Kodak Dock Plus Review

The Kodak Dock Plus is a portable photo printer that has become a favorite among smartphone photographers who want tangible prints without the hassle of a full-size printer. In this review, our editorial team compared specifications, buyer feedback, and key decision factors to give you an honest assessment. We'll cover who it's for, standout features, real-world performance, and how it stacks up against alternatives like the HP Sprocket and Canon Selphy.

Who Is the Kodak Dock Plus For?

The Dock Plus is designed for anyone who loves capturing memories on their phone and wants to print them instantly. It's a hit with parents who want to create scrapbooks, travelers who want to leave photos behind, and event hosts who want to give guests physical keepsakes. It's also a great gift for teens and college students who are into journaling or decorating their spaces with photos.

However, it's not for everyone. If you need pocket-size prints that you can stick anywhere, the HP Sprocket is a better fit. If you want to print from a laptop or SD card, you'll need a different device. The Dock Plus is strictly a smartphone companion.

Standout Features and Real Specifications

The Dock Plus uses Zink (zero ink) technology, which means the color is embedded in the paper. This eliminates the need for ink cartridges and makes the printer compact and easy to carry. It prints borderless 4x6 inch photos, the standard size for framing and albums, which is a major advantage over smaller portable printers.

Key specs include:

• Connectivity: Bluetooth and NFC for quick pairing with iOS and Android devices.
• Battery: Built-in rechargeable battery, rated for up to 20 prints per charge.
• Print speed: About 60 seconds per photo, which is decent for a portable printer.
• Paper: Uses Kodak Zink 4x6 paper, which has a sticky back so you can peel and stick photos anywhere.
• Dimensions: 7.5 x 4.5 x 2.5 inches and weighs about 1.1 pounds, so it slips easily into a backpack or large purse.

Real-World Performance and Image Quality

When it comes to print quality, the Dock Plus delivers impressive results. Colors are vibrant and skin tones look natural, which is often a challenge for portable printers. The borderless 4x6 prints have a glossy finish that resembles professional lab prints. In our comparison of buyer feedback, many users noted that the prints are sharp and detailed, even when zoomed in.

However, the printer is not perfect. Some users report that dark photos can come out a bit muddy, and the Zink paper is not waterproof, so you need to keep prints away from moisture. Also, the sticky back is a nice touch, but it means the photos are not archival quality, so they may fade over time if exposed to direct sunlight.

Handling and Ergonomics

The Dock Plus is easy to use. You download the Kodak Photo Printer app, which guides you through setup in minutes. You can print directly from your camera roll, social media, or even edit photos with filters and frames in the app. The printer itself has a simple LED indicator and a single button to turn it on, but you control everything from the app.

One ergonomic quirk is that the paper tray is a bit finicky. You need to load the paper correctly with the blue calibration card facing down, and some users have complained that the printer sometimes jams if the paper isn't perfectly aligned. But once you get the hang of it, it's a smooth process.

Battery and Storage

The battery life is average. You can expect around 20 prints per charge, which is enough for a day out but not for a wedding or a large event. Charging takes about two hours via the included micro USB cable. There is no internal storage; the printer prints directly from your phone, so you don't need to worry about memory cards.

Value and Cost Considerations

The Dock Plus is competitively priced for a 4x6 portable printer. The ongoing cost is the paper: you'll need to buy Kodak Zink 4x6 paper packs, which include a color cartridge. The cost per print is higher than a traditional inkjet, but it's comparable to other Zink printers. If you print regularly, the costs can add up, but the convenience and quality are worth it for many users.

Pros and Cons

Here's a quick breakdown of the strengths and weaknesses based on our research:

Pros

• Vibrant, true-to-life colors with borderless 4x6 prints
• Simple setup and one-touch printing from the app
• Built-in rechargeable battery for on-the-go printing
• Durable and compact design, fits in a backpack
• Uses 4x6 photo paper that's widely available
• Excellent value for the print quality

Cons

• App can be buggy and sometimes loses connection
• No SD card slot or USB port for direct printing
• Requires proprietary paper and ink cartridges
• Prints only 4x6, no other sizes
• Battery life is average, not for heavy sessions

Common Buyer Complaints

We analyzed thousands of user reviews to identify the most frequent issues. The biggest complaint is the app. Many users report that the app occasionally crashes, loses Bluetooth connection, or takes a long time to load. This can be frustrating, especially when you're trying to print quickly. Another common complaint is that the paper is expensive, and some users have had trouble finding it in local stores, so they have to order online. Finally, a few users have noted that the printer doesn't work well with certain Android phones, particularly older models, due to Bluetooth compatibility issues.

Comparison with Alternatives

Let's see how the Dock Plus compares to its closest rivals:

Kodak Dock Plus vs. HP Sprocket

The HP Sprocket is a pocket-sized printer that produces 2x3 inch sticky-back prints. It's more portable and the prints are perfect for decorating, but they are too small for framing. The Dock Plus offers larger 4x6 prints with better color accuracy and detail. If you want traditional photo sizes, the Dock Plus wins.

Kodak Dock Plus vs. Canon Selphy CP1300

The Canon Selphy CP1300 is a compact dye-sublimation printer that prints 4x6 photos with excellent quality and durability. It has a larger LCD screen, supports SD cards and USB, and can print from a computer. However, it's heavier and requires an AC adapter, making it less portable. The Dock Plus is more portable and easier to use with a phone, but the Selphy offers more flexibility.

Final Verdict

The Kodak Dock Plus is a great choice for smartphone users who want high-quality 4x6 prints without a computer. It's easy to use, produces vibrant photos, and is compact enough to take anywhere. The main drawbacks are the app's reliability and the ongoing cost of paper. If you can live with those, the Dock Plus is a reliable and enjoyable photo printer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Kodak Dock Plus require ink?

Yes, it uses Kodak Zink paper, which contains the dye crystals in the paper itself. So you need to buy the special 4x6 Zink paper packs, which include a color cartridge. There is no separate ink cartridge to replace, but the paper is the ongoing cost.

Can I print from a computer or SD card?

No, the Dock Plus is designed for smartphone printing only. It connects via Bluetooth and NFC. There is no USB port or SD card slot, so you cannot print directly from a laptop, camera, or memory card.

How long does the battery last?

The built-in battery is rated for about 20 prints per charge, which is typical for portable photo printers. In real-world use, you might get slightly fewer if you print continuously, but it's fine for a day out or a small event. Charging takes about 2 hours via micro USB.

Is the photo quality good enough for framing?

Yes, many users say the prints are comparable to professional lab prints. The colors are vibrant and the borderless 4x6 size is perfect for framing. However, the photos have a slight glossy finish and are not waterproof, so keep them away from moisture.

How does the Dock Plus compare to the HP Sprocket?

The Dock Plus prints larger 4x6 photos with better color accuracy and detail, while the HP Sprocket prints 2x3 inch sticky-back photos that are more like stickers. The Sprocket is more portable and cheaper per print, but the Dock Plus offers a more traditional photo size and better quality for keepsakes.