![HP Sprocket Portable Photo Printer (2nd Edition) – Instantly print 2x3" sticky-backed photos from your phone – [Luna Pearl] [1AS85A]](https://images-eu.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81lUqMEAWtL._AC_SL1500_SR300,200_.jpg)
Battery life concerns may cause the HP Sprocket 2x3 to turn off unexpectedly.
- Battery life is another concern while it's great that the Sprocket is portable you'll find yourself tethered to a charger more often than you'd like.
The specific reason for unexpected shutdowns is not detailed, but battery life is flagged as a concern.
Who it suits
Works well if
- Users prioritising portability and app-based printing from smartphones
Think twice if
- Users requiring perfect colour accuracy without editing
- Users needing high-speed printing or long battery life between charges
The numbers that matter
- HP Sprocket 2x3 (5.1x7.5 cm) Instant Smartphone Photo Printer
- Marketplace rating is 4.4 / 5
- Total ratings are 18,485
What the evidence says
| Item | Value |
|---|---|
| Product Name | HP Sprocket 2x3 (5.1x7.5 cm) Instant Smartphone Photo Printer, Portable Color Wireless Mobile Printer, Zink Sticky-Back Photos, Print from App on Compatible iOS & Android Devices with Bluetooth, White |
| Marketplace Rating | 4.4 / 5 |
| Total Ratings | 18,485 |
| Printing Speed | one photo per minute |
| Photo Resolution | 313 x 400 dpi |
| Cost per Photo | 50p |
| Colour Hue Issue | Prints often come out with a pink or blue hue |
| Battery Life Concern | Users find themselves needing to charge it frequently |
| Connectivity | Simple and quick Bluetooth connection |
The listing publishes no specific features or detailed technical specifications.
Where buyers hesitate
Why does my printer turn off unexpectedly?
Battery life concerns may cause the HP Sprocket 2x3 to turn off unexpectedly. While the exact cause isn't detailed for this specific issue, community reports highlight battery life as a concern, suggesting frequent charging is necessary, which could lead to unexpected shutdowns. This product has no citable buyer reviews.
Does this printer use ink cartridges?
No, this printer uses Zink paper, not ink cartridges. The HP Sprocket 2x3 uses Zink sticky-back photos, a thermal printing technology that requires special paper rather than ink cartridges. This differs from traditional printers that use ink.
Can I print photos from my phone with this printer?
Yes, it connects via Bluetooth to compatible iOS and Android devices. The HP Sprocket 2x3 is designed for mobile printing, connecting wirelessly via Bluetooth to compatible iOS and Android devices through its dedicated app. Users have found this connection process simple and quick.
Is the paper expensive for this printer?
The cost per photo is estimated at 50p. Based on community calculations, the cost per photo is approximately 50p, derived from pricing of HP Zink sheets. While this is a specific figure, category reports suggest that replacement cartridges and paper can be perceived as expensive.
Why we judge it this way
The HP Sprocket 2x3 (5.1x7.5 cm) Instant Smartphone Photo Printer is described as a portable, wireless colour mobile printer designed for app-based printing from compatible iOS and Android devices, connecting via Bluetooth. It holds a solid marketplace average rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars from 18,485 ratings, suggesting general user satisfaction. The Bluetooth connection is noted as simple and quick by users.
A key feature of the HP Sprocket 2x3 is its use of Zink sticky-back photos, which means it does not require ink cartridges. This thermal printing technology simplifies the printing process by eliminating the need for separate ink supplies, a common characteristic shared with comparable products in the category, such as the Canon Zoemini. This design choice contributes to its portability and ease of use.
However, community reports highlight several drawbacks. A significant concern is the print quality, with users stating that prints often emerge with an undesirable pink or blue hue, necessitating considerable editing to achieve accurate colours. This issue directly impacts the product's core function of producing true-to-life photos, and is a recurring complaint.
Another recurring complaint relates to battery life. Users report that the printer needs frequent charging, leading to concerns about its longevity between power-ups. This is particularly relevant to the question of why the printer might turn off unexpectedly, as battery issues are a common culprit for such behaviour. The printing speed is also noted as slow, with the device producing only one photo per minute. This slow speed can be a limitation for users who need to print multiple photos quickly.
The cost of consumables is another factor. While the printer itself does not use ink, the specialized Zink paper is required. Community calculations estimate the cost per photo at approximately 50p. This figure, while specific to this product, aligns with broader category reports suggesting that replacement cartridges and paper for portable printers can be perceived as expensive.
Despite these limitations, the overall rating and its core functionality for portable, app-based printing remain points in its favour. The decision to purchase hinges on whether the convenience and portability outweigh the potential issues with colour accuracy, battery life, and printing speed, as well as the ongoing cost of Zink paper.
The strongest objection we found
Prints from the HP Sprocket 2x3 often come out with a pink or blue hue, requiring significant editing to achieve true-to-life colors.
Frequently Asked Questions
What this page does not answer
- What is the most user-friendly printer?
- Which printer is best for shop use?
- Canon Ivy Mini Photo Printer comparison
- Explore other portable photo printers in the Printers Accessories category
How this analysis was built
Analysis of the product listing description and marketplace rating, supplemented by community forum discussions and user-reported usage data.
Statements about general printer issues are drawn from other products in the Printers Accessories category.
Sources and verification
Everything on this page traces back to the listing published for this product on Amazon.co.uk. At the analysis date that listing showed 4.4 stars across 18,485 reviews. The write-up works from 10 verified data points, drawn from listings of comparable products in this category. Analysis generated on 2026-10-29.
