Testing the Epson XP-452 wifi color printer

We have tested the Epson XP-452 printer for you.

After more than 8 years of dedicated service, our Epson SX445W has started to show signs of weakness. No more printing in black. A complete cleaning via the maintenance software, coupled with a cleaning by injection of distilled water, did not solve anything. And unfortunately, having the machine repaired was more expensive than buying another one (the old one could still continue to serve as a scanner for another PC). We chose the XP-452 for its simplicity and size comparable to the SX445W.

Manufacturer's description and specifications

Are you looking for an affordable, stylish and easy to use printer? This compact model is perfect to meet your needs. It produces high-quality prints and comes with mobile printing functionality thanks to Wi-Fi connectivity, Wi-Fi Direct and a range of compatible apps.

Ultra compact multifunction with LCD screen
Mobile printing
Claria Home ink
Wi-fi and direct Wi-fi
Printing from smartphone / tablet
4 cartridges
6.8 cm color LCD display
Print speed in black 33 ppm
Color print speed 15 ppm
Maximum print resolution 5760 × 1440 dpi
1200 × 2400 dpi scanning resolution
100-sheet input tray
Maximum A4 print size
Integrated memory card reader
Sound level 37 dB
Dimensions (WxDxH) 455x195x370 mm
Weight 4.3 kg
2 years warranty

XP stands for Expression Home (as opposed to the Workforce range which targets professionals more). Indeed, Epson has bet on simplicity for this model: no advanced features such as automatic double-sided printing, a fax or an ethernet port.

Unpacking

The printer is delivered in a large cardboard box in the brand's colors.

When opening the box, we are first greeted by the power cord.

After removing the cardboard sheet on which the feed was resting, the printer appears. It is protected by two polystyrene blocks and a plastic bag.

After removing the cardboard sheet on which the feed was resting, the printer appears. It is protected by two polystyrene blocks and a plastic bag.

The accessories that come with it include:

4 separate cartridges,
the user manual (common to models XP-352, XP-355, XP-452 and XP-455): English, French, German, Dutch, Italian, Spanish and in another copy Portuguese, Danish, Finnish, Norwegian, Swedish
an electric cable (183 cm long, plugs included),
the software (on CD),
5 10 × 15 photo paper cards to print,
a safety information document that warns that inks can cause an allergic reaction.
an information booklet on recycling the product

No USB cable is provided : it is better to keep the old one ...

The printer's scanner cover is covered with a film that we will manage to leave in place.

On the other hand, we remove the other films and all the blue adhesive tapes (at the level of the cover of the scanner at the level of the front face, of the rear paper feed drawer, in the entrails of the beast at the level of the cartridge holder) and small polystyrene blocks.

We can then test the deployment of the flaps: loading paper at the top, arrival of the printed documents at the bottom.

The side guide (gray) is initially set in the middle of the sheet feeder . We plan to print on A4 sheets, so you have to slide it to the left to be able to wedge A4 sheets (position indicated by marks engraved in the plastic).

Let's raise the hood ... The cartridge basket is wedged to the far right and resists when you try to slide it further to the left along its rail. It cannot be accessed until the printer is turned on.

Our initial impression is confirmed: it is really similar to the old one!

We wonder if it was worth releasing a new model, instead of simply upgrading the old one… and especially why it is not compatible with our old cartridges…

Installation
The front flap with the screen is adjustable. Practical if it is a little high. The arrangement of the color screen, surrounded by buttons, will not disorient a former owner of SX445: it is inserted on a gray background surrounded by a surface whose texture imitates brushed aluminum (but it is still plastic).

The sheet receiving flap is retractable in order to limit the bulk.

The installation is done on a PC running Windows 10.

The installation begins as it should with a license agreement to be accepted. Then the software informs us that it will need to connect to the internet.

And let's go for a quick system check. The software reminds us to remove the various adhesives and small polystyrene elements, if we have not already done so.

The installation can begin ...

Now is the time to choose between wi-fi and USB connection. The printer is located next to the PC, the box at the other end of the house ... A little lazy to enter a wifi code as long as 3 days without bread, the installation is already long enough like that ... In short, we let's choose USB .

There, we feel that the translator was very lazy, or he was on RTT and his replacement no longer really mastered the language of Molière. In short, we are asked to connect "the printer" and turn it on. At this point, I haven't turned it on yet, and I haven't even inserted the cartridges yet ...

Finally, the installer triumphantly announces that the configuration is complete. Which does not mean that we will be able to immediately launch our first impression, let's not dream ...

The installation cartridges supplied with the printer are removed from their vacuum-sealed envelopes. We can see their astonishing lightness, to the point of wondering if they are really full.

To start the installation, close the printer cover and press the i button (bottom right, near the Epson logo. The screen displays "Checking the ink cartridges" and off you go. an annoying concert of clicking, rolling of rotary presses, discreet beeps and whistles bordering on ultrasound, which we are warned can last up to 4 min.

At the end of this ballet, the welcome screen displays 3 icons: "help", "wifi config" and "copy".

We open the cover of the sheet feeder, unfold the paper guide, and insert a few sheets. The paper must be loaded against the right side in order to be detected correctly. The printer screen now displays a menu regarding sheet feed.

Confirm with the OK button

The software suggests printing a test page to make sure all is well.