Choosing the right photo printer can be a difficult task with so many models on the market. Two popular options from HP are the ENVY Photo 7155 and the ENVY Photo 7855. Both printers offer high quality photo printing along with scanning and copying capabilities. However, there are some key differences between these two models that are worth considering.
Print Quality
One of the most important factors when selecting a photo printer is print quality. Both the ENVY Photo 7155 and 7855 produce lab-quality photos with crisp detail and vivid color. The 7855 offers a slight edge with a higher maximum print resolution:
| Printer | Max Print Resolution |
|---|---|
| ENVY Photo 7155 | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| ENVY Photo 7855 | 5760 x 1440 dpi |
The 7855’s 5760 x 1440 dpi resolution allows for even finer detail and smoother gradations in tone. This makes it better suited for printing large, high quality photos.
Print Speed
Print speed is another key consideration when shopping for a photo printer. You don’t want to be waiting around all day for your photos to print. Here is how the print speeds compare between these two models:
| Printer | Black Print Speed | Color Print Speed |
|---|---|---|
| ENVY Photo 7155 | Up to 15 ppm | Up to 10 ppm |
| ENVY Photo 7855 | Up to 13 ppm | Up to 10 ppm |
The 7155 has a slightly faster maximum black print speed at 15 pages per minute compared to 13 ppm on the 7855. However, both printers have the same 10 ppm color print speed. For most home photo printing uses, either model will deliver prints quickly.
Paper Handling
Being able to print on different paper types and sizes is important for photo printing. Here is how the paper handling compares between models:
| Printer | Input Tray Capacity | Supported Paper Sizes |
|---|---|---|
| ENVY Photo 7155 | 125 sheets | 3 x 5 in to 8.5 x 14 in |
| ENVY Photo 7855 | 225 sheets | 3.5 x 5 in to 13 x 19 in |
The 7855 has a larger 225 sheet input tray compared to just 125 sheets on the 7155 model. This reduces the need to refill paper as often. The 7855 also supports larger 13 x 19 inch paper sizes, which is useful for enlarging photos.
Connectivity
Both printers provide the standard connectivity options you would expect:
| Printer | Connectivity |
|---|---|
| ENVY Photo 7155 | Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth LE |
| ENVY Photo 7855 | Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB |
The main difference is that the 7155 has Bluetooth LE while the 7855 has Ethernet instead. Bluetooth makes printing from mobile devices easy. Ethernet provides a faster, more reliable wired connection.
Photo Features
As photo-centric printers, both models have a robust set of features tailored for photography:
- 6-ink system with gray inks for professional quality photos
- Borderless printing up to 8.5 x 11 inches (7155) or 13 x 19 inches (7855)
- Ability to print directly from memory cards
- Touchscreen LCD preview of photos
The 7855 takes it a step further with features like print image matching for optimal photo enhancement and max detail technology for sharp detail and smooth tonal transitions.
Scanning
In addition to printing, both models function as scanner, copiers, and fax machines. For scanning, the 7855 has a faster maximum scan resolution of 1200 dpi versus 600 dpi on the 7155. The 7855 can also scan larger items up to 8.5 x 14 inches without a computer compared to just 8.5 x 11.7 inches on the 7155.
Dimensions
As you consider where to place one of these printers, here is a look at their dimensions:
| Printer | Dimensions (W x D x H) |
|---|---|
| ENVY Photo 7155 | 18.5 x 14.5 x 7.1 in |
| ENVY Photo 7855 | 18.5 x 16.9 x 7.5 in |
The 7855 is slightly larger overall, with greater depth to accommodate the larger 225 sheet tray. Both have small footprints though that can fit nicely on a desk.
Cost
The 7855 model carries a higher price tag since it is the newer, top of the line photo printer from HP. Here are the typical retail costs:
| Printer | MSRP |
|---|---|
| ENVY Photo 7155 | $129.99 |
| ENVY Photo 7855 | $199.99 |
Expect to pay around $70 more for the superior photo printing abilities of the ENVY Photo 7855. Frequent sales and promotions can bring the prices down on both models.
Conclusion
When choosing between the HP ENVY Photo 7155 vs 7855, the 7855 is the clear choice if you want the absolute best photo print quality. With a higher 5760 dpi maximum resolution and advanced features like print image matching, the 7855 delivers superior lab-quality prints. It also handles larger paper sizes up to 13 x 19 inches.
On the other hand, the ENVY Photo 7155 represents a more affordable option for the casual home photo printer user. It still produces excellent quality prints at 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution. The 7155 may make sense if you print photos infrequently and don’t require very large sizes.
Ultimately, those who print high volumes of photos or demand professional quality should opt for the ENVY Photo 7855. Casual users on a tighter budget can still get great results from the ENVY Photo 7155.
