Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer (Blue)
Quick take
The Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer is a pocket-friendly, Zink-based photo printer that makes 2 x 3 inch, peel-and-stick prints from your smartphone over Bluetooth or NFC. It is a strong fit for scrapbooking, journaling, and sharing small “instant memory” photos, with app tools for borders, stickers, and collages. The main tradeoff is that users report occasional delays in phone-to-printer communication and uneven color results for some images, plus limited print capacity before reloading paper and recharging.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Zink zero-ink printing on adhesive-backed 2 x 3 photos (no cartridges to buy).
- Bluetooth or NFC pairing with iOS or Android devices.
- App editing for collages and add-ons like borders, stickers, and text.
- Rechargeable battery for portable use (rated around 25 photos per full charge).
Cons
- Color consistency can vary, with some prints leaning sepia or less true-to-life.
- Printing can feel slow (and app connection may take extra time sometimes).
- Small output size (2 x 3) means it is not meant for full-size photo printing.
- Paper reloads add friction if you are printing in long sessions.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is generally positive on convenience and portability. Many users highlight that the printer is easy to use, connects quickly through Bluetooth, and produces small photos that work well for scrapbooks, junk journals, and event or travel memory pages. The Zink sticky-back format also gets recurring praise for being immediately usable, since you can peel and place photos without extra glue or cutting. Battery life is usually described in the same ballpark as the advertised capacity for small sessions.
The most common limitations mentioned are practical performance details: printing can take a bit of time, and the phone app sometimes needs a moment to communicate with the printer. A few buyers also report color can come out inconsistent or with a more aged, sepia-like tone depending on the image being printed. Overall, the review pattern suggests the Kodak Step is a “quick craft tool” rather than a replacement for a high-end photo printer.
How the Kodak Step works (and what “Zink sticky-back” means)
This is a print-only portable photo printer that uses Zink zero-ink technology. Instead of cartridges, it prints on 2 x 3 inch glossy photo paper that includes the image layer needed for color printing. The output is designed to be adhesive-backed, so once a print finishes, you peel it and stick it to journals, cards, scrapbooks, planners, or other surfaces.
For wireless setup, you pair a smartphone (or tablet) using Bluetooth or NFC. In use, the printer is meant to be simple: choose an image, edit in the app, send, and print.
App experience and edit options
The Kodak Step relies on its app for creative options. The workflow most buyers seem to like is editing directly from your camera roll, then sending the result to print. Commonly used features include:
- Collage building
- Filters and visual tweaks
- Borders, stickers, and frames
- Text overlays
There is also a learning curve to making sure text and design elements display clearly. Some buyers report that certain text color choices can disappear against the image, so it can help to use higher contrast for overlays.
Print quality, color, and image expectations
Prints are described as clear and true for many users, especially for casual gifting and craft use. Still, portable photo printers of this type can vary in how different photos render. The most relevant quality note from buyers is color consistency, with some prints coming out with a sepia or older-looking tone. That might actually be desirable for “vintage” scrapbooking styles, but it is worth considering if you need tightly color-managed results for specific subjects.
Also, remember the output size is 2 x 3 inches. This printer is tuned for small format sharing and memory-crafting, not for large prints.
Battery life, speed, and real-world convenience
The Step includes a built-in rechargeable lithium-ion battery. The cited capacity is about 25 photos on a full charge, which matches the general expectation for short sessions while traveling, at events, or during scrapbooking meetups. If you plan to print continuously for hours, you will want to plan around recharging.
On speed, buyers describe the experience as convenient but not instant. Some mention it can be a bit slow to print, and others report that the app may take a moment to communicate with the printer before a job starts. For best results, expect a workflow that is “send, wait, stick,” rather than a rapid burst of prints.
Paper and setup details that affect outcomes
Because Zink printing depends on correctly inserted photo media, setup matters. Properly loading the 2 x 3 Zink paper and handling the paper tray correctly can impact quality. The printer also uses a special quality card that should come from the same pack of paper, and it must be inserted properly for best results.
