A compact photo printer like the Canon SELPHY QX20 is typically judged by how well it balances portability, print quality, and ease of use. The QX20 positions itself as a small, mobile dye‑sublimation printer designed for people who want quick, durable prints straight from a phone. It delivers strong image quality and flexible print formats, though it comes with some trade‑offs in battery life and cost per print.
The QX20’s biggest strength is its dye‑sublimation printing, which produces smooth gradients and long‑lasting colors. The printer outputs high‑quality, wallet‑size photos with rich tones and a finish that feels closer to traditional lab prints than what you get from many inkjet‑based portable printers.
A standout feature is its support for two print formats: A square 2.7″ × 2.7″ format and a rectangular 2.1″ × 3.3″ card‑size format. This dual‑format flexibility makes it more versatile than earlier SELPHY Square models, which were limited to square prints. Users who enjoy journaling, scrapbooking, or creating small keepsakes will appreciate the ability to switch formats depending on the project. The printer also supports borders, rounded borders, and borderless options, giving you creative control over the final look.
The QX20 prints exclusively from mobile devices using Wi‑Fi Direct, supporting Android, iOS, and iPadOS. The companion app is simple and intuitive, making it easy to select photos, apply layouts, and send them to print. Creative layout options in the app—such as stickers, collages, and decorative frames—add to its appeal for casual users and hobbyists.
While the QX20 is marketed as a portable printer, its portability comes with caveats. Battery life is a recurring concern. The QX20 has a built-in battery that is easily recharged via a standard USB-C charging port. It doesn’t last as long as competing portable printers, however, which may limit how many prints you can make on a single charge. Charging takes around 80 minutes, which is reasonable, but you’ll want to plan ahead if you’re using it at events or on trips. One other minor annoyance for me is the peel‑off backing on the sticker paper, which was frustrating at times to remove. But again, that is just a minor issue.
The QX20 uses Canon’s proprietary dye‑sub paper and ribbon sets. While this ensures consistent quality, it also means a higher cost per print compared to some inkjet‑based competitors. There’s also no built‑in way to track remaining sheets or ink in the app, which can make it harder to manage supplies.
The QX20 is best suited for:
• Journaling and scrapbooking, thanks to its sticker‑backed prints and creative app tools
• Event printing, where quick, high‑quality small prints are appreciated
• Travelers and families who want a compact way to print memories on the go
Key features:
• Dye‑sublimation printing for vibrant color and a protective topcoat that keeps prints looking good for up to 100 years.
• Two print formats: square (2.7″ × 2.7″) and card‑size (≈2.1″ × 3.3″) sticker media.
• High image quality at 287 × 287 dpi with 24‑bit color depth.
• Instant‑dry, water‑resistant prints that are marker‑friendly and durable.
• Built‑in battery and compact, portable design for mobile use.
• Integrated paper tray for easier setup and transport.
• Direct smartphone printing via QR‑code Wi‑Fi connection (iOS and Android).
• USB‑C charging for convenience with modern cables.
• Border options including standard borders, rounded borders, and three‑sided borderless printing.
The Canon SELPHY QX20 is a fun, capable, and high‑quality portable photo printer that excels at producing small, durable prints with vibrant color. Its dual‑format printing and easy‑to‑use app make it more flexible than earlier SELPHY models, and its dye‑sub technology gives it an edge in print quality over many competitors.
It retails for $189 at http://usa.canon.com/shop/p/selphy-qx20
