Datalogic 98202030121-004231 vs Datalogic 957011001-00053: Specification Comparison
Both the Datalogic Magellan 9800i (SKU 98202030121-004231) and the Datalogic Magellan 9550i (SKU 957011001-00053) are bi-optic fixed retail scanners from Datalogic's Magellan line, designed for high-volume POS counter installations. Both use digital imaging bi-optic technology to capture 1D and 2D barcodes omnidirectionally. Buyers selecting a permanent countertop scanner for grocery or general retail checkout lanes will legitimately cross-shop these two models, making a direct comparison appropriate and useful.
In This Guide
- What barcode types and scan technologies does each model support?
- Which interfaces and POS system integrations does each scanner support?
- How do the two scanners compare in physical size, weight, and counter footprint?
- Which should you choose: the 98202030121-004231 or the 957011001-00053?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
What barcode types and scan technologies does each model support?
The Magellan 9800i (98202030121-004231) is specified as a Digital Imaging Bi-Optic scanner supporting 1D/2D omnidirectional reading. Its listed symbologies are broad (1D and 2D), and the spec notes Day/Night vision capability to adapt to variable ambient lighting conditions at the checkout lane.
The Magellan 9550i (957011001-00053) is specified as a Digital Imaging Bi-Optic with GS1 2D Digital Link support — an explicit callout the 9800i specs do not include. Its scan engine is listed as a 2D Imager, and named symbologies are enumerated: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, UPC, and EAN. The 9550i also lists an optional in-bonnet USB color camera, a feature absent from the 9800i spec sheet.
For deployments requiring explicit GS1 2D Digital Link compliance (e.g., future-proofing for digital watermark and 2D barcode mandates from GS1 standards bodies), the 9550i's spec directly addresses this. The 9800i's Day/Night vision mode is a specified feature the 9550i does not list.
Which interfaces and POS system integrations does each scanner support?
The Magellan 9800i supports three host interfaces: USB, RS-232, and IBM. The IBM interface is relevant for legacy POS environments — particularly older IBM SurePOS and compatible terminals still common in large grocery chains — and is not listed for the 9550i.
The Magellan 9550i lists dual connectivity via USB and RS-232 only. There is no IBM interface specified. Its spec explicitly notes both interfaces are available simultaneously (dual), which the 9800i spec does not clarify.
Buyers with IBM-protocol POS terminals must evaluate this difference carefully: the 9800i spec lists IBM connectivity while the 9550i spec does not. Conversely, buyers on modern USB-only or RS-232-only POS systems will find both units equally capable on those interfaces.
How do the two scanners compare in physical size, weight, and counter footprint?
The Magellan 9800i (98202030121-004231) measures 312 x 221 x 419 mm (12.3 x 8.7 x 16.5 in) and weighs 6.8 kg (15.0 lb). The weight specification also appears in a separate field as 149.91 lbs, which is inconsistent with the 15.0 lb / 6.8 kg figure and likely a data entry error; the 6.8 kg / 15.0 lb value aligns with a typical bi-optic scanner and should be taken as authoritative.
The Magellan 9550i (957011001-00053) measures 305 x 216 x 406 mm (12 x 8.5 x 16 in) and weighs 6.4 kg (14.1 lb). In all three dimensions and in weight, the 9550i is the smaller and lighter unit — by 7 mm in depth, 5 mm in width, 13 mm in height, and 0.4 kg.
Both units list multiple platter and configuration options, giving installers flexibility in counter orientation. The 9550i's marginally smaller footprint may be relevant in tighter checkout lane installations, though the difference is modest.
Which should you choose: the 98202030121-004231 or the 957011001-00053?
