We’ve all been there. It’s ten minutes before a crucial meeting, or the night before a big school project is due, and the printer decides to stage a protest. It won’t connect to the Wi-Fi. It’s out of an obscure color ink you never use. It’s feeding paper at a bizarre angle, creating a modern art piece instead of a legible document. For years, the home printer has been a necessary evil—a bulky, frustrating, and often expensive piece of technology we tolerate rather than appreciate. The search for a reliable, feature-rich, and affordable all-in-one printer that can handle everything from book reports and tax forms to the occasional glossy family photo often feels like a quest for a mythical creature. This challenge is precisely why we decided to put the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer through its paces. Does it finally offer a reprieve from the common frustrations of home printing, or is it just another budget box with hidden compromises?
- Affordable Versatility - A budget-friendly all-in-one printer perfect for both home users and hybrid workers, offering exceptional value
- Crisp, Vibrant Prints - Experience impressive print quality for both documents and photos, thanks to its 2-cartridge hybrid ink system that delivers sharp...
What to Consider Before Buying a Home Office Printer
A home office printer is more than just an item; it’s a key solution for bridging the gap between our digital and physical worlds. In an era of remote work and online learning, the ability to quickly print, scan, and copy documents without leaving the house is no longer a luxury but a necessity. The main benefit of an all-in-one device like this is consolidation. It replaces three separate machines, saving immense space, reducing cable clutter, and streamlining your workflow. A quality printer provides sharp, professional-looking text, vibrant color for presentations or photos, and the convenience of wireless connectivity, allowing you to print from any device, anywhere in your home. Without one, you’re left making last-minute trips to a copy shop, struggling to sign digital documents, or unable to preserve physical memories in a digital format.
The ideal customer for this type of product is someone facing the daily demands of a hybrid work schedule, a small business owner operating from home, or a parent managing their children’s schoolwork. They need a versatile workhorse that can handle multi-page reports, scan receipts for expenses, copy permission slips, and print the occasional high-quality photo. It’s for the user who values efficiency and features like an automatic document feeder (ADF) and two-sided printing. However, it might not be suitable for those who print thousands of pages a month, as a laser printer would be more cost-effective in the long run. Likewise, a professional photographer would likely seek a dedicated photo printer with a wider color gamut and more ink cartridges for superior accuracy. For those needing maximum portability, a compact, mobile printer would be a better choice.
Before investing, consider these crucial points in detail:
- Dimensions & Space: While described as compact, all-in-one printers still require a dedicated footprint. The Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer measures 14.8″D x 14″W x 8.2″H. Before buying, measure your intended space, ensuring you have enough clearance on top for the scanner lid and ADF, and in front for the paper output tray. Its relatively small size makes it a good fit for a desk corner or a small table.
- Capacity/Performance: Look at print speed (PPM), paper capacity, and ink system. This model offers up to 14 pages per minute in black and white and 9 in color, which is solid for home use. Its 150-sheet maximum capacity is decent, but the dual paper feed system (a front cassette and a rear tray) is the real star, allowing you to load plain paper and photo paper simultaneously without swapping. The 2-cartridge system simplifies replacement but may be less economical for heavy color printing compared to models with individual color tanks.
- Materials & Durability: Budget-friendly printers often use plastic for their construction to keep costs down. We noted, and some users agree, that the body of the TR7120 feels like thin plastic. While perfectly adequate for a single user or family in a home environment, it might not withstand the rigors of a busy, multi-user office. Handle the trays and lids with reasonable care to ensure longevity.
- Ease of Use & Maintenance: Wireless setup and mobile app functionality are paramount today. While many find the setup easy, a recurring theme in user feedback is connectivity issues, particularly with iPhones and the printer “falling asleep” when idle. Be prepared for a potential hiccup during setup. Maintenance involves replacing two ink cartridges (one black, one tri-color) and occasional head cleaning via the software, which is standard for inkjet printers.
Keeping these factors in mind, the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer stands out in several areas, particularly its feature set for the price. You can explore its detailed specifications and current availability here.
