Xerox vs. Konica Minolta: Which Brand is Best For Me?

Submitted by Nolan Fowler on Mon, 02/14/2022 - 08:05

Time is of the essence in the workplace and sifting through assorted brands to find the right multifunction printer for your company can divert attention away from more prominent and salient tasks.  

To aid in navigating the vast printing spectrum, we’ll compare notable brands Xerox and Konica Minolta to show you the different brand options and help you assess which one might be right for you.

The comparison will include a brief overview of the companies before discussing the main differences, similarities and costs between their respective products to give you a comprehensive look at what each brand offers.

For transparency's sake, we at Strargetic Technology Partners of Texas sell Xerox products specifically. You might think this makes us prone to bias and dishonesty when creating our content.

That couldn't be further from the truth. We're not the old-school type of vendor who wants to act like their products are better than everyone else's and can fit all customers' needs. 

Your individual objectives and needs are unique to you, and we understand that. 

We believe in putting you, the customer, first, to help you find the best solution for your business or individual goals. That is how we've geared our content from the start, and that is how we're going to approach this blog and every other piece of content we create in the future.  

Need a printer/copier? Download your free copy of the Complete Guide to Purchasing or Leasing a Printer for Your Business to make sure you get the right machine in place the first time.

Overview of Xerox  

Xerox was founded in 1906 and is credited with being the first printing company to manufacture and sell xerographic plain-paper copiers.   

Today, Xerox has over 13,000 active patents for innovation, and its products reach 160 countries worldwide.   

Their product catalog largely consists of office single-function, multifunction and production printers for a wide array of workgroups. 

Overview of Konica Minolta  

Konica Minolta is a Japanese multinational company that merged in 2003 and has sustained expertise in digital, optical and electronic technology.   

They introduced their first Bizhub multifunctional printer in 2004 and are currently managed by President and CEO Shoei Yamana. 

The company is headquartered in Chiyoda City, Tokyo, Japan and maintains a presence in 51 countries around the world.   

3 Differences Between Xerox and Konica Minolta

Let’s take a look at three of the distinctive differences between Xerox and Konica Minolta:  

1.     Printer's User Interface  

Xerox AltaLink and VersaLink multifunction printers (MFP) contain ConnectKey technology that allows users multiple benefits, including:  

·                Tablet-like interface  

·                Mobile compatibility  

·                Benchmark security  

·                Custom applications  

ConnectKey technology affords the user a familiar experience with a 10-inch touchscreen interface that allows you to manage multiple units from a central location.  

Its mobile compatibility feature allows users to send and receive documents from your phone by simply downloading a Xerox App.   

ConnectKey technology permits the printer to check its firmware upon start-up, which enhances its overall security status and gives you a sense of contentment that delicate information will not be compromised.   

Konica Minolta’s Bizhub MFP’s also contains a customizable, multi-touch panel, that allows for remote access and cloud services on Google Drive, Gmail and Evernote. They allow for remote access by using NFC (near field communication) with Android and Bluetooth LE connection with IOS.  

Some of the other features on Konica Minolta’s MFP’s include: 

·      IC card authentication 

·      Top class power consumption 

·      Industry-standard mobile connectivity 

·      USB interface for external keyboard, Bluetooth printing and voice guidance support 

To get more of an intricate feel for the technology and which user interface would work best for you, take a look at Xerox’s video over ConnectKey technology and Konica Minolta’s video over its Bizhub C287/C227 models.  


Xerox's User Interface

Xerox Launches 29 Devices That Transform The Workplace | Xerox Newsroom

  

  Konica Minolta's User Interface

2.     Printer App Gallery  

The Xerox App Gallery is loaded with applications that span multiple industries, including business, communication and education, to name a few.  

Examples of Xerox’s applications:  

·       Xerox Connect for DocuSign app helps eliminate approval gridlock, speed up paper processes and keep essential agreements moving forward.  

·       The Xerox Scan to Cloud Email application provides a simple and secure way to scan hardcopy documents and send them to one or multiple recipients within minutes.   

·       The Remark Test Grading app automates the test grading process with a simple scan while allowing teachers to summarize class performance and print or email student grades instantly.   