If you are the type of buyer who wants a completely carefree, “no setup details” experience, this is not the most hands-off option. But if you do not mind a quick routine for loading the media, it is usually straightforward.
Who should buy the Kodak Step
- Scrapbookers and junk journal makers who want adhesive-backed photos without extra supplies.
- Travelers and event-goers who like printing small memories immediately after you take the shot.
- Gift makers who want personalized photo prints for cards, party favors, or mini memory cards.
- People who want zero-ink printing and do not want to track cartridge costs.
Who should avoid it
- Buyers who need consistent, color-accurate photo output every time, especially for specific skin tones or product-style accuracy.
- Anyone expecting fast print bursts suitable for high-volume printing sessions.
- Shoppers who want full-size prints or long sessions without interruption, since the output is 2 x 3 and paper reloads will happen.
Price and availability
The Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer (Blue) is sold as a bundle, with a current price you can check on Amazon. This model is positioned as an affordable entry into portable “instant print” crafting, and it tends to be most valuable when you will use the sticky-back format regularly.
Verdict
The Kodak Step is a practical portable photo printer for anyone who values convenience and creative output over lab-grade color. If you want an easy way to print small 2 x 3 photos directly from your phone for scrapbooks, journals, and quick gifting, it fits well. Just keep expectations realistic about print speed, session limits, and color consistency depending on the images you send.
View latest price on Amazon: Buy on Amazon
FAQ
Is the Kodak Step instant smartphone photo printer truly zero-ink?
Yes. It uses Zink zero-ink technology, so there are no ink cartridges or ribbons to replace. The printer outputs color photos on the included type of Zink photo paper.
What size photos does it print?
It prints 2 x 3 inch photos, which are designed to be peeled and used as sticky-back pictures.
How do you connect the printer to your phone?
You connect using Bluetooth or NFC, then send images from the Kodak app.
Does the app let you edit photos before printing?
Yes. The app supports creative editing such as collages plus options like filters, borders, stickers, and text overlays.
How long does the battery last?
The printer uses a rechargeable battery rated for about 25 photos per full charge. Real use can vary based on printing patterns and workflow.
Is the color quality consistent?
Many buyers report good results, but some note color can come out inconsistent, sometimes leaning sepia or older-looking tones. If color accuracy is critical for your prints, you may want to test a few images first.
Is it good for scrapbooking and junk journals?
It is one of its strongest use cases. The adhesive-backed prints make it easy to place photos quickly into pages, spreads, and mini sticker-style projects.
Specifications
| Product Title | Kodak Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer - 75 Sheets Bundle - Portable Mini Color Wireless Mobile Printer - Zink 2x3” Sticky-Back Photos - Bluetooth Compatible with Smart Devices - Fun App -Blue |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Printers & Scanners > Portable Photo Printers |
| Brand | KODAK |
| Manufacturer | C&A Marketing Inc. |
| Model Name | KODAK Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer - 75 Sheets BUNDLE |
| Model Number | AMZNBRODMPBL |
| Color | Blue |
| Item Weight | 10.88 ounces |
| Printer Type | Zink Technology |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Borderless Printing, Lightweight, Portable |
| Printer Output Type | Color |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 4.6"D x 3.5"W x 0.65"H |
| Print media | Glossy photo paper |
| Maximum Copy Speed Black and White | 1 ppm |
| Compatible Devices | Mobile Devices |
| Warranty Type | Limited |
| Maximum Copies Per Run | 1 |
| Ink Color | No Ink |
| Additional Printer Functions | Print Only |
| Control Method | Touch |
| Number of Trays | 1 |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Number of Drivers | 1 |
| Resolution | 300 x 300 |
| Maximum Media Size | 2x3 |
| Maximum Sheet Capacity | 10 |
| Paper Size | 2x3 |
Available variants
Color
- Barbie Iconic
- Black
- Blue
- White
- Pink
- Barbie Signature
Style
- Starter Bundle
- Printer + 75 Sheets
- Printer
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