Canon Selphy QX20 Review: Best Portable Photo Printer
Printing photos in today’s digital age feels special. The Canon Selphy QX20 brings back the joy of holding physical pictures in your hands.
This compact photo printer fits in your bag and turns your smartphone memories into tangible keepsakes within seconds.
You can print photos anywhere, from birthday parties to family gatherings, without needing a computer or bulky equipment.
Key Takeaways
- ✓ Dual Print Sizes: The QX20 prints both 2.1 x 3.4 inch credit card-sized photos and 2.7 x 2.7 inch square format images, giving you flexibility for different creative projects.
- ✓ Superior Print Quality: Uses advanced dye-sublimation thermal transfer technology with 287 x 287 DPI resolution, creating vivid colors and sharp details that rival traditional photo labs.
- ✓ True Portability: Compact design with an integrated battery that delivers approximately 20 prints per charge, making it perfect for travel, events, and outdoor activities.
- ✓ Wireless Connectivity: Supports Wi-Fi, AirPrint, and Bluetooth connections, allowing seamless printing from iOS and Android smartphones without cables or complicated setup.
- ✓ Long-Lasting Prints: Photos resist water and fading, lasting up to 100 years when stored properly, ensuring your memories stay vibrant for generations.
- ✓ Sticker Back Option: Print on adhesive-backed paper to create instant stickers for decorating journals, scrapbooks, or sharing with friends at parties and gatherings.
What Makes the Canon Selphy QX20 Special
The Canon Selphy QX20 represents Canon’s latest innovation in portable photo printing technology. This printer improves upon its predecessor, the QX10, with faster charging capabilities and the ability to charge while printing. The compact design measures just a few inches across and weighs less than a pound, making it easy to slip into a backpack or large purse.
Canon designed this printer for modern smartphone users who want instant gratification. You don’t need to connect cables or transfer files to a computer. The SELPHY Layout app provides complete control over your prints. You can edit photos, add filters, create collages, and adjust settings right from your phone. The app works smoothly with both iOS and Android devices.
The printer’s modern aesthetic comes in two attractive colors: dark gray and white. The minimalist design features rounded edges and a matte finish that feels premium. An integrated paper tray holds your print cartridges, eliminating the need to carry extra accessories. The front LED indicator shows battery level and printing status, keeping you informed throughout the process.
What truly sets the QX20 apart is its versatility. Most portable printers lock you into one print size, but this model offers two distinct formats. The credit card size (2.1 x 3.4 inches) fits perfectly in wallets and is ideal for sharing with friends. The square format (2.7 x 2.7 inches) works beautifully for Instagram-style prints and scrapbook layouts. Both sizes come with optional adhesive backing, transforming your photos into instant stickers.
Understanding Dye Sublimation Technology
The Canon Selphy QX20 uses dye-sublimation printing, a technology that produces superior quality compared to inkjet or zinc-based methods. This process works by heating solid dye and transforming it directly into gas, which then bonds with specially coated paper. The result is smooth, continuous-tone prints without visible dots or grain.
Traditional inkjet printers spray tiny droplets of liquid ink onto paper. You can see the individual dots if you look closely. Dye-sublimation creates seamless color transitions that look more like traditional photographs. The technology also produces more accurate skin tones and better color reproduction overall.
The QX20 applies colors in three passes: cyan, magenta, and yellow. Each color layer adds depth and richness to your images. The printer can produce 256 shades per color, resulting in millions of possible color combinations. A final protective layer seals the print, making it resistant to water, fingerprints, and fading.
This protective coating makes QX20 prints incredibly durable. You can spill coffee on them, get them wet in the rain, or handle them with dirty hands, and they’ll survive. The manufacturer claims these prints last up to 100 years when stored in photo albums away from direct sunlight. This longevity far exceeds typical inkjet prints, which can fade within a few years.
The dye-sublimation process takes about 40 seconds per print. While this seems slow compared to instant camera-style printers, the quality difference is substantial. You’ll notice sharper details, more vibrant colors, and better overall image clarity. The wait is worth it when you hold a professional-quality print in your hands.
