Sato W2312-400NB-EX1 vs Sato WT302-403NN-EX1-2: Specification Comparison
Both the Sato WS2 W2312-400NB-EX1 and the Sato WS4 WT302-403NN-EX1-2 are 300 dpi desktop thermal printers targeting barcode, shipping-label, and compliance-label workflows. They share the same resolution, connectivity stack, and media-roll capacity, making them direct cross-shop candidates for operations evaluating a compact label printer. The key differentiators are print-mode capability (direct thermal only vs. dual direct thermal/thermal transfer), maximum print width (2.2 in vs. 4.09 in), and throughput speed (7 ips vs. 6 ips), which together define which unit fits a given label format and consumable strategy.
In This Guide
- Which printer handles your label width and ribbon requirements?
- Which unit delivers faster throughput and better on-board format storage?
- How do the two printers compare on connectivity, operating environment, and physical footprint?
- Which should you choose: the W2312-400NB-EX1 or the WT302-403NN-EX1-2?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which printer handles your label width and ribbon requirements?
The W2312-400NB-EX1 supports direct thermal only, printing ribbon-free at a maximum width of 2.2 inches. This suits narrow labels—small barcodes, courier labels, jewelry tags—where ribbon cost elimination is the priority and label longevity under heat, UV, or chemical exposure is not required.
The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 adds thermal transfer capability alongside direct thermal, and its maximum print width extends to 4.09 inches with a media width range of 1 inch to 4.65 inches. Thermal transfer requires ribbon (up to 984 ft ribbon capacity), but produces durable, smear- and fade-resistant images suited for asset tags, outdoor labels, or long-retention compliance labels. Buyers needing wide-format or resin/wax ribbon printing must choose the WS4.
Which unit delivers faster throughput and better on-board format storage?
The W2312-400NB-EX1 prints at 7 inches per second—one full inch per second faster than the WT302-403NN-EX1-2's 6 ips. At 300 dpi, this difference is measurable in high-volume batch runs: over 10,000 4-inch labels, the WS2 completes the job roughly 14% faster in raw print time.
The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 offsets its lower speed with documented on-board memory: 16 MB Flash for stored label formats and firmware, 32 MB SDRAM for processing, and 16 MB user storage. No memory figures are provided in the W2312-400NB-EX1 specifications, so a direct comparison cannot be made. For operations storing many label templates locally or running complex graphics, the WS4's specified memory is a concrete advantage.
How do the two printers compare on connectivity, operating environment, and physical footprint?
Both models share an identical connectivity stack: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. Neither has a connectivity advantage for network integration or wireless deployment.
Physical and environmental specifications diverge. The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 has documented dimensions (8.69 × 10.96 × 7.38 inches), a weight of 5.46 lb (2.48 kg), a power input of AC 100–240 V 50/60 Hz, and a specified operating temperature range of 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C). The W2312-400NB-EX1 specifications do not include dimensions, weight, power input, or operating temperature. Buyers deploying in thermally marginal environments (warehouses, loading docks) or planning rackmount/enclosure integration should note that only the WS4 provides a verified operating envelope. The WS4 also lists an LPR analytics feature; no equivalent is specified for the WS2.
Which should you choose: the W2312-400NB-EX1 or the WT302-403NN-EX1-2?
Our take: The W2312-400NB-EX1 is the stronger choice when the application calls for narrow labels (up to 2.2 inches), ribbon-free direct thermal consumables, and maximum throughput speed. It prints at 7 ips versus the WT302-403NN-EX1-2's 6 ips—a 17% speed advantage—and its direct-thermal-only design eliminates ribbon procurement overhead for short-retention labels such as shipping and pick-pack. Conversely, the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is the required choice when print width exceeds 2.2 inches (it supports up to 4.09 inches), when thermal transfer ribbon is needed for durable asset or compliance labels, or when on-board format storage matters (16 MB Flash / 32 MB SDRAM specified). The WS4 is also the only model with a published operating temperature range, weight, and power spec, which matters for environmental qualification. Choose the WS2 for high-speed narrow direct-thermal workloads; choose the WS4 for wide-format or dual-mode label environments.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Sato W2312-400NB-EX1 | Sato WT302-403NN-EX1-2 |
|---|---|---|
| Print Method | Direct Thermal only | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer |
| Resolution | 300 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Print Speed | 7 ips | 6 ips |
| Max Print Width | 2.2 in | 4.09 in |
| Media Width Range | — | 1 in to 4.65 in |
| Media Roll Max Diameter | 5 in OD | 5 in OD |
| Ribbon Capacity | N/A (ribbonless) | 984 ft |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB |
| Flash Memory | — | 16 MB |
| SDRAM | — | 32 MB |
| User Storage | — | 16 MB |
| Operating Temperature | — | 41°F to 104°F (5°C to 40°C) |
| Power Input | — | AC 100–240 V, 50/60 Hz |
| Weight | — | 5.46 lb (2.48 kg) |
| Dimensions (W×D×H) | — | 8.69 × 10.96 × 7.38 in |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the W2312-400NB-EX1 or the WT302-403NN-EX1-2?
The W2312-400NB-EX1 is the stronger choice when the application calls for narrow labels (up to 2.2 inches), ribbon-free direct thermal consumables, and maximum throughput speed. It prints at 7 ips versus the WT302-403NN-EX1-2's 6 ips—a 17% speed advantage—and its direct-thermal-only design eliminates ribbon procurement overhead for short-retention labels such as shipping and pick-pack. Conversely, the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is the required choice when print width exceeds 2.2 inches (it supports up to 4.09 inches), when thermal transfer ribbon is needed for durable asset or compliance labels, or when on-board format storage matters (16 MB Flash / 32 MB SDRAM specified). The WS4 is also the only model with a published operating temperature range, weight, and power spec, which matters for environmental qualification. Choose the WS2 for high-speed narrow direct-thermal workloads; choose the WS4 for wide-format or dual-mode label environments.
Can the W2312-400NB-EX1 print on the same 4-inch wide labels as the WT302-403NN-EX1-2?
No. The W2312-400NB-EX1 has a maximum print width of 2.2 inches. The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 supports up to 4.09 inches of print width with a media width range of 1 to 4.65 inches. If your label stock exceeds 2.2 inches, the WS4 (WT302-403NN-EX1-2) is the only option between these two models.
Is the W2312-400NB-EX1 or WT302-403NN-EX1-2 better for high-volume batch printing shifts?
The W2312-400NB-EX1 prints at 7 ips versus 6 ips for the WT302-403NN-EX1-2, giving it a raw throughput edge on narrow labels. However, the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 specifies 16 MB Flash and 32 MB SDRAM for on-board format storage, which can reduce host-side processing overhead in format-heavy environments. For pure speed on narrow direct-thermal media, the WS2 leads; for complex stored-format workflows, the WS4's documented memory is an advantage. No memory specs are available for the WS2 to confirm a direct comparison.
Do both printers support thermal transfer ribbon, or is one limited to direct thermal only?
Only the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 (WS4) supports both direct thermal and thermal transfer printing, with a ribbon capacity of up to 984 ft. The W2312-400NB-EX1 (WS2) is direct thermal only and does not accept ribbon. If your labels require resistance to heat, moisture, UV, or abrasion—typical for asset tags or outdoor use—the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is the appropriate choice.
More Label Printer Comparisons
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