Our take: The 98202030121-004231 (Magellan 9800i) is the stronger choice when the POS environment includes IBM-protocol terminals, or when Day/Night vision adaptation is a specified requirement, as both features appear in its spec and neither is listed for the 9550i. Conversely, the 957011001-00053 (Magellan 9550i) is the stronger choice for deployments requiring GS1 2D Digital Link compliance — a future-facing 2D barcode standard the 9550i explicitly supports and the 9800i does not list. The 9550i is also 0.4 kg lighter (6.4 kg vs 6.8 kg) and fractionally smaller in all three dimensions (305 x 216 x 406 mm vs 312 x 221 x 419 mm), and uniquely offers an optional in-bonnet USB color camera. Both carry a 1-Year warranty and share the same bi-optic imaging platform. Platform qualifier: IBM-legacy POS lanes favor the 9800i; modern USB/RS-232 POS lanes prioritizing GS1 2D Digital Link readiness favor the 9550i.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Datalogic 98202030121-004231 | Datalogic 957011001-00053 |
|---|---|---|
| Series / Family | Magellan 9800i | Magellan 9550i |
| Product Type | Bi-Optic Fixed Retail Scanner | Bi-Optic Fixed Retail Scanner |
| Scan Technology | Digital Imaging Bi-Optic | Digital Imaging Bi-Optic with GS1 2D Digital Link |
| Scan Engine | — | 2D Imager |
| Barcode Capability | 1D/2D omnidirectional | 1D/2D (UPC, EAN, QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417) |
| GS1 2D Digital Link | — | Yes |
| Day/Night Vision | Yes | — |
| Connectivity | USB, RS-232, IBM | USB, RS-232 |
| IBM Interface | Yes | — |
| Optional Camera | — | Optional in-bonnet USB color camera |
| Width | 221 mm (8.7 in) | 216 mm (8.5 in) |
| Depth | 312 mm (12.3 in) | 305 mm (12 in) |
| Height | 419 mm (16.5 in) | 406 mm (16 in) |
| Weight | 6.8 kg (15.0 lb) | 6.4 kg (14.1 lb) |
| Platter Options | Short, medium, long configurations | Multiple platter and configuration options |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited | 1-Year Standard Factory Warranty |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the 98202030121-004231 or the 957011001-00053?
The 98202030121-004231 (Magellan 9800i) is the stronger choice when the POS environment includes IBM-protocol terminals, or when Day/Night vision adaptation is a specified requirement, as both features appear in its spec and neither is listed for the 9550i. Conversely, the 957011001-00053 (Magellan 9550i) is the stronger choice for deployments requiring GS1 2D Digital Link compliance — a future-facing 2D barcode standard the 9550i explicitly supports and the 9800i does not list. The 9550i is also 0.4 kg lighter (6.4 kg vs 6.8 kg) and fractionally smaller in all three dimensions (305 x 216 x 406 mm vs 312 x 221 x 419 mm), and uniquely offers an optional in-bonnet USB color camera. Both carry a 1-Year warranty and share the same bi-optic imaging platform. Platform qualifier: IBM-legacy POS lanes favor the 9800i; modern USB/RS-232 POS lanes prioritizing GS1 2D Digital Link readiness favor the 9550i.
Does the Magellan 9800i or 9550i support IBM POS terminals?
Based on the provided specifications, only the Magellan 9800i (98202030121-004231) lists IBM as a supported interface, alongside USB and RS-232. The Magellan 9550i (957011001-00053) lists USB and RS-232 only; IBM connectivity is not specified for that model.
Which scanner — the 9800i or 9550i — is ready for GS1 2D Digital Link barcodes?
The Magellan 9550i (957011001-00053) explicitly lists GS1 2D Digital Link support in its scan technology specification. The Magellan 9800i (98202030121-004231) does not list GS1 2D Digital Link in the provided specs. Buyers planning for 2D Digital Link barcode adoption should consult Datalogic directly to confirm 9800i compatibility before purchasing.
Is there a camera option available for either the 9800i or the 9550i?
The Magellan 9550i (957011001-00053) lists an optional in-bonnet USB color camera as a specified feature. The Magellan 9800i (98202030121-004231) does not list a camera option in the provided specifications. Buyers requiring integrated camera functionality for age-verification or loss-prevention applications should note this distinction.
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