Print Quality and Color Accuracy
The Canon Selphy QX20 delivers impressive print quality that exceeds expectations for a portable printer. Colors appear vibrant and true to life, with excellent saturation that makes images pop. Skin tones look natural, not overly pink or orange like some competing printers produce.
Fine details remain sharp and clear in QX20 prints. Text stays readable even in small sizes. Landscape photos show distinct textures in grass, leaves, and clouds. Portrait photos capture individual hair strands and subtle facial features. The 287 x 287 DPI resolution provides enough detail for small format prints without looking pixelated.
The printer handles different lighting conditions well. Photos taken in bright sunlight maintain highlight detail without washing out. Indoor photos with mixed lighting show balanced colors across the frame. Even challenging scenes with both bright and dark areas produce prints with good dynamic range.
Some users report that the QX20 occasionally struggles with deep blue skies, sometimes rendering them slightly darker or more saturated than the original. This happens rarely and affects less than 1% of prints according to user reviews. Most images print exactly as they appear on your phone screen.
Color accuracy remains consistent from print to print. If you print the same photo multiple times, you’ll get identical results each time. This consistency matters when creating photo series or printing duplicates to share with family and friends. The printer maintains quality throughout the cartridge life, with no fading or color shifts as supplies run low.
The protective coating adds a subtle sheen to finished prints. They have a semi-gloss finish that looks professional without being overly shiny. This finish enhances colors and adds depth to images. The coating also makes prints feel substantial and premium, not flimsy like some instant camera prints.
Top 3 Alternatives for Canon Selphy QX20
Looking for other portable printing options? These three alternatives offer different features and price points worth considering.
The Canon Selphy CP1500 is the QX20’s bigger sibling. This printer produces larger 4 x 6 inch prints, the traditional photo size. It costs slightly more but offers more versatility for different print sizes. The CP1500 also includes a screen for reviewing images before printing, eliminating the need to use your phone for every adjustment.
The Canon Ivy 2 Mini Photo Printer provides a budget-friendly alternative. This compact printer costs less than the QX20 and fits in your pocket. It uses Zink technology instead of dye-sublimation, producing 2 x 3 inch sticky-backed prints. While print quality doesn’t match the QX20, the Ivy 2 offers unbeatable portability and convenience.
The Fujifilm Instax Mini Link 3 takes a different approach to portable printing. This printer uses Instax instant film, creating nostalgic prints with the classic white border. The prints develop right before your eyes, adding an element of excitement. The Link 3 connects to your smartphone via Bluetooth and includes fun features like QR code printing.
Battery Life and Portability
The Canon Selphy QX20 includes a built-in rechargeable battery that provides freedom to print anywhere. Canon doesn’t officially advertise the exact battery capacity, but testing reveals you can produce approximately 20 prints on a full charge. This capacity works well for casual use at events or while traveling.
Each print consumes a significant amount of power due to the heating elements required for dye-sublimation. The printer needs to maintain precise temperatures to transfer dye from the ribbon to the paper. This energy-intensive process limits the number of prints per charge compared to simpler printing technologies.
Charging the battery takes about 90 minutes from empty to full using the included USB-C cable. The QX20 improves upon its predecessor by allowing you to charge while printing, a feature the QX10 lacked. This means you can plug the printer into a power bank or wall adapter and continue printing without interruption.
The compact dimensions make the QX20 highly portable. It measures approximately 4.5 x 5 x 1 inches and weighs just over 1 pound. This size fits comfortably in a medium bag alongside other travel essentials. The printer’s rounded edges prevent it from snagging on other items in your bag.
Canon designed the printer with durability in mind. The plastic construction feels solid despite the lightweight design. The paper tray snaps securely into place and won’t pop open during transport. No loose parts or fragile components mean the printer can handle the bumps and jostling of travel.
