Topical Pricing for Xiaomi Printers: Overview of Models and Cost of Ownership

The question of how much a Xiaomi printer costs is becoming increasingly relevant to users looking to automate their home office or schooling. The Chinese giant, known for its smartphones and the smart home ecosystem, recently entered the printing market, offering solutions with a unique approach to pricing and functionality. Unlike traditional manufacturers, the company is betting not only on the cost of the device itself, but also on the availability of consumables in the long run.

The brand’s pricing is based on the concept of reasonable savings: often the initial price of the device can be comparable to competitors, but the real benefit is revealed when buying cartridges. Consumers are looking for a balance between the functionality of MFPs and the budget allocated for the purchase. It is important to understand that the total amount of the check depends on the chosen printing technology, the availability of a scanner and the ability to connect to the Wi-Fi network.

In this article, we will analyze the price segments, the cost of ownership of different models and help determine which device will be the best choice for your tasks.

Factors Affecting the Final Cost of the Device

Xiaomi’s printer price is shaped by several key parameters that determine its positioning in the lineup, primarily printing technology: inkjet devices are generally cheaper to purchase, but require more careful operation. Laser models are more expensive, but they are focused on large amounts of black and white documentation and are characterized by high speed.

The second important factor is the functionality of the modules: basic printers that can only print are much cheaper than multifunction devices (MFPs); the presence of a built-in scanner and copier automatically increases the cost of the device; in addition, support for two-way printing (duplex) and the presence of automatic filing documents (ADF) in the scanner also add several thousand rubles to the price.

⚠️ Note: When buying budget models, pay attention to the presence of a Wi-Fi module. The lack of wireless connection can significantly limit the usability, forcing you to connect the cable to your computer every time.

The third aspect is the region of sale and logistics. Since equipment is often supplied through parallel imports or official channels with different margins of retailers, the price range in different stores can be as high as 20-30%.

Review of current models and their price categories

Currently, the line of printing equipment from Xiaomi and its sub-brands (in particular, the company’s products, MIJIA) It's a collection of several key models, each of which has a different niche, and the most popular and affordable one is the inkjet model. MIJIA Smart Inkjet Printer: This device is positioned as the perfect home and study solution, offering color printing and scanning at a very competitive price.

For those looking for a more professional solution, there is a laser monochrome printer MIJIA Laser Printer S20, which costs more than an inkjet, driven by the use of laser technology, which does not require frequent replacement of cartridges and is not afraid of long downtime.

πŸ“Š What type of printer you are interested in more?
Inkjet color (for photos and studies)
Laser black and white (for documents)
Auto-feeding MFPs
I just need a scanner.

A separate point to mention is portable thermal printers like the MIJIA Pocket Photo Printer, which are inexpensive and designed to print photos and stickers directly from your smartphone, and although they are not full-fledged office devices, their price makes them a popular gadget for creativity and keeping diaries.

Cost of ownership comparison: originals vs. CNHR

When asked how much a Xiaomi printer costs, you can’t ignore the cost of maintaining it. Many users mistakenly look at the price tag in the store, forgetting that cartridges can cost up to 70% of the price of the device itself. Xiaomi has implemented the Mi Ink Tank system, which allows you to significantly reduce the cost of one printed sheet.

The brand’s inkjet models use a continuous ink or high-resource cartridge system, which is a stark contrast to other brands’ cheapest models, where starter cartridges run out after 50-100 pages. In the long run, owning a Xiaomi device may be more profitable, even if the initial purchase cost more.

πŸ’‘

Calculate the cost of printing a page before you buy it. Divide the price of the cartridge by the number of pages it can print (as indicated in the specifications) to understand the actual costs.

However, it is worth considering that the use of non-original ink or refilling of cartridges with third-party materials can lead to drying of the print head. For laser models, the situation is simpler: the resource of the original toner cartridge is large, and the market for compatible consumables for them is also developing, which gives the user a choice.

To structure the information and give a clear idea of the price range, we will give a comparative table of the main models. Note that prices can vary depending on the exchange rate and the specific trading platform.

