For iPhone users looking to bring their digital memories into the physical world, a portable photo printer is an indispensable tool. Among the myriad options available, the Canon Selphy CP1500 stands out as a top contender, especially if you prioritize print quality and cost-effectiveness. While smaller, instant-film printers have their charm, the Canon Selphy CP1500 offers something more: larger, more durable, and strikingly vibrant 4×6 inch prints directly from your iPhone. Tested by experts at Wirecutter, this printer has proven to deliver superior results, making it a leading choice for the Best Portable Photo Printer For Iphone.
A Canon Selphy CP1500 on a table with printed photos around it.
The Canon Selphy CP1500 excels in producing high-quality, sharp prints that rival those from traditional photo labs. Utilizing dye-sublimation printing technology, it meticulously layers colors to create images with impressive depth and clarity. This process involves four passes over the photo paper, culminating in a protective coating that enhances durability and water resistance. Unlike some dye-sub printers that suffer from banding issues, the CP1500 consistently delivers smooth, natural colors without oversaturation. Both bright highlights and deep shadows are rendered accurately, ensuring your iPhone photos translate beautifully to print.
While it may not offer the instant gratification of some smaller portable printers, the Canon Selphy CP1500 provides a worthwhile trade-off. The printing process involves multiple passes, which takes a bit longer than instant film printers. However, once a print is complete, it’s immediately ready to handle – no waiting for development like with instant film. This makes it a more efficient option for producing shareable, finished photos directly from your iPhone.
Canon KP-108IN Color Ink/Paper Set packaging.
One of the key advantages of the Canon Selphy CP1500 for iPhone users is its cost-effectiveness over time. Although the initial investment might be slightly higher than some instant printers, the long-term cost per print is significantly lower. Canon offers convenient ink and paper sets, such as the KP-108IN, which provides supplies for 108 prints at a reasonable price. This translates to approximately 27 cents per print, making it a more economical choice for users who plan to print photos regularly from their iPhones.
The Canon Selphy CP1500 offers multiple connectivity options, ensuring seamless printing from your iPhone and other devices. While it supports wireless printing via a dedicated app, it also includes an SD card slot and a USB-C port. This versatility is particularly beneficial for iPhone users who might also store photos on computers or memory cards. The Canon Print app simplifies wireless printing from iPhones, offering a stable and reliable connection, unlike some printers that can suffer from dropped connections during printing.
The sleek and functional design of the CP1500 adds to its appeal as a portable photo printer for iPhone users. Available in black and white, the printer boasts a premium look with a matte finish on the black version. The controls are user-friendly, with a clear button layout and a 3.2-inch screen for previewing images and navigating menus. While the screen isn’t touch-sensitive, the buttons are well-designed and easy to operate, making it straightforward to print directly from an SD card or connected iPhone.
Close-up of the paper tray insertion and SD card slot on the Canon Selphy CP1500.
The Canon Print app enhances the iPhone printing experience by offering a range of editing options. Beyond basic adjustments like cropping, rotating, and brightness, the app allows you to fine-tune contrast and saturation. It also provides creative features like borders, timestamps, and unique layouts such as bookmark and ID photo templates. This level of control surpasses many other portable photo printer apps, giving iPhone users more creative freedom when printing their photos.
While classified as portable, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is more substantial than ultra-portable instant film printers. Weighing 2.4 pounds (or 3.1 pounds with the power cable), it’s not as light as the Fujifilm Instax Mini Link series. However, its portability is still practical for home use and occasional outings. It comes with an AC adapter, and for true on-the-go printing with your iPhone, Canon offers an optional rechargeable battery, allowing for approximately 54 prints per charge.
Two 4×6 prints from the Canon Selphy CP1300 showing bright colors and detail.
In conclusion, for iPhone owners seeking the best portable photo printer that balances print quality, cost-efficiency, and user-friendliness, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is an excellent choice. Its superior dye-sublimation prints, economical running costs, seamless iPhone connectivity, and helpful app features make it a standout option in the portable photo printer market. If you value larger, more durable prints from your iPhone and are willing to trade a bit of instant speed for higher quality and lower long-term costs, the Canon Selphy CP1500 is highly recommended.
Buying Options:
- Amazon
- Walmart
- Best Buy
Ink and Paper Set:
- Amazon
- Walmart
