Capturing memories has never been easier, but keeping them alive in a physical form often feels like an afterthought. The Canon SELPHY QX20 offers an amazing solution by turning digital memories into vivid prints, ready to be shared or displayed. Compact and easy to carry, this palm-sized photo printer promises quick, high-quality prints straight from your smartphone. You can capture everyday snapshots or create lasting mementoes of special occasions, and the SELPHY QX20 is designed to deliver colourful and durable results with ease.
Unlike traditional printers that need a computer setup, the SELPHY QX20 fits comfortably into modern lifestyles where mobile devices take centre stage. It connects wirelessly to your smartphone, offering a seamless printing experience wherever you are. Thanks to Canon’s dye-sublimation technology, each print comes out rich, detailed, and protected against dirt and water, ensuring your photos remain beautiful for years. The printer even offers creative customisation features through the dedicated SELPHY Photo Layout 4.0 app, allowing users to add personal touches to every print.
Stylish design in 3 colours and easy portability
Canon has kept portability at the heart of the SELPHY QX20’s design. Weighing only 455g and easily fitting into a small bag, it feels more like carrying a power bank than a printer. This makes it an ideal companion for travel, family gatherings, or quick meet-ups where you might want to print and share memories on the spot. The rounded edges and textured surface also give it a sturdy, grippy feel that adds to its practicality.
The colour choices — Dark Grey, Sand White, and Terracotta Red — are well thought-out and bring a modern look to the device. Each shade has a slightly matte finish that resists fingerprints, keeping the printer looking clean even after regular handling. The simple layout, with a single power button and minimal status indicators, ensures it is approachable even for those who are not tech-savvy. Its minimalist style also fits comfortably into any home setting, from cosy corners to busy desktops.
One subtle yet thoughtful design touch is the textured area on the printer body, which improves grip while adding visual interest. It shows that Canon has considered how the device looks and how it feels to use. Despite its compactness, the SELPHY QX20 never feels fragile or cheaply made, giving users confidence that it can handle a bit of travel and everyday bumps.
Thanks to a USB-C port, charging the device is equally convenient. You can use either a charger or a power bank, and the SELPHY QX20 can be fully charged in about 80 minutes, with one charge printing up to 20 photos. This balance between lightweight design and strong functionality makes it a truly portable printer without the usual compromises seen in similar products.
Fast printing at under 40 seconds per print
Speed is one of the SELPHY QX20’s biggest advantages. It takes around 40 seconds to complete a print, which feels pleasantly quick when creating keepsakes on the go. Whether you are printing a single snapshot or a few for sharing, you are not left waiting long. This fast printing time encourages spontaneous creativity, as you can capture and print moments almost as quickly as you experience them.
Canon’s dye-sublimation technology really shines through in the colour reproduction. Offering up to 256 shades per colour, the printer delivers life-like gradients and rich tones that rival professional labs. Skies look natural, skin tones appear soft and accurate, and details like the sparkle in an eye or the texture of the fabric are captured with surprising clarity. Unlike inkjet prints that sometimes look patchy, the SELPHY QX20 creates smooth, continuous tones that bring each image to life.
Durability is another major strength. Each print has a special protective coating that resists water, dirt, and fading, keeping your memories safe for up to 100 years when stored properly. This makes it reliable for preserving family albums, creating special gifts, or even labelling important documents with personalised stickers. Each photo paper sheet also doubles as a sticker, adding another layer of fun for creative projects.
In terms of size, users have a choice between card-sized and square formats, with options for bordered or borderless prints. This flexibility means you can easily tailor your prints for different purposes, from traditional photo albums to trendy scrapbooks. You can easily create a quick thank-you card or add flair to your bullet journal, as the SELPHY QX20 adapts well to different needs.
Creative app features and exceptional connectivity
The SELPHY QX20 is more than just a printer. The SELPHY Photo Layout 4.0 app allows users to customise their prints in endless ways. You can add frames, stamps, overlays, filters, and text, making each print truly personal. The app is easy to navigate, making the process simple even for those new to photo editing.
The app allows for creative layouts such as shuffle prints and N-up collages, combining several images into one print. This is particularly fun for party photo booths, event souvenirs, or crafting projects. You can save your customised layouts digitally, too, making it easy to share them on social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook without needing to print every version.
Wireless connectivity is seamless. The SELPHY QX20 connects directly to your smartphone without complicated setups. Simply select your photo, make your edits if you like, and hit print — it is that straightforward. The fast, stable connection ensures that even multiple prints in a row happen without interruptions or glitches.
However, it is worth noting that first-time setup does require some time. Once set up, though, the process is effortless. Canon has clearly focused on making the experience as smooth as possible, ensuring that even casual users can enjoy creating beautiful prints without fuss.
The verdict: Canon SELPHY QX20
The Canon SELPHY QX20 successfully blends portability, creativity, and quality in a compact, easy-to-use package. It is an excellent choice for anyone who wants to enjoy their digital memories in a more tangible form without the hassle of large printers or complicated setups. Its fast print speed, vibrant colours, and durable output offer a strong mix of fun and functionality for families, travellers, and creative users alike.
While the first-time setup might require some patience, the overall experience is smooth and rewarding once you get going. Real-world use proves that it is a genuinely useful tool for preserving memories and sharing special moments. Its thoughtful design, practical features, and reliable performance make it a standout in the growing market of portable printers.
Some users might wish for a larger battery, but this is a small trade-off compared to the flexibility and enjoyment the SELPHY QX20 offers. Printing a heartfelt message or capturing a day out with friends becomes easy with this device, helping to turn fleeting moments into lasting treasures.