For extended printing sessions, consider investing in a portable power bank with USB-C output. A 10,000 mAh power bank can fully recharge the printer 2-3 times, extending your printing capacity to 60 or more prints. This setup works perfectly for wedding receptions, parties, or other events where you’ll print many photos.
Wireless Connectivity Options
The Canon Selphy QX20 offers multiple wireless connection methods. Wi-Fi connectivity allows direct communication between your smartphone and the printer without requiring an internet connection. The printer creates its own wireless network that your phone joins temporarily for printing.
Setting up the Wi-Fi connection takes just a few minutes. You download the SELPHY Layout app from the App Store or Google Play Store, turn on the printer, and follow the in-app instructions. The app automatically detects the printer and guides you through pairing. Once connected, the printer remembers your device for future sessions.
AirPrint support makes printing from iPhones and iPads even simpler. Apple users can print directly from the Photos app or other compatible applications without installing the Canon app. Simply select your photo, tap the share button, choose Print, and select the SELPHY QX20. The printer handles the rest automatically.
Android users benefit from similar convenience through native printing support. Recent Android versions include built-in wireless printing capabilities that recognize the QX20 automatically. You can print from any app that supports sharing photos, making the process intuitive and straightforward.
The SELPHY Layout app provides more control than native printing options. You can adjust brightness and contrast, apply filters, add text and borders, and create multi-photo layouts. The app includes templates for collages, greeting cards, and creative designs. These features transform basic snapshots into personalized keepsakes.
Connection stability remains solid in most environments. The printer maintains a strong signal within 15-20 feet of your device. Walls and obstacles can weaken the connection, so staying in the same room as the printer works best. Occasional connection hiccups occur in areas with many competing Wi-Fi networks, but they’re rare.
Paper and Ink Cartridge System
The Canon Selphy QX20 uses an integrated cartridge system that combines ink and paper in one package. Each cartridge contains the dye ribbon and corresponding paper sheets. This all-in-one design eliminates confusion about matching ink to paper and ensures consistent results.
Canon offers cartridges in different quantities. The XC-20L pack includes 20 sheets of credit card-sized paper and corresponding ink for $34.99. The XS-20L pack provides 20 square format sheets and ink for a similar price. This pricing works out to roughly $1.75 per print, which is reasonable for the quality you receive.
Larger packs offer better value. A 60-sheet pack reduces the per-print cost to around $1.25. Buying in bulk makes sense if you print frequently or plan to use the printer at events where you’ll produce many prints. The cartridges have a long shelf life, so stocking up doesn’t risk wasted supplies.
Installing a new cartridge takes seconds. You open the printer’s top cover, remove the old cartridge, and snap in the new one. The printer automatically detects the paper size and adjusts settings accordingly. No calibration or configuration is needed.
The cartridges offer an adhesive-backed option for creating instant stickers. You can choose between regular photo paper and sticker paper when purchasing cartridges. Sticker prints work wonderfully for decorating notebooks, phone cases, water bottles, and other personal items. Kids especially love creating custom stickers.
Storage and handling of cartridges requires minimal care. Keep them in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. The sealed packaging protects the paper and dye ribbon from environmental damage. Once opened, use the cartridge within several months for best results.
Using the SELPHY Layout App
The SELPHY Layout app serves as your control center for the Canon Selphy QX20. Canon designed this app to be intuitive, with clear icons and logical menu structures. Even first-time users can navigate the features without reading instructions.
The app’s main screen displays your phone’s photo library. You scroll through images and select the ones you want to print. Multi-selection allows you to choose several photos at once for batch printing. This feature saves time when printing multiple images at an event.
Editing tools within the app let you enhance photos before printing. Basic adjustments include brightness, contrast, and saturation sliders. The color correction feature automatically improves white balance and exposure. A red-eye removal tool fixes flash photography issues with one tap.
The app includes several creative filters that transform ordinary photos into artistic prints. Vintage filters add warm tones and subtle grain for a nostalgic look. Black and white conversion creates classic monochrome prints. These filters preview in real-time, so you see results before committing to printing.
