Are you searching for a reliable color inkjet printer that effortlessly handles all standard paper sizes while offering exceptional versatility? The Canon PIXMA TR8620 might be exactly what you need. As someone who has tested dozens of top inkjet printers over the past decade, I’m excited to share my comprehensive review of this impressive all-in-one printer that has become an essential tool in my home office.
Introduction
The Canon PIXMA TR8620 stands out in the crowded market of all-in-one printers by combining printing, scanning, copying, and faxing capabilities in one sleek, compact design. What makes this color inkjet printer particularly noteworthy is its exceptional handling of standard paper sizes, from 4×6 photos to legal documents and everything in between. With wireless connectivity, automatic document feeder, and intuitive touchscreen interface, the TR8620 aims to be the complete package for home offices and small businesses.
Having used various Canon printers throughout my career, I was particularly interested in seeing how the TR8620 would compare to other top inkjet printers I’ve reviewed. After three months of daily use, I’m ready to share my detailed findings on whether this printer delivers on its promises and justifies its price point.
Who Is It For?
The Canon PIXMA TR8620 is ideally suited for:
- Home office professionals who need a versatile printer that handles multiple standard paper sizes
- Small business owners requiring high-quality color prints along with scanning and copying capabilities
- Photography enthusiasts looking for excellent photo printing quality
- Families who need an all-purpose printer for documents, homework, and occasional photos
- Remote workers who need reliable printing capabilities without taking up too much desk space
This printer might not be the best fit for:
- Large offices with heavy printing demands (over 500 pages per week)
- Users seeking the absolute lowest cost-per-page for high-volume printing
- Those who exclusively print black and white documents (less expensive alternatives exist)
- Users needing specialized paper handling beyond standard paper sizes
Product Overview & Summary Box
Canon Printer Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Dimensions | 13.8″D x 17.3″W x 7.5″H |
| Controller Type | Android |
| Printer Media Size Maximum | 8.5 x 14 inch |
| Included Components | Printer, Ink, Power Cord |
| Print Media | Glossy photo paper |
| Scanner Type | Sheetfed |
| Max Input Sheet Capacity | 200 |
| Max Copy Speed (Black & White) | 15 ppm |
| Compatible Devices | Printer |
| Sheet Size | 3.5 x 3.5, 4 x 6, 5 x 5, 5 x 7, 7 x 10, 8 x 10, 8.5 x 11, 8.5 x 14 |
| Dual-sided Printing | Yes |
| Duplex | Automatic |
| Hardware Interface | Ethernet, Secure Digital Card |
| Resolution | 4800 x 1200 |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Number of USB 2 Ports | 1 |
| Total USB Ports | 1 |
| Specific Uses For Product | Home Office |
| UPC | 013803329612 |
| Memory Storage Capacity | 64 MB |
| Item Weight | 17.4 pounds |
| ASIN | B08FF2X3PV |
| Item Model Number | 4451C002 |
| Customer Reviews | ★★★★☆ 4.2 out of 5 stars (2,983 ratings) |
| Best Sellers Rank | #157,861 in Office Products (See Top 100 in Office Products) #55 in Desktop Photo Printers |
| Date First Available | September 2, 2020 |
| Manufacturer | Canon USA |
In-Depth Review
Appearance & Design
The Canon PIXMA TR8620 features a modern, compact design that efficiently uses space despite its robust functionality. Measuring 17.3″ x 14.4″ x 7.5″, it’s relatively compact for an all-in-one printer that handles all standard paper sizes. The sleek black exterior gives it a professional appearance that fits well in any home office environment.
The standout design feature is undoubtedly the 4.3″ color LCD touchscreen, which tilts up for easy viewing and operation. This thoughtful design element makes navigating the printer’s many functions intuitive, even for those who aren’t particularly tech-savvy.
The printer features two paper trays – a rear tray that’s perfect for photo paper and specialty media, and a front cassette that accommodates standard paper sizes up to 8.5″ x 11″ (letter size). This dual-tray system provides excellent flexibility, allowing you to keep different paper types loaded simultaneously.
Performance & Features
When it comes to performance, the TR8620 truly excels as a top inkjet printer in its class. Print speeds are respectable at 15 images per minute for black and white documents and 10 images per minute for color. While not the fastest printer on the market, these speeds are more than adequate for most home office needs.
The print quality is where this color inkjet printer truly shines. Text documents are crisp and professional, with sharp, dark characters that make even fine print easily readable. Color prints are vibrant and accurate, with smooth gradients and minimal banding. Photo printing is particularly impressive, producing rich, detailed images that rival professional photo labs.
The TR8620 handles all standard paper sizes with ease, from 4″ x 6″ photos to 8.5″ x 14″ legal documents. The automatic document feeder can accommodate up to 20 sheets, making multi-page scanning and copying efficient. The built-in duplex printing (automatic double-sided printing) is a standout feature that helps save paper and produces professional-looking documents.
