HP Smart Tank 5105 vs Brother DCP-T420W
Detailed Technical Comparison & Buying Guide
HP Smart Tank 5105 VS
Brother DCP-T420W HP Smart Tank 5105
✅ Low-cost high-volume printing with HP Smart features.
❌ Slower colour printing compared to competitors.
Brother DCP-T420W
✅ Excellent entry-level tank printer for small tasks.
❌ Small internal memory can slow down complex PDFs.
| Feature | HP Smart Tank 5105 | Brother DCP-T420W |
|---|---|---|
| Print Technology | Thermal Inkjet | Inkjet Tank System |
| Colour Output | Color | Color |
| Print Resolution | 4800 x 1200 dpi | 1200 x 6000 dpi |
| Black Print Speed (PPM) | 12 ppm | 16 ipm |
| Colour Print Speed (PPM) | 5 ppm | 9 ipm |
| First Page Out Time | 14 sec | 10 sec |
| Auto Double-Sided | Manual | Manual |
| Input Paper Capacity | 100 Sheets | 150 Sheets |
| Output Tray Capacity | 30 Sheets | 50 Sheets |
| Supported Paper Sizes | A4, B5, A6, DL Envelope | A4, LTR, EXE, A5, A6 |
| Paper Weight Support | 60 to 90 g/m² (Plain) | 64 to 220 g/m² |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed only | Flatbed CIS |
| Scan Resolution | 1200 x 1200 dpi | 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Auto Document Feeder | None | None |
| Copy Speed | Up to 10 cpm | Up to 8 ipm |
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | Self-healing Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n | 802.11b/g/n |
| Ethernet Support | No | No |
| USB Connectivity | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 | Hi-Speed USB 2.0 |
| Mobile Printing Support | HP Smart App | Brother Mobile Connect |
| Display Panel | Icon LCD 1.0 inch | LED Buttons |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | 3,000 pages | 2,500 pages |
| Ink/Cartridge System | HP 32XL / 31 Bottles | BTD60BK / BT5000 Bottles |
| Borderless Printing | Yes (up to 210 x 297 mm) | Yes |
| Width | 434.7 mm | 435 mm |
| Depth | 361.5 mm | 359 mm |
| Height | 157.3 mm | 159 mm |
| Machine Weight | 5.03 kg | 6.4 kg |
| Energy Efficiency | EPEAT Registered | Energy Star |
| Noise Level (dB) | 51 dB(A) | 50 dB(A) |
| Processor Speed | 980 MHz | 576 MHz |
| Internal Memory | 64 MB | 64 MB |
| Cloud Print Support | HP Smart App | No |
| Security Features | Secure Boot, FW Integrity | SSID Support |
| Compatible OS | Windows 11, macOS 10.15+ | Windows, macOS |
| Included in Box | HP 32XL Black, HP 31 Colour Bottles | Black, Cyan, Magenta, Yellow Bottles |
| Warranty Period | 1 Year (Up to 3 Years) | 1 Year |
| Recommended Use | Family Document Printing | Standard Family Use |
⚖️ Expert Verdict
The HP Smart Tank 5105 and Brother DCP-T420W are both popular choices for home ink tank printing. HP’s Smart Tank 5105 often wins on design, featuring a more modern look and a highly intuitive LED display. HP’s standout feature is the HP Smart App, which is arguably the best in the industry for mobile scanning and printing. Brother’s T420W, however, feels more robust and is easier to repair long-term. In terms of print quality, HP produces slightly warmer and more natural tones in photos, while Brother is more clinical and sharp for text. For the modern user who prints mostly from a phone, the HP 5105 is the winner, but for purely document-based reliability, the Brother holds its own.
What Owners Are Saying?
HP Smart Tank 5105
WorkFromHome_Mum ★★★★☆
Brother DCP-T420W
Liam K. ★★★★☆