If you love printing family photos or creative projects at home, both the HP Envy Photo 7155 and Canon PIXMA TS9120 are excellent all-in-one photo printers still worth buying in 2025. HP focuses on realistic colors and easy mobile printing, while Canon delivers vibrant, detailed results with faster output. This guide breaks down how they compare in everyday use — print quality, ink costs, maintenance, and more — so you can decide which one fits your lifestyle best.
Grab the HP Envy Photo 7155 from Amazon here or the Canon PIXMA TS9120 directly from the company here.
1. Introduction
There’s a simple kind of joy in holding a photo in your hand — not just scrolling past it on your phone. It’s why home photo printers are still relevant in 2025, even in a world where everything lives in the cloud. Whether you’re printing 4×6 snapshots for a family album or a 5×7 portrait for your desk, having the right printer makes all the difference between “just okay” and “wow, that looks great.”
Whether you’re a hobbyist or just getting started, both are great choices if you’re looking for a photo printer for beginners that still delivers professional-looking results.
And that’s exactly what people want — prints that look like the moment felt. But not everyone wants to deal with bulky, complicated printers or expensive ink refills. That’s where compact, all- in-one photo printers like the HP Envy Photo 7155 and Canon PIXMA TS9120 come in. Both are designed for home users who want photo-lab quality prints without the hassle, and they’re still among the most talked-about models in 2025 for their reliability and ease of use.
As technology experts with over 20 years of experience in hardware and application research and development, we analyze every product with real-world testing — not just specs on paper. Our goal is to help you find the best photo printer for your needs, whether you care most about color accuracy, cost efficiency, or ease of maintenance. Our recommendations are based on extensive research, component analysis, hands-on testing, and verified user feedback, so you know what actually works, not just what sounds good in ads.
This guide focuses on the real-world performance of the HP Envy Photo 7155 and Canon PIXMA TS9120 — two compact, affordable photo printers that continue to stand out for home and casual users. We’ll compare their color accuracy, print speed, mobile compatibility, and ink efficiency, while also highlighting what long-term users love (and what they don’t).
If you’ve ever searched for “best home photo printer 2025,” “inkjet printer comparison,” “photo printer for family use,” or “affordable all-in-one printer reviews,” you’re in the right place. We’ll help you cut through the noise and find the model that fits your everyday printing needs — from spontaneous smartphone snapshots to carefully edited camera shots.
Target Audience:
This comparison is written for home users, casual photographers, students, and families who want an easy, reliable way to print high-quality photos and documents at home — without wasting time or money on overcomplicated tech.
2. Technical Specifications at a Glance
Before diving into performance, here’s a quick overview of what each printer offers. This table highlights the basics to help you see differences at a glance.
| Feature | HP Envy Photo 7155 | Canon PIXMA TS9120 |
| Max Resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi (color) |
Ink System |
2 cartridges (black + tri-color) | 6 individual cartridges (cyan, magenta, yellow, photo blue, black, pigment black) |
| Borderless Printing | Yes, up to 8.5 x 11 inches | Yes, up to 8.5 x 11 inches, including 5×5 square |
Photo Tray/Support | Dedicated photo tray for 4×6 | Photo tray + SD card slot for direct printing |
Print Speed (4×6 Photo) | Around 60 seconds | Around 41 seconds |
| Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile app | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, mobile app, Ethernet |
| Scanner/Copier | Yes, flatbed scanner with 1200 dpi | Yes, flatbed scanner with 2400 x 4800 dpi |
| Display | 2.65-inch color touchscreen | 5-inch color touchscreen |
Dimensions (inches) | 17.9 x 16.1 x 7.6 | 14.7 x 12.8 x 5.6 |
| Weight (pounds) | 14.3 | 14.6 |
| Other Notes | Subscription ink is compatible for savings | Supports CD/DVD printing, more ink options |
The Canon has a slight edge in ink variety and display size, which can make a difference for detailed work, while the HP keeps the design compact and user-friendly.
- Summary: Canon offers more features, like an SD slot and faster speeds; HP is simpler with subscription ink options.
3. Why This Review Is Essential
Printers come and go, but in 2025, with ink prices still fluctuating and more people printing from cloud storage or smartphones, it’s key to choose one that doesn’t waste your time or money. Many guides just list specs, but this one focuses on hands-on photo print quality comparisons, which is what most home users care about.
