By The Tech Guy
Love snapping photos and instantly sharing memories? Meet the HP Sprocket Smartphone Photo Printer. A cool little companion gadget that will surely delight you. Whether you’re looking to create photo albums or hand-out prints at parties, this compact printer has a lot to offer. I was able to get my hands on the Sprocket and test it out for myself. Spoiler alert: it didn’t disappoint! Let’s dive in.
The Recommendations
HP Sprocket 2×3 Instant Smartphone Photo Printer
The HP Sprocket Smartphone Photo Printer offers wireless, portable printing from smartphones, using ZINK technology for smudge-proof, sticky-backed photos, ideal for sharing.
- Ultra-portable design that fits easily in any bag
- No ink needed thanks to ZINK technology
- Sticky-backed photos for instant decoration
- Fun, customizable filters and frames in the HP Sprocket app
- Durable, smudge-proof, water-resistant photos
- Print quality isn’t as high as professional photo printers
- Photo paper refills can be pricey
- Charging requires a micro-USB cable, not the more common USB-C
KODAK STEP Slim Instant Smartphone Photo Printer
The KODAK STEP Slim Photo Printer offers sleek, portable printing, customizable photos, ink-free technology, and a perfect accessory for influencers and photographers.
- The slim, lightweight build makes it perfect for travel or daily use
- Zink technology means no cartridges or toners are needed
- You can have a fully printed photo in under a minute
- The KODAK STEP Prints app offers a wide range of editing tools to make your photos pop
- Easily stick your photos anywhere without worrying about tape or frames
- The 2×3 prints are cute, but if you’re looking for larger photos, this isn’t the printer for you
- After a few printing sessions, the battery needs a recharge
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The Breakdown
- Ultra-portable design that fits easily in any bag
- No ink needed thanks to ZINK technology
- Sticky-backed photos for instant decoration
- Fun, customizable filters and frames in the HP Sprocket app
- Durable, smudge-proof, water-resistant photos
- Print quality isn’t as high as professional photo printers
- Photo paper refills can be pricey
- Charging requires a micro-USB cable, not the more common USB-C
Pocket-Sized Printer, Big Possibilities
Right out of the box, the HP Sprocket is incredibly inviting. This little device is sleek, stylish, and small enough to fit in the palm of your hand. Available in a few chic colors like black, white, and blush, it easily blends in with your tech essentials. Weighing only a few ounces, the Sprocket is truly portable, fitting comfortably into any purse, backpack, or a large pocket.
The packaging comes with everything you need to get started. You get the Sprocket printer itself, a micro-USB charging cable, and 10 sheets of 2×3-inch ZINK photo paper. It’s the definition of grab-and-go printing convenience!
Sleek, Portable, and Oh-So-Cute!
When it comes to design, the HP Sprocket scores big. Its slim profile (roughly the size of a smartphone) means you can carry it anywhere without hassle. It’s lightweight yet feels durable, which is a plus if you’re constantly on the move. The printer has smooth, rounded edges, which adds to its sleek, modern look.
A standout feature is the customizable LED light. You can personalize the light to display different colors based on who is printing at the moment. This is a fun addition when using the printer at gatherings—everyone knows whose photo is next!
There’s a micro-USB port for charging, and it’s fully wireless, connecting to your phone via Bluetooth 5.1. The minimal design makes the Sprocket feel futuristic, and it’s ready to print almost instantly.
Fun Filters, Sticky Photos, and No Ink Needed!
The HP Sprocket isn’t just cute; it’s packed with cool features that make printing your favorite snaps easy and fun. Let’s break down what makes this little printer shine:
- ZINK Zero Ink Technology: One of the best things about the Sprocket is never worrying about buying ink cartridges. The 2×3-inch photo paper uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology, which embeds the colors directly into the paper. This means no messy ink and smudge-proof, tear-resistant photos that look sharp and glossy.
- HP Sprocket App: The free HP Sprocket app is where the real fun happens. You can customize your photos with frames, filters, emojis, and stickers before printing. It’s simple to use, with lots of creative options to add flair to your photos.
- Peel-and-Stick Photos: Each photo comes with a sticky back. Peel it off, and you’ve got yourself an instant sticker! Perfect for decorating notebooks, lockers, and even your phone case.
- Bluetooth Connectivity: Connect your phone to the printer via Bluetooth, and you’re ready to print. It works with both iOS and Android, so no one’s left out.
Tiny Printer, Big Quality!
Despite its small size, the HP Sprocket delivers impressively sharp and vibrant photos. I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of the prints. It won’t replace professional printers, but the colors are rich and the 313×400 dpi resolution is perfect for instant prints.
One thing I noticed is that the photos have a slight warm tone, which actually adds a vintage, nostalgic vibe. They’re glossy and smudge-proof, making them ideal for handling right after printing.
Printing speed is decent as well. Each photo takes about 30 to 40 seconds to print, which is pretty quick for a printer of this size.
Print, Peel, Stick, and Smile!
Using the HP Sprocket is incredibly simple, even for those who aren’t super tech-savvy. The HP Sprocket app walks you through the entire setup process, which only takes a few minutes. The app is intuitive and easy to navigate. Adding filters, borders, and stickers to photos is a breeze, and you can even print directly from social media accounts!
