Mobile Photo Printers Tested: AgfaPhoto Realipix Moments 2 and Kodak Dock Era D600

What the printers do

Both printers make photos on special paper using heat. A foil with colored ink sits in the printer. Heat moves the color from the foil onto the paper. The printer adds yellow, magenta and cyan one after another. Last, it adds a clear layer that protects the photo from water, dirt and sunlight. The printer and paper must stay still during printing so the colors line up.

Key facts

• Both printers make 4 x 6 inch prints, about 10 x 15 centimeters.
• Each sheet has a 1.5 centimeter blank strip on both short ends. You tear these off along the perforated line.
• The special paper comes in the box.
• Users control the printers with a smartphone app.
• The Dock Era connects by Bluetooth or by a USB-C port on its top.

How connecting works

To use Bluetooth, you turn on Bluetooth and location sharing on your phone. The app searches for the printer, and you tap it in the list. The USB-C option works even with large phones, such as a Google Pixel Pro. You plug the phone straight into the port, which is the 'dock' that gives the printer its name. A nice bonus is that the phone charges while it sits in the dock.

Why it matters

These printers are for people who want real paper photos on the go. The heat-transfer method is meant to keep prints looking good for many years. Because the printers are small and connect to a phone, they are easy to take on trips or to parties.

What to watch

• The full review in heise+ covers the apps, print quality, cost per print, and the final verdict.
• Check how much each print costs, since special paper and ink foil must be bought again.
• Compare how well the colors and the protective layer hold up over time.