We address common pain points like banding issues or high ink costs, drawing from user feedback and tests to fill in what other guides miss—like how these older models hold up against newer alternatives or in low-use households. Avoiding a mismatch can save you from returning a printer or dealing with faded prints.
4. What You Will Learn from This Review
You’ll get a step-by-step breakdown of testing methods, detailed print metrics, cost calculations, and practical tips for setup. Expect insights on compatibility with current devices like the latest iPhones or Androids, potential long-term issues like clogging, and eco considerations. Sections include visual aids, tables for quick reads, and key takeaways for skimmers. Plus, People Also Ask and FAQ cover extras like troubleshooting. This guide aims to make your decision feel informed, not overwhelming.
5. How We Put Them to Use
We wanted results that reflect typical home printing, so we used consistent methods anyone could replicate. This section explains the setup to build trust in the findings.
5.1 Files and Workflow
Started with the same 300 dpi TIFF and JPEG files from real-life scenes: portraits with skin tones, landscapes with gradients, and high-contrast group shots. Printed in 4×6 and 5×7 on glossy inkjet paper from various brands to avoid bias. Settings were “Best Photo” mode with printer-managed colors, as most users don’t dive into custom profiles. Reviewed under natural daylight for accurate visual assessment, then scanned at 600 dpi for detailed analysis.
5.2 What We Measured
Focused on color accuracy (using visual checks and delta-E tools where possible), tonal range in shadows/highlights, sharpness on fine details, banding in smooth areas, saturation levels, skin tone rendering, print speeds, and per-print costs. This covers the full picture for home photo printers.
- Summary: Used everyday files and settings for fair, repeatable tests on key print
- Key Takeaway: Consistent testing shows real differences in how these printers handle common photo types.
6. Core Differences and Key Questions
To make the comparison clearer, here’s a table outlining core features, how each printer handles them, and answers to what readers often want to know. These explanations draw from tests and user experiences, addressing practical concerns like “photo printer ink costs” or “best all-in-one for home documents.”
| Feature | HP Envy Photo 7155 | Canon PIXMA TS9120 | Insights |
Ink System |
Uses a two- cartridge system (one black, one tri-color). Vibrant colors often require a subscription service. |
Uses a six-ink system (including photo blue) for enhanced color vibrancy and reduced graininess. | Is the six-ink system a noticeable improvement for photos, and is it worth the higher individual cartridge costs? The six-ink setup provides a wider color range, making photos look more vibrant with smoother gradients and less visible dots, especially in blues and shadows. For casual users, the difference might be subtle, but hobbyists notice it in detailed prints. It’s worth the cost if you print photos often, as it reduces waste by replacing only empty colors, though initial cartridge buys add up compared to the simpler two-cartridge approach. |
Running Costs |
High cost-per- print with standard cartridges, but very low with a subscription, especially for photos. | Higher initial running costs with standard cartridges, though it may be slightly cheaper per page without a subscription. | How do the long-term running costs truly compare? Is the subscription as cost-effective as it claims? Over time, the subscription can cut costs by up to 50% for light to moderate use, with plans starting low but rising in 2025 (e.g., small plans up 20%). For heavy photo printing, the Canon’s individual inks waste less, potentially saving more without a sub. The subscription shines for occasional users, but watch for price hikes and overage fees. |
Photo Quality |
Produces good photos, but they may appear less vibrant and duller compared to six-ink outputs. | Produces exceptional, vibrant, and detailed photos, with color accuracy that rivals commercial services. | What are the real-world differences in photo vibrancy and detail, especially for discerning users? In everyday tests, the Canon delivers punchier colors and finer details in textures like hair or landscapes, making prints pop for framing. The HP is solid for casual snapshots but can look washed out in comparison. Discerning users prefer the Canon for its depth, though both handle family photos well at small sizes. |
Document Quality | Good, crisp text for most general purposes, but banding can show in dark graphics, and small fonts may blur. | Prints documents and graphics well, but minor imperfections can appear around text edges. | How does the quality hold up for everyday documents like homework or reports? Both manage basic text and simple graphics reliably for home tasks, with clear readability at standard sizes. The HP’s banding is rare but noticeable in shaded areas, while the Canon’s edges might soften slightly—neither is a deal-breaker for non- professional use, but opt for finer settings on complex docs. |
