Xerox Phaser 4620V/DN review

Xerox claims its latest workgroup laser printer has low running costs, minimal maintenance and useful security features. Does it live up to its high billing? Simon Handby sets his expectations to high and finds out in our review.

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The Xerox Phaser 4620V/DN

IT Pro Verdict

We have reservations about the Phaser 4620V/DN's non-contracted running costs, and at this price we'd prefer if it came with more than a one-year warranty as standard, but otherwise it's hard to fault. It's as fast, robust and simple as a workgroup printer should be, yet it has the features and an upgrade path to keep pace with the fastest evolving and most demanding business.

Xerox's new Phaser 4600 and 4620 range comprises mono A4 laser printers aimed at large and busy workgroups, where there's a demand for a robust printing workhorse with low running costs and minimal maintenance. All models have a gigabit Ethernet port and can handle a maximum monthly workload of up to 275,000 prints, with those designated 4600 able to print up to 52 pages per minute (ppm) and the 4620 models reaching 62ppm.

Xerox's driver installer is one of the more user-friendly we've encountered on this class of printer.

As standard, the range has a 550-sheet enclosed paper tray with a 100-sheet multi-purpose feed and a 500-sheet output, while all but the entry-level 4600V/N have duplex. The 4600V/DT and 4260V/DT variants include a second 550-sheet tray and all models can be upgraded to a maximum total of five such trays. There are many other upgrades available, highlights of which include a 2,000-sheet high-capacity feeder and a 500-sheet finisher with 50-sheet stapling. If you do buy the 4600V/N, a reasonably-priced upgrade to duplex is subsequently available.

We reviewed the 4620V/DN which, like other Phasers, is built from cream and blue plastics. Though sizeable, it's not unattractive. While not exactly whisper-quiet, the clunks you'd expect from a fast laser seem well cushioned, making them less intrusive for anyone working nearby. The physical installation is fairly easy, involving just the insertion of the supplied photoconductor, toner and waste toner bottle. While it's just possible for a single worker to unbox and lift the printer, it's wise to follow Xerox's recommendation that this part of the set up be a two-man job.

Once switched on and loaded with paper, the Phaser prints a configuration report summarising the installed components, network settings and tray status. Xerox's driver installer is one of the more user-friendly we've encountered on this class of printer, simply detecting it over the network and prompting to install the preferred PCL6 driver by default. There's an option to check online for any more recent releases, too.

Simon Handby
Simon Handby

After a brief career in corporate IT, Simon Handby combined his love of technology and writing when he made the move to Computer Shopper magazine. As a technology reviewer he's since tested everything from routers and switches, to smart air fryers and doorbells, and covered technology such as EVs, TVs, solar power and the singularity.

During more than 15 years as Shopper's long-time printer reviewer, Simon tried, tested and wrote up literally hundreds of home, small office and workgroup printers. He continues reviewing smart products and printers for a variety of publications, and has been an IT Pro contributor since 2010. Simon is almost never happier than when surrounded by printers and paper, applying his stopwatch and a seasoned eye to find the best performing, best value products for business users.