KODAK Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer, Portable Mini Color Wireless
Quick take
The KODAK Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer is a palm-sized ZINK photo printer that wirelessly prints 2x3 sticky-back color photos from iOS or Android. It is a strong pick for casual journaling, scrapbooking, and sharing quick physical copies, without dealing with ink cartridges. The main tradeoff is that you are committing to ZINK paper refills, and some users report occasional app or color inconsistencies.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Zero-ink ZINK printing, so no ink cartridges to buy or replace.
- Sticky-back 2x3 photos are designed to peel and stick for journals and crafts.
- Uses a companion app for edits like filters, borders, stickers, and text.
- Portable, lightweight design with a rechargeable battery (rated for about 25 prints per full charge).
Cons
- Photo color may not match your screen perfectly, with reports of hue shifts.
- App performance can be inconsistent for some users, causing failed print attempts.
- Starter paper is limited (a small starter pack), so plan to buy more ZINK paper.
- Battery and print readiness can be picky, with reports that lower charge can prevent printing.
What buyers think
Buyer-review evidence is generally positive about how easy the KODAK Step is to set up and use. Many shoppers highlight that it quickly turns phone photos into physical keepsakes, with smooth operation and no recurring paper-jam complaints. Users also tend to like the creative options in the app, especially for adding frames, stickers, and other personalization for scrapbooks and journals.
The most common friction points are practical, not dealbreaking. Some buyers notice that printed colors can drift from what they see on-screen (for example, leaning pink or having hue differences), and a few mention streaking after repeated use. There is also limited-but-real evidence of occasional app “glitchiness,” including scenarios where printing backs out or does not start until the photo is handled differently.
Who this printer is best for
Choose the KODAK Step if you want a simple way to make small, shareable photo prints from your phone, without cartridges or a full-size photo printer setup.
- Scrapbookers and journalers who like the peel-and-stick format for layouts, memory books, and decorating.
- People who want quick “instant” keepsakes at home, on trips, or during events.
- Casual creators who will use the editing app for filters, stickers, borders, and text rather than needing professional color control.
- Anyone prioritizing portability (the device is palm-sized and rechargeable, and it prints only, not scan/copy).
Key features that matter day to day
ZINK printing, sticky 2x3 photos
The KODAK Step uses ZINK technology, meaning the printer is inkless, and the output is on glossy photo paper sized for 2x3 (5.1 x 7.5 cm) prints. The sticky-back design is a big part of the appeal, because it removes extra steps like trimming and pasting for many crafts and journaling styles.
Wireless from your phone, with app editing
Printing is controlled through a mobile app, with connectivity designed for iOS and Android devices. Beyond basic printing, the app supports creative customization like collages, filters, borders, stickers, and text. That matters if you want your prints to look more “designed” than just cropped smartphone images.
Portability and battery reality
The printer includes a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery, with an advertised print count of about 25 photos per full charge. In real usage, some buyers report that printing may not work reliably when the battery is too low, so it is smart to plan for charging if you are printing several photos in one session.
Pros and cons in plain English
Pros
- Easy to start, easy to use: multiple buyers describe quick setup and fast first prints.
- Great fit for the “small photo” vibe: the output size feels right for scrapbooking and memory journaling rather than wall art.
- No ink cartridge management: ZINK keeps ongoing maintenance simpler than ink-based printers.
- Fun customization: the app’s tools make it easier to produce themed prints (stickers, frames, text, borders).
Cons
- Color matching is not guaranteed: several reports point to hue shifts (and some mention streaking after many prints), so treat prints as “close and enjoyable,” not perfect screen-accurate copies.
- App hiccups can interrupt printing: limited review evidence suggests occasional issues where a print does not start unless you retry or adjust.
- Consumables add up: you start with a small starter pack, and additional paper is required for more prints.
- Not a replacement for a full printer: it prints only, and the resolution is intended for small 2x3 photos.
Color and print quality, what to expect
For most buyers, print quality is described as clear for a compact, inkless photo printer, with no frequent jam problems. The bigger quality variable is color. Reviews indicate that printed colors can come out with noticeable hue differences compared to what you expect from your phone display. If you care about brand-accurate or exact color reproduction, you may need to do some editing adjustments in the app before printing.