While the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer is an excellent choice for a versatile home setup, if true on-the-go printing is your primary need, you might want to explore dedicated devices designed for that purpose. For a broader look at all the top models in that category, we highly recommend checking out our complete, in-depth guide:
- User-Friendly Portable Photo Printer for iPhone, Android & PC - Get beautiful and colourful memories with Liene 4x6 photo printer! After opening the entire...
- Easy to use; Connect to the Kodak Photo Printer app via Bluetooth on your Android or iOS device and enjoy printing instantly your favorite snaps at home,...
- Print and customize your photos directly from your smartphone devices via the Canon Mini Print App.(1)
Unboxing and First Impressions: A Compact Powerhouse
Pulling the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer from its well-packaged box, our first impression was of its clean, modern aesthetic. The white finish is a refreshing change from the ubiquitous black office equipment and helps it blend into a home environment more seamlessly. At roughly 14 by 15 inches, it has a surprisingly modest footprint for a machine that packs in printing, scanning, copying, an ADF, and duplexing. It feels lightweight, which some users have described as “thin plastic,” and while we agree it doesn’t have the tank-like build of a commercial-grade machine, it feels sturdy enough for its intended home and hybrid work use.
Setup is guided by on-screen instructions on the small 1.42” Monochrome OLED display. The process involves removing protective tapes, installing the two ink cartridges (a black pigment ink for sharp text and a tri-color dye-based cartridge for vibrant images), and loading paper. The initial ink charging process took a few minutes, followed by a print head alignment page that the scanner reads to calibrate itself—a clever, automated touch. The physical setup was a breeze. The software and wireless connection phase, however, is where experiences diverge, and we’ll delve into that in our detailed performance analysis below.
Key Benefits
- Excellent print quality for both crisp documents and vivid color photos.
- Versatile all-in-one features including an ADF and automatic duplex printing.
- Dual paper trays add convenience for handling different media types.
- Affordable price point for a feature-packed device.
Potential Drawbacks
- Wireless connectivity can be inconsistent and frustrating to set up.
- Printer can become unresponsive when idle, requiring a manual power cycle.
A Deep Dive into the Canon PIXMA TR7120’s Real-World Performance
An impressive spec sheet is one thing, but how a printer performs day-to-day is what truly matters. We put the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer through a gauntlet of tasks, from printing dense text documents and multi-page reports to scanning old photos and printing borderless 8.5″ x 11″ color images. Our goal was to uncover its true strengths and weaknesses in a typical home office setting.
Setup and Connectivity: The First Hurdle
The initial moments with a new piece of tech can set the tone for the entire ownership experience. As mentioned, the physical setup of the TR7120 is straightforward and well-documented. However, the wireless connection is where the road forks. We initiated the setup using the Canon PRINT app on an Android smartphone, and the process was relatively smooth; the app found the printer, and we were able to connect it to our 2.4GHz Wi-Fi network within about ten minutes. This aligns with the experience of users who called the setup “easy” and were printing from their computers without issue.
However, when we attempted to connect an iPhone, we hit the snags that several users have frustratingly reported. The automatic discovery process failed, resulting in a “communication error.” We had to resort to the manual connection method, which involves connecting the phone directly to the printer’s Wi-Fi signal and then inputting the home network credentials. While this worked, it was a less-than-intuitive process that could easily frustrate a less tech-savvy user. This mixed experience is a critical point to consider. If you’re an Android or Windows user, you’ll likely have an easier time than an Apple user.
Furthermore, we did encounter the most frequently cited annoyance: the printer’s tendency to go into a deep sleep. After being idle for a while, sending a print job would result in… nothing. The job would queue, but the printer wouldn’t wake up. We had to physically press the power button to wake it, after which the document would print. As one user aptly put it, “Items should print even when your printer is idle, waste of time.” This is a significant software flaw that hinders the convenience of wireless printing and is something we hope Canon addresses in a future firmware update.
