Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 vs G4280: Key Differences Explained

When it comes to choosing a printer the Canon MegaTank series has been making a big splash with its ink tank system that promises more efficiency, lower costs and better prints. Of the two the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 and PIXMA G4280 are the most popular for home and small office use. If you’re stuck between the two you’re not alone. Both have their own features and knowing how they compare will help you decide.

In this post we’ll break down the differences and similarities between the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 and PIXMA G4280, looking at print performance, functionality, cost and overall value. By the end of this you’ll know which one is best for you—whether you need a reliable, cost effective printer for personal use or a more feature packed solution for a small office.

Both printers use Canon’s MegaTank system which is a welcome alternative to traditional ink cartridge printers. This means you can refill ink tanks instead of replacing expensive cartridges and save big time. While both printers have this feature in common they differ in other areas such as functionality, speed and connectivity. Let’s get into the specs to see how they compare.

1. Specifications Overview

When comparing the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 and PIXMA G4280 you need to start with the specs as they are the foundation of your decision. Both are part of the MegaTank family so they have some similarities but also some differences. Let’s take a look at the key features.

1.1 Key Features of G3290

• Print Technology: The G3290 uses Canon’s MegaTank ink tank system, high yield and low cost printing by refilling ink tanks instead of cartridges. Fewer interruptions and overall cost savings.

• Print Speed: 10.8 ppm (black and white), 5.5 ppm (color). Standard for entry level printers but not the fastest if you need high output.

• Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi. Sharp and detailed print quality for color documents and photos.

• Connectivity: Wi-Fi, USB, mobile printing (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print)

• Functionality: Single function printer, only prints. Great if you want a no fuss, no frills device that just focuses on print quality and cost.

• Display: 1.2 inch LCD screen for easy operation, access settings and monitor print jobs with ease.

1.2 Key Features of G4280

• Print Technology: Like the G3290, the G4280 uses the MegaTank system.

• Print Speed: The G4280 is slightly faster than the G3290, 9.1 ppm (black and white), 5.0 ppm (color). Not a huge difference but if you need to print large volumes quickly it might matter.

• Print Resolution: 4800 x 1200 dpi. Crisp and clear printouts. Important for photo printing and documents with fine details.

• Connectivity: The G4280 takes it a step further with Wi-Fi, USB, Bluetooth and mobile printing (AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app). Bluetooth gives users more flexibility to connect devices.

• Functionality: Multi function printer, prints, scans, copies, faxes. Great if you need an all in one for home or small office.

• Display: 2.7” color display to navigate through settings and view print status.

Key differences:

• Functionality: G3290 is single function, G4280 is multi-function (print, scan, copy, fax)

• Connectivity: Both have Wi-Fi but G4280 has Bluetooth

• Print speed: G3290 is slightly faster black and white but not by much

• Display: G4280 has bigger color display

Both have their own advantages. G3290 is for those who want simple and affordable printer, G4280 is for those who need scanning, copying and faxing.

2. Print Performance

When it comes to a printer, one of the most important is print performance. This includes print speed, print quality and how well it handles different paper types. In this section we’ll look into the print performance of both the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 and PIXMA G4280 so you can decide which one suits your printing needs.

2.1 Speed

Speed is important especially if you need to handle a lot of documents on a daily basis. Let’s compare the speed of both models:

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: 10.8 ppm (black) / 5.5 ppm (colours) - This is decent for home printing or small office use but might feel a bit slow compared to higher end models that can produce faster output.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: 9.1 ppm (black) / 5.0 ppm (colours) - The G4280 is slightly slower but still competitive in its class especially since it’s a multi-function printer. The slower speed is a trade-off for the added scanning, copying and faxing capabilities.

Verdict: If speed is your top priority, the G3290 might win by a small margin. But if you need a multi-function printer and can live with a slight reduction in print speed, the G4280’s performance is good enough for most home and small office use.

