HP’s Tango printers are advertised as the world’s first smart home printers. Completely wireless except for the power cable, these devices emphasize a smaller footprint and mobile printing capabilities. The HP Tango and HP Tango X are also no-fuss printers, doing away with scanners and control panels. The Tango X, however, comes with a stylish cover instead of an output tray. But is that all there is to it? Beyond exteriors, what is the difference between HP Tango and Tango X? Check out our HP Tango printer review below to find out.
Navigation
HP Tango Printer vs Tango X Comparison Chart
| Model | HP Tango Smart Wireless Printer | HP Tango X Smart Wireless Printer |
 |  | |
| Price | Check Price | Check Price |
| Technology | HP Thermal Inkjet | HP Thermal Inkjet |
| Connectivity | Prints over Wi-Fi | Prints over Wi-Fi |
| Wireless Capability | Built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n, BLE | Built-in Wi-Fi 802.11n, BLE |
| Memory | 256 MB | 256 MB |
| Input Capacity | 50 sheets | 50 sheets |
| Output Capacity | 20 sheets | 20 sheets |
| Print Speed | Up to 20 ppm (black) | Up to 20 ppm (black) |
| HP Smart App | Yes | Yes |
| Borderless Printing | Yes | Yes |
| Printer Cover | No | Yes |
| Maximum Dimensions (W x D x H) | 377 x 206 x 91 mm | 389.6 x 615.8 x 260.7 mm |
| Weight | 6.79 lbs | 7.49 lbs |
Design
Unlike the HP Tango printer, the Tango X does away with the output tray and instead relies on a stylish, wrap-around cover.
In a world where photos and files are primarily kept online, an all-in-one printer may no longer be practical. After all, printing at home has been limited to a few documents here and there. This is the context where HP’s Tango printers find themselves. And the response to this changing attitude towards printing is largely reflected in their design.
Taking away the bulk brought about by scanners, the HP Tango and Tango X become discreet and compact-sized printers. Their forms are quite modest as well. There are no control panels or USB ports here. Instead, you’re getting a rectangular piece of equipment with rounded edges crafted from solid plastic. The printers sport the same white and grey finish, too, adorned only by an HP logo on top.
The big difference between the Tango and Tango X, however, is that the latter doesn’t come with an output tray. The Tango X instead sports a foldable cover that unfurls to catch printed pages as they’re sent out. Although made of linen, the cover looks softer than it feels, having the firmness of a hardbound book. It also lends the Tango X a more premium appearance.
Connectivity
The HP Tango and Tango X printers come with no wired interfaces, relying instead on mobile apps and devices.
As mentioned in the design section, there are no USB ports on the HP Tango and Tango X. There are none for Ethernet either. The only physical connection you get is a power cord. Everything else — from setting up the printer to actually printing files — is done wirelessly. This also eliminates the need for a control panel. As HP shares, these printers were designed with mobile device users in mind.
Fortunately, HP’s Smart App is a capable platform that disproves most apprehensions toward mobile printing. The mobile program allows for a fairly hassle-free initial setup. Apart from mobile printing, users can scan, copy, or perform maintenance tasks using the Smart app. If you’re not fond of fiddling on your phone to print, there are drivers for Windows and Mac available.
Printing
Both the HP Tango and Tango X offer modest print speeds, along with better-than-expected print quality.
According to HP, both the Tango and Tango X can print up to 20 ppm for black documents and 11 ppm for colored documents. Based on the standard ISO measurement, however, actual print speeds are rated as 11 ppm for monochrome and 8ppm for color. While the numbers are modest, they’re better than some of HP’s entry-level all-in-one printers.
Print quality is good, too — it’s a 4800 x 1200 dpi printer after all. For documents, you get smooth and crisp texts that can compete with laser printers. Graphics and photos, on the other hand, are generally bright and well-saturated. Since you’re using a mobile device, you can pretty much print anywhere as well.
Keep in mind that the HP Tango and Tango X aren’t designed for high output though. The input tray on both printers is narrow and can only accommodate up to 50 sheets. However, if you fancy printing selfies from your phone, they are a great alternative to smartphone pocket printers. Not only can you use the Tango and Tango X for work, but you’ll find support for more media sizes.
Smart Features
HP’s Tango printers allow for mobile scanning and copying, while also supporting voice-activated printing.
To minimize their footprint HP does not include a flatbed scanner on either the HP Tango or Tango X. Nonetheless, users can still carry out copying and scanning tasks via the HP Smart App. The app uses a smartphone’s camera to carry out these functions. Of course, the features are limited, but HP has at least considered the issues that go with it. The Smart App, for instance, will automatically straighten edges and correct your document’s orientation.
Both the HP Tango and Tango X also embrace their wireless nature through voice-activated printing. In fact, HP shares they’re the first printers to have this feature. Currently, the Tango and Tango X support Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, and Microsoft Cortana. Both printers also use the same voice prompts and commands typical of smart assistant-enabled devices.
Verdict
Get the HP Tango if you need an output tray or are on a budget. Opt for the HP Tango X if a foldable cover is your thing.
HP’s Tango series of smart wireless printers is a great response to an increasingly mobile world. They are strong choices for those who need a printer, but not necessarily one that will carry out larger printing jobs. For people who will print a few documents here and there, the HP Tango and HP Tango X will suffice. They’re great options for printing photos directly from your phone as well.
If you’re on a budget, however, then get the HP Tango instead. It’s the more traditional printer of the two, coming with an output tray to keep your print-outs organized. The HP Tango X, on the other hand, is for those who emphasize aesthetics. Instead of an output tray, the printer sports a stylish foldable cover — for an additional fee, of course. In use, it’s good enough for print-outs to land on. As a wrap-around cover, it lends the HP Tango X a more premium appearance.
FAQs
The HP Tango and Tango X are essentially the same printers. The latter, however, does away with an output tray and uses a foldable cover instead.
Yes, the HP Tango X linen cover is available in different colors. Users can get them indigo, charcoal, or a cork-style cover.
Yes, you can. HP shares that both the Tango and Tango X printers support a range of media sizes. Some of the materials you can use include photo papers, matte brochures, and glossy inkjet papers. Cards and envelopes are also compatible with the printers.
HP shares that the Tango X can print on media sizes anywhere from 3 x 5 to 8.5 x 14 inches.
Last update on 2021-07-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API