One of my favorite features is the ability to connect multiple devices. This makes it a hit at parties! Friends can pair their phones with the printer and print their favorite snaps on the spot. It’s an instant crowd-pleaser.
The battery life is pretty solid as well. After a full charge, I was able to print 35 photos before needing to recharge, impressive for a small device.
Is the HP Sprocket Worth It?
Considering everything the HP Sprocket offers, it’s a great value for those who love instant photo printing. It’s not the cheapest gadget out there. But for under $100, you get a fun, portable printer that brings your memories to life. The convenience of printing without ink and the sticky-backed photos adds to the overall appeal.
However, photo paper refills can add up over time, especially if you’re printing frequently. That said, if you love sharing moments through photos, the Sprocket’s value is hard to beat.
The Competition
- The slim, lightweight build makes it perfect for travel or daily use
- Zink technology means no cartridges or toners are needed
- You can have a fully printed photo in under a minute
- The KODAK STEP Prints app offers a wide range of editing tools to make your photos pop
- Easily stick your photos anywhere without worrying about tape or frames
- The 2×3 prints are cute, but if you’re looking for larger photos, this isn’t the printer for you
- After a few printing sessions, the battery needs a recharge
The KODAK Step Slim Instant Smartphone Photo Printer is a compact, portable device for printing vibrant 2×3” photos. Its sleek, lightweight design makes it ideal for travel, influencers, and scrapbooking enthusiasts. The printer uses Zink ink-free technology, delivering smudge-proof, dry-to-the-touch prints instantly. With the KODAK STEP Prints app, users can customize photos with filters, frames, and stickers. The photos come with a sticky backing for easy display and sharing. No bulky equipment or messy wires are needed, offering convenience and creativity on the go. The KODAK Step Slim is a versatile, stylish solution for photo lovers.
The Final Verdict
The HP Sprocket Smartphone Photo Printer is an absolute win for anyone who loves photography, social media, and instant gratification. Its compact size, ease of use, and fun features make it perfect for both casual users and photo enthusiasts alike. While the print quality may not be studio-level, it’s more than enough for keepsakes, scrapbooks, and DIY projects. The sticky-back feature adds an extra layer of fun, turning your photos into instant stickers.
If you’re looking for a portable printer that’s simple, stylish, and enjoyable, the HP Sprocket is a fantastic choice. It’s a must-have for creating and sharing printed memories wherever life takes you!
The FAQ
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How does the HP Sprocket 2×3 Instant Smartphone Photo Printer work?
The HP Sprocket uses ZINK (Zero Ink) technology to print 2×3-inch photos directly from your smartphone. It connects via Bluetooth to the HP Sprocket app, where you can customize, edit, and print your photos without needing any ink cartridges.
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What type of paper does the HP Sprocket use?
The HP Sprocket uses HP ZINK photo paper, which is smudge-proof, water-resistant, and has a peel-and-stick back so you can turn your photos into stickers.
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Does the HP Sprocket require ink cartridges?
No. The HP Sprocket uses ZINK technology, which means the color is embedded into the photo paper itself, so no ink cartridges are needed.
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Is the HP Sprocket compatible with both iOS and Android devices?
Yes, the HP Sprocket is compatible with both iOS 10+ and Android 5+ devices. You can download the free HP Sprocket app on both platforms.
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How do I connect my smartphone to the HP Sprocket?
Simply turn on Bluetooth on your smartphone, open the HP Sprocket app, and follow the prompts to connect to the printer. The Sprocket uses Bluetooth 5.1 for a stable connection.
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How many prints can I get from one full charge?
You can print around 35 photos on a single charge. The battery life may vary slightly depending on usage.
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How long does it take to print a photo?
Printing a 2×3-inch photo takes approximately 30 to 40 seconds.
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How much photo paper does the HP Sprocket hold at one time?
The HP Sprocket can hold up to 10 sheets of 2×3-inch HP ZINK photo paper at a time.
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Are the printed photos high quality?
The prints are of good quality for their size, with a resolution of 313 x 400 dpi. The colors are vibrant, but the quality is not on par with professional photo printers.
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Can multiple people print to the HP Sprocket at the same time?
Yes, the HP Sprocket allows multiple devices to connect and print, making it great for parties or gatherings where friends can print their own photos.
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How do I charge the HP Sprocket?
The HP Sprocket charges via the included micro-USB cable. A full charge takes about 60 to 90 minutes.
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Can I use the HP Sprocket while it’s charging?
Yes, the HP Sprocket can still print while charging, though the performance may be slightly reduced during this time.
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How do I replace the photo paper?
To load new paper, simply open the top cover of the printer, insert up to 10 sheets of HP ZINK photo paper, and close the cover. You’re ready to print again!
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Can I edit photos before printing them?
Yes, the HP Sprocket app offers various editing tools, such as filters, frames, emojis, and stickers, so you can customize your photos before printing.
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Can I print black-and-white photos?
Yes, you can print black-and-white photos through the HP Sprocket app by applying the black-and-white filter before printing.
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What’s the warranty on the HP Sprocket?
The HP Sprocket comes with a 1-year limited hardware warranty.
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