Instant photography has made a comeback in recent years, thanks to compact and user-friendly photo printers like the Kodak Step and HP Sprocket.
These portable printers use Zink zero ink technology to print full-color 2×3″ snapshots directly from your smartphone without the need for ink cartridges.
Both the Kodak Step and HP Sprocket have their pros and cons when it comes to print speed, image quality, connectivity, customization options and more.
This comprehensive guide provides an in-depth comparison of the key features and performance of the Kodak Step and HP Sprocket photo printers to help you decide which is better suited for your needs.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Features | Kodak Step | HP Sprocket |
| Print Speed | < 1 min per photo | Around 40 secs per photo |
| Connectivity | Bluetooth, NFC | Bluetooth |
| Image Size | 2.1 x 3.4 inches | 2 x 3 inches |
| Customization | Borders, filters | Frames, filters, emojis |
| Photo Capacity | Up to 40 photos per charge | Up to 30 photos per charge |
| Printer Size | 4.7 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches | 4.7 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches |
| Printer Weight | 5.6 oz | 5.5 oz |
| Photo Paper | Kodak Zink | HP Zink |
| Printer Battery | Rechargeable lithium-ion | Rechargeable lithium-ion |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Overview of the Kodak Step
The Kodak Step is an easy-to-use portable photo printer that allows you to print 2.1 x 3.4″ full color photos directly from your smartphone in less than a minute. Here are some of its key features and specs:
- Ultra compact and lightweight design at just 5.6 oz. Fits in your pocket.
- Uses no ink – the Kodak Step prints photos on Zink sticky-backed paper.
- Connects via Bluetooth for fuss-free wireless printing from your iOS or Android device.
- Prints sticky-backed photos that you can stick anywhere.
- Customize photos with stylish borders before printing.
- Rechargeable battery lets you print up to 40 photos per charge.
- Free Kodak Step app with editing tools and filters.
- Produces smudge-proof, water-resistant and tear-resistant photos that last a lifetime.
- Small 1.3 x 0.8″ color display shows connectivity status, battery life, photos counter.
- Comes in white, black, green, red and yellow color options.
- 1 year limited warranty.
Overview of the HP Sprocket
The HP Sprocket is another popular compact photo printer prized for its portability, ease of use and fun customization options. Here’s an overview:
- Ultra-portable 4.7 x 2.9 x 0.9 inch design weighs just 5.5 oz.
- Connects to iOS and Android devices via Bluetooth connectivity.
- Prints 2 x 3″ sticky-backed full color photos in about 40 seconds.
- Rechargeable battery prints up to 30 photos per charge.
- Customize photos with frames, filters, emojis, text and more before printing.
- HP Sprocket app for Android and iOS with editing tools.
- Prints are smudge-proof and tear resistant.
- LED indicator lights show connectivity and battery status.
- Available in black, white and blue color options.
- Comes with 10 sheets of HP Zink photo paper.
- Covered by 1 year limited hardware warranty.
Also Read: Comparison Between Canon Pixma G620 and G6020
Detailed Comparison Between the Kodak Step and HP Sprocket
Print Speed
The Kodak Step is a slightly faster photo printer than the HP Sprocket. It can print a 2.1 x 3.4″ photo in under 60 seconds. The HP Sprocket takes around 40 seconds to print a 2 x 3″ photo. So the Kodak Step has a small edge when it comes to print speed.
Image Size
The Kodak Step produces slightly larger 2.1 x 3.4 inch photos compared to the 2 x 3 inch size of HP Sprocket prints. The size difference is minor, but it makes the Kodak Step photos a bit more visible from a distance.
Connectivity
Both the Kodak Step and HP Sprocket rely on Bluetooth to connect wirelessly to your smartphone and print from the mobile app. The Kodak Step also has NFC connectivity which allows you to instantly connect and print by tapping your phone on the printer.
Customization Options
The HP Sprocket has more built-in customization features. You can add frames, filters, text, emojis and more before printing your photos. The Kodak Step app is more limited in editing features, but does allow you to add stylish borders to your photos. Overall, the HP Sprocket app provides a richer experience for customizing photos according to your mood and preferences before printing.
