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Canon PIXMA TR7120 vs TR160: Desk Documents or Travel Printing?

Choose the Canon PIXMA TR7120 for a home desk where scanning, copying and automatic two-sided printing matter. Choose the smaller TR160 for travel printing, accepting print-only operation and a separate LK-72 purchase for use away from an outlet.

Published by Pickoryx · Published 2026-10-10

Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC

Products compared

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The buying question

Do you need a desk-based scanner/copier and automatic two-sided printing, or a portable print-only setup?

Document handling at the desk versus a smaller, lighter printer with optional off-outlet power.

Quick verdict

Choose Canon PIXMA TR7120 if

  • You regularly turn paper originals into scans or copies.
  • You want automatic two-sided document output at your desk.
View Canon PIXMA TR7120 on AmazonPaid link

Choose Canon PIXMA TR160 if

  • You need to carry a printer between locations and already have digital files.
  • You can use AC power or budget for the optional battery and its care.
View Canon PIXMA TR160 on AmazonPaid link
When to skip: You need unattended scanning of both sides of paper originals.
When the recommendation changes
  • If you must print without AC power, include the separately sold LK-72 in the TR160 budget.
  • If unattended scanning of both sides is essential, neither model fits.

The differences that matter

Desk Or Mobile Power

Canon PIXMA TR7120

AC-powered desk printer, listed at 13.9 lb and 14.8 × 14 × 8.2 inches closed. Allow 20.2 inches in the second dimension with paper installed.[1]

Canon PIXMA TR160

Approximately 4.5 lb with printhead and inks installed; 12.7 × 7.3 × 2.6 inches with trays retracted. Runs from AC or the optional LK-72 battery, which is not included in this standard kit.[3, 2]

What this changes: Choose around where the work happens: the TR160 is easier to carry by its documented size and weight, but off-outlet printing needs an additional battery purchase. Closed dimensions do not describe working clearance or the packed travel kit.[1, 3, 2]

The better fit depends on your priorities

Scan Copy And Duplex Workflow

Canon PIXMA TR7120

Prints, copies and scans; flatbed plus a 35-sheet plain-paper ADF (five sheets at Legal size), and automatic two-sided printing. The ADF cannot automatically scan both sides of an original.[1, 4]

Canon PIXMA TR160

Print-only device. Canon’s Windows driver provides manual two-sided printing; the user handles the paper between sides.[2, 6]

What this changes: The TR7120 is the fit for processing paper originals at a desk and avoiding manual sheet-turning on print jobs. The TR160 makes sense when documents are already digital and portability matters more than an integrated scanner.[1, 4, 2, 6]

Best fit: Canon PIXMA TR7120View Canon PIXMA TR7120 on AmazonPaid link

Best for your routine

Home-office paperwork

Best fit: Canon PIXMA TR7120

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The scanner, copier and automatic two-sided output fit desk paperwork; the compromise is a larger, heavier machine to move.

View Canon PIXMA TR7120 on AmazonPaid link

Client-site printing from digital files

Best fit: Canon PIXMA TR160

Based on listed features, not comparative testing.

The smaller, lighter TR160 fits carrying between locations. Bring a suitable power setup, and use another device for scanning.

View Canon PIXMA TR160 on AmazonPaid link

Value and trade-offs

One or both observed offers have eligibility conditions, so no unrestricted price difference is shown.

Pay for the workflow you actually need. Compare the TR160’s complete travel setup, including an LK-72 if required, against the TR7120’s desk functions.

Reliable price history is unavailable, so there is insufficient evidence for purchase-timing advice.

Limitations

  • This is a feature-fit comparison, not a hands-on test. It does not establish a print-quality, speed, reliability or cost-per-page winner.
  • TR7120 automatic duplex printing does not mean automatic duplex scanning: its ADF cannot automatically scan both sides of an original.
  • Both manuals recommend printing at least monthly and completing power-off before unplugging. Long idle periods can leave printheads dry or clogged.
  • Carry the TR160 only after its ON lamp goes out, protected from shocks, strong vibration, heat and heavy objects. Its listed weight excludes the rest of your travel kit.
  • The optional LK-72 needs charging before use. Keep it out of hot cars and use/charge it within 41–95°F. USB charging requires a suitable source; it does not establish battery-free USB printing.
  • Confirm downloads for your exact OS/version on Canon’s support pages. Mobile printing and Windows-driver features are not interchangeable.

Questions shoppers ask

Does the standard TR160 include the battery?

No. The selected US standard kit includes the printer, inks, printhead, USB-C-to-A cable, documentation and power cord; LK-72 is separate. The TR7120 instead includes its PG-295/CL-286 cartridges, documentation and power cord.

Can the TR7120 copy onto both sides even though its ADF scans one side?

Yes. Canon documents copying two original pages onto opposite sides of one sheet. That is two-sided output, not automatic capture of both sides of a double-sided original.

What should I check before relying on the TR160 away from home?

Test your actual device connection and power setup before leaving. If using LK-72, charge it first; USB charging is documented with the printer off and a suitable source, not every USB charger. For overseas AC use, the power cord must meet the destination’s requirements.

Methodology and sources

Compared standard-kit contents, portability and power requirements, document handling, operating-system scope and documented care.

AI assisted source research and drafting; no hands-on testing was performed.

View 13 sources
  1. 1.PIXMA TR7120: US product and standard kitCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • SKU; In the box; Scan; Features: 7178C002; print/copy/scan; automatic two-sided printing; included inks and cord; dimensions and power.
  2. 2.PIXMA TR160: US product and standard kitCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • SKU; product highlights; In the box; Power: 7069C002; print only; LK-72 explicitly not included; included ink, printhead, cable and cord.
  3. 3.TR160 manual: size, weight and powerCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • General Specifications: 4.5 lb with printhead and inks; trays-retracted dimensions; AC power and operating conditions.
  4. 4.TR7100 manual: loading the document feederCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Note before step 1: Double-sided originals cannot be scanned automatically in ADF. TR7120 is explicitly named on the manual index.
  5. 5.TR7100 manual: two-sided copyingCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Two-Sided Copying: Two original pages can be copied onto both sides of one sheet.
  6. 6.TR160 Windows driver: manual two-sided printingCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • 1-sided/2-sided/Booklet Printing: The Windows driver labels its two-sided option Manual.
  7. 7.LK-72 battery guide: charging and safe storageCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • English pages 1–4: USB charging instructions; 1.5 A charger minimum with compatibility exceptions; temperature and storage precautions.
  8. 8.TR7100 manual: preventing dried printheadsCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Keeping Print Quality High: Use at least monthly; finish power-off before unplugging.
  9. 9.TR160 manual: preventing dried printheadsCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Keeping Print Quality High: Use at least monthly; finish power-off before unplugging.
  10. 10.TR160 manual: carrying precautionsCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Carrying the Printer: Wait for ON lamp to go out; avoid shocks, vibration, heat and heavy objects.
  11. 11.PIXMA TR7120: software and driver supportCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Find Software & Drivers; Technical Specifications: Software is OS/version-specific; support selector requires selecting an OS before showing results.
  12. 12.PIXMA TR160: software and driver supportCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Find Software & Drivers; Technical Specifications: Software is OS/version-specific; support selector requires selecting an OS before showing results.
  13. 13.TR160 manual: overseas power requirementsCanon · Official specifications · Source checked 2026-10-10 16:18 UTC
    Evidence used on this page
    • Traveling Abroad with the Printer: AC adapter supports 100–240 V, but power cord must meet destination-country specifications.

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