If you need help deciding between Xerox or HP for a business printer, this blog post is for you. Mainly, if you’re interested in a multifunction color printer, the Xerox VersaLink C415 and the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301 are two great options. However, with so many technical specifications, it can take time to determine which printer to choose. Plus, printers can be quite expensive, so finding a reliable and cost-effective option is essential.
Fortunately, at STPT, we have over 40 years of experience reading printer manuals, analyzing specifications, and seeing printers in action. We are well-versed in Xerox and HP printers and are here to help you make an informed decision. Even though we do sell both brands, we strive to be as unbiased as possible.
In this comparison article, we will provide you with an overview of specifications for both models and highlight similarities and differences in their features and capabilities. By the end of our comparison, you’ll have all the information you need to choose the perfect printer for your business.
Let’s dive in!
Comparing Basic Specifications:
To understand both printer models, let’s examine their fundamental specifications, such as print speed and monthly duty cycle.
Xerox VersaLink C415:
- Print Speed: 42 pages per minute (ppm)
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: 10,000 pages
- Monthly Duty Cycle: 125,000 pages
- Print Resolution: 1200 x 1200 dpi
- First Page-Out Time Copying: 7 seconds color/6.2 seconds black-and-white
- Base Model Dimensions (W x D x H): 18.9 x 18.7 x 19.3 in
- Base Model Weight: 59.5 pounds
- Starting at: $1,399
HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301:
- Print Speed: 35 pages per minute (ppm)
- Recommended Monthly Print Volume: 750 to 4,000 pages
- Monthly Duty Cycle: Up to 50,000 pages
- Print Resolution: Up to 600 x 600 dpi
- First Page-Out Time Copying: 10 seconds color/9.1 seconds black-and-white
- Base Model Dimensions (W x D x H): 16.6 x 27 x 30 in
- Base Model Weight: 45 lb.
- Starting at: $579.00
3 Similarities Between the Printers:
Now let's look at the features and capabilities the HP printer and the Xerox printer have in common.
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Modern Touchscreen Interface
Both the Xerox VersaLink C415 and HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301 feature touchscreens that resemble tablets. These touchscreens allow users to quickly select different apps by tapping on the screen. Both printers aim to provide an intuitive user experience reminiscent of a smartphone. The HP printer features a 4.3-inch screen, while the Xerox printer has a larger 7-inch screen. Users can easily access various apps to perform different sets of tasks.
The HP printer offers Quick Sets, shortcuts on the homepage that users can access quickly to print, scan, copy, and perform other tasks.
The Xerox printer provides an intuitive interface powered by ConnectKey Technology with various apps that enable users to quickly check print jobs, email, print, scan, and copy. Xerox’s interface also allows users to customize their home screen apps.
Both printers’ embedded web servers can be accessed from their home screen to check stats such as printer cartridge levels and paper levels with easy-to-understand visuals.
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Device Management
The HP LaserJet 4301 and the Xerox VersaLink C415 both offer mobile printing capabilities and can be conveniently managed through a phone app.
Users can download the HP Smart app from their phone’s app store to enable mobile printing with an HP printer. Once installed, the app will guide them through the process of connecting their printer to their phone. This app lets users quickly print from anywhere using a compatible HP printer.
Xerox’s C415 system makes use of the Easy Assist App to enable users to manage their machines easily and securely from their mobile phones. The app provides real-time monitoring of printer performance. It gives instant access to self-support services, eliminating the need for an IT request.
Xerox and HP printers are also compatible with Apple AirPrint and Mopria Print.
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Fleet Management
Xerox and HP understand that workgroups need to manage more than one printer. Therefore, both companies offer a print management service that helps users manage printer fleets effectively.
The HP printer comes with the HP Web Jetadmin dashboard, which allows users to manage both HP and non-HP printers connected to the network. This feature has an intuitive interface that enables configuration, troubleshooting, and management of the entire printing fleet. Additionally, the dashboard generates reports, giving administrators detailed insights into printer usage.