ModelType of printing typeFunctionsApproximate price (ruble)
MIJIA Smart InkjetInkjet, coloredPrint, scan, copier, Wi-Fi9 000 - 12 000
MIJIA Laser Printer S20Laser, ch/bPrint only, Wi-Fi only.11 000 - 14 000
Pocket Photo PrinterThermal printingPrinting a photo from a smartphone3 500 - 5 000
MIJIA Inkjet All-in-OneInkjet, coloredPrint, scan, copier, A410 000 - 13 000

The chart shows that the price range is small, which indicates a clear strategy of the company. The basic inkjet model remains the most affordable entry into the ecosystem. The laser version is more expensive, but justifies the price with reliability. The portable printer stands alone, being more an accessory than a working tool.

πŸ’‘

The best choice for families with children is the MIJIA Smart Inkjet inkjet MFP due to the low cost of color printing and the ability to scan textbooks.

Where is the best way to buy Xiaomi equipment

Buying a printer is an investment, so it's important to choose the right seller. Official electronics stores offer a warranty and a return option, but their prices often include overhead rent and staff. Marketplaces can offer lower prices through competition between sellers, however, you need to closely monitor the supplier's rating.

Chinese sites offer the lowest prices, but delivery can take anywhere from two weeks to a month, and warranty service in the event of a breakdown will be difficult. If you buy a device for a business where simple equipment is not allowed, you better overpay for a local warranty.

⚠️ Note: When ordering from abroad, consider the weight of the device. Printers are heavy machinery, and the cost of delivery can be up to 30% of the cost of the device itself, which will negate the savings.

Also worth tracking are seasonal sales like 11.11 or Black Friday, during which Xiaomi appliances can be as much as 20-25% off, making buying flagship models much more affordable.

Hidden costs and additional accessories

Buying a printer is rarely limited to the device itself. You may need quality paper to work properly, which also has a cost; using paper that is too cheap can cause the print head to clobber and deteriorate, which can entail costly repairs.

Also, some models may be more likely to buy a continuous ink system (CIP) if it is not built in initially. Although Xiaomi often integrates such systems, in some cases the user has to buy external containers or plumes.

β˜‘οΈ What to check before paying for a printer

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Software is an important aspect. Although the Mi Home app is free, advanced functionality sometimes requires paid subscriptions to cloud storage or printing services if you go beyond the baseline, but for most home users, the basic functionality is enough.

Development prospects and updating of the model range

The printing market is dynamic, and Xiaomi is constantly updating its lineups, with automatic two-way printing models expected to be available in a more affordable segment, as well as improved printing speeds in laser devices. The company is actively implementing IoT technologies, allowing the printer to order ink at low levels.

Future models are likely to have even deeper integration with voice assistants and the ability to print directly from cloud services without using a smartphone, making the process even more subtle and user-friendly.

Should we wait for a new model?
If you need a printer right now, if you take the current model, the difference in functionality will be minimal. If there is no rush, waiting for a new version can give you a gain in speed or print quality of about 10-15%.

So the answer to the question, "How much does a Xiaomi printer cost" depends on your specific needs: the budget segment starts from 3-4 thousand rubles for portable devices, while a full-fledged office MFP will cost 10-15 thousand rubles. Given the low cost of ownership, this offer looks very competitive in today's market.

What is the real cost of printing a page from Xiaomi printers?
When using original cartridges or Mi Ink Tank system, the cost of one black and white page is about 0.5-1 ruble, and a color one is 2-3 rubles. This is much cheaper than many competitors, where the cost can reach 3-5 rubles per page.
Can I refill Xiaomi cartridges myself?
Technically, this is possible, but the manufacturer does not recommend it, as self-filling can lead to withdrawal from the warranty, and low-quality ink can clog the thin nozzles of the print head.
Does Xiaomi printer work without the internet?
Most models support printing through USB-cable or via a local Wi-Fi network without access to the global Internet. However, for the initial setup of the device, a network connection is usually required.
Does Xiaomi have laser color printers?
At the moment, in the mass segment, Xiaomi is focusing on black and white laser models and color inkjet. Color laser MFPs from the brand are rare and cost significantly more, often being products of sub-brands of the ecosystem.