In today’s digital age, printing photographs may seem like a bygone era, but for those who appreciate the tangible nature of physical photos, a reliable printer is a must-have. The HP Envy Photo 7164 All-in-One Printer is designed to cater to the needs of photography enthusiasts, offering a versatile solution for printing, scanning, and copying. In this comprehensive review, we’ll delve into the features, performance, and overall user experience of the HP Envy Photo 7164 to help you determine if it’s the right choice for preserving your cherished memories.
Design and Build Quality
The HP Envy Photo 7164 impresses right from the moment you unbox it. Its sleek and modern design seamlessly blends into any home or office setup. The compact footprint ensures it won’t take up too much space, making it suitable for small workspaces or desks. The printer is predominantly made of high-quality plastic but feels sturdy and well-constructed.
Setting Up the HP Envy Photo 7164
One of the standout features of this all-in-one printer is its user-friendly setup process. Even if you’re not particularly tech-savvy, you’ll find the installation to be a breeze. The included setup guide provides clear, step-by-step instructions, and the HP Smart app further simplifies the process. Within minutes, you’ll have the printer up and running, ready to take on your printing needs.
Printing Quality
When it comes to printing photos, the HP Envy Photo 7164 truly shines. It utilizes HP’s Thermal Inkjet technology to deliver stunning, vibrant prints with a maximum resolution of up to 4800 x 1200 dpi. This high resolution ensures that your photos are reproduced with exceptional clarity and detail. Whether you’re printing family portraits, landscapes, or vacation snapshots, the results are impressive.
The printer supports borderless printing, which means you can print photos without unsightly white borders. This feature is especially valuable for creating photo albums or framing your favorite pictures. Additionally, the Envy Photo 7164 supports a wide range of paper sizes and types, allowing you to experiment with different creative projects.
Scanning and Copying
Beyond printing, this all-in-one device excels in scanning and copying tasks. The flatbed scanner is capable of producing high-quality scans with an optical resolution of 1200 x 2400 dpi. Whether you need to digitize old family photos or scan important documents, the Envy Photo 7164 delivers sharp and accurate results.
Copying is equally efficient, with the ability to make color or black-and-white copies at a respectable speed. The intuitive touchscreen interface makes it easy to adjust settings such as the number of copies and paper size.
Connectivity and Mobile Printing
The HP Envy Photo 7164 offers a variety of connectivity options to suit your needs. It supports both USB and wireless connections, giving you the flexibility to print from your computer, smartphone, or tablet. The built-in Wi-Fi allows for hassle-free printing from mobile devices using the HP Smart app. Additionally, this printer is compatible with popular cloud services like Dropbox and Google Drive, making it easy to access and print your digital content.
Ink Management
One of the concerns with inkjet printers is the cost of ink replacement. The HP Envy Photo 7164 uses HP’s Instant Ink service, which can help you save on ink costs. With Instant Ink, the printer monitors your ink levels and automatically sends you new cartridges when you’re running low. This subscription-based service offers various plans to cater to different printing needs, ensuring that you always have ink on hand when you need it.
Pros and Cons
To provide a more balanced perspective, let’s explore some of the pros and cons of the HP Envy Photo 7164 All-in-One Printer:
Pros:
- Excellent Photo Printing: The Envy Photo 7164 truly stands out in its ability to produce stunning photo prints with vivid colors and sharp details. Whether you’re printing 4×6 snapshots or larger photos, the results are consistently impressive.
- User-Friendly Setup: Setting up the printer is a straightforward process, thanks to the clear instructions provided in the setup guide and the convenience of the HP Smart app. You can have it ready for use in no time.
- Versatile Functionality: This all-in-one printer doesn’t stop at photo printing; it excels in scanning and copying as well. Its multifunctionality makes it a valuable addition to your home or office.
- Wireless Printing and Mobile App: The Envy Photo 7164 offers wireless printing options and seamless integration with mobile devices through the HP Smart app. This flexibility ensures you can print from virtually anywhere.
- Instant Ink: The Instant Ink service is a cost-effective way to manage your ink needs. With automatic ink cartridge replacement based on usage, you’ll never run out of ink unexpectedly.
Cons:
- No Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): If you have frequent scanning or copying tasks involving multiple pages, you might miss the convenience of an ADF. You’ll need to manually place each page on the flatbed scanner.
- Ink Replacement Costs: While the Instant Ink service helps manage ink costs, some users may find the subscription model less appealing compared to traditional ink cartridge purchases.
- Lack of Ethernet Port: The printer relies on Wi-Fi and USB connections, which may not be suitable for users who prefer a wired Ethernet connection.
Printer Specifications
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Brand | HP |
| Model | Envy Photo 7164 |
| Type | All-in-One Inkjet Printer |
| Print Technology | HP Thermal Inkjet |
| Maximum Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Speed (Color) | Up to 10 ppm |
| Print Speed (Black) | Up to 14 ppm |
| Input Capacity | 125 sheets |
| Output Capacity | 25 sheets |
| Duplex Printing | Automatic |
Connectivity
| Connectivity Options | Details |
|---|---|
| Wireless | Yes (Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n) |
| Mobile Printing | HP ePrint, Apple AirPrint |
| USB Port | Yes (1 USB 2.0) |
| Memory Card Slot | Yes (SD Card) |
| Bluetooth | No |
Print Quality
| Print Quality Features | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum Print Size | 8.5 x 11 inches |
| Borderless Printing | Yes |
| Ink Cartridge System | HP 64 Series |
| Number of Ink Colors | 4 (Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow) |
| Display | 2.65-inch Touchscreen |
Software and Compatibility
| Software | Details |
|---|---|
| Operating Systems | Windows, macOS |
| Mobile App | HP Smart App |
| Supported File Types | PDF, JPEG, PNG, BMP, TIFF, GIF |
| Cloud Printing | Yes (Google Drive, Dropbox) |
| Voice Assistant | Compatible with Alexa, Google Assistant |
Dimensions and Weight
| Dimensions | Details |
|---|---|
| Width | 17.87 inches |
| Depth | 16.14 inches |
| Height | 6.34 inches |
| Weight | 14.44 lbs (6.56 kg) |
| Energy Star Certified | Yes |
Final Verdict
The HP Envy Photo 7164 All-in-One Printer is a versatile and capable device that excels in its primary purpose – producing high-quality photo prints. Its user-friendly setup, wireless connectivity options, and integration with the HP Smart app make it a compelling choice for users who want a hassle-free printing experience.
While it may not have every feature found in more expensive office-centric printers, it strikes a fine balance between affordability and performance. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast looking to bring your digital memories to life or someone in need of a reliable home printer, the Envy Photo 7164 is well-equipped to meet your needs.
In conclusion, this printer offers a blend of style, functionality, and photo printing prowess that makes it a strong contender in the market. If preserving and sharing your cherished memories through beautiful photo prints is a priority, the HP Envy Photo 7164 is a solid investment that won’t disappoint.