KODAK Step Instant Smartphone Photo Printer, Portable Mini Color Wireless review
Quick take
The KODAK Step turns your iPhone or Android photos into small 2x3 (5.1x7.5 cm) color prints using Zink zero-ink technology, so there are no cartridges or messy setup steps. It is best for people who want sticky-back photo keepsakes for scrapbooks, journals, and decorating, but you should expect small-format prints and occasional app connectivity hiccups.
Pros and cons
Pros
- Zink zero-ink printing, no cartridges or ribbons required
- Sticky-back 2x3 photos that are easy to peel and place
- Wireless pairing with Bluetooth, plus NFC support
- App-based editing with filters, borders, stickers, and text options
Cons
- Print size is 2x3, so it is not ideal for larger photo outputs
- Some users report the app can be glitchy and may require retries
- Color may not exactly match what you see on your phone
What buyers think
Buyer feedback on the KODAK Step centers on setup speed, travel-friendliness, and the convenience of making phone photos into physical, peel-and-stick keepsakes. Many reviewers describe the printer as easy to start up quickly and easy to use day to day, with print quality that looks vivid and “rich” for the small format. A recurring theme is that the Zink approach makes it feel more hassle-free than cartridge-based printers.
Where opinions diverge is mainly around the app and color expectations. Some buyers mention the app can be inconsistent at times (for example, refusing to print until a workaround like relaunching), and a few note that colors are not always a perfect match to what they see on their screen.
What the KODAK Step is, and who it is for
The KODAK Step is a portable instant photo printer designed to work directly with a smartphone. Instead of using ink cartridges, it uses Zink technology, producing glossy 2x3 prints on dedicated sticky-back paper. It is a good fit if your goal is to create quick photo moments you can place in a scrapbook, memory book, planner, or around your home, without waiting for a photo lab or carrying bulky printing equipment.
It is also a strong choice for social sharing in a more physical way, since you can print right from your phone and customize your photos through the KODAK app (collages, filters, borders, stickers, and text).
Print quality and photo format
In practice, buyers tend to describe the prints as colorful and detailed for their size, with glossy output that looks clear and vibrant. Because this is a 2x3 format, it is best for small keepsakes rather than wall prints or full-size photos. If you want something closer to “standard photo” dimensions, you may find this form factor limiting.
One practical expectation to set: screen colors are not always identical to the printed result. The print output can look great, but it is reasonable to expect some variation if you are picky about exact color matching.
Wireless setup, app experience, and usability
Pairing is straightforward, using Bluetooth or NFC with iOS and Android devices. The workflow is app-first, meaning you use the KODAK app to send images for printing and to apply creative edits. Many reviewers say setup and first prints are quick.
That said, there is enough feedback about app glitches to treat it as a real possibility. Some users report the app can occasionally back out, refuse to print, or need a retry approach. If you prefer a totally frictionless “always prints first try” experience, you may want to keep that in mind.
Battery life and portability
The Step is intentionally compact, with a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery rated for up to 25 photos on a full charge. Its lightweight, palm-sized design is meant for taking along, which is consistent with the way buyers describe using it for travel and quick memory making.
Editing features in the KODAK app
The KODAK app is a core part of the experience. Beyond basic rotation and flipping, it supports creative customization such as filters, borders, stickers, and adding text. That is especially useful if you are turning everyday phone pictures into scrapbook-ready pieces with a consistent style.
Pros and cons summary
- Choose the KODAK Step if you want instant, zero-ink, sticky-back 2x3 prints from your smartphone, and you like the idea of editing photos in an app before printing.
- Skip or reconsider if you need larger prints, demand exact color matching every time, or you know you will be frustrated by occasional app connectivity or retry behavior.
Verdict
The KODAK Step is a fun, user-friendly portable photo printer for people who want to turn phone photos into small physical keepsakes quickly. It is especially appealing for scrapbooking and decorating thanks to its Zink zero-ink process and sticky-back 2x3 prints. The main tradeoffs are the small print size and an app experience that is not always perfectly smooth, so it is best for buyers who are comfortable with a little troubleshooting in exchange for instant, cartridge-free printing.
Price and availability
Pricing and stock can change quickly. If you want the most up-to-date cost, check the listing before you buy.
FAQ
What size photos does the KODAK Step print?
It prints 2x3 photos (5.1x7.5 cm) on glossy sticky-back paper.
Does the KODAK Step use ink cartridges?
No. It uses Zink zero-ink technology, so there are no ink cartridges or ribbons to install.
How do I connect the printer to my phone?
It supports wireless pairing with Bluetooth, and it also includes NFC support. Printing is handled through the KODAK app on iOS or Android.
Can I edit photos before printing?
Yes. The KODAK app includes editing tools like filters, borders, stickers, and text, along with collage-style options.
Will the printed colors match my phone screen exactly?
Probably close, but not guaranteed. Some buyers note colors may not match the phone display perfectly, so it is worth expecting slight differences.
Is the KODAK Step good for scrapbooks and planners?
Yes. The sticky-back 2x3 format is designed for peel-and-place photo keepsakes, making it convenient for journaling, scrapbooks, and light decorating.
What is the battery life like?
It has a built-in lithium-ion rechargeable battery rated for up to 25 photos on a full charge.
Who should avoid this printer?
If you need larger photo sizes, you require guaranteed color-accurate prints, or you want a zero-troubleshooting printing app workflow, you may find the Step less suitable.
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, Pink |
|---|---|
| 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 | RODMP20AMZP |
| Color | Pink |
| Item Weight | 0.26 Kilograms |
| Printer Type | Zink Technology |
| Other Special Features of the Product | Portable |
| Printer Output Type | Color |
| Item Dimensions D x W x H | 3"D x 5"W x 1"H |
| Controller Type | Android, iOS |
| Print media | Glossy photo paper |
| Scanner Type | Photo, Portable |
| Maximum Copy Speed Black and White | 1 ppm |
| Compatible Devices | Smartphones |
| Warranty Type | limited warranty |
| Ink Color | black, cyan, magenta, yellow |
| Additional Printer Functions | Print Only |
| Control Method | App |
| Number of Trays | 1 |
| Processor Count | 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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