Speed | Slow document and photo printing speeds compared to the Canon. |
Faster at printing both documents and photos. | Is the speed difference significant enough for users who print frequently? The Canon shaves off 15-20 seconds per 4×6 photo and similar for docs, adding up to noticeable time savings in batches (e.g., event prints). For frequent users, it’s a clear win; occasional printers won’t mind the HP’s pace. |
Features |
Includes dual- band Wi-Fi, wireless direct printing, Apple AirPrint, and an SD card slot. | Comes with a larger, more responsive 5- inch touchscreen. Supports Ethernet, Bluetooth, Apple AirPrint, an SD card slot, and CD/DVD/Blu- ray disc printing. |
Is disc printing a relevant feature? Is the larger touchscreen a major usability advantage? Disc printing is a niche in 2025, useful for custom labels but less common with digital media—skip if you don’t need it. The Canon’s bigger screen makes navigation easier for settings or previews, a real plus for less tech-savvy users over the HP’s smaller display. |
Scanner | Features a flatbed scanner, but lacks an Automatic Document Feeder (ADF) for multi-page tasks. | Also has a flatbed scanner and no ADF. Processes multi-page documents one page at a time. |
How cumbersome is the lack of an ADF for users who need to scan multiple pages? Without an ADF, scanning stacks means manual flipping, which gets tedious for 10+ pages (e.g., reports). It’s fine for single sheets but inconvenient for bulk work—consider apps or separate scanners if multi-page scanning is frequent. |
Reliability |
Customers are often satisfied with ease of use, but some report connectivity issues and hardware problems. | Generally, receives positive feedback for performance, though some users report connectivity issues during setup and flimsy plastic parts. |
How often do connectivity or setup problems actually occur, and how difficult are they to resolve? Issues like offline status or Wi-Fi drops happen occasionally on both, often from router changes or firmware. They’re common but fixable with restarts, driver updates, or app reconnects— usually quick, though persistent ones might need support chats. |
Overall Value |
Considered a good, affordable choice for families and casual photo printing, particularly with ink programs. | Praised as a powerhouse for home printing, offering exceptional output quality and features, though with higher ink costs. |
Which printer offers the best balance of initial cost, ink cost, features, and print quality for a home user? The HP edges out for budget- conscious casual users with its low sub costs and simplicity, ideal for light family prints. The Canon wins for those prioritizing vibrant photos and extras, balancing higher upfront ink with better long-term efficiency—pick based on photo volume. |
- Summary on Core Differences: Canon leads in quality and features for enthusiasts; HP leads in affordability and ease for beginners.
- Key Takeaway: These breakdowns cluster around user intents like “cost-saving photo printers” or “reliable home all-in-ones,” helping match your printing habits.
Grab the HP Envy Photo 7155 from Amazon here or the Canon PIXMA TS9120 directly from the company here.
7. Breaking Down Print Results: What Stands Out
Here’s where we compare the outputs side by side, based on metrics from tests.
7.1 Color Fidelity and Realism
HP delivers warm, natural tones that make family portraits look true to life, with skin appearing smooth and accurate. Canon boosts saturation for a more vivid effect, great for popping blues and greens in vacation shots, but it can shift yellows slightly off.
Tip: For Canon, edit warmth down in apps before printing; HP defaults work well for realism.
7.2 Handling Tones and Details in Light and Dark Areas
Canon’s six-ink system shines in gradients, keeping details in cloudy skies or shaded faces without blocking up. It’s better for landscapes with a wide dynamic range. HP balances mids nicely but loses some depth in very dark areas.
Practical: Choose “finest detail” mode and quality paper for both to enhance shadow recovery.
7.3 Sharpness in Fine Elements
Canon captures textures like hair or foliage with crisper edges, noticeable in enlargements or crops. HP is sharp for standard views but softens a touch on intricate parts.
Advice: Higher-res source files help; Canon suits hobbyists who zoom in.
7.4 Smoothness in Gradients and Avoiding Bands
Canon’s extra inks reduce banding in grays and skies, though clogs can cause it. HP shows occasional lines in neutrals, fixed with regular cleans.
Note: Branded paper minimizes this; run nozzle checks weekly if printing infrequently.
7.5 Vibrancy and Overall Appeal
Canon prints jump out with contrast, ideal for framed displays. HP stays subtle and realistic, closer to screen views.