2.2 Print Quality

Print quality is important when choosing a printer especially if you need to print photos, detailed graphics or professional documents. Both the G3290 and G4280 have impressive print resolutions so prints are sharp and clear.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: 4800 x 1200 dpi - Produces high quality prints with rich colour reproduction. Good for printing documents, reports and high resolution images especially if you use quality paper. Colour accuracy is solid but not as vibrant as what you expect from high end photo printers.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: 4800 x 1200 dpi - The G4280 also has 4800 x 1200 dpi resolution so print quality is similar to the G3290. Produces sharp text, excellent grayscale prints and vibrant colour prints. With its versatility you can expect similar quality whether you print photos, documents or detailed graphics. Photo prints on the G4280 tends to have more depth due to the larger colour display and photo printing settings.

Verdict: Both are good but if you print more detailed photos, G4280 has a small advantage in colour depth and photo prints especially when you use the right settings.

2.3 Paper Handling

Handling different paper types and sizes is important especially for users who need flexibility in their print jobs. Let’s see how each model scores in this department:

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: This printer supports A4, A5, B5, Letter and Legal sizes. The G3290 has a 100-sheet input tray and a front output tray with 50-sheet capacity. That’s pretty standard for a home printer so you can print documents and photos without having to refill paper too often.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: The G4280 also supports the same paper sizes, A4, A5, B5, Letter, Legal and photo paper sizes. It has the same 100-sheet input tray as the G3290 but the output tray is slightly smaller with 50-sheet capacity. The difference is minor and won’t affect most home or office users unless you print large volumes of documents regularly.

Verdict: Both printers handle paper the same way and supports the same paper sizes. If you print frequently, both the G3290 and G4280 has enough paper capacity for most users but the G4280 has more functionality for scanning and copying tasks.

Final Thoughts on Print Performance

• Speed: G3290 has a slight edge in black and white documents.

• Quality: Both printers are excellent for documents and photos. G4280 may have a slight edge in photo printing due to its settings.

• Paper Handling: Both printers are the same in terms of paper handling, enough for regular printing needs.

The G3290 is for those who need faster print speed for high volume printing. The G4280 is for those who want versatility and slightly better photo quality and multi-functionality.

3. Cost and Value

So when choosing a printer one of the biggest considerations is total cost of ownership, that’s the initial purchase price, the cost of ink refills, the overall value the printer will give you over time. Canon’s MegaTank printers like the PIXMA G3290 and PIXMA G4280 are designed to have lower running costs than traditional inkjet printers, let’s get into how each printer stacks up in cost and value, purchase price, ink efficiency and long term savings.

3.1 Purchase Price

The purchase price is often the first thing that influences a buyer. While a printer is an investment, the upfront cost can help you decide which model fits your budget.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: The G3290 is the cheaper of the two. It’s generally cheaper than the G4280 so it’s a good option if you’re on a budget or you don’t need multi-functionality. If you’re just going to print and don’t need to scan, copy or fax then this is a good option for you.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: The G4280 is more expensive than the G3290 due to the added functionality. As a multi-function printer it offers printing, scanning, copying and faxing so it’s a more versatile option for home offices or small businesses. While the purchase price is higher the extra features may be worth it for users who need an all-in-one solution.

3.2 Running Costs (Ink Refills and Maintenance)

One of the big advantages of Canon’s MegaTank system is the lower running costs compared to cartridge based printers. Instead of buying expensive ink cartridges you can refill the ink tanks and save big time. Let’s get into the running costs for each printer:

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: The G3290 has large ink tanks that can print up to 6,000 black and white pages and 7,700 color pages per refill depending on what you print. This makes it one of the most cost effective printers in terms of ink usage, each bottle of ink will last a long time. The price of the ink bottles is also relatively cheap so the cost per page is usually under 1 cent for black and white and around 1.5 cents for color. Big advantage if you print a lot.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: Like the G3290 the G4280 also uses the MegaTank system, high yield with refills that can print 6,000 black and white pages and 7,700 color pages per bottle. Running costs are similar to the G3290 but since the G4280 is a multi-function printer (scan, copy, fax) it may have slightly higher operational costs in terms of maintenance, more frequent servicing or additional features that may require consumables like paper or printer cables.