Similarly, Xerox offers the Xerox Standard Accounting feature, designed to help users or administrators manage copy, print, fax, scan, and email usage for all printers in a fleet. This feature can accommodate up to 2495 user accounts. Admins can easily incorporate color tracking and monitor who prints what, how much, when, and more.
Both Xerox and HP provide administrators with the flexibility to manage multiple printers and access detailed reports on stats like color toner usage. This service is beneficial to businesses that want to keep track of printer usage and printing costs.
If you’d like to learn more about how to incorporate color tracking for your machine, read our blog on how to set up and maintain color tracking on a printer.
Three Differences Between the Printers:
We've highlighted three major differences between the Xerox VersaLink C415 and the HP Color LaserJet 4301.
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Print Speed:
Print speed is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a printer. It refers to the average time it takes for a printer to produce one print. In this category, the Xerox printer outperforms the HP printer with a print speed of 42 pages per minute. In contrast, the HP printer offers 35 pages per minute print speed. Although the HP printer has an impressive print speed, it still falls short when compared to the Xerox printer.
In addition, the Xerox printer has a shorter first-page-out time, taking only 7 seconds for color prints and 6.2 seconds for black and white prints. On the other hand, the HP printer takes 10 seconds for color prints and 9.1 seconds for black and white prints.
If your business requires high productivity levels and time is a critical factor, choosing the Xerox printer is best. It will be more efficient and offer faster print speeds.
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Cost:
When comparing printers in terms of cost, the HP printer is more affordable than the Xerox printer. The Xerox printer model C415 has a starting price of $1,399, which is significantly higher than the HP Color LaserJet MFP 4301, which starts at $579. This price difference is because the Xerox printer offers more configuration options and solutions and has a higher print resolution.
However, suppose your business has a limited budget for a printer. In that case, the HP printer is a more budget-friendly color multifunction printer, even though it has fewer customizable options.
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Apps & Solutions
Regarding digital solutions, the Xerox VersaLink C415 offers a broader range of apps that cater to various industries and business goals to improve productivity. Although HP also provides some productivity apps, Xerox takes it a step further by offering the Xerox Workflow Central platform to perform tasks like redaction and document translation from anywhere.
Besides, Xerox clients have access to the Xerox App Gallery, where they can find industry-specific apps for the education, healthcare, legal, and retail sectors.
If your business functions in these sectors or requires digital solutions to streamline your objectives, the Xerox printer provides more comprehensive solutions.
Check out our articles for the following apps on the Xerox App Gallery
- Xerox App Gallery Spotlight: ConnectApp for Cloud Storage
- Xerox App Gallery Spotlight: Translate and Print App
Which Printer Is Right for You?
If you’re looking for a color multifunction printer that performs well and is cost-effective, the HP LaserJet 4301 might be the right choice. It prints at a decent speed and uses less power than the Xerox VersaLink C415, which could save your business money in the long run. If your monthly print volume is moderate and energy efficiency is important to you, the HP printer offers a great balance of features.
But if you need a more powerful color multifunction printer with advanced configuration options, high print speed, and high print resolution, the Xerox C415 might be a better fit. With a competitive price point and a wide range of productivity apps and customization capabilities, it’s ideal for those who want more functionality. If you prioritize a higher recommended monthly print volume and faster first-page-out times, and if your budget is more flexible, the Xerox VersaLink C415 might be your ideal choice.
The choice between the Xerox VersaLink C415 and the HP Color LaserJet Pro MFP 4301 ultimately hinges on your business priorities. When selecting a printer, be sure to consider factors beyond the initial cost, including print resolution, accessories, finishers, and overall functionality required for your business operations.
Need Additional Help in Choosing a Printer?
To explore more printer comparisons, visit our Learning Center. Please contact us if you have any further questions or need more information on a printer’s features, pricing, or compatibility with your business setup. Our team at STPT is always available to assist you in choosing the perfect printer that perfectly fits your business needs. We are here to help guide you and share our expert advice to ensure that you make an informed decision.
If you are looking for a printer solution that suits your needs, we recommend using our configurator tool to customize a product that meets your requirements. If you are interested in buying or leasing a Xerox printer, please visit our configurator page on the Shop Now tab or click on the image below.
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