The Canon Pixma MX725 is due to be replaced by a newer model, and the last batch of this masterpiece printer will go on sale shortly. We loved the MX-725 the minute we first saw it because of its solid build quality and excellent print quality, not to mention the features on offer.
There are so many plastic machines out there that are born to go wrong, but this one may actually have been constructed to survive? Printers have got lighter in recent years, with the components made of plastic instead of metal. As a result they seem to last only a couple of years, when they used to last ten. By no means do we expect the Canon Pixma MX725 to be in regular existence in 2027, but there's a real chance that many units will still be operational in 2022. The shear weight of the machine (11.7kg), and duty cycle (up to 12,000 pages per month) instills confidence in its ability to deliver. Combine this with its good looks and excellent specification, and surely we have a winner?
First let's talk about the good points. There are numerous connection options including easy to set-up WiFi, Ethernet, Apple AirPrint, Google Cloud Print, Wireless PictBridge, Print from Email, Bluetooth, Hi-Speed USB, and the USB flash memory port. The only thing missing compared to newer Canon models is WiFi Direct.
The MX725 works with all computer operating systems including Windows 10, Mac OS X 10.12, Linux 32/64 bit. The latest drivers can be downloaded from the Canon website.
As with many Canon printers, the printing quality is exceptional due to their print head technology. The MX725 uses a fixed print head and five ink tanks. There is a large pigment black cartridge PGI-550BK, used for printing text. Then there are smaller black, cyan, magenta, and yellow CLI-551 BK/C/M/Y ink tanks that supply ink for images and photographs. Because the ink tanks are separate to the printer head nozzles, they are much cheaper to replace, particularly if you buy compatible 550/551 or refillable cartridges with auto reset chips. Doing this will open the door to cheap printing!
The optical scanner has a resolution of up to 2400x4800dpi with an A4 scan taking approximately 14 seconds. The ADF automatic document feeder allows you to automatically scan up to 35 double sided sheets from the top feeder. The copier function has a zoom of between 25-400% with a colour copy taking 12 seconds. There are three quality settings, fast, standard, and high.
There are two paper trays; the lower cassette holds 250 sheets of plain paper, and the upper cassette tray takes a maximum of 20 sheets of 10x15cm or 13x18cm photographic paper. The MX-725 will accept a paper weight of up to 300g/m2.
We have spoken many times before about ticking all of the boxes, and sadly the Canon Pixma MX725 fails to do this. Fortunately though, there are not too many negative points. Like many other Canon printers it performs regular self cleaning routines before the first print. This is to ensure that enough ink is circulating around the print head, and that the nozzles are clean. Our only other niggles are the shiny black case that attracts dust, and the printer being slightly noisy in operation.
The Canon Pixma MX-725 printer has achieved an average score of 8.5 out of 10 on review websites, proof over time that owners are happy with the machine. Add to this the low running costs when using replacement cartridges, and we have found a winner!