Because this is a small-format printer, it is also best thought of as a fun, physical companion to your phone photography, not a device for gallery-level prints.
Price and availability
The KODAK Step is typically positioned as an affordable entry option in the portable photo printer category, especially when you factor in that ZINK printing avoids ink cartridge costs. It is commonly available through major retailers, and the best price can vary based on bundles and paper availability.
Alternatives to consider (and what to compare)
If you are deciding whether to buy the KODAK Step, compare alternatives using these practical criteria:
- Output size and format: you want 2x3 sticky-back prints, or you may prefer a different size/finish.
- Paper ecosystem: make sure replacement paper is easy to find and fits your budget.
- Connectivity and app reliability: check whether reviews mention frequent app failures, not just setup.
- Color behavior: if color accuracy is a priority, look for consistent feedback about hue matching and repeatability.
With no specific competitor models provided here, the most important alternative is any portable printer that matches your desired print size and uses an inkless or cartridge-free approach that fits your ongoing paper needs.
Verdict
The KODAK Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer is a good match for people who want small, sticky-back color prints straight from their phone, with an app that helps you turn photos into scrapbook-ready keepsakes. It is less ideal if you need consistent, exact color matching to your screen, or if you are relying on flawless app performance every single time. If your goal is “fun, instant physical photos” rather than perfect reproduction, it can be an easy buy.
FAQ
Does the KODAK Step printer use ink cartridges?
No. It uses ZINK (zero-ink) technology, which means it does not require ink cartridges. You print onto ZINK photo paper.
What size photos does it print?
It prints 2x3 photos (5.1 x 7.5 cm).
Is it compatible with iOS and Android?
Yes. The printer connects to iOS and Android devices through Bluetooth or NFC and uses a mobile app for control and editing.
Can I edit photos before printing?
Yes. The KODAK app includes tools for customizing photos, such as filters, borders, stickers, and text.
How many prints can you get on a full charge?
The built-in rechargeable battery is rated for about 25 photos on a full charge, though practical results can vary by usage.
Do the printed colors match what I see on my phone?
Color can be close but may not be identical to your phone screen. Some buyers report hue shifts, so it can help to adjust colors in the app before printing.
Does the printer include a starter pack of paper?
Yes. It comes with a small starter pack of ZINK paper, and you will need to purchase additional paper for more prints.
Is it good for scrapbooking and journaling?
Yes. The sticky-back 2x3 prints are designed for peel-and-stick use, which makes them convenient for journals, memory books, and casual crafting.
Specifications
| Product Title | KODAK Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer, Portable Mini Color Wireless Mobile Printer, Zink 2x3” (5.1x7.5 cm) Sticky-Back Photos, Bluetooth Compatible with iOS & Android Devices, Editing App, White |
|---|---|
| Category | Electronics > Camera & Photo > Printers & Scanners > Portable Photo Printers |
| Brand | KODAK |
| Manufacturer | C&A Marketing Inc. |
| Model Name | Kodak Step Instant Photo Printer |
| Model Number | RODMP20AMZW |
| Color | White |
| Item Weight | 0.07 Kilograms |
| Printer Type | Zink Technology |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Compact, Lightweight, Portable |
| Printer Output Type | Color |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 1"D x 2"W x 3"H |
| Controller Type | Android, iOS |
| Print media | Glossy photo paper |
| Scanner Type | Portable |
| Maximum Copy Speed Black and White | 1 ppm |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphones |
| Warranty Type | limited warranty |
| Ink Color | Inkless |
| Additional Printer Functions | Print Only |
| Control Method | App |
| Processor Count | 1 |
| Resolution | 300 x 300 |
| Color Pages per Minute | 1 ppm |
| B&W Pages per Minute | 1 ppm |
| Color Depth | 24 bits_per_pixel |
| Maximum print Resolution Color | 313 x 400 dpi |
Available variants
Color
- Barbie Iconic
- Black
- Blue
- White
- Pink
- Barbie Signature
Style
- Starter Bundle
- Printer + 75 Sheets
- Printer
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