For weeks, I’ve been putting the HP 652 Tri-Color Original Ink Cartridge (F6V24AE) through its paces, printing everything from everyday documents to vibrant photos. This review will delve into my experience with this cartridge, designed for various HP DeskJet printer models, including the 1100, 2100, 2200, 3600, 3700, 3800, 4500, 4600, 5000, and 5200 series. I’ll cover its performance, ease of use, and overall value, offering a balanced perspective based on real-world usage.

The HP 652 (F6V24AE) is a standard tri-color ink cartridge, promising photo-quality prints with glossy, luminous results. The marketing emphasizes its ease of installation and reliable toner level tracking. Beyond the marketing claims, the cartridge is compact, fitting snugly into my HP DeskJet 3755 printer. Installation was indeed a breeze, taking less than a minute.

Print quality was, for the most part, excellent. Color reproduction was accurate, and photos printed with vibrant colors and sharp details. Even smaller text remained legible. However, I did notice some slight banding on larger areas of solid color at higher print speeds. This was barely noticeable on most documents, but it’s something to keep in mind for critical print jobs. Print speeds were in line with expectations for a standard ink cartridge.

I also tested the cartridge’s longevity. While HP doesn’t provide an exact page yield for every document type, my experience suggests it aligns with the claimed estimates (the exact number varies depending on print settings and the complexity of the document). Over the course of several weeks and hundreds of printed pages, the cartridge performed consistently without noticeable degradation in print quality until it neared the end of its life.

Pros:

• Easy installation.
• Vibrant color reproduction in photos.
• Consistent print quality throughout its lifespan.
• Reliable toner level tracking.

Cons:

• Slight banding visible on solid color areas at higher print speeds.
• Price might be slightly higher compared to third-party options (although this is offset by the reliability and consistent print quality).

Overall, the HP 652 Tri-Color Original Ink Cartridge (F6V24AE) delivers on its promises. While the slight banding is a minor drawback, the excellent color reproduction, ease of use, and consistent performance make it a reliable option for users who prioritize quality and convenience. I would recommend this cartridge, especially to users who value ease of use and reliable performance above all else, despite the slightly higher cost compared to third-party alternatives.