If you’re anything like me, you’ve got a phone full of incredible memories – holidays, family moments, everyday joys. But they just sit there, digital ghosts. I used to feel this strong desire to hold those moments, to put them in albums, journals, or just stick them on the fridge. The thought of having an easy way to get those pictures out of the screen and into my hands was always there. Not having a simple solution meant those precious photos often stayed unseen, losing some of their potential impact and joy. Finding a way to easily print photos from my phone would have made a world of difference.
- Compact and portable photo printer with built-in battery and integrated paper tray.
- Prints on Canon’s new XC-20L (2.1” x 3.4”) Card-size sticker paper as well as with the existing XS-20L (2.7” x 2.7”) Square sticker paper. Paper in not included in the box - please purchase...
- Connect and print directly from Android and iOS devices via easy-to-use QR code Wi-Fi connection.
Key Considerations Before Getting a Photo Printer
So, you’ve got a phone packed with pictures and you’re ready to bring them into the real world? A compact photo printer might be exactly what you need. These devices are perfect for anyone who loves creating physical scrapbooks, journaling, making quick gifts, or just wants a tangible reminder of their favorite moments without needing a full-sized printer setup. They solve the problem of needing to go to a print shop or dealing with bulk orders when you just want a few snaps. The ideal customer is someone who values portability, ease of use, and doesn’t need large, professional-grade prints. Crafters, students, parents, or anyone who wants instant gratification from their smartphone camera will find value here. Who shouldn’t buy one? Someone who needs to print lots of standard-sized documents or large photos, or perhaps someone already happy with online printing services. If you’re primarily printing school reports or business documents, a standard inkjet or laser printer would be a better fit. Before buying, think about portability (do you want to take it places?), the size of prints you need (small sticker prints or larger 4×6?), the type of paper it uses (glossy, sticker, etc.), how it connects (Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB), the printing technology (dye sublimation vs. Zink), and, of course, the ongoing cost of paper and ink cartridges (or lack thereof, depending on the tech).
- The sleek and modern design of the selphy cp1500 is reflected in how easy it is to use even with powerful features such as wi-fi and smartphone connectivity
- Print, Copy, Scan: The PIXMA TS3720 is a true colour printer scanner copier all in one that is compact, versatile and easy-to-use with a 60 sheet rear tray that reduces the need to refill paper as...
- Print & Charge: With the Kodak Dock Plus photo printer, you can dock and charge your phone and print your favorite photos instantly. Kodak Dock Plus is compatible with Apple iPhone, iPad & Android...
Introducing the Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray
The Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray is Canon’s answer to that craving for physical smartphone photos. It promises easy, portable printing of durable, high-quality small prints directly from your phone. What you get in the box is the compact photo printer itself and a charging cord. Importantly, the Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray does *not* come with paper, so you’ll need to purchase Canon’s specific XC-20L (card-size) or XS-20L (square) sticker paper separately right away to start printing. This printer is designed for the casual user, the memory keeper, the crafter. It uses dye-sublimation technology, similar to its sibling, the SELPHY QX10, known for producing lovely, long-lasting prints. It’s likely not for professional photographers or those needing large volumes of prints quickly, given its small print sizes and print speed.
Here’s a quick look at its pros and cons:
Pros:
* Extremely compact and portable with a built-in battery.
* Easy Wi-Fi connection via QR code and intuitive smartphone app.
* Produces high-quality, durable dye-sublimation prints (instantly dry, water-resistant, long-lasting).
* Offers flexibility with two sticker paper sizes (card and square).
* Integrated paper tray is convenient for portability.
Cons:
* Paper is not included with the printer purchase.
* Print size options are limited to small sticker formats.
* Print speed is quite slow (1 page per minute).
* Some users have reported occasional print quality issues like streaks.
* Uses proprietary Canon paper, which is an ongoing cost.
Deep Dive into What the SELPHY QX20 Offers
Having spent a significant amount of time with the Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray, I can really speak to how its features translate into actual benefits in day-to-day use. It’s not just a gadget; it’s become a tool for creative expression and memory preservation.
Portability & Built-in Battery: Printing On the Go
One of the first things you notice about the Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray is just how small and lightweight it is. At around 1.4 pounds and roughly the size of a small paperback book, it genuinely lives up to the “compact and portable” claim. This isn’t just marketing fluff. The built-in battery is a game-changer. It means I’m not tethered to a power outlet. I’ve taken this little printer to coffee shops for journaling sessions, to family gatherings to share instant prints, and even on vacation. Being able to pull out my phone, connect to the printer, and get a physical photo within minutes, no matter where I am, feels incredibly liberating. It solves the problem of thinking “Oh, I should print that sometime” and then never getting around to it. The integrated paper tray also contributes to this; there are no extra parts to juggle. It’s a self-contained printing powerhouse that fits easily into a tote bag or even a large purse.
