Choosing the right all-in-one printer can feel like navigating a maze of features and specifications. If you’re eyeing HP’s Envy line, you’ve likely stumbled upon two popular contenders: the HP Envy 5055 and the HP Envy 4520.
Both offer a blend of printing, scanning, and copying, but subtle differences can significantly impact your home or small office workflow. Understanding these distinctions is key to making an informed decision that aligns with your needs and budget.
This comparison dives deep into the HP Envy 5055 vs 4520, breaking down their performance, features, and overall value. Let’s explore which of these capable machines will best serve your printing demands.
Specs at a Glance
| Feature | HP ENVY 5055 | HP DeskJet 4520 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | HP Thermal Inkjet | HP Thermal Inkjet |
| Color Output | Color | Color |
| Print Speed (Black) | Up to 10 ppm | Up to 8.8 ppm |
| Print Speed (Color) | Up to 7 ppm | Up to 5.2 ppm |
| First Page Out (Black) | As fast as 14 seconds | As fast as 12 seconds |
| First Page Out (Color) | As fast as 18 seconds | As fast as 16 seconds |
| Print Resolution (Black) | Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi | Up to 1200 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Resolution (Color) | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic | Manual |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed, ADF | Flatbed |
| Scanner Resolution | Up to 1200 dpi | Up to 1200 dpi |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi, HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint | USB, Wi-Fi, HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint |
Feature-by-Feature Breakdown
Print Speed
- Hp Envy 5055: Offers up to 10 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 7 ppm in color. This is a decent speed for home use, suitable for occasional printing of documents and photos.
- 4520: Boasts up to 9.5 ppm in black and 6.8 ppm in color. It’s slightly slower than the 5055 but still adequate for basic home office tasks.
- Winner: hp envy 5055
Print Resolution
- Hp Envy 5055: Delivers up to 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi for black and color. This resolution ensures sharp text and reasonably detailed color prints.
- 4520: Features up to 4800 x 1200 optimized dpi in color and 1200 x 1200 dpi in black. The optimized color resolution can lead to slightly smoother gradients and finer details in photos.
- Winner: 4520
Connectivity
- Hp Envy 5055: Includes Wi-Fi, USB, and HP Smart App compatibility for wireless printing from mobile devices and cloud services. It offers robust wireless options for modern users.
- 4520: Comes with Wi-Fi and USB connectivity, also supporting HP’s mobile printing solutions. It provides essential connectivity for most home users.
- Winner: hp envy 5055
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)
- Hp Envy 5055: Does not include an ADF. You’ll need to scan or copy multi-page documents one page at a time using the flatbed scanner.
- 4520: Also lacks an ADF. Similar to the 5055, multi-page tasks will require manual feeding.
- Winner: Tie
Display
- Hp Envy 5055: Features a 2.2-inch mono touchscreen. This provides an intuitive interface for navigating settings and initiating print jobs directly from the printer.
- 4520: Equipped with a 2-inch mono touchscreen. It’s functional for basic operations but slightly smaller than the 5055’s display.
- Winner: hp envy 5055
Duplex Printing (Automatic Two-Sided Printing)
- Hp Envy 5055: Supports automatic duplex printing, allowing you to print on both sides of a page without manual intervention. This saves paper and time.
- 4520: Offers automatic duplex printing as well. This is a valuable feature for reducing paper consumption and streamlining document printing.
- Winner: Tie
Ink Cartridge System
- Hp Envy 5055: Uses HP’s Instant Ink program, which can be cost-effective if you print a consistent volume of pages. It uses one black and one tri-color cartridge.
- 4520: Utilizes standard HP ink cartridges (one black, one tri-color). While not part of Instant Ink, it offers flexibility in cartridge replacement.
- Winner: hp envy 5055
All-in-One Functionality (Print, Scan, Copy)
- Hp Envy 5055: Functions as a printer, scanner, and copier. It’s a versatile device for everyday home and small office needs.
- 4520: Also provides print, scan, and copy capabilities. It covers the fundamental requirements for a home all-in-one.
- Winner: Tie
Winner by Category
| Category | Winner |
|---|---|
| Automatic Duplex Printing | HP ENVY 5055 |
| Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) | HP ENVY 5055 |
| Print Speed (Black) | HP ENVY 5055 |
| Print Speed (Color) | HP ENVY 5055 |
| Scanner Convenience (ADF) | HP ENVY 5055 |
| Value/Affordability | HP DeskJet 4520 |
| Basic Functionality | HP DeskJet 4520 |
What They Have in Common
- Print Technology: Both printers utilize HP’s reliable thermal inkjet technology to produce vibrant and sharp prints. This technology is known for its ease of use and consistent performance for everyday printing needs.
- Color Output: Both the HP ENVY 5055 and the HP DeskJet 4520 are capable of producing full-color prints, making them suitable for a wide range of documents and photos.
- Connectivity Options: Both models offer wireless connectivity, allowing for easy printing from various devices without the need for cables. They also support mobile printing solutions like HP ePrint and Apple AirPrint.
- Scanner Resolution: Both printers feature flatbed scanners with a resolution of up to 1200 dpi, which is sufficient for most standard scanning tasks, from documents to photos.
