Sato W2312-400DB-EX1 vs Sato WT302-403NN-EX1-2: Specification Comparison
Both the Sato WS2 W2312-400DB-EX1 and the Sato WS4 WT302-403NN-EX1-2 are desktop 300 dpi thermal label printers sharing the same connectivity suite (Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB) and a 1-year warranty. The WS2 is a compact, direct-thermal-only unit targeting narrow-label applications such as shipping and warehouse labeling, while the WS4 adds thermal-transfer capability and a wider 4.09-inch print path for applications demanding finer text, ribboned archival labels, or wider media formats. Buyers cross-shopping these two are typically choosing between a smaller footprint narrow-label printer and a wider dual-mode unit.
In This Guide
- Which printer handles your label width and print-method requirements?
- Which printer is faster and better equipped for high-throughput or complex label formats?
- Which printer fits your physical installation space and environmental conditions?
- Which should you choose: the W2312-400DB-EX1 or the WT302-403NN-EX1-2?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which printer handles your label width and print-method requirements?
The W2312-400DB-EX1 supports a maximum print width of 2.2 inches and operates exclusively in direct thermal mode. Direct thermal printing requires no ribbon and suits short-lived labels such as shipping, receiving, and pick tickets, but the output degrades with heat, UV, and abrasion over time.
The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 supports a maximum print width of 4.09 inches and offers both direct thermal and thermal transfer modes. Thermal transfer uses a ribbon (up to 984 ft maximum ribbon length per roll) to produce durable, smear- and chemical-resistant output suitable for asset tags, compliance labels, and long-life identification. Media width acceptance spans 1 inch to 4.65 inches, versus the narrower range implied by the WS2's 2.2-inch maximum. Buyers needing labels wider than 2.2 inches or ribboned durability must select the WT302-403NN-EX1-2.
Which printer is faster and better equipped for high-throughput or complex label formats?
The W2312-400DB-EX1 prints at 7 inches per second, one inch per second faster than the WT302-403NN-EX1-2's rated 6 ips. At these throughput levels the difference is modest for low-volume desktop use, but over sustained runs the WS2 will complete a batch roughly 14 percent faster.
Memory differs significantly. The W2312-400DB-EX1 provides 256 MB Flash plus 128 MB SDRAM, giving it substantially more storage and working memory for label formats, fonts, and firmware compared to the WT302-403NN-EX1-2's 16 MB Flash, 32 MB SDRAM, and 16 MB user storage. The WS2 also includes a 2.4-inch color LCD for guided media loading and configuration, while the WS4 specifies an LCD display without stating screen size or color depth. For complex, stored-format operations the WS2's memory advantage is meaningful.
Which printer fits your physical installation space and environmental conditions?
Physical dimensions are specified only for the WT302-403NN-EX1-2: 8.69 inches wide × 10.96 inches deep × 7.38 inches tall, weighing 5.46 lb (2.48 kg). The W2312-400DB-EX1 has no published dimensions or weight in the provided specifications, so a direct size comparison cannot be made from the available data.
Operating temperature is stated only for the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 at 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C). No operating temperature range is provided for the W2312-400DB-EX1. The WS4 also specifies a maximum media roll outer diameter of 5 inches; the WS2's maximum roll capacity is not stated in the supplied specifications. Both units are AC-powered; input voltage range (100–240 V, 50/60 Hz) is specified only for the WS4.
Which should you choose: the W2312-400DB-EX1 or the WT302-403NN-EX1-2?
