Canon PIXMA MG3620 Review

In the realm of home and small office printers, affordability, versatility, and print quality are key considerations. The Canon PIXMA MG3620, an all-in-one inkjet printer, aims to strike a balance between these factors, making it an attractive choice for budget-conscious consumers. In this in-depth review, we will delve into the features, performance, and overall value of the PIXMA MG3620, keeping in mind that this review is based on information available up to September 2021.

Design and Build

The PIXMA MG3620 boasts a compact and unassuming design. Its small footprint means it can comfortably fit into tight spaces, making it an ideal choice for home users with limited desk space. The printer's simple white or black plastic exterior gives it a clean and understated look that should blend well with most home or office aesthetics.

Setup and Connectivity

Setting up the PIXMA MG3620 is a relatively straightforward process. The printer comes with a setup CD and instructions to guide users through the installation process. It supports both USB and Wi-Fi connectivity options. The wireless connectivity is a standout feature, allowing users to print from their smartphones, tablets, or computers without the need for a physical connection. Mobile printing is made easy with the Canon PRINT app, which is available for both Android and iOS devices.

Printing Performance

While the PIXMA MG3620 offers a range of features, it is essential to manage expectations when it comes to printing speed. This printer tends to be on the slower side compared to higher-end models. It is best suited for light to moderate printing tasks, such as occasional school assignments, office documents, or photo printing. For users who require high-speed, high-volume printing, a more robust printer may be a better fit.

Print Quality

One of the redeeming qualities of the PIXMA MG3620 is its print quality. It produces sharp and clear text documents, making it suitable for everyday printing needs. Additionally, it performs reasonably well in the photo printing department. While it may not match the quality of dedicated photo printers, it can produce vibrant and detailed photos, especially when using high-quality photo paper.

Scanning and Copying

The MG3620 offers scanning and copying capabilities in addition to printing. Its flatbed scanner provides decent scanning quality, making it suitable for digitizing documents and photos. The copier function allows for quick and easy duplication of documents, although it lacks advanced features like automatic duplex copying.

Paper Handling

One area where the PIXMA MG3620 falls short is in paper handling. It has a relatively small paper tray capacity, which may require frequent refilling, especially for users with moderate printing needs. The absence of automatic duplex (double-sided) printing is another limitation, which means you'll need to manually flip and reinsert pages to print on both sides.

Ink Consumption

Some users have reported that the PIXMA MG3620 can be relatively ink-hungry. The cost of replacement ink cartridges should be factored into the overall cost of ownership. While the printer itself is affordable, ongoing ink expenses can add up over time, especially for those who print frequently.

Additional Features

The PIXMA MG3620 includes several additional features and software utilities. It supports borderless printing, making it convenient for photo printing. It also offers access to Canon's Creative Park Premium, which provides a wide range of creative projects and templates for users to explore.

Certainly, here's a summary of the pros and cons of the Canon PIXMA MG3620:

Pros:

1. Affordability: The PIXMA MG3620 is budget-friendly, making it accessible to a wide range of consumers.

2. Wireless Printing: It supports Wi-Fi connectivity, enabling wireless printing from smartphones, tablets, and computers.

3. All-in-One Functionality: This printer offers printing, scanning, and copying capabilities in a single device, increasing its versatility for home users.

4. Decent Print Quality: It produces satisfactory print quality for text documents and photos, especially considering its price range.

5. Compact Design: The printer's small footprint allows it to fit easily into small spaces.

6. Mobile Printing: The Canon PRINT app simplifies mobile printing, making it convenient for users on the go.

Cons:

1. Slow Printing Speed: The PIXMA MG3620 tends to be slower compared to higher-end models, making it less suitable for high-volume or time-sensitive printing tasks.

2. Ink Consumption: Some users have reported that this printer can be relatively ink-hungry, potentially leading to higher long-term operational costs.

3. Limited Paper Handling: It has a small paper tray capacity, requiring frequent refilling for moderate print jobs.

4. No Duplex Printing: The absence of automatic duplex printing means users need to manually flip and reinsert pages to print on both sides.

5. No Ethernet Port: It relies solely on Wi-Fi for connectivity, lacking an Ethernet port for wired connections.

6. Lack of Advanced Features: The PIXMA MG3620 lacks advanced features such as automatic document feeders (ADFs) for multi-page scanning and copying, which might be important for some users.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the Canon PIXMA MG3620 is an affordable all-in-one inkjet printer that strikes a balance between price, print quality, and versatility. It is best suited for home users and small offices with light to moderate printing, scanning, and copying needs. The wireless connectivity and mobile printing capabilities are significant advantages for users seeking convenience.

However, it's important to consider the printer's limitations, including its slower printing speed, modest paper handling capacity, and potential ink consumption. If you prioritize speed and require more advanced features such as automatic duplex printing, you may need to explore higher-end models in Canon's lineup or consider alternatives from other brands.

As technology evolves, newer printer models are released with improved features and performance, so it's advisable to check for the latest reviews and product specifications to ensure that the Canon PIXMA MG3620 meets your specific needs and expectations. Ultimately, the choice of a printer should align with your printing habits and requirements to ensure a satisfying and cost-effective experience.