Suggestion: Boost HP saturation in editing software; tone Canon down for accuracy.
7.6 Time to Print
| Printer Model | Average 4×6 Photo Time | Average 5×7 Photo Time |
| Canon PIXMA TS9120 | ~41 seconds | ~60 seconds |
| HP Envy Photo 7155 | ~60 seconds | ~80 seconds |
Canon saves time on batches, useful for events.
- Summary on Results: Canon for detail and vibrancy; HP for natural tones and Matches searches like “best printer for family photos.”
- Key Takeaway: Test your own files to see preferences, but Canon often wins on technical
8. Optimizing Your Setup: Paper, Settings, and Compatibility
Great prints need the right tweaks. This expanded section includes 2025 updates on app compatibility.
8.1 Best Paper Types
Glossy inkjet from reputable makers gives vibrancy; acid-free for longevity. Matte reduces glare but mutes colors. In 2025, recycled options work well without quality loss.
8.2 Driver Settings Checklist
- Match paper type (e.g., Glossy Photo).
- Enable borderless for edge-to-
- Select the highest quality for
- Use ICC profiles for accuracy if
- Disable auto-corrections post-
Example for portraits: Glossy, borderless, best quality, app-managed colors.
8.3 Device Compatibility and Mobile Workflow
Both support iOS 18+ and Android 15 via apps. HP’s Bluetooth pairs faster; Canon’s SD slot aids camera users. Test cloud printing from Google Drive or iCloud.
- Key Takeaway: Small changes like profiles boost results; check app updates for seamless 2025 integration.
9. Crunching the Numbers: Costs and Supplies
Ink can add up, so we calculated based on 2025 prices.
9.1 Cartridge Differences
| Aspect | HP Envy Photo 7155 | Canon PIXMA TS9120 |
| Cartridge Type | Tri-color + black | Six separate colors |
| Replacement Style | Full tri-color swap | Individual empties |
| Waste Potential | Higher if the colors are uneven | Lower for photo focus |
Cost-Per-Print Examples
Using average yields and prices (~$20-60 per set):
| Item | HP Example (per 4×6) | Canon Example (per 4×6) |
| Photo Paper | $0.10 | $0.10 |
| Color Ink | $0.10 | $0.12 |
| Black Ink | $0.03 | Included |
| Total | ~$0.23 | ~$0.22-$0.30 |
HP drops with subscriptions; Canon wastes less long-term.
9.3 Saving Strategies
XL cartridges, small previews, subscriptions if frequent. Eco tip: Recycle cartridges to cut environmental impact.
- Summary: Canon for heavy users; HP with subs for
10. Workflow, Connectivity, and Daily Handling
HP’s app is intuitive for beginners; Canon offers more controls. Both are reliable, but clean heads monthly. In 2025, voice commands via smart home integration will work on both.
- Key Takeaway: HP for quick mobile; Canon for
11. Insights from Real Users
HP praise: Easy setup, accurate portraits; complaints: Ink runs without sub. Canon: Vivid details, SD convenience; issues: Cartridge tracking.
From recent online discussions, users still appreciate HP’s simplicity.
12. Who Should Choose Which?
HP if occasional prints, simple needs. Canon for regular use, better gradients.
| Priority | Recommended |
| Natural colors, ease | HP |
| Detail, speed | Canon |
| Low waste | Canon |
| Fewer cartridges | HP |
13. Clearing Common Doubts
When it comes to choosing between HP and Canon printers in 2025, a few questions always pop up — from photo quality and ink costs to wireless features and eco-friendliness. This section clears up the most common doubts people search for, like “Which printer has better photo quality?” or “Are HP and Canon printers compatible with Mac?” Whether you’re setting up a home office, printing family photos, or just want the best value, here’s a quick and clear breakdown of what you need to know.
Which printer has better photo quality for family prints?
If you’re after realistic skin tones and natural-looking photos, HP printers are your best bet. They’re designed for lifelike detail that makes portraits look authentic. On the other hand, Canon printers deliver punchier, more vibrant colors, which make landscapes and bright scenes really pop. In short, HP is great for true-to-life family photos, while Canon shines for colorful, eye- catching prints.
How do ink costs compare in 2025?