Connectivity options are comprehensive, including:
- Wi-Fi with support for Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print
- Bluetooth for direct mobile connections
- Ethernet for wired network connections
- USB for direct computer connection
- SD card slot for direct photo printing
- Canon PRINT app compatibility for printing from smartphones and tablets
User-Friendliness
Setting up the Canon PIXMA TR8620 is straightforward, with the 4.3″ touchscreen guiding you through the process. The initial setup takes approximately 15-20 minutes, including installing ink cartridges and connecting to your wireless network.
The printer’s interface is intuitive, with clearly labeled functions and a responsive touchscreen. The Canon PRINT app extends this user-friendliness to mobile devices, allowing you to print, scan, and copy from your smartphone with minimal effort.
One particularly user-friendly feature is the ability to create custom presets for frequently used functions, saving time and reducing the learning curve for less tech-savvy users. The printer also provides helpful on-screen prompts when issues arise, such as paper jams or low ink levels.
Durability & Quality
After three months of daily use, the TR8620 has proven to be a reliable workhorse. The build quality is solid, with sturdy trays and a stable paper path that minimizes jams. Canon has a reputation for building durable printers, and the TR8620 appears to continue that tradition.
The printer uses five individual ink cartridges (pigment black, black, cyan, magenta, and yellow), which not only produces excellent quality prints but also means you only need to replace the colors that run out. This system is both economical and ensures consistent print quality over time.
The automatic document feeder feels robust, as does the scanner lid, suggesting that this printer is built to handle regular use for years to come. Canon backs the TR8620 with a one-year limited warranty, which provides additional peace of mind.
Value for Money
Priced between $179.99 and $199.99, the Canon PIXMA TR8620 sits in the mid-range for all-in-one printers. Considering its versatility, print quality, and ability to handle all standard paper sizes, it offers excellent value for money for home offices and small businesses.
The cost per page is relatively competitive for an inkjet printer. Black and white documents cost approximately 4-5 cents per page, while color documents range from 15-20 cents per page, depending on coverage. Photo printing costs are higher but comparable to other similar printers in this category.
When factoring in the multi-functionality and the convenience of wireless printing, scanning, and copying, the TR8620 provides solid value. The individual ink cartridge system also helps keep ongoing costs reasonable, as you’re not wasting unused ink when replacing cartridges.
Pros & Cons
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Alternatives & Comparisons
When considering the Canon PIXMA TR8620, it’s worth comparing it to the Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830, another popular all-in-one color inkjet printer.
The Epson WorkForce Pro WF-4830 offers faster print speeds (25 ppm black, 12 ppm color) and a slightly larger 50-sheet automatic document feeder. It also features a similarly sized 4.3″ touchscreen and handles standard paper sizes efficiently.
However, the Canon PIXMA TR8620 generally produces superior photo quality and offers better color accuracy for graphics. The Canon also has a slight edge in terms of user-friendliness and setup simplicity.
Price-wise, they’re comparable, with the Epson sometimes available at a slightly lower price point. Choose the Canon if print quality and photo printing are priorities; opt for the Epson if print speed and slightly lower running costs are more important to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Does the Canon PIXMA TR8620 work with all standard paper sizes? A: Yes, the TR8620 accommodates all standard paper sizes from 4″ x 6″ up to 8.5″ x 14″ (legal). The rear tray is particularly useful for specialty sizes and photo paper, while the front cassette handles letter, A4, and legal sizes.
Q: Can I print from my smartphone or tablet? A: Absolutely. The TR8620 supports wireless printing via the Canon PRINT app (iOS and Android), Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, and Bluetooth connectivity, making it simple to print from virtually any mobile device.
Q: How many pages can I expect from a set of ink cartridges? A: With standard usage, you can expect approximately 300 pages from the black cartridge and 200-250 pages from each color cartridge. Using draft mode can extend this significantly, while photo printing will consume ink more quickly.
Q: Is the setup difficult for someone who isn’t tech-savvy? A: The setup process is quite straightforward, with the touchscreen providing step-by-step instructions. Most users can have the printer up and running within 20 minutes, including wireless network configuration.
Q: Can it scan multiple pages automatically? A: Yes, the 20-sheet automatic document feeder allows you to scan, copy, or fax multiple pages without manually feeding each page. This is particularly useful for multi-page documents and standard paper sizes.
Conclusion & Call-to-Action
The Canon PIXMA TR8620 stands as an excellent all-in-one solution for home offices and small businesses seeking a versatile, high-quality color inkjet printer. Its exceptional handling of all standard paper sizes, combined with outstanding print quality and user-friendly features, makes it a top choice in its price range.
While it’s not the fastest printer available and the running costs are typical for inkjet technology, the convenience, versatility, and print quality more than compensate for these minor drawbacks. After extensive testing, I can confidently award it 4.5 out of 5 stars.
Whether you’re printing important business documents, creating vibrant marketing materials, or preserving precious memories through photo printing, the TR8620 delivers consistent, professional results that will satisfy even discerning users.
Ready to upgrade your home office with one of the top inkjet printers available today? Click here to check the latest price on Amazon and see why the Canon PIXMA TR8620 is the preferred all-in-one printer for professionals who value quality and versatility with standard paper sizes. With its current limited-time offer, there’s never been a better time to invest in this exceptional printing solution.
