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Epson 4800 vs 4850 – Check Which One Is Best & Why?

Epson 4850 & Epson 4800 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Epson 4850 rather than the Epson 4800. 

Why Do I Recommend The Epson 4850

  • The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 features automatic duplex printing for convenient double-sided document production without manual page flipping, while the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 requires manual duplex printing.
  • Epson EcoTank ET-4850 has a 250-sheet front-loading paper tray for extended printing with fewer paper refills, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 includes only a 100-sheet rear tray.
  • It supports a 2.4-inch color touchscreen for faster navigation and easier settings adjustments, while the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 uses a smaller 1.44-inch color LCD with physical buttons.
  • The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 features a 15.5 ISO pages per minute black print speed for quicker high-volume text output, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 prints black pages at 10 ISO pages per minute.
  • Epson EcoTank ET-4850 comes with up to 7,500 pages black ink yield for longer intervals between refills during heavy document use, while the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 supports up to 4,500 pages black ink yield.
  • It includes a faster first-page-out time for reduced wait periods when starting print jobs, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 has a slower first-page-out performance.
  • The Epson EcoTank ET-4850 supports quicker copy and scan throughput via the automatic document feeder for efficient multi-page handling, while the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 processes copies and scans at a slower rate.
  • Epson EcoTank ET-4850 uses pigment-based black ink for sharper, more water-resistant text ideal for professional documents, whereas the Epson EcoTank ET-4800 uses dye-based black ink.

Maybe the Epson 4800 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Epson 4850. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

Side By Side Comparison

FeatureEpson 4850Epson 4800
Auto 2-Sided PrintingAutomatic duplex printingManual duplex only
Print Speed Black (ISO)15.5 pages per minute10 pages per minute
Print Speed Color (ISO)8.5 pages per minute5 pages per minute
First Page OutFaster first-page outputSlower first-page output
Paper Input Capacity250-sheet front tray100-sheet rear tray
Display Type2.4-inch color touchscreen1.44-inch color LCD with buttons
Black Ink YieldUp to 7,500 pagesUp to 4,500 pages
Black Ink TypePigment-based black inkDye-based black ink
Warm-Up / Wake SpeedQuicker warm-up and recoveryLonger warm-up time
Copy SpeedFaster copy throughputSlower copy throughput
Scan SpeedHigher scan speed via ADFSlower scan speed via ADF
Paper HandlingLarger, front-loading cassetteSingle rear feed only
Build SizeSlightly larger and heavierMore compact and lighter
User InterfaceFull touch navigationPhysical buttons for navigation
PriceCheck Epson 4850 PriceCheck Epson 4800 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • Cartridge-Free EcoTank System: Both printers use Epson’s EcoTank design with large built-in ink reservoirs. This eliminates the need for traditional cartridges, reducing waste and lowering long-term printing costs.
  • Refillable Ink Bottles: Each model uses spill-free refill bottles that are easy to insert and keyed to their color. This makes refilling clean and cost-efficient while ensuring the correct color is used.
  • Wireless Printing (Wi-Fi): Both printers connect to home or office Wi-Fi networks, allowing computers and mobile devices to print without cables. This flexibility supports multiple users across a network.
  • Wi-Fi Direct: Each printer supports direct wireless connections without a router. Users can print straight from phones or laptops in places where a network is unavailable.
  • Ethernet Connectivity: Both models include a wired Ethernet port, providing a stable and fast connection for office environments that prefer or require wired networking.
  • USB Connection: Each printer can connect via USB for reliable one-to-one setups, ideal when wireless networking is not desired or when using a single computer.
  • Color Printing: Both devices produce full-color prints, making them suitable for photos, presentations, and marketing materials as well as black-and-white documents.
  • Flatbed Scanner: Each printer features a flatbed scanner for high-quality scanning of documents, photos, or bound materials. This is useful for digitizing paperwork or archiving images.
  • Automatic Document Feeder (ADF): Both include a 30-sheet ADF that speeds up scanning, copying, and faxing multi-page documents without manual page turning.
  • Copy Function: Each unit can act as a standalone copier, allowing quick duplication of documents without the need for a computer.
  • Fax Capability: Both printers include integrated fax functionality with a built-in modem, making them convenient for offices or users who still require fax communications.
  • Mobile Printing Apps (Epson Smart Panel / iPrint): Each model supports Epson’s mobile apps, enabling printing, scanning, and maintenance directly from smartphones and tablets.
  • Borderless Photo Printing: Both printers can produce edge-to-edge prints on compatible photo paper, delivering professional-looking photographs and marketing materials.
  • Voice-Activated Printing (Alexa, Google Assistant): Each model supports voice commands through major smart assistants, allowing hands-free printing of tasks like shopping lists or schedules.
  • Operating System Support (Windows & macOS): Both work seamlessly with Windows and macOS computers, ensuring broad compatibility in home and office environments.
  • Print Resolution Up to 4800 dpi Class: Each printer achieves high print resolution for crisp text and vibrant images, ensuring professional-quality output for documents and photos.
  • Energy Star Certification: Both models meet Energy Star standards, meaning they consume less power and help reduce electricity costs and environmental impact.