Our take: The W2312-400DB-EX1 is the stronger choice when your application is limited to labels 2.2 inches wide or narrower, direct thermal output is acceptable, and high onboard memory or faster throughput are priorities. It prints at 7 ips versus the WT302-403NN-EX1-2's 6 ips, and its 256 MB Flash / 128 MB SDRAM memory is substantially larger than the WS4's 16 MB Flash / 32 MB SDRAM, supporting more stored formats and complex label templates. Conversely, the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is the only viable option when labels exceed 2.2 inches (up to 4.09 inches), when thermal-transfer durability is required for archival or chemical-resistant labeling, or when ribbon media (up to 984 ft) must be supported. Platform qualifier: both printers share the same connectivity suite and 300 dpi resolution, so interface compatibility is not a differentiator; the decision turns entirely on label width, print-mode durability, and memory capacity for stored formats.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Sato W2312-400DB-EX1 | Sato WT302-403NN-EX1-2 |
|---|---|---|
| SKU / Model | W2312-400DB-EX1 | WT302-403NN-EX1-2 |
| Series | WS2 | WS4 |
| Print Resolution | 300 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Print Method | Direct Thermal | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer |
| Print Speed | 7 ips | 6 ips |
| Maximum Print Width | 2.2 inches | 4.09 inches |
| Media Width Range | — | 1 inch to 4.65 inches |
| Max Media Roll Diameter | — | 5 inches |
| Max Ribbon Length | N/A (direct thermal only) | 984 ft |
| Flash Memory | 256 MB | 16 MB Flash + 16 MB user storage |
| SDRAM Memory | 128 MB | 32 MB |
| Display | 2.4-inch color LCD | LCD (size/color not specified) |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth | USB, Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth |
| Operating Temperature | — | 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C) |
| Dimensions (W × D × H) | — | 8.69" × 10.96" × 7.38" |
| Weight | — | 5.46 lb (2.48 kg) |
| Power Input | — | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the W2312-400DB-EX1 or the WT302-403NN-EX1-2?
The W2312-400DB-EX1 is the stronger choice when your application is limited to labels 2.2 inches wide or narrower, direct thermal output is acceptable, and high onboard memory or faster throughput are priorities. It prints at 7 ips versus the WT302-403NN-EX1-2's 6 ips, and its 256 MB Flash / 128 MB SDRAM memory is substantially larger than the WS4's 16 MB Flash / 32 MB SDRAM, supporting more stored formats and complex label templates. Conversely, the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is the only viable option when labels exceed 2.2 inches (up to 4.09 inches), when thermal-transfer durability is required for archival or chemical-resistant labeling, or when ribbon media (up to 984 ft) must be supported. Platform qualifier: both printers share the same connectivity suite and 300 dpi resolution, so interface compatibility is not a differentiator; the decision turns entirely on label width, print-mode durability, and memory capacity for stored formats.
Can the W2312-400DB-EX1 or WT302-403NN-EX1-2 print on 4-inch wide labels?
Only the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 can. Its maximum print width is 4.09 inches and it accepts media from 1 inch to 4.65 inches wide. The W2312-400DB-EX1 has a maximum print width of 2.2 inches and cannot accommodate 4-inch media.
Which model is better for durable, long-life labels like asset tags or chemical-resistant stickers?
The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is the correct choice. It supports thermal transfer printing, which uses a ribbon (up to 984 ft max length) to produce output that resists heat, UV, and abrasion. The W2312-400DB-EX1 is direct thermal only, meaning its output will degrade under prolonged heat, light, or chemical exposure.
Is the W2312-400DB-EX1 or WT302-403NN-EX1-2 better suited for storing many label formats on the printer?
The W2312-400DB-EX1 has a substantial memory advantage: 256 MB Flash plus 128 MB SDRAM versus the WT302-403NN-EX1-2's 16 MB Flash, 32 MB SDRAM, and 16 MB user storage. For environments that store large numbers of label templates or custom fonts directly on the printer, the WS2 is better equipped based on the published specifications.
More Label Printer Comparisons
- Sato WT302-403NN-EX1-2 vs Zebra ZT11143-D01000FZ
- Sato WT302-403NN-EX1-2 vs Sato W2312-400CN-EX1
- Sato WT302-403NN-EX1-2 vs Sato W2302-400DN-EX1
- Sato W2312-400CN-EX1 vs Zebra ZT11143-D01000FZ
- Sato W2312-400CN-EX1 vs Sato W2302-400DN-EX1
- Sato W2302-400DN-EX1 vs Zebra ZT11143-D01000FZ
Label Printer 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.