HP Sprocket Portable 2x3 Inch Instant Photo Printer (Black Noir)
Quick take
The HP Sprocket turns photos from your iOS or Android phone into 2x3-inch color prints on ZINK sticky-back paper, making it easy to share and decorate right away. It is a great pick if you value portability and “print where you are” convenience, but you should not expect desktop-printer image reproduction. Some buyers mention the app and print queue can take a little time to fully understand.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Pocket-size design for printing on trips, at parties, or around the house
- Zero ink printing (ZINK technology) on peel-and-stick 2x3-inch photo paper
- Bluetooth smartphone printing with app-based edits like borders and stickers
- Multi-device support plus a personalized LED light for who is printing
Cons
- Print quality is “decent for the size,” not a substitute for full-size photo printers
- App workflows (collages, zooming, print queue) can feel unintuitive at first
- Color accuracy can vary for some people, with reports of a noticeable pink or blue cast
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence points to the HP Sprocket being a genuinely fun accessory for printing memories instantly. Many comments highlight how quickly it connects to a phone and how easy it is to get started without dealing with ink cartridges. For real-world use, the consistent themes are portability, enjoyable app features (edits, borders, stickers), and the convenience of peel-and-stick prints for journaling and scrapbooking.
At the same time, the print output is repeatedly framed as “good for a tiny printer,” not photo-lab quality. Some buyers also describe needing a bit of effort to get the best results, and others report that color can shift (for example, a magenta or cyan cast). Overall, the evidence suggests that the Sprocket works best when you treat it as a convenience printer rather than a high-fidelity imaging device.
What the HP Sprocket is for (and who should buy)
This printer is designed for instant, on-the-spot keepsakes. Because it produces 2x3-inch glossy photo prints on peel-and-stick ZINK paper, it fits well into projects like:
- Journaling and scrapbooking, where you want photos plus a backing that lets you place them right away
- Decorating walls, notebooks, and planners with small photo keepsakes
- Sharing at events, since multiple devices can send jobs
- Travels, where carrying a full printer is not realistic
If you want crisp, color-accurate prints that match what you see on a calibrated screen, you may be happier with a larger photo printer. But if you want the joy and convenience of printing memories instantly from your phone, the Sprocket is a strong fit.
Design and portability you can actually use
The key selling point is size. The Sprocket is built to be smartphone-like in footprint, meaning it is practical to toss into a pocket, purse, or day bag. That portability is part of why buyers keep bringing it up: it makes printing feel spontaneous, not like a chore reserved for home and desktop gear.
It is also a zero-ink setup. With ZINK technology, you do not need ink cartridges, which reduces maintenance and makes it easier to keep the printer ready for “print now” moments.
Print quality expectations (realistic tradeoffs)
Across buyer feedback, print quality is described as solid for the format, but not “professional.” Expect vibrant output that works well for journaling, scrapbooks, and small décor, but do not plan to use it as your primary device for gallery-level detail or color-critical work.
There is also limited but meaningful buyer feedback about color casts (for example, pink/magenta or blue/cyan). If color accuracy is your top priority, consider that this kind of issue can sometimes be related to calibration or device settings, and you may need to follow reset or troubleshooting steps if colors look off.
App experience, setup, and print workflow
The HP Sprocket uses a companion app for editing and printing. Buyers generally describe the connection experience as straightforward once you know where to tap, and the editing tools are popular for adding borders and stickers.
Where feedback becomes more mixed is in the learning curve for certain app workflows, like collages and how the print queue behaves. If you are the kind of shopper who expects every step to be instant and intuitive, it may take a few prints to fully dial in your workflow.
Connectivity and multi-device printing
Printing is phone-driven, using Bluetooth and the Sprocket app. The printer supports printing from multiple devices so friends can take turns sending photos during the same session. The LED light is also a small convenience feature, helping you see whose photo is currently printing.
Key specs that matter for buying
- Print method: ZINK zero ink printing
- Print size: 2 x 3 inches
- Media: peel-and-stick, 2 x 3-inch glossy photo paper
- Maximum resolution: 313 x 400 dpi
- Color output: color prints
- Battery: rechargeable
- Compatibility: smartphone printing via iOS 10 and above, Android 5 and above
- What it does: print only (no ink cartridge system)
You’ll also want to keep in mind the output size. The 2x3 format is part of the charm, but it is not meant for printing full frames or making large wall prints.
Pros and cons recap
Choose the HP Sprocket if you want a compact instant photo printer, easy smartphone connectivity, and sticky-back prints for creative projects and sharing. Skip it (or consider a different category) if you need highly accurate, desktop-quality prints or if you are sensitive to any color shifts without troubleshooting.
Price and availability
Check current pricing and availability for the HP Sprocket Portable 2x3 Inch Instant Photo Printer (Black Noir) before buying, since listings can change. Buy on Amazon.
FAQs
Does the HP Sprocket use ink cartridges?
No. It uses ZINK technology to print on ZINK photo paper, so there are no ink cartridges to replace.
What size photos does it print?
It prints 2 x 3 inch color photos on glossy sticky-backed paper.
Is it compatible with iPhone and Android?
Yes. It is compatible with iOS 10 and above and Android 5 and above through the Sprocket app.
How does multi-device printing work?
Multiple devices can connect and send print jobs in the same session, and an LED light helps identify whose photo is printing.
Will the photo quality match a desktop photo printer?
For most use cases, buyers describe the output as good for a small instant printer, but not at the level of full-size inkjet or photo printers. It is best for journaling, scrapbooking, and decorating rather than color-critical, professional prints.
Why do some prints look different in color?
Some buyers report color casts such as magenta (pink) or cyan (blue). If your prints look off, follow the printer’s reset or troubleshooting steps in the app or device instructions.
Specifications
| Product Title | HP Sprocket Portable 2x3 Inch Instant Photo Printer (Black Noir) Print Pictures on Zink Sticky-Backed Paper From Your iOS & Android Device |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Printers & Scanners > Portable Photo Printers |
| Brand | HP |
| Manufacturer | HP |
| Model Name | HP Sprocket 2x3" Instant Smartphone Photo Printer |
| Model Number | 1AS86A#B1H |
| Color | Black Noir |
| Item Weight | 6.1 Ounces |
| Printer Type | Zink Technology |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Portable, ZINK Zero Ink Technology, Rechargeable Battery, Connect to Multiple Devices |
| Printer Output Type | Color |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 3.15"D x 4.63"W x 0.98"H |
| Controller Type | iOS |
| Print media | Glossy photo paper |
| Scanner Type | Photo, Portable |
| Maximum Copy Speed Black and White | 10 ppm |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphones |
| Warranty Type | limited warranty |
| EU Spare Part Availability Duration | 1 Years |
| Ink Color | Black |
| Additional Printer Functions | Print Only |
| Control Method | App |
| Number of Trays | 1 |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Resolution | 313 x 400 dpi |
| Display Type | LED |
| Maximum Media Size | 2 x 3 |
Available variants
Style
- Starter Bundle
- 75 Bundle
- Printer
Color
- Black
- Purple
- White
- Blush Pink
- Eclipse
- Pink
- Lilac
- Black Noir
- Luna Pearl
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