Smart Tank 725 All-in-One Printer (28B51A) Review: A Deep Dive

Introduction

The HP Smart Tank 725 (28B51A) promises high-volume printing with included ink, boasting up to 18,000 black or 8,000 color pages. Having used this printer extensively over the past few weeks, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review, covering setup, performance, features, and overall value.

Features

The Smart Tank 725 doesn’t skimp on features. Beyond the core print, scan, and copy functions, it offers auto-duplex printing (double-sided), wireless connectivity, and HP’s Smart app integration for mobile printing and management. The illuminated buttons are a nice touch, making the printer intuitive to use, even in low-light conditions. The setup process, guided by the included videos, was surprisingly straightforward. It took me less than 15 minutes to get the printer up and running.

Specification Value
Product Weight 8.81 KG
Colour Name White-Blue
Connection Type Wired
What’s In The Box Printers & Accessories
Printer Output Type Color
Product Length 48 cm
Product Height 23.8 cm
Product Width/Depth 40.8 cm
Wattage 1 W
Features Personal, Large Print, Business, PC
Model Number 28B51A
Model Name Printer
Item Quantity 1

Performance

Print speeds are decent for a printer in this price range. While not blazing fast, they are certainly acceptable for home or small office use. The print quality is generally good; text is crisp and clear, and color images are vibrant, though there is a slight graininess noticeable on closer inspection. The auto-duplex printing is a real time-saver, particularly for longer documents. The high-capacity ink tanks are a major selling point; I’ve printed hundreds of pages so far, and the ink levels still show as nearly full. The HP Smart app works flawlessly, allowing for easy wireless printing from my phone and tablet.

One minor drawback is the slight noise level during printing. It’s not overly loud, but it’s noticeable enough to be heard across a small room. The scanning feature is reliable and produces clear scans. I found the 12-month advanced scanning functionality offered by HP Smart to be a useful addition.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: High-capacity ink tanks, included ink for thousands of pages, easy setup, good print quality, auto-duplex printing, wireless connectivity, mobile app integration, illuminated buttons.
  • Cons: Slightly noisy during operation, minor graininess in color prints, wired connection only (as stated in specs).

Final Verdict

Overall, the HP Smart Tank 725 (28B51A) is a solid all-in-one printer that delivers excellent value for money. The high-capacity ink tanks make it a cost-effective choice for high-volume printing, and the ease of use and feature set make it suitable for both home and small office environments. While there are minor drawbacks, they are easily outweighed by the benefits. I would wholeheartedly recommend the Smart Tank 725 to anyone looking for a reliable and affordable printer with long-lasting ink.