Konica Minolta has a similar feature called the Konica Minolta Marketplace that contains various applications for enterprise content management, MFP panel customization and utility apps.   

Examples of Konica Minolta’s applications:   

·      The Announcement app allows users to display an ad or announcement as a screensaver on the MFP control panel, an effective way to get pertinent messaging relayed to team members. 

·      How2 is an application that affords users the ability to learn and perform common MFP operations with easy-to-follow PDF tutorials. 

·      The Clean Planet application grants consumers a cost-free recycling plan for printing consumables, such as toner cartridges and imaging units.  

Both vendors have extensive app galleries that aid in office efficiency. Xerox’s app gallery includes more industry-based applications, while Konica Minolta’s contains more utility and general workflow applications.  

To learn more about apps for your printer, read our blog on the pros and cons of printer apps to see whether they could be a fit for you. 

3.     Printer Security 

In 2018, Xerox became the first MPS vendor to receive security authorization from the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP), which means Xerox’s security measures meet the United States government’s standard for cloud service offerings.   

As mentioned previously, one of the noteworthy qualities of Konica Minolta’s MFPs is the IC card authentication feature, which safeguards against unauthorized use by incorporating card readers to validate ID cards to ensure the user has rightful access to the machine.   

Xerox and Konica Minolta each have unique security features, and as cybercrime continues to rise, so will your need for intensive security measures to make sure that sensitive information is safe and secure.  

Becoming informed of the security features on your machine and the steps respective companies are taking to prevent cyberattacks is crucial in deciding which company to put your trust in. 

2 Similarities Between Xerox and Konica Minolta 

While differing in certain areas, Xerox and Konica Minolta share commonalities as well. Below are a couple of notable ones:  

1.     Multiple Printing Options  

Say you’re looking for a printer to do, well, just that, print: Both brands have options for single-function printers if you’re not in the market for an all-in-one, multifunction printer. They also have an array of options for scanners.  

However, Xerox and Konica Minolta differ in the range and quantity of products. For example, Xerox tends to have more solutions for smaller production units and offers its own printing supplies.  

Konica Minolta offers more large production unit selections, including various MFP and production printing options.  

To assess which production unit is right for you, consider the size of your business and how many people will be using the machine daily. 

2.     EPEAT Certified   

Xerox and Konica Minolta’s products are both EPEAT (Electronic Product Environmental Assessment Tool) certified. EPEAT is a global ecolabel for the IT sector and ensures that manufacturers are environmentally conscious when buying and selling electronic products.   

Is There a Difference In Printer Cost?  

Cost may arguably be the most imperative question that you’re considering when choosing which printer brand to go with.   

Because Xerox and Konica Minolta have a plethora of options for copiers/printers, determining an exact average of the cost for each brand would be impractical due to the various buying options and range of consumer needs.  

However, if you need a base model of the Xerox Color and black-and-white multifunction printers, you’ll be looking at a price range of $879-$12,000.   

For Konica Minolta’s color and black-and-white MFP’s, prices can range from $2,000-$14,000, depending on the model, according to AIS‘s analysis.  

These are estimations for basic MFP’s and prices vary depending on printing needs. Make sure to vet out the different printing brands to find the one that best aligns with your budget and appeases your printing goals.    

To help you make an informed decision in the buying process, check out these articles:  

·                Top Six Things to Consider When Buying a Printer  

·                How To Get the Best Price for Your Printer  

·                How Does Your Copier/Printer Earn Your Company Revenue?  

Which Printer Brand Is Best for Me?   

Xerox and Konica Minolta are both reputable and versatile printing brands that can meet a wide array of printing needs.   

With that being said, each company offers unique features that should be considered when deciding which brand is the best fit for you and your printing requirements.  

For instance, if you’re looking for an industrial or digital press unit, Konica Minolta would be right for you. If you’re seeking a printer or MFP for a smaller workgroup, then Xerox might be the better fit. 

It can be difficult to choose which brand or model to go with. We've been a locally managed print vendor for over 35 years and have gained enough expertise to help point you in the right direction.

If you need help narrowing down which printer brand to go with, or have any additional questions, reach out to us and we will guide you to your ideal solution, even if it's not with us.