Layout options expand your creative possibilities. Create collages with 2, 4, 6, or 8 photos arranged in various patterns. Add decorative borders to individual prints. Include text captions with customizable fonts and colors. Design greeting cards by folding layouts in half.
The app’s sticker creation tool makes designing custom adhesives fun and easy. You can add emoji, draw with your finger, or overlay graphics from the app’s library. Kids enjoy decorating photos with stars, hearts, and other shapes before printing them as stickers.
Print settings are accessible but not overwhelming. You choose between regular and sticker paper, select the number of copies, and adjust print density if needed. The app displays an estimated print count based on your remaining cartridge capacity.
Best Uses and Creative Applications
The Canon Selphy QX20 excels in event photography situations. Wedding receptions, birthday parties, and graduation celebrations benefit from instant photo printing. Guests love receiving physical prints as party favors. The credit card size fits perfectly into thank you notes or small frames.
Travel photography becomes more meaningful with physical prints. Print photos from your daily adventures and mail them as postcards to friends and family. Create a travel journal by printing square format photos and pasting them into a notebook with handwritten notes about each location.
Scrapbooking enthusiasts appreciate the QX20’s square format option. These prints match perfectly with standard scrapbook layouts. The adhesive backing eliminates the need for glue or photo corners. You can arrange and rearrange sticker prints until you achieve the perfect page design.
Gift giving becomes more personal with custom photo prints. Create photo bookmarks using credit card-sized prints and laminating sheets. Make custom gift tags by printing small photos and punching holes in the corners. Design personalized greeting cards using the app’s layout features.
Business applications include printing product photos for craft fair displays, creating business cards with your photo, or making small promotional materials. Real estate agents can print property photos to attach to flyers. Artists can create small prints of their work to sell or distribute.
Educational settings benefit from instant photo printing. Teachers can document classroom activities and create bulletin board displays. Students can print photos for science projects or history presentations. The printer makes learning more interactive and visual.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do Canon Selphy QX20 prints last?
Canon Selphy QX20 prints last up to 100 years when stored properly in photo albums away from direct sunlight. The protective coating that seals each print protects against fading, water damage, and handling wear. These prints maintain their color and clarity far longer than typical inkjet prints, which often fade within 5-10 years. The dye-sublimation technology bonds colors permanently to the paper, creating archival-quality results suitable for preserving important memories across generations.
Can I print from my iPhone or Android phone?
Yes, the Canon Selphy QX20 works with both iPhone and Android devices. iPhone users can print using AirPrint or the SELPHY Layout app. Android users can print through native Android printing support or the SELPHY Layout app. The wireless connection process is simple and takes just minutes to set up. Once paired, your device remembers the printer for quick printing in future sessions.
What sizes can the Canon Selphy QX20 print?
The Canon Selphy QX20 prints two sizes: credit card format measuring 2.1 x 3.4 inches and square format measuring 2.7 x 2.7 inches. You purchase separate paper cartridges for each size. Both sizes are available in regular photo paper and adhesive-backed sticker paper options. The compact sizes work perfectly for wallets, scrapbooks, and sharing, though they’re too small for traditional photo frames or wall displays.
How many prints can I get on one battery charge?
The Canon Selphy QX20 produces approximately 20 prints on a full battery charge. The exact number varies slightly based on ambient temperature and print density settings. Printing in cold conditions may reduce the count to 15-18 prints. The battery charges in about 90 minutes using the included USB-C cable. You can charge while printing, so plugging into a power bank or wall outlet extends printing sessions indefinitely.
Does the Canon Selphy QX20 need ink cartridges?
The Canon Selphy QX20 uses an integrated cartridge system that combines the dye ribbon and paper together. You don’t purchase ink and paper separately. Each cartridge contains exactly enough dye ribbon to print all the included paper sheets. This all-in-one design eliminates confusion about matching supplies and ensures you never run out of ink before using all your paper.
