7 best mini-printers for printing photos from your phone

*Review of the best according to the editors. About the selection criteria. This material is subjective, is not an advertisement and does not serve as a guide to purchase. Before buying, it is necessary to consult with a specialist.

Modern technology does not stop: things, objects, accessories and gadgets are constantly appearing that make our lives somewhere easier, somewhere more interesting and memorable. One of them is mini-printers that allow you to print photos from your cell phone. With their help, you can capture important events right away, without going to a professional atelier. The experts at Expertology have picked up seven mini-printers that can be used to print photos from your phone.

How to choose a mini printer for photos?

It is worth noting right away that this category of products is extremely heterogeneous – the difference in price and functionality is sometimes too striking. So, first of all, you need to understand for what purposes you plan to use the mini-printer. For example, in what format will be the pictures – A4 will cost much more, and you can not take it with you on the nature (some models can weigh up to four or five pounds). There are also such options, which in their appearance are no more than the usual smartphones.

Another thing you should pay attention to is print resolution. If this figure is initially stated too small, even small photos can be blurry and fuzzy. Small mini-printers can print, for example, credit card sized photos. If you are planning to make photos of at least 10×15 size, then it is better to pay attention to gadgets of the middle price category and above.

Popular mini photo printer manufacturers

There are not many companies on the market that offer such accessories: there are not many portable options that you can take with you and print photos from your phone. We identified three major manufacturers:

1. Fujifilm– Japanese brand that has proven itself in this field. It has some interesting models of mobile printers in its arsenal, which, first of all, are characterized by careful detailing.
2. Canon– No need for extra words. The Japanese company that knows everything about photography – this is its field. Therefore, this manufacturer’s mini-printers are always at the top of the ratings.
3. Xiaomi– Japanese hegemony will be diluted by a Chinese brand that now makes literally everything from complex technical devices to things for home cleaning.

Top 7 mini photo printers for printing photos from your phone

We tried to pick up seven good devices in different price categories, describing their main advantages and disadvantages.

Canon SELPHY CP1300

Rating: 4.9

Let’s start with the mini-printer, which is often included in all sorts of ratings and tops. Judging by the reviews, it is ready to compete with full-sized devices in terms of printing quality. And that’s despite the fact that it looks a little bigger and thicker than a modern smartphone. Canon Selphy CP1300 is also unique in that it can print images from anything, even an SD card. Also, for example, it is possible to transfer an image from a Wi-Fi camera – this is very convenient. It has a full control panel and a screen that shows all the information you need.

If the settings on the panel aren’t enough, you can expand them in the Canon Print app, which is available on all operating systems. Owners of Apple devices have another advantage: they have access to AirPrint technology, which makes printing easier.

Of course, the compactness of this model is inferior to its competitors, but you can take it with you on the trip. The mini-printer doesn’t take up that much space and weighs very little (less than a kilogram), but it’s not what you’d call pocket-sized, either. With the Canon Selphy CP1300, you can print both small photo stickers and full 15×10 images.

Advantages

• A full-fledged LCD screen and control panel;
• it is possible to print from any devices, including memory cards;
• Many available formats for printing.

Disadvantages

• the high cost of the printer itself and accessories;
• large dimensions (in comparison with analogues).

Fujifilm Instax Share SP-3

Rating: 4.8

Next up is a mini printer from a Japanese manufacturer, which is one of the best options in terms of autonomy. It is reported to take about 150 pictures on a single charge, which is more than serious. Also, it is not inferior to its competitors in terms of printing speed: on average, the process takes about 13-15 seconds (this is confirmed by reviews of owners).

Another “feature” of the Fujifilm Instax Share SP-3 is its focus on social media. With this printer, you can print pictures not only from your phone (connects to Android and iOS), but also directly from Instagram, Google, Facebook and other resources. Also directly in the printer app you can retouch a photo and apply a filter to it – it’s very convenient.

True, there is one problem – the more options available, the harder it is to figure out the settings (this is how it works with all tech devices). That is why users often write in their reviews that it is difficult to figure out how to use the mini printer (especially frequent question is about printing from social networks).

Advantages

• good autonomy;
• high print speed;
• availability of internal movies and the ability to edit photos before printing;
• it is possible to print images directly from social networks.

Disadvantages

• complicated settings;
• high cost (including consumables).

