time of use. The minimum requirement is to reach twenty, for which there must be a battery with a charge of at least 500 mAh. As for recharging, this must be done via USB to ensure great compatibility.
- NFC: This connection option is not basic, but if it is included in a Bluetooth model, the installation process with the phone or tablet is much easier. You just have to pass your device over it for everything to work much better.
- Application : All current portable printers have their own application that allows you to control work processes and check the status of the supplies inside. Here you should make sure that there are applications for iOS and Android and that they are also free to download.
- Dimensions and weight: in the first case, you should check that the model in question does not take up more space than a mobile phone… but its thickness is necessarily greater. As far as weight is concerned, the brand you should look for is 300 grams or less.
Two key factors: resolution and compatibility
The resolution at which they are able to print is of vital importance, as it determines the quality and definition of the final result. It is recommended to look for a minimum resolution of 300 x 300 pixels to ensure high quality in the photos and avoid the appearance of grain in the images. The grainy effect occurs when the dots used to print are too visible, which can negatively affect the visual appearance.
As far as compatibility is concerned, current printer models are excellent. They are compatible with iOS and Android devices, as well as laptops, regardless of their operating system. This is due to the connection options available, such as WiFi or Bluetooth, which allow information to be sent from any type of device.
Two alternatives: Bluetooth connection or WiFi connection
There are two types of portable printers: those that connect via Bluetooth and those that use Wi-Fi technology. Both have the advantage of being wireless, but beyond that, each has its virtues and defects.
Using Bluetooth can be considered the most basic option. At the same time, it is the option that offers the greatest compatibility with the different devices on the market. This option is the most efficient for achieving direct communication, although it is not the fastest . This is very important, since the files sent can be quite large. Nowadays, it is the most widespread option since its use is very simple.
In the case of using WiFi, this means faster communications. It doesn’t matter if you use an available network or a variant known as Direct, since the speed will be very similar. In addition, it is very easy to use as well, although you will find that you have to take more steps when sending a file. If you are going to use the printer regularly and need efficiency and speed, this is the best alternative. But if you are looking for a portable printer for occasional occasions, it is better to opt for one that allows you to send files via Bluetooth.
How a portable printer works
This is something important to know since the ZINK technology used in these accessories is very different from that found in the inkjet or laser models that are usually used. This, by the way, is the same technology that is usually found in instant cameras that exist today.
The work is done using a special type of paper that includes the colours needed to obtain the results. In other words, no interchangeable cartridges or similar: the magic is in the paper. Thanks to this, the size of these printers can be much more compact and makes them very easy to transport. The papers used are divided into different layers, the top one being responsible for protecting the image. To print the photographs, heat is generated at different intensities in each area. In this way, a faithful and high-quality print is achieved.
