Datalogic 98202030121-004231 vs Datalogic 957011001-00512: Specification Comparison
Both the Datalogic Magellan 9800i (SKU 98202030121-004231) and the Datalogic Magellan 9550i (SKU 957011001-00512) are bi-optic fixed retail scanners using digital imaging technology, designed for high-volume point-of-sale environments such as grocery and general retail. They share the same fundamental product class and use case, making them genuine cross-shop candidates. This comparison examines their scan capability, physical footprint and build, and interface/connectivity differences to help integrators and IT buyers select the right unit for their deployment.
In This Guide
- What barcode reading capability and symbology support does each scanner provide?
- How do the two scanners compare in physical size, weight, and platter configuration?
- Which interfaces and POS protocols does each unit support, and how do they differ?
- Which should you choose: the 98202030121-004231 or the 957011001-00512?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
What barcode reading capability and symbology support does each scanner provide?
The Magellan 9800i (98202030121-004231) is specified as a Digital Imaging Bi-Optic scanner with 1D/2D omnidirectional reading and Day/Night vision for variable lighting conditions. The spec lists barcode capability as '1D/2D omnidirectional' and notes Day/Night vision modes, but does not enumerate individual supported symbologies by name.
The Magellan 9550i (957011001-00512) is specified as a Digital Imaging Bi-Optic with GS1 2D Digital Link support — a forward-looking retail standard enabling extended product data from 2D codes. Its symbologies are explicitly listed: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, UPC, and EAN. The scan engine is identified as 2D.
For deployments requiring named GS1 Digital Link compliance or explicit PDF417/Data Matrix enumeration in procurement documentation, the 9550i provides that specificity. The 9800i's Day/Night vision adaptation is documented only on that model; the 9550i spec does not mention a comparable lighting-adaptive mode by that name.
How do the two scanners compare in physical size, weight, and platter configuration?
The Magellan 9800i measures 312 x 221 x 419 mm (12.3 x 8.7 x 16.5 in) and weighs 6.8 kg (15.0 lb). Its spec lists platter options as short, medium, and long configurations, providing installation flexibility for different checkout counter layouts.
The Magellan 9550i measures 305 x 216 x 406 mm (12.0 x 8.5 x 16.0 in) and weighs 6.4 kg (14.1 lb converted; spec states 6.4 kg). It is marginally smaller and lighter across all three dimensions — approximately 7 mm narrower, 5 mm shallower, and 13 mm shorter — which may matter in constrained counter installations.
The 9550i's spec explicitly notes drop, thermal shock, and electrical surge testing, providing documented environmental durability claims. The 9800i spec does not include equivalent environmental or drop-test language. Platter configuration options are not listed for the 9550i in the provided spec data.
Which interfaces and POS protocols does each unit support, and how do they differ?
The Magellan 9800i (98202030121-004231) supports USB, RS-232, and IBM interfaces. The inclusion of IBM connectivity is notable for legacy retail and grocery POS environments running IBM/Toshiba 4690 OS or compatible systems, which remain in active use across large-format grocery chains.
The Magellan 9550i (957011001-00512) supports USB and RS-232 only. IBM protocol support is not listed in the provided specifications. Both scanners share USB and RS-232 as common ground, enabling integration with the majority of modern POS terminals.
For IT buyers maintaining IBM-protocol POS infrastructure, the 9800i is the only specified option between these two. For USB- or RS-232-only environments, both units are functionally equivalent at the interface level based on available spec data. Extended warranty options are mentioned for the 9550i; the 9800i spec lists only a 1-Year Limited warranty with no mention of extensions.
Which should you choose: the 98202030121-004231 or the 957011001-00512?
