HP Tango Review
Pros: Decent resolution, easy set-up, several print dimensions/ papers
Cons: Inconsistent colors, poor dynamic range, expensive cost per print
Manufacturer: hp
Our Verdict
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HP Tango | |||||
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Awards | ![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
Price | $150 List | $800 List | $500 List | $350 List | $100 List |
Overall Score ![]() |
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Star Rating | |||||
Pros | Decent resolution, easy set-up, several print dimensions/ papers | Broad print dimensions, vast print mediums, low print costs, fantastic image fidelity | High resolution, vivid colors, great dynamic range | Consistent color, easy set-up, broad format options | Easy to use, decent resolution, prints common sizes |
Cons | Inconsistent colors, poor dynamic range, expensive cost per print | Huge footprint, expensive | Hard to set-up, big footprint | Microbanding in grayscale, relatively low definition in dark areas | Microbanding in larger formats, off skin tones, over saturation |
Bottom Line | A below average performing machine with decent print options at a reasonable price | This near-professional quality machine leaves little to be desired | This is a top-tier, professional level printer at a reasonable price | This printer yields high-quality images at a reasonable price | A quality mid-size machine that will appeal to the casual user |
Rating Categories | HP Tango | Epson SureColor P600 | Canon PIXMA Pro-100 | Expression Photo... | Canon PIXMA TR4520 |
Color (35%) | |||||
Black And White (35%) | |||||
Print Capabilities (15%) | |||||
Operating Cost (10%) | |||||
Set Up (5%) | |||||
Specs | HP Tango | Epson SureColor P600 | Canon PIXMA Pro-100 | Expression Photo... | Canon PIXMA TR4520 |
Resolutioin (dots per inch) | 4800 x 1200 (color) 1200 x 1200 (b&w) |
5760 x 1440 | 4800 x 2400 | 5760 x 1440 | 4800 x 1200 |
Max photo deminsions (inches) | 5" x 7" | 13" x 129" | 13" x 19" | 13" x 44" | 8" x 10" |
Cost per print (4" x 6" or mini print) | $0.94 | $0.36 | $0.40 | $0.45 | $0.58 |
Machine deminsions (HxWxD inches) | 3.58" x 14.84" x 8.11" | 9" x 24.2" x 14.5" | 8.5" x 27.2" x 15.2" | 6.3" x 18.7" x 14.5" | 7.5" x 17.2" x 11.7" |
Printing technology | Inkjet | Inkjet (Piezo DOD) | Inkjet (Theromal DOD) | Inkjet (Piezo DOD) | Inkjet (Theromal DOD) |
Print time per 4" x 6" (or mini print) | 46 seconds | 63 seconds | 55 seconds | 34 seconds | 128 seconds |
Color palette (ink cartridges) | Black, Tri-color | Matte Black, Cyan, Vivid Magenta, Yellow, Light Cyan, Vivid Light Magenta, Light Black, Light Light Black | Black, Gray, Light Gray, Cyan, Photo Cyan, Magenta, Photo Magenta, Yellow | Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black, Gray, Red | Black plus color cartridge |
LCD screen | No | Yes | No | Yes | No |
Touch Screen | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Battery | No | No | No | No | No |
Memory cards supported | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A | N/A |
Ink type | Pigment-based (black); dye-based (color) | Pigment-based | Dye-based | Dye-based | Pigment (black) and dye-based (color) |
Roller paper | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi | Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print support; USB 2.0, Wireless n1, Wi-Fi Direct1 and 100Mbit Ethernet, Hi-Speed USB 2.0 (1 port), 100Base-T Ethernet (1 port), Wi-Fi CERTIFIED (802.11n only), Wi-Fi Direct Epson Connect 4: Epson iPrint Mobile App, Apple Airprint, Google Cloud Print |
Wireless LAN (IEEE 802.11 b/g/n), Ethernet Hi-Speed USB, PictBridge (Cable not included) |
iPad, iPhone and Android tablets, Alexa and smartphones; Ethernet networking, andard Connectivity: Hi-Speed USB, USB Host, Wireless 802.11 b/g/n5, Wi-Fi Direct 5, Ethernet 10/100 |
Hi-Speed USB Wi-Fi (802.11b/g/n wireless networking, 2.4 GHz) |
Operating system requirements | macOS 10.11 or later Windows 10, 8.1, 8, 7, macOS 10.11 or later |
Apple macOS 10.13.x-10.12.x, OS X: 10.11x-10.7x & Microsoft Windows®: 10, 8.1, 7 (32-bit, 64-bit) |
Windows 7, Windows 7 SP1, Windows Vista SP1, Vista SP2, Windows XP SP3 32-bit Intel processor Mac OS X v10.5.8 - 10.9.x7 |
Windows 10 8/8.1/Windows 7 (32-bit, 64-bit) Windows Vista (32-bit , 64-bit) Mac OS X 10.6.8 — macOS 10.12.x6 |
Windows:20 Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 7 SP1, Mac:21 Mac OS X v10.10.5 - macOS v10.13 (High Sierra) Mobile Operating Systems:22 iOS, Android, Windows 10 Mobile, and Fire OS (Amazon Fire) devices |
Scanner | Yes (feed) | No | No | No | Yes (bed and feed) |
Touch Screen | No | Yes | No | No | No |
Our Analysis and Test Results
The HP Tango is a compact and aesthetic machine. It's a bit bigger than a loaf of bread, making it easy to store if desktop space is at a premium. The low price and variety of paper it can print on makes it attractive as well. However, our test revealed a machine that has a high long-term operating cost. More concerning, this printer had inconsistent results in the larger formats, and across the board in black and white.
Performance Comparison
Likes
We always like to get more bang out of each buck spent, so we definitely like the affordability of this machine. We also like options. This machine prints in formats ranging from 3" x 5" to 8" x 14". Additionally, it will accommodate paper types from plain printer paper to glossy to matte and more.
Another aspect of the Tango's design that we enjoyed was the ease of set-up. Some printers are a real pain to get up and running but not so with this model. Using the app was simple and quick. We were printing in no time.
Dislikes
Photo printers are all about printing photos. So, we were left scratching our heads when this machine pumped out wildly inconsistent results, particularly in resolution and toning. The cast of the black and white images varied from sepia to hints of magenta. Additionally, the colors were often over-saturated, particularly in blue.
Another concern is the long term cost of running this machine. We broke our estimates down to a price per 4" x 6" print, and the Tango came in quite high at 94 cents per photo. That'll add up pretty quick.
Value
While the up-front cost of the HP Tango is quite appealing, the machine does not follow through with prints of a consistent quality or long-term savings. As such, we can not say that this machine is a good value.
Conclusion
The HP Tango has a nice look, a competitive price point, and lots of printing options. However, we were frustrated with its wildly inconsistent outcomes. From over-saturated color prints to shifting color casts in grayscale, the machine was unpredictable. For the money, there are more reliable machines on the market.
— Nick Miley, Jason Peters and Austin Palmer