Common Features

FeatureEpson 4850Epson 4800
Cartridge-Free EcoTank SystemYesYes
Refillable Ink BottlesYesYes
Wireless Printing (Wi-Fi)YesYes
Wi-Fi DirectYesYes
Ethernet ConnectivityYesYes
USB ConnectionYesYes
Color PrintingYesYes
Flatbed ScannerYesYes
Automatic Document Feeder (ADF)30-sheet30-sheet
Copy FunctionYesYes
Fax CapabilityYesYes
Mobile Printing Apps (Epson Smart Panel / iPrint)YesYes
Borderless Photo PrintingYesYes
Voice-Activated Printing (Alexa, Google Assistant)YesYes
Operating System Support (Windows & macOS)YesYes
Print Resolution Up to 4800 dpi ClassYesYes
Energy Star CertificationYesYes
Price Check Epson 4850 Price Check Epson 4800 Price

FAQ

What type of ink system do both printers use?
Both the Epson EcoTank ET-4850 and ET-4800 use a cartridge-free EcoTank system with large, refillable ink tanks, which significantly lowers long-term printing costs and reduces plastic waste.

Are the ink bottles easy to refill?
Yes, both models include spill-free, uniquely keyed ink bottles that allow for simple, mess-free refilling while ensuring the correct color goes into the right tank.

Can these printers handle wireless printing?
Both printers support wireless printing through standard Wi-Fi connections, enabling easy printing from laptops, desktops, and mobile devices without the need for cables.

Is Wi-Fi Direct supported?
Yes, both the ET-4850 and ET-4800 feature Wi-Fi Direct, allowing direct connections to smartphones or computers without a router.

Do they have Ethernet ports for wired networking?
Each model includes an Ethernet port, providing a stable, high-speed connection for offices or homes that prefer wired setups.

Is USB connectivity available?
Both printers can connect to a single computer via USB, ensuring reliable operation when wireless networking is not needed.

Can these printers produce high-quality color prints?
Yes, both models can print vibrant, full-color documents and photos with a maximum resolution in the 4800 dpi class for sharp text and rich images.

Do they have scanning capabilities?
Each printer includes a flatbed scanner that captures detailed images and documents, making it easy to digitize paperwork or photos.

Is there an automatic document feeder?
Yes, both printers feature a 30-sheet automatic document feeder that allows convenient scanning, copying, or faxing of multi-page documents without manually feeding each page.

Do they include a copy function?
Both models function as standalone copiers, letting you quickly duplicate documents without needing a computer.

Can these printers send and receive faxes?
Yes, both have built-in fax capability with a dedicated modem, enabling you to send or receive faxes directly from the printer.

Are mobile printing apps supported?
Both support Epson’s Smart Panel and iPrint apps, allowing printing, scanning, and maintenance directly from smartphones and tablets.

Is borderless photo printing possible?
Yes, each printer can produce borderless photos on compatible media, providing professional-looking results for photos and marketing materials.

Can they work with voice assistants?
Both printers integrate with Alexa and Google Assistant, enabling hands-free voice commands to print items like shopping lists or schedules.

Are they compatible with multiple operating systems?
Yes, both the ET-4850 and ET-4800 are fully compatible with Windows and macOS, ensuring easy setup and operation across a wide range of computers.