Sato WT302-403NN-EX1-2 vs Sato W2312-400CN-EX1: Specification Comparison
Both the Sato WS4 WT302-403NN-EX1-2 and the Sato WS2 W2312-400CN-EX1 are 300 dpi desktop thermal label printers sharing the same power input, connectivity stack, operating temperature range, and maximum media roll diameter. They target professional label-printing environments but differ meaningfully in print width, print method, memory, display, and physical footprint. This comparison evaluates which model better suits a given deployment based solely on the specifications provided for each unit.
In This Guide
- Which printer delivers the wider output, faster throughput, and more flexible print method?
- Which unit offers more onboard resources, a better operator interface, and notable convenience features?
- Which printer fits better in space-constrained or mobile-adjacent environments, and how do they compare physically?
- Which should you choose: the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 or the W2312-400CN-EX1?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which printer delivers the wider output, faster throughput, and more flexible print method?
The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 supports both Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer printing at a maximum print width of 4.09 inches and a print speed of 6 ips. This dual-mode capability allows use of ribbon-based transfer for longer-lasting, scratch- and heat-resistant labels, in addition to direct thermal output. Media width range spans 1 inch to 4.65 inches, and the ribbon max length is listed at 984 ft.
The W2312-400CN-EX1 is a Direct Thermal-only printer with a maximum print width of 2.2 inches and a print speed of 7 ips. It does not support thermal transfer; no ribbon is required or accepted. Media width range is 0.5 inch to 2.83 inches. The W2312-400CN-EX1 is 1 ips faster, but its output width is nearly half that of the WT302-403NN-EX1-2. Both units share 300 dpi resolution and support up to 5-inch outer diameter media rolls.
Which unit offers more onboard resources, a better operator interface, and notable convenience features?
The W2312-400CN-EX1 holds a clear advantage in memory: 256 MB Flash, 128 MB SDRAM, and 128 MB user storage, compared to the WT302-403NN-EX1-2's 16 MB Flash, 32 MB SDRAM, and 16 MB user storage. This difference is significant for deployments storing large numbers of label formats or fonts onboard.
Display quality also favors the W2312-400CN-EX1, which features a 2.4-inch color LCD touchscreen. The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is listed only as 'LCD' with no size or color specification provided. The W2312-400CN-EX1 additionally includes a built-in cutter and tool-free printhead replacement as specified features, both of which reduce maintenance downtime. No equivalent convenience features are listed in the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 specs.
Which printer fits better in space-constrained or mobile-adjacent environments, and how do they compare physically?
The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 measures 8.69 inches x 10.96 inches x 7.38 inches and weighs 5.46 lbs (2.48 kg). The W2312-400CN-EX1 is substantially more compact at 6.3 inches x 7.5 inches x 6.5 inches and weighs 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg). The W2312-400CN-EX1 is lighter by approximately 36% and occupies a noticeably smaller desk footprint.
Both units are desktop form factor, support AC 100-240V 50/60Hz power, and operate between 41°F and 104°F (5°C to 40°C). Both share the same connectivity stack: Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and USB. The W2312-400CN-EX1 spec additionally notes Windows OS compatibility; no operating system specification is listed for the WT302-403NN-EX1-2. Both carry a 1-year warranty.
Which should you choose: the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 or the W2312-400CN-EX1?