3.3 Long-Term Cost Efficiency

When looking at long term cost efficiency you also need to consider the printers lifespan, maintenance and how much it costs to run daily or monthly. Here’s how both printers stack up:

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: The G3290 is great for long term value as the ink refills are cheap and low maintenance. Since it’s a single function printer you’re not paying for extra features like scanning or faxing which can help keep costs down. For users who print a lot but don’t need multi function, the G3290 is good value in the long run.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: The G4280 is for users who need more than just printing. Its multi function makes it more versatile especially for small offices or businesses that need scanning, copying and faxing. But this versatility comes with higher upfront and operational costs. Over time maintenance costs may be a bit higher due to the extra features but still manageable especially with the long print life and low ink costs.

Verdict: The G3290 is good for low cost high volume printing if you only need basic printing. The G4280 is more versatile with all in one function so if you need scanning, copying and faxing without sacrificing too much on ink costs.

Conclusion: Which is Better Value?

• If you want the most cost effective printer with great print performance and low running costs the G3290 is your best bet. It’s for users who need a simple no frills printer for high volume printing with minimal maintenance.

• But if you need an all in one solution that includes scanning, copying and faxing and you’re willing to pay a bit more for the extra features the G4280 is good value with low ink costs, multi function and versatile connectivity.

4. User Experience

The user experience is a key consideration when choosing between the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 and PIXMA G4280. This includes setup, software, connectivity and the printer itself. Let’s take a look at how both printers perform in these areas and how it affects the user experience.

4.1 Setup

Setup can make all the difference in how soon you can start printing. A printer that’s easy to set up saves you time and hassle.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: The G3290 has a simple setup process. It comes with instructions and connecting to your computer or network is easy. You’ll need to install the Canon software which is user friendly and supports Windows and macOS. Wi-Fi setup is a piece of cake with the included steps to connect the printer to your wireless network so you can print remotely without cables.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: The G4280’s setup is similar to the G3290 but has a few more steps for the multi-function features. For example setting up the scanner and fax features takes a bit more time but Canon has clear instructions and guides. The printer also has Wi-Fi setup for easy wireless printing and mobile printing options like Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print. Overall the setup is still user friendly but the extra features takes a bit more time to configure.

4.2 Software and Compatibility

Software and support is important so your printer works well with your devices and software. Both printers are Windows and macOS compatible but let’s take a look at what they offer.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: The G3290 comes with Canon’s PIXMA software suite which includes Canon Print App, My Image Garden, Easy-PhotoPrint Editor. These apps allows users to print photos, documents and creative projects. PIXMA Cloud Link is also available to print from cloud services like Google Drive, Dropbox and more. Highly compatible with Android and iOS devices so you can print from mobile devices in many ways.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: Like the G3290 the G4280 is compatible with Canon’s PIXMA software suite but also has extra features to enhance the multi-function features. For example the printer has Canon’s IJ Scan Utility for scanning and Canon Quick Menu which simplifies access to settings and features like scanning or copying. These are useful for users who need to scan or copy frequently. The G4280 also has mobile printing so you can print from smartphones and tablets.

4.3 Connectivity Options

Connectivity is key especially with wireless printing being more common today. Let’s compare the connectivity options for each printer:

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: The G3290 has multiple connectivity options, Wi-Fi, USB and Mobile printing. Wi-Fi lets you print from anywhere in your home or office without cables. It also supports Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print and Mopria Print Service so you can print directly from your mobile devices. USB is also available for those who prefer a direct connection.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: The G4280 takes it one step further with added Ethernet support besides Wi-Fi and USB. This is great for small office settings where a wired network connection is preferred. Like the G3290, the G4280 also supports mobile printing via Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print and Mopria Print Service and wireless printing from smartphones and tablets.

4.4 User Interface and Usability

How easy is it to use the printer’s controls? Let’s check the user interface and controls of both printers:

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290: The G3290 has an LCD control panel that lets you navigate through basic print, copy and scan functions. The buttons are labeled and easy to understand even for first time printer users. Not as advanced as the G4280’s touchscreen but still sufficient for everyday printing tasks.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280: The G4280 has a 2.7-inch color touchscreen which is more advanced and has a more user-friendly interface. The touchscreen lets you select print, scan, copy or fax with a tap. The interface is sleek and the larger display helps in navigating through the multi-function settings making it perfect for users who need to manage more complex tasks like scanning and copying.

User Experience Summary

• Setup: Both are easy to set up, the G3290 is quicker since it’s simpler. The G4280 requires more configuration for its multi-function features but still easy.

