OFFICE COPIERS | 6 MIN READ
Purchasing a copier is an expensive endeavor, not matter if you're in need of one or many. Because of this, it's important to understand the advantages and disadvantages of the brands you are comparing and finding honest reviews can prove to be difficult. Dealers (and especially manufacturers) want the products that they sell to be seen as the best option to consumers. In this article, we team up with Buyer's Lab and share an honest review of Sharp vs Toshiba copiers so you can make your decision with certainty.
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Sharp Copier ReviewsAs a leading Sharp copier dealer, we can't ignore that this review could appear very biased. So, in an effort to make an honest assessment of both brands, we decided to take our review one step further by leveraging data from our friends at Buyer's Lab. They're a third-party company that exists to test and evaluate copier and printers on the market, today.
To create our comparisons, we at SOS created a formula and input our Buyer's Lab data into that formula to create an overall score:
(IQ + EU + S + F + R)/5 = SOS Copier Rating
IQ = Image Quality - the quality of a machine's prints are incredibly important. It's the difference between a print job looking professional or looking cheap.
EU = Ease of Use - although image quality is pretty consistent from machine to machine, ease of us isn't. How intuitive is it for a new user to walk up to a machine and use the copier to complete various tasks.
S = Security - most business owners are aware of cyber threats and the importance of protecting their network, but some don't realize the vulnerabilities that lie with their copier. Today's copiers are connected to company networks, and as a result, they can access sensitive data. The copier you purchase needs security features and safety protocols to make sure private company and customer information doesn't fall into the wrong hands.
F = Features - features are where we see the widest range between machines. This doesn't mean that it should be the deciding factor, though, as the features you consider should be completely based on the needs of your company.
R = Reliability - the uptime you can expect based on the manufacturer's specifications. This is an important factor because it's an indicator of how often you can expect a machine to need a service call.
RELATED: Buying or Leasing a Copier: Which is Better?
I'll be honest... I thought Sharp would wipe the floor with Toshiba, but the results were more interesting than I believed they would be.
Our list is based on the four most popular Sharp models that we sell at Standard Office Systems and their Toshiba counterparts. To offer complete transparency and trust to our readers, our ratings of each of these models is based on the information obtained from Buyer's Lab.
If you're interested to see a more comprehensive list that includes models from a wider variety of manufacturers, just take a look at our best office copiers list.
Speed: 60 ppm
Dimensions: 33" x 24" x 26"
A great choice for mid to large-sized workgroups/departments that is highly reliable and easy to use. Users can expect higher productivity than several competitors as a result of its intuitive interface, fast print/scan/copy functions, and minimal downtime. The MX 6071 also includes very routine maintenance procedures to ensure maximum uptime and minimal frustration for its users.
Strengths
Weaknesses
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9.5 | 7 | 9 | 9.5 | 6.5 |
Speed: 60 ppm
Dimensions: 33" x 24" x 26"
Designed to serve mid-sized to large workgroups, this Sharp machine boasts exceptional reliability based on 250,000-impressions that produced only two misfeeds. Sharp's unique retractable keyboard and driver and control panel design make inputting information simple.
Strengths
Weaknesses
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7.5 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 9.5 |
Speed: 75 ppm
Dimensions: 48 1/8" x 33 1/4" x 33 1/4"
This robust machine serves mid and large-size organizations well with its quick output and ability to handle continuous large volumes over time. 275,000 impressions produced only two minor misfeeds and required zero service which proves its high reliability rating is justified and will increase uptime within the workplace. The intuitive display makes everything from creating print jobs to troubleshooting a simple process. Additional features include added conveniences like direct print support for Microsoft Office files right out of the box, as well as a retractable keyboard that makes data entry a breeze.
Strengths
Weaknesses
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 8 | 8.5 | 9.5 | 9 |
Speed: 30 ppm
Dimensions: 30" x 24" x 26"
Great for small and mid-size workgroups, this machine's reliability is consistent with other top copiers. The real value, though, is in the machine's highly rated yields for toner, drums and developer, and easy to operate procedure for loading paper, clearing paper jams, and replacing toner. This allows users to easily keep the machine running without relying on a service technician from their local dealer. Additionally, users can be assured that quality output will be maintained from first copy to last.
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7 | 9 | 9.5 | 9 |
Speed: 65ppm
Dimensions: 48.3" x 37.6" x 27.5"
Outstanding reliability, strong reliability, and quick print speeds make this device a great option for medium to large-sized work groups. The lower than average image quality may not be the best choice for print shops or firms who create a lot of in-house marketing collateral.
Strengths
Weaknesses
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7 | 8 | 9.5 | N/A |
Speed: 35 ppm
Dimensions: 31" x 23" x 25.2"
This device delivers outstanding reliability with just one misfeed after 210,000 print jobs. This machine also features a simple toner replacement method to help ensure maximum uptime.
For this device, Toshiba opted for a less sophisticated display panel to increase simplicity and ease of use. Standard features with this machine include printing to any device from a desktop computer and the ability to split large print jobs between two devices.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7.5 | 7.5 | 9.5 | N/A |
Speed: 45 ppm
Dimensions: 31" x 23" x 23"
Another reliable Toshiba product that is very comparable to the Canon equivalent, this machine makes up for its lower image quality rating with ability to maximize up-time. Print speeds have also been shown to be faster than many similar, competing products (equal to the Canon). Features were not officially rated by Buyer's Lab, but appear to be behind in their offerings that are standard with competitors.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 | 7 | 7.5 | 9.5 | N/A |
Speed: 30 ppm
Dimensions: 31" x 23" x 25.2"
An option for medium-sized work-groups, this machine is good for companies that need a reliable device, but not great image quality or features. Like many of Toshiba's products, this device focuses on the basics.
Strengths:
Weaknesses:
| Reliability | Image Quality | Ease of Use | Security | Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9 | 7 | 7.5 | 9.5 | N/A |
There are many other factors to consider when purchasing a copier. For instance, a great machine with terrible support or service becomes a very average piece of equipment. If reliability is at 99%, but the one time it does have issues takes weeks to receive service, then you negate that reliability.
We wrote an article on the myths of comparing copier dealers and manufacturers, and it has become an eye-opener for many. You might be surprised to learn that there are many similarities to the two and a few key differences.
Regardless of the decision you make, be sure to fully understand how to choose your copier vendor so that you can be assured your machines will be up and running without issue. With copiers being so comparable from manufacturer to manufacturer, the real difference is in the service you receive after the purchase.
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