- Hp Eprint and Airprint Support: Users can conveniently print documents and photos directly from their smartphones and tablets using HP ePrint and Apple AirPrint on both devices.
Hp Envy 5055 Vs 4520 Buying Guide
Target Audience and Usage Scenarios
Choosing between the HP Envy 5055 and the HP DeskJet 4520 hinges on your primary printing needs. The Envy 5055 is generally geared towards home users who desire a blend of print quality for photos and documents, along with moderate multitasking capabilities. Its modern design also fits well into home office aesthetics. The 4520, while also suitable for home use, might appeal more to budget-conscious individuals or those with less demanding printing volumes. It excels at basic document printing and occasional photo prints where top-tier quality isn’t the absolute priority. (See Also: Demeyere 5 Plus Vs Atlantis )
Key Features and Functionality
The HP Envy 5055 boasts features like dual-band Wi-Fi for more reliable connectivity, automatic duplex (two-sided) printing, and a sleek touchscreen interface. It’s designed for ease of use and offers a slightly more premium feel. The HP DeskJet 4520, on the other hand, focuses on core functionality. It typically offers wireless printing, mobile printing capabilities through its app, and a straightforward control panel. While it may lack some of the advanced connectivity options or the automatic duplexing of the Envy 5055, it still covers the essential printing needs for most home users efficiently.
Print Quality and Performance
When it comes to print quality, the HP Envy 5055 often edges out the 4520, particularly for photo printing. Its ink system is generally optimized for richer colors and sharper details in images, making it a better choice for those who print photos regularly. For everyday documents, both printers produce legible text. The Envy 5055 might also offer slightly faster print speeds for certain types of jobs. The 4520 provides good quality for standard text documents and acceptable results for casual photo prints, making it a solid performer for its price point.
Connectivity and Setup
Both printers offer wireless connectivity, simplifying setup and allowing for printing from various devices. The Envy 5055’s dual-band Wi-Fi can provide a more stable connection, especially in environments with many wireless devices. The setup process for both is generally user-friendly, guided by HP’s software and mobile app. The 4520’s setup is straightforward, focusing on getting you printing quickly with minimal fuss. Mobile printing is a strong suit for both, allowing you to print directly from smartphones and tablets using the HP Smart app. (See Also: Nikon 50 1 8 Vs 1 4 )
Who Should Buy What?
Buy HP ENVY 5055 If…
- You need automatic duplex (two-sided) printing to save paper and time.
- You require an automatic document feeder (ADF) for faster multi-page scanning and copying.
- You are looking for a more modern design and potentially slightly faster print speeds.
- You want a printer with a more robust feature set for moderate home or home office use.
Buy HP DeskJet 4520 If…
- Your budget is a primary concern and you’re looking for a more affordable option.
- You don’t frequently print large volumes and manual duplexing is acceptable.
- You primarily need basic printing, scanning, and copying functionalities.
- You have limited space and prefer a more compact all-in-one device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which printer is better for photo printing?
The HP Envy 5055 is generally considered superior for photo printing. It typically utilizes a more advanced ink cartridge system and printhead technology that produces richer colors, better contrast, and sharper details in photographs compared to the HP DeskJet 4520. If high-quality photo output is a priority for your home printing needs, the Envy 5055 would be the more suitable choice for delivering visually appealing prints.
Does either printer offer automatic duplex (two-sided) printing?
Yes, the HP Envy 5055 typically includes automatic duplex printing capabilities. This means it can print on both sides of a page without requiring you to manually flip the paper. This feature is incredibly convenient for reducing paper consumption and saving time, especially when printing multi-page documents. The HP DeskJet 4520, on the other hand, usually lacks this feature, requiring manual duplexing.
What are the main differences in connectivity?
The HP Envy 5055 often features dual-band Wi-Fi, which allows it to connect to both 2.4GHz and 5GHz wireless networks. This can lead to a more stable and faster wireless connection, especially in crowded wireless environments. The HP DeskJet 4520 typically relies on standard single-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz). Both printers support wireless printing and mobile printing via the HP Smart app. (See Also: Samsung Pro Vs Evo 850 )
Which printer is more budget-friendly?
The HP DeskJet 4520 is generally the more budget-friendly option between the two. It’s positioned as a more entry-level or mid-range all-in-one printer, often available at a lower purchase price. While the HP Envy 5055 might offer more advanced features and potentially better print quality for photos, its higher initial cost reflects these enhancements. The 4520 provides essential functionality at a more accessible price point.
Are ink cartridges for these printers easy to find and replace?
Yes, ink cartridges for both the HP Envy 5055 and the HP DeskJet 4520 are widely available through major retailers, office supply stores, and online marketplaces. HP’s cartridge system is standardized across many of their models, making them easy to locate. Replacement is typically a straightforward process, with clear indicators within the printer showing where and how to install new cartridges, ensuring minimal downtime.
Final Verdict
The HP Envy 5055 emerges as the superior choice for most home users seeking a versatile all-in-one printer. Its enhanced photo print quality, automatic duplexing, and dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity offer a more premium and efficient user experience. While the HP DeskJet 4520 is a capable budget option, the Envy 5055’s added features and performance make it a more compelling investment for those who value quality and convenience in their home printing tasks.
Winner: HP Envy 5055