• Software and Compatibility: The G4280 has more feature-rich software since it’s multi-functional. Both have mobile printing options so you have wireless printing flexibility.

• Connectivity: G3290 and G4280 both have Wi-Fi and USB, G4280 has Ethernet.

• User Interface: G3290 has a basic LCD, G4280 has a touchscreen for easier navigation especially for multi-function tasks.

G3290 is for users who want a simple and straightforward printing experience. G4280 is for those who need multi-function and likes a touchscreen interface.

5. Pros and Cons

When deciding between the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 and PIXMA G4280 you need to know the pros and cons of each. This section will break down the pros and cons of both printers based on functionality, performance, design and user experience.

5.1 Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290

Pros:

1. Cheap: The G3290 is the cheaper of the two, great value for money if you don’t need the extra multi-functionality of the G4280. Good for home users and small business with basic printing needs.

2. Easy to Set Up: The G3290 is quick to set up, thanks to its simple design and limited features. Good for users who don’t want to waste time configuring scanning or faxing.

3. Compact and Space Saving: The G3290 is smaller than the G4280, perfect for smaller spaces like home offices or apartments. It occupies less space on your desk or workspace.

4. Wi-Fi and Mobile Printing: It has Wi-Fi and mobile printing capabilities like Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Mopria Print Service so you can print directly from your smartphone or tablet.

5. Cost Effective Ink Tank System: With the MegaTank system, the G3290 has low cost per page and you can refill the ink tanks, so overall cost of printing will be lower over time. Good for users who print frequently.

Cons:

1. Limited Functionality: The G3290 is a single function printer, it only prints. If you need to scan, copy or fax you will need a separate device. The G3290 is less versatile than the G4280.

2. Basic User Interface: The LCD panel on the G3290 is basic and may feel old compared to modern touchscreens. Users who prefer a more interactive interface may find the controls a bit limited.

3. No Ethernet: While it has Wi-Fi and USB, the G3290 doesn’t have Ethernet which may be a minus for office users who prefer wired connection for faster and more stable printing.

4. Smaller Paper Handling: The paper handling is limited with the G3290 especially on the automatic document feeder. It doesn’t support larger paper sizes as well as the G4280.

5.2 Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280

Pros:

1. Multi Function: 3-in-1 printer that prints, scans and copies. For those who need these extra features, it’s an all-in-one solution that eliminates the need for separate devices.

2. Touchscreen: 2.7” color touchscreen for a more modern and user friendly interface. Easier to navigate through tasks (print, scan, copy, fax) especially for those who use these features frequently.

3. Ethernet: The G4280 has Ethernet connectivity which is a big plus for those in offices or environments where a wired network is preferred for faster and more reliable printing. This makes the printer suitable for small businesses or teams.

4. Better Paper Handling: The G4280 has better paper handling with larger input tray and ADF. This is a great feature for those who need to scan or copy multiple pages at once, more efficient in the workplace.

5. More Flexibility: With the added features of scanning, copying and faxing, the G4280 is more versatile for home offices and small businesses that need these functions on top of printing.

6. Cost Effective MegaTank System: Like the G3290, the G4280 has Canon’s MegaTank system which is low cost per page and refillable ink tanks, great for high volume printing in the long run.

Cons:

1. Higher Price: The G4280 is more expensive than the G3290 because of the added features (scanning, copying and faxing). If you only need a printer, the extra cost might not be worth the multi function.

2. Bigger Size: The G4280 is bigger than the G3290 so if you have limited space on your desk or workspace, this might be an issue. It requires more space because of its larger size and added features.

3. Longer Setup Time: Setting up the G4280 takes longer than the G3290 especially when configuring the multi function features like scanning, copying and faxing. This might be a drawback if you want a quick and simple setup process.

4. More Complex Interface: While the touchscreen is user friendly, it may take some time to get used to all the extra options and settings for scanning, copying and faxing. It may be overwhelming for those who only need basic printing functionality.

5. More Ink Usage: Because of the added features of scanning and copying, the G4280 might use more ink than the G3290 especially if used frequently for multi function tasks.

Summary of Pros and Cons

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290:

• Pros: Cheap, easy setup, compact, mobile printing, low ink cost.

