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Finding the right printer today can be very difficult because there are thousands of options to choose from, even if you’re looking within the same brand. Today, our Canon Pixma TR4520 vs GS3260 review is going to compare these two to show you which is right for your home or office printing needs.
Our Canon Pixma GS3260 vs TR4520 review is going to compare these two printers based on their functions, printing speed, paper sizes, special features, and then any other differences we can find between them.
It really comes down to how important a document feeder and faxing are for you. If both of these are important, then Canon TR4520 might be better for you. However, we found that GS3260 is the faster, more reliable, and more vivid printer here.
Canon Pixma TR4520 | Canon Pixma GS3260 |
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What Canon Pixma Should I Buy?
What Canon Pixma Printer should I buy? This could be hard to answer because there is so much variation between the different Pixma printers. Some use older technology, while others have unique features, and others are super tank printers.
Even between the two printers we are reviewing here, the Canon TR4520 and Canon GS3260, it could be hard to know which is better for you without knowing your needs.
If you’re looking for one of the most popular printers, even if it’s a little older, then Canon TR4520 might be better for you. This is a reliable printer and it has many different functions. You’re able to print, copy, scan, fax, and it even has an automatic document feeder for both copying and scanning.
At the same time, Canon Pixma GS3260 has many advantages. While it lacks a document feeder, one of the best things is that it is a supertank printer. This means that you’re able to refill the ink yourself. Not only does this reduce overall printing costs, but it also produces more vivid photos, color prints, and all other types of document printing.
So, we suggest that you consider what you really want from your printer, and that should help you find the right Canon Pixma printer that you should buy.
Check Price: Canon Pixma GS3260 ->
Canon Pixma GS3260 vs Canon Pixma TR4520: Functions
Both of these Canon Pixma printers have several different functions to choose from. You’ll find that almost all modern printers have many different features, but it’s very important to know which ones you really need. If your needs are more basic, and you’re more interested in faster and more vivid printing, then you’ll be perfectly fine with what Canon GS3260 offers. At the same time, if you plan on using this as more of a workhorse printer, then Canon Pixma TR4520 might be better.
Canon Pixma TR4520 offers copying, printing, scanning, faxing, and automatic duplex printing. Another benefit is that it has an automatic document feeder. The feeder allows you to put a whole stack of documents into the printer, which then allows you to quickly copy, scan, or fax all these documents at once. If you were curious what automatic duplex printing means, it means that this printer is able to print on both sides of the sheet without making you flip the paper yourself. It’s much more convenient than manual duplex printing.
Now let’s look at the features offered by Canon GS3260 supertank printer. This printer is able to print, copy, and scan. It cannot fax and it does not have a document feeder. The printing speeds are faster than with Canon 4520, but you will find that copying and scanning are slower because you can only do one sheet at a time.
One other disadvantage is that this printer only has manual duplex printing. This means that you will have to print on one side the paper, and then flip it over and place it back in the paper tray. This is a little inconvenient, but not that difficult to do.
While the 4520 wins this section, we would you suggest you keep reading on because there are many advantages to GS3260 that you may not see in this particular section.
Check Price: Canon Pixma TR4520 ->
Canon Pixma GS3260 vs TR4520: Printing Speed
No one wants a slow printer. It’s always important to check the printing speed because you want to know how long it will take for documents to complete. While copying and scanning speeds might be different and won’t be covered here, the truth is that most people use their printers for printing. While the 4520 printer isn’t too bad, we find the GS3260 is more than twice as fast.
How fast does Canon Pixma TR4520 print? This printer delivers speeds of 8.8 PPM for monochrome printing, and 4.4 PPM for color printing. It’s very common for color printing to be slower, so we’re not surprised to see that. If you’re curious, PPM stands for prints per minute. It’s aptly named because it tells you how many sheets will be completed within one minute.
