HP Envy Inspire 7255e Wireless Inkjet Printer Review High-Quality Prints and Easy Features

Description

Sleek Design and Build Quality

The HP ENVY Inspire 7255e Wireless Color Thermal Inkjet Printer caught my attention immediately with its minimalist yet functional design. It’s compact for an all-in-one printer, allowing it to fit seamlessly on my home office desk without looking out of place. The 15.08″ x 18.11″ x 7.5″ dimensions make it ideal for smaller spaces, and at around 15 pounds, it’s easy to move if needed. I particularly appreciated the dual trays, which simplify separating photo paper from regular sheets. The build feels sturdy, though I did notice the tray mechanism is slightly sensitive and requires gentle handling to avoid any mishaps.

Performance That Delivers

This printer doesn’t just look good; it performs well, too. I tested both text-heavy documents and vibrant photos, and the results were impressive. Black-and-white prints came out sharp with a resolution of 1200 x 1200 DPI, while photos boasted rich colors at a maximum resolution of 4800 x 1200 DPI. The print speeds, at 15 pages per minute for black and 10 for color, are decent for a home printer. However, the 16-second startup time for the first page could feel a bit sluggish if you’re in a hurry.

The scanning functionality also stood out. The flatbed scanner captured images with precise details, though the 600 x 600 DPI resolution for black-and-white copies could have been higher. Still, for everyday use like scanning documents or photos, it handles the job well.

Positives

• Wireless and Mobile Printing: The ability to print directly from my phone using the HP Smart app was a game-changer. It’s intuitive and supports advanced features like custom photo printing.
• Automatic Duplex Printing: Saves paper and effort by printing on both sides automatically.
• Dedicated Photo Tray: Switching between photo paper and standard paper is seamless.
• 3-Month Instant Ink Trial: The subscription service ensures you never run out of ink, and the initial trial is a nice bonus.
• Eco-Friendly Design: Made with over 45% recycled plastic, which aligns with sustainability goals.

Limitations

• Restricted Compatibility: The printer works exclusively with HP cartridges, which means third-party options aren’t an alternative. This could be frustrating if you’re looking for budget-friendly ink.
• Noisy Operation: While not excessively loud, I did notice the printer emits a noticeable hum during operation, which might be distracting in quiet environments.
• Limited High-Resolution Copying: The maximum copy resolution is lower than expected for a printer in this range.
• Initial Setup Confusion: While the app-guided setup is user-friendly, the self-healing Wi-Fi took a couple of retries to stabilize.

Key Benefits for Users

This printer is targeted at home offices and family use, and it excels in its versatility. I found it particularly well-suited for creative projects, like printing borderless photos or using the panoramic photo paper sizes (4×12 inches). Whether you’re a student needing to print assignments or a parent creating family photo albums, its flexibility makes it a strong choice.

The mobile printing capabilities were a standout feature for me. I printed directly from my smartphone and tablet, which added a level of convenience I didn’t know I needed. The customizable touchscreen shortcuts also helped streamline repetitive tasks.

Product Comparisons

In comparison to other all-in-one printers, this product holds its ground. I’ve used competitors like the Canon PIXMA TS9520, which offers similar photo quality but lacks the seamless HP Smart app integration. Additionally, Epson’s EcoTank series may have a lower cost per page in the long run but doesn’t include features like a dedicated photo tray or such compact dimensions. However, HP’s ink subscription model does mean higher long-term costs if you’re a heavy user.

Where the HP ENVY Inspire 7255e really shines is in its user-friendly design and app support, making it less intimidating for tech novices. While other brands may offer slightly better print speeds or resolutions, the overall package here is better balanced for everyday users.

Financial Value

From a quality-to-price ratio perspective, this printer offers good value for those who print a mix of documents and photos. The 3-month Instant Ink trial is a welcome incentive, but the subscription cost post-trial should be weighed carefully. If you’re looking for a budget-friendly printer purely for text documents, this might not be the most cost-effective choice. However, for those who value photo printing and versatile features, it’s worth the investment.

The HP ENVY Inspire 7255e strikes a balance between style, function, and ease of use, making it a solid option for families and home office users alike. While it’s not perfect, the thoughtful design and robust app support make it a pleasure to use.

Additional information