Photo Capacity
With a fully charged battery, the Kodak Step can print around 40 photos per charge compared to 30 photos on the HP Sprocket. So you get slightly more shots before needing to recharge the Kodak Step.
Printer Size and Weight
The Kodak Step and HP Sprocket are remarkably similar in terms of physical dimensions and weight. The Kodak Step measures 4.7 x 2.9 x 0.9 inches and weighs 5.6 ounces. The HP Sprocket has the exact same dimensions and weighs just 0.1 oz lighter at 5.5 oz. Both are highly portable pocket-sized printers.
Photo Paper
Both models use Zink (zero ink) heat activated paper to print full color photos without requiring any ink. However, the photo paper is not cross compatible. The Kodak Step uses Kodak Zink paper while the HP Sprocket requires HP Zink paper. The sticky-backed photo paper loads easily into each printer.
Printer Battery
The printers utilize lithium-ion rechargeable batteries. Real world usage puts the Kodak Step’s battery life at around 40 prints per charge compared to approximately 30 prints for the HP Sprocket before needing to recharge over Micro USB.
Warranty
Kodak and HP both provide a 1 year limited warranty covering defects and repairs. This provides peace of mind for at least the first year of owning either photo printer should any issues arise requiring service or replacement.
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Image Quality
When it comes to printed photo quality, there is little noticeable difference between the Kodak Step and HP Sprocket. Both produce good 2″ x 3″ instant prints with bright, accurate colors and vibrancy. The inkless Zink technology allows them to achieve decent photographic quality from such compact devices.
Cost Per Print
The ongoing cost of photo paper is quite similar between the Kodak Step and HP Sprocket. Kodak Zink paper costs around $0.50 per print. HP Sprocket Zink paper also comes out to around $0.50 to $0.60 per photo print.
Photo Editing App
Kodak’s mobile app is relatively basic but easy to navigate with editing limited to adding borders before printing. HP Sprocket’s app has more creative tools for customizing photos with frames, stickers, filters, text and more. HP’s app also makes sharing and printing photos from social media easier.
Printer Design
Both models have a very similar ultra-compact, thin and pocketable design. The Kodak Step has more color options available including white, black, green, red and yellow models. The HP Sprocket comes in more standard white, black and blue variants. Overall, the printers are attractively designed and similar in form factor.
Also Read: Comparison Between the HP 7301 and Epson 4850
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
For printing instant photos directly from your phone, the Kodak Step is Kodak’s top portable photo printer that delivers fast print speeds, good image quality and wireless printing convenience in an ultra compact design. It represents Kodak’s best overall balance of features, portability and affordability.
The Kodak Step printer is the most comparable model to the HP Sprocket in terms of its slim design, instant photo printing capabilities, image size and connectivity. Other alternatives worth considering are Fujifilm’s Instax Share SP-3 and the Polaroid Zip.
Unfortunately no, the HP Sprocket printer requires the use of HP Zink photo paper and is not compatible with Kodak Zink paper. Conversely, the Kodak Step printer can only use Kodak Zink paper. The paper is specially formulated for each printer brand.
Check that you are using official HP Zink photo paper, as incompatible paper can affect print quality. Also make sure you are printing from the HP Sprocket app rather than screenshot images, as screenshots print at lower resolution. Clean the print head periodically to prevent buildup affecting print quality. Try brighter, high resolution source images for best results.
Final Thoughts
The Kodak Step and HP Sprocket are both impressive little printers that make it easy and fun to print instant photos on the go directly from your smartphone.
The Kodak Step is a bit faster and produces slightly larger prints. But the HP Sprocket has an edge when it comes to creative customization and editing options through the mobile app.
Ultimately, the two models have more similarities than differences. From their pocket-friendly design to print quality and cost, they offer very comparable performance.
The Kodak Step gets the nod for quicker print speeds while the HP Sprocket is best for applying creative flourishes to your photos before printing. Either is a solid choice for capturing and printing memories in seconds wherever you may be.