How fast does Canon Pixma GS3260 print? As we said before, this printer is about twice as fast as the 4520. It offers speeds of 15 PPM for monochrome printing, and 10 PPM for color printing. This means that you’re able to complete documents much faster. While this machine is slower when it comes to copying and scanning, mostly due to the lack of a document feeder, it is significantly faster with printing.
For this reason, we would say that the GS3260 is the winner here. TR4520 isn’t bad, and certainly good for this price point, but it simply doesn’t stand a chance here.
Canon Pixma TR4520 | Canon Pixma GS3260 |
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Canon Pixma TR4520 vs Canon Pixma GS3260: Paper Size
Almost all home and office inkjet printers support similar types of paper. It’s still important to check to see what paper sizes you can print. We found that these two printers were basically the same, but let’s go through them to show you exactly what paper sizes you can use.
Canon Pixma 4520 Paper Sizes
- Letter (8.5″ x 11″)
- Legal (8.5″ x 14″)
- A5 (148mm x 210mm)
- A4 (210mm x 297mm)
- Photo (4″ x 6″)
- Photo (5″ x 7″)
- Photo (8″ x 10″)
Canon Pixma GS3260 Paper Sizes
- Letter (8.5″ x 11″)
- Legal (8.5″ x 14″)
- A6 (105mm x 148mm)
- A5 (148mm x 210mm)
- A4 (210mm x 297mm)
- Photo (4″ x 6″)
- Photo (5″ x 7″)
- Photo (8″ x 10″)
As you can see, both of these printers mostly have the same types of paper. We did find the Canon 3260 was able to print on A6 paper, and it handled thicker paper a little better. However, we would call this section a tie because they are basically the same.
Check Price: Canon Pixma GS3260 ->
Canon Pixma TR4520 vs GS3260: Special Features
In terms of special features, both Canon GS3260 and TR4520 are similar in some ways but very different in others. It’s hard to say which is better because it really depends on what you’re looking for. For example, one of these has voice commands, but another supports various apps that the other does not. We suggest that you read through both to see which is better for you.
What special features do you get with Canon Pixma TR4520? The first special feature you get is wireless printing, and this can be done on any laptop or desktop that is on the same Wi-Fi network. It also connects with the Canon print app you can download to your iOS or Android device. Another feature is that this connects to Amazon Alexa to accept voice commands.
What special features do you get with Canon Pixma GS3260? This also offers wireless printing over Wi-Fi networks and connects to compatible laptops and desktops. You do not get voice commands, but you are able to connect to many different apps. This includes the Canon print app, Mopria app, and AirPrint.
So, which Canon Pixma is the best? We can say it really depends on if you want voice command or more app support. That will let you know which one is the real winner here.
Check Price: Canon Pixma TR4520 ->
What is the Difference Between Canon Pixma TR4520 and GS3260?
Curious about what is the difference between Canon Pixma GS3260 and TR4520? We found that in some ways they are very different, but they are also similar in some other ways. Let’s go through them to see which is better for you.
In terms of functions, there were some similarities. Both of them are able to print, copy, and scan. However, Canon 4520 was able to fax and it also included a document feeder. This allows it to scan and copy faster. Another difference is that Canon 4520 Pixma was able to do automatic duplex printing while GS3260 Pixma could only do manual duplex printing.
However, GS3260 was much faster in terms of overall printing speed. Not only that, but the supertank design allows it to print many more sheets before the ink runs out. Another major difference is that both photos and other documents look much more vivid.
Both support the same paper sizes, and they have very similar special features. The difference we found here is that 4520 was able to accept voice commands, while 3260 was able to work with different apps.
Canon Pixma TR4520 | Canon Pixma GS3260 |
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Final Thoughts
So, should you buy Canon Pixma GS3260 or TR4520? It really depends on what you’re looking for. If you want better printing speed, more app support, high-volume printing, and better-looking prints, then Pixma GS3260 is the superior model here.
If you want more features such as faxing, automatic duplex printing, and a document feeder, then Canon Pixma TR4520 is the better of the two. So consider what you need, and you’ll know which one is better.