HP DeskJet 2852e – Practical Printer for Home Users
- 23 Jun, 2025
HP DeskJet 2852e - A Practical Printer
The HP DeskJet 2852e is a budget-friendly, wireless all-in-one inkjet printer designed for home users who need reliable printing, scanning, and copying without the fuss. Its compact size, easy setup, and mobile printing features make it a standout choice for students, families, and anyone seeking a straightforward, cost-effective solution for everyday documents and occasional photos.
Key Specifications
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Print Technology | Inkjet |
| Functions | Print, Scan, Copy |
| Print Resolution | Up to 1200 x 1200 rendered dpi (black) |
| Print Speed (ISO) | Up to 7.5 ppm (black), 5.5 ppm (color) |
| Monthly Duty Cycle | Not specified (suitable for light use) |
| Input Tray Size | Up to 60 sheets |
| Connectivity | USB, Wi-Fi |
| Cartridge Yield | Standard HP 67/67XL cartridges |
| Display Panel | Basic control panel (no touchscreen) |
| Mobile Printing | HP Smart App, Apple AirPrint |
| Dimensions (WxDxH) | 18.0 x 7.6 x 13.0 inches |
| Memory | 64 MB |
Design & Ease of Use
The HP DeskJet 2852e sports a minimalist, compact design that fits easily on a desk or shelf, making it ideal for small spaces. Its lightweight build allows for easy relocation around the home. The control panel is simple, featuring essential buttons for power, wireless, and function selection—no touchscreen, but intuitive enough for all users. Setup is streamlined via the HP Smart App, which guides you through connecting the printer to Wi-Fi and installing cartridges, making installation quick even for beginners.
Print Quality
Text documents print with good clarity and sharpness, suitable for schoolwork, forms, and everyday correspondence. Color graphics are vibrant enough for casual use, though not as rich as higher-end models. Photo printing is decent for snapshots, with reasonable color accuracy and detail, but this printer is not intended for professional photo output. For most home users, the print quality will meet or exceed expectations for the price.
Speed & Performance
The DeskJet 2852e delivers up to 7.5 pages per minute (ppm) in black and 5.5 ppm in color (ISO standard). The first page typically prints in under 15 seconds for black and slightly longer for color. While not the fastest, it handles small home-office workloads and school assignments without issue. It is best suited for light to moderate use, as it is not designed for high-volume printing.
Running Costs & Maintenance
This model uses HP 67 or 67XL ink cartridges. Standard cartridges are best for occasional users, while XL versions offer a lower cost per page for those who print more frequently. HP’s Instant Ink subscription can further reduce running costs and ensure you never run out of ink. Cartridge replacement is straightforward, and the printer provides clear prompts when ink is low. As with most entry-level inkjets, running costs are moderate—acceptable for light use but can add up with heavy color printing.
Connectivity & Compatibility
The DeskJet 2852e supports both USB and Wi-Fi connections, making it easy to print from laptops, desktops, and mobile devices. It works seamlessly with the HP Smart App for iOS and Android, enabling mobile printing, scanning, and printer management. Apple AirPrint is supported for Mac and iOS users. The printer is compatible with Windows 10/11 and macOS; Linux support is not officially listed.
Noise Level & Energy Use
Operation is relatively quiet, with only moderate noise during printing—unlikely to disturb a home environment. The printer features an automatic sleep mode to conserve energy when not in use, helping to keep electricity costs low.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Compact, space-saving design
- Easy wireless setup and mobile printing
- Affordable purchase price
- Decent print quality for documents and photos
- HP Instant Ink compatible for convenience
Cons:
- Slower print speeds compared to office models
- No automatic duplex (double-sided) printing
- Small input tray (60 sheets)
- Basic control panel (no touchscreen)
- Running costs can be high for frequent color printing
Who Is This Printer For?
- Students needing to print assignments and study materials
- Families and casual users printing recipes, tickets, and forms
- Home office users with light document needs
- Anyone seeking an easy-to-use, affordable wireless printer for occasional photo printing
Alternatives Compared
| Model | Key Pros | Key Cons |
|---|---|---|
| HP DeskJet 2852e | Low price, easy setup, compact | No duplex, slower speeds |
| Canon PIXMA MG3620 | Duplex printing, good photo quality | Slightly bulkier, setup can be tricky |
| Brother MFC-J1010DW | Faster speeds, duplex, ADF | Higher price, larger footprint |
Final Verdict
Rating: 3/5
The HP DeskJet 2852e is a solid choice for budget-conscious home users who value simplicity, wireless convenience, and decent print quality for everyday tasks. Buy it if you want an affordable, compact all-in-one printer for light home use and occasional photos, but look elsewhere if you need faster speeds or advanced features like duplex printing.
FAQ
Q: Does the HP DeskJet 2852e support double-sided (duplex) printing?
A: No, this model only supports manual duplex printing. You’ll need to flip the pages yourself.
Q: Can I print from my smartphone or tablet?
A: Yes, you can print wirelessly using the HP Smart App or Apple AirPrint.
Q: What ink cartridges does it use?
A: The printer uses HP 67 or 67XL ink cartridges.
Q: Is it compatible with Mac computers?
A: Yes, it works with both Windows and macOS.
Q: How many pages can the input tray hold?
A: The input tray holds up to 60 sheets of plain paper.