Our take: The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is the stronger choice when print width and label durability are the primary requirements. Its 4.09-inch maximum print width is nearly double the W2312-400CN-EX1's 2.2 inches, making it the only viable option for wider shipping labels, compliance tags, or product labels exceeding 2.2 inches. Its dual-mode Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer capability adds flexibility for chemical-resistant or long-life labels that a direct-thermal-only printer cannot produce. However, the W2312-400CN-EX1 counters with 1 ips faster throughput (7 vs. 6 ips), substantially more onboard memory (256 MB Flash and 128 MB SDRAM vs. 16 MB and 32 MB), a specified 2.4-inch color touchscreen, an integrated cutter, and tool-free printhead replacement — all in a package 36% lighter and significantly more compact. Choose the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 for wide-format or transfer-ribbon label workflows; choose the W2312-400CN-EX1 for high-volume narrow-label environments where footprint, memory depth, and low-maintenance operation matter most.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Sato WT302-403NN-EX1-2 | Sato W2312-400CN-EX1 |
|---|---|---|
| Model Series | WS4 | WS2 |
| SKU | WT302-403NN-EX1-2 | W2312-400CN-EX1 |
| Print Resolution | 300 dpi | 300 dpi |
| Print Method | Direct Thermal / Thermal Transfer | Direct Thermal only |
| Print Speed | 6 ips | 7 ips |
| Max Print Width | 4.09 in | 2.2 in |
| Media Width Range | 1 in – 4.65 in | 0.5 in – 2.83 in |
| Max Roll Diameter | 5 in OD | 5 in OD |
| Ribbon Support | Yes (max 984 ft) | No ribbon required or listed |
| Flash Memory | 16 MB | 256 MB |
| SDRAM | 32 MB | 128 MB |
| User Storage | 16 MB | 128 MB |
| Display | LCD (size/color not specified) | 2.4 in color LCD touchscreen |
| Built-in Cutter | Not specified | Yes |
| Tool-free Printhead Swap | Not specified | Yes |
| Connectivity | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB |
| Operating Temperature | 41°F – 104°F (5°C – 40°C) | 41°F – 104°F (5°C – 40°C) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 8.69 in x 10.96 in x 7.38 in | 6.3 in x 7.5 in x 6.5 in |
| Weight | 5.46 lbs (2.48 kg) | 3.5 lbs (1.6 kg) |
| Power | AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz | AC 100-240V, 50/60Hz |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 or the W2312-400CN-EX1?
The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is the stronger choice when print width and label durability are the primary requirements. Its 4.09-inch maximum print width is nearly double the W2312-400CN-EX1's 2.2 inches, making it the only viable option for wider shipping labels, compliance tags, or product labels exceeding 2.2 inches. Its dual-mode Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer capability adds flexibility for chemical-resistant or long-life labels that a direct-thermal-only printer cannot produce. However, the W2312-400CN-EX1 counters with 1 ips faster throughput (7 vs. 6 ips), substantially more onboard memory (256 MB Flash and 128 MB SDRAM vs. 16 MB and 32 MB), a specified 2.4-inch color touchscreen, an integrated cutter, and tool-free printhead replacement — all in a package 36% lighter and significantly more compact. Choose the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 for wide-format or transfer-ribbon label workflows; choose the W2312-400CN-EX1 for high-volume narrow-label environments where footprint, memory depth, and low-maintenance operation matter most.
Can the W2312-400CN-EX1 use ribbon-based thermal transfer like the WT302-403NN-EX1-2?
No. The W2312-400CN-EX1 is specified as Direct Thermal only and does not support thermal transfer printing. The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 supports both Direct Thermal and Thermal Transfer, allowing use of ribbon for more durable label output.
Which printer is better suited for printing wider shipping labels or compliance tags?
The WT302-403NN-EX1-2 supports a maximum print width of 4.09 inches and a media width range of 1 inch to 4.65 inches. The W2312-400CN-EX1 is limited to a 2.2-inch maximum print width and a media width range of 0.5 inch to 2.83 inches. For labels wider than 2.2 inches, only the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 is suitable.
Does either printer include a built-in cutter, and which has more memory for storing label formats?
The W2312-400CN-EX1 includes a cutter as a specified feature; no cutter is listed in the WT302-403NN-EX1-2 specs. The W2312-400CN-EX1 also has significantly more memory: 256 MB Flash, 128 MB SDRAM, and 128 MB user storage, versus 16 MB Flash, 32 MB SDRAM, and 16 MB user storage on the WT302-403NN-EX1-2.
More Label Printer Comparisons
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- Sato W2312-400CN-EX1 vs Zebra ZT11143-D01000FZ
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