• Cons: Only prints, basic UI, no Ethernet, smaller paper tray.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280:

• Pros: Multi function, touchscreen, Ethernet, bigger paper tray, cost effective ink system.

• Cons: More expensive, bigger, longer setup, more complex UI, potentially more ink usage.

The G3290 is for those who need a simple, budget printer for basic printing only, the G4280 is for those who need multi function, touchscreen and Ethernet.

6. Final Recommendation

So in the end it comes down to your needs, wants and budget. Both have the Canon MegaTank ink system and can print fast. But they cater to different users due to their different features and functions. Let’s break it down by scenario so you can decide which one is for you.

6.1 When to Choose the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290

The G3290 is for home users or small business with basic printing needs and want an affordable printer. If you want something easy to use, compact and won’t take up much space on your desk, the G3290 is it. Here are the scenarios for the G3290:

• Budget Users: If you want a printer that performs good at a lower price, the G3290 is more budget friendly than the G4280. Its simplified design means you won’t pay for features you don’t need.

• Single Function Printing: If you only print and don’t need to scan, copy or fax, the G3290 is the way to go. It does the job and doesn’t complicate things with extra features you won’t use.

• Compact Spaces: If you work from home or have limited space, the smaller size of the G3290 is easier to fit in your workspace.

• Mobile Printing: If you want the convenience of wireless printing from your smartphone, tablet or laptop, the G3290 has Wi-Fi and supports Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print so you can print directly from your mobile devices.

6.2 When to Choose the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280

The G4280 is for users who need multi-functionality and are willing to pay a bit more for extra features. Here are the scenarios for choosing the G4280:

• All-in-One: If you need a printer, scanner, copier and fax machine in one device, the G4280 has got you covered. Perfect for small businesses, home offices or individuals who need these features on top of printing.

• Office or Team Environment: If you work in an office or shared environment where multiple functions are required (printing, scanning and copying), the G4280 has the flexibility and extra paper handling (with its ADF and bigger input tray) to keep things smooth.

• Ethernet: For users in business environment where a wired connection is preferred for faster and more stable connection, the G4280 has an edge over the G3290. This is especially useful for printing large files or multiple print jobs without interruption.

• Touchscreen and Ease of Use: The color touchscreen on the G4280 provides a modern and intuitive experience, you can switch between printing, scanning, copying and faxing easily. If you prefer a more interactive and user friendly interface, the G4280 is the way to go.

• Higher Volume Printing: If your printing volume is higher and you need more paper handling, the G4280’s bigger paper capacity and ADF is better suited for more demanding printing, scanning and copying jobs.

6.3 Budget

When choosing between the G3290 and G4280, don’t just look at the initial cost but also long term expenses such as ink cost and maintenance. The G3290 is the more budget friendly option upfront with lower price and single function printing. But if you need scanning, copying and faxing, the G4280 may justify the higher price due to the extra features it offers.

While the MegaTank system on both models has low running cost with refillable ink tanks, the G4280’s extra features may consume more ink especially if you use the scanning and copying functions frequently. If print volume is high and multi-functionality is required, the G4280’s ink efficiency and multi-function design may still be more value for money in the long run.

6.4 Which one is for you?

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 if:

• You only need a printer (no scanning, copying or faxing).

• You’re on a tight budget and need an affordable option for basic printing.

• You have limited space and need a compact device.

• You prefer wireless printing from mobile devices.

• Canon MegaTank PIXMA G4280 if:

• You need an all-in-one printer for printing, scanning, copying and faxing.

• You need Ethernet for faster and more stable wired connection.

• You work in an office environment where extra paper handling and multiple functions are required.

• You prefer a color touchscreen interface for easier navigation and control.

Conclusion

Both the Canon MegaTank PIXMA G3290 and PIXMA G4280 are great for specific use cases so they’re good for different environments. The G3290 is a great budget option for home users or those who just need a printer with mobile printing. The G4280 is better for users who need an all in one solution, with multi-functionality, Ethernet and touchscreen.

By considering budget, space, print volume and required functionality you can choose the right printer for you. Whether you go for the G3290 for its simplicity and affordability or the G4280 for its versatility and office use you’ll get a great printer that will perform well and save you money in the long run.