When it comes to ink cost efficiency in 2025, HP printers are generally cheaper to maintain — especially if you use HP Instant Ink subscriptions, which automatically deliver ink before you run out. Canon printers, meanwhile, are highly efficient for photo printing, giving you more pages per cartridge when used for images. For everyday use, HP wins on affordability; for photo-heavy tasks, Canon holds steady.
Are they wireless and mobile-friendly?
Yes — both HP and Canon wireless printers are fully mobile-friendly. Their companion apps (HP Smart App and Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY) work seamlessly with Android, iOS, Windows, and macOS devices. You can print, scan, or copy straight from your phone or tablet, making them perfect for a modern home or small office setup.
What’s banding and how do you fix it?
Banding means faint horizontal lines appearing across your prints — a common issue caused by clogged printhead nozzles or low-quality paper. To fix it, run a printhead cleaning cycle from your printer’s software, check your ink levels, and use high-quality, coated paper for best results. Both HP and Canon have built-in maintenance tools that make this easy.
Are HP and Canon printers compatible with Mac and Windows?
Absolutely. Both brands offer full compatibility with Mac and Windows PCs, including support for the latest operating systems. Drivers are automatically detected during setup, and both companies provide regular firmware updates for smooth performance and better security.
Which is more eco-friendly?
Both HP and Canon printers offer eco-friendly printing options in 2025. HP promotes its HP Planet Partners recycling program, allowing users to return used cartridges easily. Canon, on the other hand, focuses on reducing waste during production and offers energy-efficient printer models. Overall, both brands make solid efforts toward sustainable, low-waste printing.
14. Frequently Asked Questions
Before you hit that “Buy Now” button, it’s normal to wonder which printer gives you better color accuracy, lower running costs, or faster performance. These are some of the most common questions people ask when comparing HP vs Canon printers in 2025. Below, you’ll find clear, straightforward answers that cover what matters most—photo quality, maintenance, and practical alternatives—so you can pick the right printer for your needs.
Which printer has better color accuracy?
If color accuracy is your top priority, HP printers tend to produce tones that are closer to the original image. Their color calibration leans toward realism, making them ideal for professional documents and natural portraits. Canon printers, while slightly warmer and more saturated, are perfect if you prefer vivid, high-impact colors for photos and creative projects.
Which printer is cheaper to run in 2025?
The answer depends on how often you print. For light home or office use, HP printers are generally cheaper to maintain, especially with HP Instant Ink plans that lower cartridge costs. If you print photos or large volumes frequently, Canon printers offer better long-term efficiency thanks to higher-yield cartridges and cost-per-page savings.
Which printer delivers faster prints?
When it comes to print speed, Canon printers usually finish jobs 15–20 seconds faster than comparable HP models. That makes Canon a better fit for users who need quick, high-volume printing—like students, photographers, or small businesses. HP printers, while slightly slower, often trade speed for precision and consistency.
How can I improve Canon printer color accuracy?
If your Canon prints look too warm or saturated, you can adjust the color profile to neutral or fine-tune the warmth settings in the Canon PRINT app or driver software. For even better results, use ICC color profiles designed for your printer model—these ensure more balanced tones and professional-grade color accuracy.
Which printer handles rare or occasional printing better?
If you print occasionally or leave your printer idle for weeks, HP printers are easier to maintain. They’re less prone to clogged nozzles and often feature auto-cleaning functions that keep printheads ready to go. Canon printers can dry out faster if not used regularly, so HP is the more maintenance-friendly choice for rare printing.
What are good printer alternatives in 2025?
If you’re looking for something more cost-effective and eco-friendly, consider tank-style printers like HP Smart Tank or Canon MegaTank models. These ink tank printers offer lower cost per page, longer-lasting ink refills, and less waste, making them great alternatives to traditional cartridge printers in 2025.
15. Wrapping Up: Your Best Pick
For home photo printing, HP suits casual, natural results; Canon for detailed vibrancy. Both are solid in 2025 for budget-conscious users.
Ready to get printing? Grab the HP Envy Photo 7155 from Amazon here or the Canon PIXMA TS9120 directly from the company here.
Share your experiences below, ask questions, or reach out for setup tips—we’d love to hear from you and build a community around smart printing choices.
***Disclaimer***
This blog post contains unique insights and personal opinions. As such, it should not be interpreted as the official stance of any companies, manufacturers, or other entities we mention or with whom we are affiliated. While we strive for accuracy, information is subject to change. Always verify details independently before making decisions based on our content.
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