Paper Type Flexibility: Catering to Creativity
The SELPHY QX20 uses Canon’s new ink and paper cartridges specifically designed for its dye-sublimation process. It’s compatible with two main types: the XC-20L which produces 2.1” x 3.4” card-sized sticker prints, and the existing XS-20L for 2.7” x 2.7” square sticker prints. The fact that both types are stickers is a big plus for crafters and journalers. The card size is great for slipping into wallets or small frames, while the square size is perfect for that classic instant photo look, ideal for planners or scrapbook pages. Having both options means the printer can adapt to different creative projects. While it’s a definite downside that the paper isn’t included initially, the availability of these two distinct sticker formats once you buy them separately adds significant versatility. It allows you to choose the format that best suits the photo and the project you’re working on, whether it’s a quick sticker for a gift tag or a photo to paste into a memory book.
Wi-Fi Connectivity & App: Seamless Smartphone Integration
Connecting the Canon SELPHY QX20 to your smartphone is remarkably simple, thanks to the easy-to-use QR code Wi-Fi connection. You just open the SELPHY Layout app (available for both Android and iOS), scan the code displayed on the printer, and you’re connected. This direct, wireless connection from your phone means you don’t need a computer or messy cables. The app itself is intuitive and user-friendly. It allows you to select photos from your camera roll, make simple edits, crop, rotate, add text, stamps, overlays, and even combine multiple images onto one print (depending on the paper size). This ability to tweak and personalize your photos *before* printing adds another layer of creative control and makes the process much more engaging. Sending the print job is straightforward, and the app provides clear status updates. This seamless workflow from phone to physical print solves the problem of complex printing processes that might deter less tech-savvy users.
Dye Sublimation Print Quality: Lasting Memories
The Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray utilizes dye-sublimation technology, which is different from the inkjet technology found in most home printers. This process lays down colour in layers (yellow, magenta, cyan, and a final protective layer) using heat. The result is a continuous tone print with vibrant colours and smooth gradations, without visible ink dots. A key benefit of this technology is the durability of the prints. They are instantly dry as soon as they emerge from the printer, marker-ready, and water-resistant. That final protective layer seals the print, making it much more resistant to fingerprints, moisture, and fading compared to standard inkjet photos. Canon claims these prints can last up to 100 years under proper storage conditions, which is fantastic for preserving precious memories. The resolution is 300 x 300 dpi, which is sharp enough for these small print sizes, resulting in detailed and clear images. While the print speed is slow (literally one print per minute), the quality and durability of the final output make it worthwhile for preserving cherished moments.
Integrated Paper Tray and Design: Practicality Meets Aesthetics
Beyond its core functions, the SELPHY QX20 features a clever integrated paper tray. This might seem minor, but it means you don’t need to carry around a separate tray or worry about loose paper getting damaged when you’re using it on the go. The paper feeds directly in and out of the front slot, keeping everything contained. The design itself is sleek and modern, especially in the Dark Gray finish. It doesn’t look like a clunky piece of tech; it’s quite aesthetically pleasing and fits well on a desk or shelf. This attention to design detail, combined with practical features like the integrated tray, enhances the overall user experience and makes it a product you’re happy to have out and use.
Addressing the Downsides
No product is perfect, and the Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray has a couple of points worth noting. As mentioned, the biggest initial hurdle is that paper is not included. You must factor in the cost of purchasing the specific Canon XC-20L or XS-20L packs separately. The print speed of one page per minute is also quite slow, so it’s definitely not for bulk printing. And while the print quality is generally excellent, one user review mentioned experiencing bright coloured streaks on several prints. While this doesn’t seem to be a widespread issue based on overall feedback, it’s a potential quality control point to be aware of. However, for most users focused on the benefits of portability, ease of use, and durable prints for memory keeping, these downsides might be minor trade-offs.
What Others Are Saying: User Experiences
Looking around online, the general sentiment from users who have tried the Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray appears largely positive. Many praise its convenience and portability, loving how easy it is to connect via the app and print photos directly from their phones. The print quality is often highlighted, with users appreciating the vibrant colours and the instant-dry, durable nature of the dye-sublimation prints, especially for creative projects like journaling and scrapbooking. The integrated editing features within the app, allowing for text, frames, and layouts, also receive positive mentions. While the value proposition is seen as strong by many, one user did report significant issues with print quality, specifically mentioning streaks appearing on photos. Despite this isolated feedback, the overall consensus seems to lean towards satisfaction with its performance as a compact, user-friendly photo printer.
Final Thoughts: Is the SELPHY QX20 Right for You?
If you’re someone who cherishes physical memories and finds yourself wishing you had an easier way to get photos off your phone, the Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray is definitely worth considering. It solves the common problem of having countless photos trapped in digital form by providing a straightforward, portable, and high-quality printing solution. Its key strengths – impressive portability, ease of use via the intuitive app, and the durable, vibrant prints produced by dye-sublimation technology – make it a fantastic tool for anyone into journaling, crafting, or simply wanting tangible keepsakes. While you do need to purchase the paper separately, and print speed isn’t its strong suit, the benefits for personal, on-the-go photo printing are significant. If you’re ready to turn those digital memories into physical treasures, Click here to check out the Canon SELPHY QX20 Compact Photo Printer Dark Gray for yourself.
Last update on 2025-06-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API