Our take: The 98202030121-004231 (Magellan 9800i) is the stronger choice when the deployment includes IBM-protocol POS infrastructure or requires flexible platter configurations, as it is the only model of the two specifying IBM connectivity and short/medium/long platter options. The 9800i is also heavier and larger (6.8 kg vs 6.4 kg; 312 x 221 x 419 mm vs 305 x 216 x 406 mm), which may be a minor constraint on tighter counters. Conversely, the 957011001-00512 (Magellan 9550i) explicitly supports GS1 2D Digital Link — a forward-looking standard for extended product data — and enumerates named symbologies (QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, UPC, EAN) useful for formal procurement specs. It also carries documented drop, thermal shock, and electrical surge test claims not present in the 9800i spec. Choose the 9800i for IBM-legacy POS sites; choose the 9550i for GS1 Digital Link readiness or where documented durability testing is a procurement requirement.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Datalogic 98202030121-004231 | Datalogic 957011001-00512 |
|---|---|---|
| Series / Family | Magellan 9800i | Magellan 9550i |
| Product Type | Bi-Optic Fixed Retail Scanner | Bi-Optic Fixed Retail Scanner |
| Scan Type | Digital Imaging Bi-Optic | Digital Imaging Bi-Optic with GS1 2D Digital Link |
| Barcode Capability | 1D/2D omnidirectional | 1D/2D (QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, UPC, EAN) |
| GS1 Digital Link Support | — | Yes (specified) |
| Day/Night Vision | Yes | — |
| Scan Engine | — | 2D |
| USB Interface | Yes | Yes |
| RS-232 Interface | Yes | Yes |
| IBM Interface | Yes | — |
| Weight | 6.8 kg (15.0 lb) | 6.4 kg |
| Dimensions (mm) | 312 x 221 x 419 | 305 x 216 x 406 |
| Dimensions (in) | 12.3 x 8.7 x 16.5 | 12.0 x 8.5 x 16.0 |
| Platter Options | Short, medium, long | — |
| Durability Testing | — | Drop, thermal shock, electrical surge tested |
| Warranty | 1-Year Limited | 1-Year Limited (optional extended coverage noted) |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the 98202030121-004231 or the 957011001-00512?
The 98202030121-004231 (Magellan 9800i) is the stronger choice when the deployment includes IBM-protocol POS infrastructure or requires flexible platter configurations, as it is the only model of the two specifying IBM connectivity and short/medium/long platter options. The 9800i is also heavier and larger (6.8 kg vs 6.4 kg; 312 x 221 x 419 mm vs 305 x 216 x 406 mm), which may be a minor constraint on tighter counters. Conversely, the 957011001-00512 (Magellan 9550i) explicitly supports GS1 2D Digital Link — a forward-looking standard for extended product data — and enumerates named symbologies (QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, UPC, EAN) useful for formal procurement specs. It also carries documented drop, thermal shock, and electrical surge test claims not present in the 9800i spec. Choose the 9800i for IBM-legacy POS sites; choose the 9550i for GS1 Digital Link readiness or where documented durability testing is a procurement requirement.
Is the 98202030121-004231 or 957011001-00512 compatible with IBM POS systems?
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 (957011001-00512) specifies USB and RS-232 only — IBM protocol support is not listed for that model.
Which scanner is better suited for retailers planning to adopt GS1 2D Digital Link barcodes?
The Magellan 9550i (957011001-00512) is specified with GS1 2D Digital Link support, making it the documented choice for retailers preparing for that standard. The 9800i (98202030121-004231) spec does not mention GS1 Digital Link by name, though it does list 1D/2D omnidirectional capability.
Is there a size or weight difference between these two bi-optic scanners?
Yes. The 9800i (98202030121-004231) measures 312 x 221 x 419 mm and weighs 6.8 kg. The 9550i (957011001-00512) measures 305 x 216 x 406 mm and weighs 6.4 kg, making it marginally smaller and lighter across all dimensions — a consideration for space-constrained checkout counter installations.
More Barcode Scanner Comparisons
- Datalogic 957011001-00053 vs Datalogic 9810101120-04253
- Datalogic 957011001-00512 vs Datalogic 9810101120-04253
- Datalogic 98202030121-004231 vs Datalogic 957011001-00053
Barcode Scanner Buying Guides
Get a Second Opinion on Your Camera Choice
Share your site layout, coverage goals, and budget. Our team will validate the camera selection, flag anything we would change, and recommend products that match the use case.