Smart Tank 516 (3YW70A) Wireless All-in-One Printer Review

Smart Tank 516 (3YW70A) Review: A Deep Dive

Introduction

The HP Smart Tank 516 Wireless All-in-One Printer (model number 3YW70A) promises high-volume printing at a low cost per page. After weeks of rigorous testing, printing everything from spreadsheets to family photos, I’m ready to share my comprehensive review. This model, with its sleek black and cyan design, aims to streamline workflows for both home and small office users. Let’s see if it delivers on its promises.

Key Features

The Smart Tank 516 boasts several key features designed for efficiency and convenience. The standout is, undoubtedly, its high-yield ink tank system. HP claims up to 18,000 black pages and 8,000 color pages—a claim I put to the test (more on that later). Dual-band Wi-Fi ensures reliable connectivity, and the inclusion of copy and scan functionalities makes it a true all-in-one solution. The automatic document feeder (ADF) is a welcome addition, simplifying multi-page scanning and copying tasks. The customizable shortcuts via the Smart Tasks feature are a nice touch for frequently performed operations.

Performance and Print Quality

Print speed was generally impressive, especially for black and white documents. Color printing, while not lightning-fast, was still acceptable for everyday use. The print quality exceeded my expectations; text was crisp and clear, and images displayed vibrant colors and decent detail. The ADF worked flawlessly during my testing, smoothly handling a large batch of documents with minimal jams. Ink refilling was straightforward and mess-free, as advertised. However, I did notice a slight decrease in print speed towards the end of the high-yield ink tanks, which is to be expected. The Wi-Fi connection remained stable throughout my testing period. Overall, performance matched the claims made by the manufacturer.

Pros & Cons

  • Pros: High-yield ink tanks, fast print speed (especially black & white), reliable Wi-Fi, easy ink refilling, good print quality, includes ADF, customizable shortcuts.
  • Cons: Color print speed could be faster, slight reduction in speed towards the end of ink tank capacity.

Final Verdict

The HP Smart Tank 516 (3YW70A) is a strong contender in the all-in-one printer market. Its incredibly high-yield ink tanks significantly reduce the cost per page, making it an excellent choice for users with high printing volumes. While the color print speed could be marginally improved, the overall performance, ease of use, and print quality make this a highly recommended printer. If you’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective, and feature-rich all-in-one printer, the Smart Tank 516 is definitely worth considering.

Specification Value
Colour Name Black/Cyan
Connection Type Wired
What’s In The Box Printers & Accessories
Printer Output Type Color
Features Personal, Business, PC, Indicator Lights, Programmable
Model Number 3YW70A
Model Name Smart Tank
Item Quantity 2