Print Quality and Speed: Delivering Where It Counts
Once connected, the core function—printing—is where the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer truly shines for its price class. The printer utilizes Canon’s hybrid ink system. The pigment-based black ink delivers exceptionally sharp, dark, and smudge-resistant text that rivals the quality of entry-level laser printers. We printed multi-page reports and legal documents, and the text was consistently crisp and highly legible, even at small font sizes. This is a massive plus for any home office or academic use.
For color printing, the dye-based color inks in the tri-color cartridge produce vibrant and well-saturated images. We tested it with a variety of prints, from business charts with bold graphics to full-page, borderless photos on glossy photo paper. The colors were punchy and accurate, and photo prints showed impressive detail with a resolution of 4800 x 1200 dpi. One user was “impressed with how clearly it prints,” and we wholeheartedly agree. While it won’t beat a dedicated six-color photo printer for professional-grade gallery prints, the quality is more than sufficient for family photos, creative projects, and school assignments. The Canon PRINT app even includes fun templates, adding to its creative potential.
In terms of speed, the quoted specs of 14 ppm for black and 9 ppm for color are respectable. For simple text documents, the printer feels snappy. A 10-page report printed in just under a minute. However, when printing complex color documents or high-resolution photos, the speed drops considerably, which is typical for inkjet printers. A full-page borderless 8.5″ x 11″ photo took several minutes to complete. This confirms the feedback from one user who found that printing “takes obnoxiously long.” For most home users, this won’t be a dealbreaker, but if you’re frequently printing large, full-color documents on a tight deadline, you may find yourself waiting.
All-in-One Functionality: The True Home Office Workhorse
The “All-in-One” promise is what makes this printer so appealing, and we found its feature set to be robust and highly practical. The two standout features that elevate it above many competitors in its price range are the Auto Document Feeder (ADF) and automatic 2-sided (duplex) printing. The ADF, located on top of the scanner lid, allows you to load a stack of up to 35 pages for hands-free scanning or copying. We tested it by scanning a 20-page document, and it worked flawlessly, feeding each page through without a jam. This is an indispensable tool for digitizing contracts, archiving receipts, or copying multi-page homework assignments.
Automatic duplex printing is another fantastic feature, printing on both sides of the paper without requiring you to manually flip and re-feed the pages. This not only saves a significant amount of paper, reducing both cost and environmental impact, but it also produces more professional-looking booklets and reports. One user who upgraded from an older Canon was thrilled to regain this capability, stating, “I’m going to enjoy this particular capability.”
The flatbed scanner itself is excellent, capturing documents and photos with high resolution and accurate color. The dual paper feed system is also a highlight. We kept standard letter paper in the front cassette and loaded the rear tray with 4″ x 6″ photo paper. The printer driver makes it easy to select the source, so you can switch between printing a document and a photo without ever touching the printer. It’s a small detail that adds a huge amount of everyday convenience. This impressive suite of features makes the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer an incredibly versatile tool for any home.
What Other Users Are Saying
Our findings are largely echoed in the experiences of other customers, who paint a picture of a highly capable but sometimes finicky machine. On the positive side, many users praise the printer’s affordability and ease of physical setup. One happy customer noted, “This product is affordable, light, easy to set up and easy to use… I was impressed with how clearly it prints!” Another who switched from a different brand was “surprisingly very happy with this printer,” loving its speed and the “print from my phone option.” The value proposition is a clear win, with one user specifically choosing it because it was “the highest rated printer with a document feeder for less than $100.”
However, the negative feedback is just as consistent and centers almost entirely on connectivity. The frustration is palpable in reviews stating, “Every time I go to print I have to reconnect,” and “Doesn’t print without having to turn off and back on, sometimes multiple times.” This confirms our own experience with the printer’s deep sleep issue and finicky Wi-Fi connection, particularly with Apple devices. Another user was initially pleased but changed their mind after repeated instances of the printer not waking from an idle state, calling it a “waste of time.” This dichotomy is key: the printer’s hardware and output are excellent for the price, but its software and connectivity can be a source of significant frustration.
How Does the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Compare to the Alternatives?
The Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer occupies a competitive space. To understand its value, it’s helpful to see how it stacks up against other options, even those that serve slightly different purposes, to help you find the perfect fit for your specific needs.
1. Canboc Carrying Case for HP Sprocket/Kodak Step Photo Printer
- 【Perfect Storage】CASE ONLY! (Printer and accessories are not included). Hard portable photo printer travel case compatible with HP sprocket portable...
- 【Premium Material】Made of PU material and high-quality durable EVA sturdy shell keeps your HP sprocket photo printer protected. Soft interior lining...
This first “alternative” isn’t a printer at all, but an accessory that highlights a completely different user need: extreme portability. This carrying case is designed for tiny, pocket-sized printers like the HP Sprocket or Kodak Step. If your primary goal is to print small, sticker-backed photos instantly from your phone at a party or on vacation, then one of those devices is what you should be looking at, and this case is the perfect companion. The TR7120, while compact for an all-in-one, is a desk-bound machine. This choice is for the user who prioritizes mobility and instant photo gratification above all else and has no need for scanning, copying, or printing standard documents.
2. Canon PIXMA TS9520 All-in-One Wireless Printer
- The PIXMA TS9520 has a 5 Color Individual Ink System, that means it's ready for sharp black text and great looking photos. It can even support various...
- You can print from all your favorite devices, whether that is a smartphone, tablet or computer. With AirPrint , Mopria Print Service, Wi Fi, and Ethernet...
The PIXMA TS9520 is essentially the TR7120’s more ambitious older sibling. It represents a step up in both features and price. The key advantages of the TS9520 are its 5-color individual ink system, which provides more accurate photo reproduction and can be more economical as you only replace the color that runs out. It also supports 12″x12″ borderless printing, making it a favorite among scrapbookers and crafters. For users who do more creative and photo-heavy work and are willing to invest more for superior color quality and media flexibility, the TS9520 is a compelling upgrade. For those focused primarily on documents, schoolwork, and occasional photos, the TR7120 offers better value.
3. KODAK Dock Premium 4×6″ Instant Photo Printer
- PRINT YOUR MEMORIES: Print your favorite pics instantly from your mobile devices! Using a reliable and stable Bluetooth connection, this instant photo...
- STELLAR PHOTO QUALITY: 4Pass Technology to print flawless photos instantly. Each photo is printed in layers of ribbon with a laminating process so it’s...
This KODAK printer sits between the two extremes. It’s not a pocket printer, but a dedicated, stationary photo printer designed to do one thing exceptionally well: print lab-quality 4″x6″ photos. It uses a 4Pass dye-sublimation process that laminates the photo for a fingerprint-proof and water-resistant finish, producing results that are often superior to inkjet photo prints. If your main reason for buying a printer is to create durable, high-quality physical copies of your phone’s camera roll and you have no need for document printing or scanning, the KODAK Dock Premium is an excellent choice. The TR7120 is for users who need the versatility of an all-in-one, while the KODAK is for the photo enthusiast.
Our Final Verdict: A Great Value with a Caveat
After extensive testing, our conclusion on the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer is clear: it offers a phenomenal amount of hardware and functionality for its budget-friendly price. The print quality for both text and photos is excellent, and the inclusion of an automatic document feeder and duplex printing makes it a true workhorse for any home office or student dorm. The dual paper trays are a thoughtful touch that adds real-world convenience. For its core tasks of printing, scanning, and copying, it performs beautifully.
However, this recommendation comes with a significant caveat regarding its wireless connectivity. The frustrating “deep sleep” issue and the potential setup difficulties, especially for Apple users, cannot be overlooked. If you are comfortable potentially troubleshooting a network connection and don’t mind manually waking the printer now and then, you will be rewarded with a feature-rich machine that punches far above its weight class. But if you demand flawless, set-it-and-forget-it wireless performance, you may want to consider a different model. For those who can look past the connectivity quirks, this printer represents one of the best all-in-one values on the market today.
If you’ve decided the Canon PIXMA TR7120 Wireless Duplex Printer is the right fit for your home office needs, you can check its current price and purchase it here.
Last update on 2025-10-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API