Xiaomi Mi Pocket Photo Printer

Rating: 4.8

A small and neat mini-printer from a well-known Chinese manufacturer. It is shaped like a PowerBank: plastic, nice to the touch and just as compact – it easily fits in your backpack, purse or even in your pocket. On the front panel is a slot for paper and indicator, on the back – button to turn on / off, as well as indicators and micro-USB connector. It connects to your phone via an app and Wi-Fi.

Several printing modes are available at once: the usual photo (2×3), video photo, photo with sound, photo collage, portrait photo (such as in a passport), etc.d. With the full arsenal of available functions can be found in the same application.

One of the main problems of Xiaomi Mi Pocket Photo Printer – it is difficult to find accessories: they often need to order and wait a long time. That’s why we recommend being thriftier with the Zink paper which comes with it. The printer prints very quietly and quickly. Many users have noted that the quality of pictures – a little better than average. But the good thing is that all the photos are printed on adhesive paper – you can stick them anywhere by tearing off the protective paper on the back.

Advantages

• autonomy – the mini printer fits in your pocket;
• high print speed;
• low noise level;
• reasonable price.

Disadvantages

• problems with accessories: they are often hard to find;
• print quality is not perfect;
• The glossy case can rub off with frequent use.

Canon Zoemini PV123

Rating: 4.7

And we have found a place for this mobile printer in our ranking. It is in direct contact with any device, regardless of the operating system. The printer is very compact – it weighs not more than 200 grams, and the size resembles an external battery. The manufacturer claims that one cycle of charge is enough for 90 minutes of operation – in the “field” this is very important.

Now about printing and print quality. The device supports Zinc Zero Ink technology. Prints on the special Zink paper that comes with the kit. The picture, judging by reviews, is good: it does not smudge, it is resistant to sunlight and other external influences. And the main plus – you can use the Canon Zoemini PV123 right away: it does not require any special settings, just connect it to your smartphone (a couple of minutes).

Printing speed is good. Some have noted that the image from the printer can be a little paler than the original. Among the obvious drawbacks – the surface: with frequent use, it will quickly lose its presentability: there will be scuffs and scratches. Also the accessories are quite expensive – thankfully, the paper of this size is not difficult to find (5×7,6).

Advantages

• Good print speed and quality;
• portability;
• autonomy;
• pleasant price;
• built-in memory;
• easy to connect to a mobile device.

Disadvantages

• expensive components;
• The glossy surface of the panel can be easily damaged.

Fujifilm Instax Mini

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Rating: 4.7

Nice pocket-sized printer, full-featured – just like any other Canon device of the kind. A compact accessory that you can use anywhere – the built-in battery lets you take it outdoors or on the road. It can print traditional 10×15 cm photos.

Canon SELPHY CP910 uses the heat-sublimation printing method: inside is not liquid ink, which can dry out over time, but a solid crystalline substance that turns into ink when exposed. Photos printed this way are brighter and higher quality: the image will not fade for a long time.

This mini printer has a separate LCD screen, as well as a full-fledged push-button control panel. The device can work not only with computers and mobile devices, but also with memory cards and cameras that support the Wi-Fi function. The disadvantages are the low printing speed (one picture is printed in about 50 seconds) and the high cost of components. One user has calculated that it costs an average of 25-30 rubles to print one photo.

Advantages

• high quality printing;
• LCD screen and full-featured control panel;
• support for memory cards;
• compactness.

Disadvantages

• the price of the printer and accessories;
• print speed.

Canon SELPHY CP1000

Rating: 4.6

It is a mini-printer, a kind of continuation of the previous device. This is a little more advanced version: a small gadget, the size of a book. You can take it with you for example to the nature or on a trip. The body is made of high-quality white plastic. On the side are connectors for memory card and micro-USB, on the back – the connector for the power cord (the mini-printer has a battery (though sometimes it is necessary to buy extra), which allows it to work without electricity).

The small screen on the top, where all the information appears, as well as convenient buttons, each of which is signed (the usual “On/Off”, “Menu”, etc.).d.). Canon SELPHY CP1000 is capable of printing photos as small as 10×15 cm, the so-called “postcards. The paper tray can hold up to 18 sheets at a time.

The manufacturer says that each cartridge is designed for a certain number of prints: 18 or 36. However, accessories for the mini-printer are rather expensive: with frequent use it can cost a large sum of money. Also users note among the disadvantages a high level of noise during operation (especially in comparison with work) and low printing speed.

Advantages

• high print quality;
• user-friendly interface;
• good autonomy;
• ability to work with any device.

Disadvantages

• the high cost of components;
• noisiness;
• slow speed.