HP Envy 6120e All-in-One Printer Review: A Perfect Home Companion?

 The HP Envy 6120e is an all-in-one colour printer designed for home use, boasting wireless connectivity, print, scan, and copy functionalities, and a sleek white finish. With features such as automatic two-sided photo printing, reliable Wi-Fi, and a hassle-free setup, this printer promises to be a versatile addition to any household. But does it live up to expectations? In this detailed review, we explore its performance, ease of use, print quality, and overall value.

Design & Build Quality

One of the first things that stands out about the HP Envy 6120e is its modern, minimalist design. The all-white finish gives it a premium feel, making it a stylish fit for most home offices or study spaces. Despite being compact, it has a sturdy build that doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap.

The control panel is neatly positioned with a small display screen and a few intuitive buttons, making navigation simple. However, the lack of a full touchscreen interface might be a drawback for users accustomed to more interactive controls.

Setup & Connectivity

Setting up the HP Envy 6120e is a straightforward process, particularly with the HP Smart app, which guides users through installation with step-by-step instructions. The wireless connectivity is one of its strongest features, allowing users to print from multiple devices, including smartphones, tablets, and laptops, without the need for cumbersome cables.

With dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth, the printer maintains a stable connection, reducing the risk of interrupted print jobs. Additionally, Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print support make it compatible with both iOS and Android devices. It also includes a USB port for direct connections, though an Ethernet port is absent, which might be a downside for some users who prefer wired connectivity.

Print Quality & Performance

Text & Document Printing

For home users printing text documents, the Envy 6120e delivers crisp and legible prints. Black text appears sharp, even on standard paper, making it suitable for school assignments, work documents, and personal projects.

The automatic two-sided printing (duplex printing) is a great addition, allowing users to save on paper while maintaining efficiency. However, printing speeds are average at best, producing around 10 pages per minute in black and 7 pages per minute in colour. While this is adequate for home use, those requiring bulk printing may find it slower than desired.

Photo Printing

As a printer designed to handle photos, the HP Envy 6120e excels in colour reproduction. It produces vibrant and detailed images, particularly when using HP’s high-quality photo paper. The colours are well-balanced, and skin tones appear natural, making it a great option for printing family photos or creative projects.

That said, while the quality is good, it doesn’t quite match the output of dedicated photo printers. Users who require professional-grade prints may need to look at higher-end models. Also, photo printing takes a bit longer than regular documents, but this is expected in most inkjet printers.

Scanning & Copying

The built-in scanner works well for digitising documents, though the resolution is limited to 1200 dpi. This is sufficient for general scanning needs, such as storing receipts or sending paperwork digitally. However, it may not be suitable for scanning highly detailed images or professional graphic design work.

The copier function is equally decent, but it lacks advanced features like multiple resizing options. For basic copying, it does the job well, with accurate text reproduction and good contrast in black-and-white copies.

Instant Ink Subscription

One of HP’s selling points for this printer is the inclusion of 3 months of HP Instant Ink, a subscription service that automatically delivers ink when levels are low. For users who print frequently, this can be a cost-effective solution. The service operates on a monthly page allowance rather than ink usage, meaning users can avoid running out of ink at inconvenient times.

However, some may find the subscription model limiting, especially if their printing needs fluctuate. Those who print sporadically may prefer the flexibility of purchasing cartridges as needed rather than committing to a subscription.

Running Costs

Ink costs are always a key consideration, and the HP Envy 6120e is best suited to those who use the Instant Ink subscription. Without it, replacement cartridges can be pricey, especially for users printing in colour frequently.

Energy efficiency is another plus point. The printer features auto-off technology, which helps conserve power when not in use. This makes it a good eco-friendly option for energy-conscious users.

Pros & Cons

Pros:

✔ Sleek and compact design – fits well in home environments. ✔ Easy wireless setup – works seamlessly with smartphones and tablets. ✔ High-quality colour and photo printing – produces vibrant prints. ✔ Automatic double-sided printing – reduces paper waste. ✔ HP Instant Ink compatibility – convenient for regular printing. ✔ Decent scanning and copying capabilities – suitable for everyday needs. ✔ Stable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity – minimises disruptions.

Cons:

✘ Slower print speeds – may not be ideal for heavy use. ✘ No Ethernet port – limits wired connectivity options. ✘ Limited touchscreen controls – basic navigation only. ✘ High ink costs without Instant Ink – can be expensive in the long run. ✘ Scanner resolution could be higher – not ideal for professional scanning.

Verdict: Is the HP Envy 6120e Worth It?

The HP Envy 6120e All-in-One Printer is an excellent choice for home users who need a versatile and stylish printer for everyday tasks. It delivers high-quality prints, particularly for photos, and offers convenient wireless features that make printing from multiple devices easy.

However, its print speed is average, and the lack of an Ethernet port may be a downside for some. The Instant Ink subscription is a great value for frequent users but might not suit those with sporadic printing needs.

Overall, if you need a reliable home printer for casual printing, scanning, and copying, the HP Envy 6120e is a solid option. But if you print in high volumes or require advanced features, you may want to explore higher-end alternatives.