Star Micronics 37950950 vs Star Micronics 37950930: Specification Comparison
The Star Micronics 37950950 and 37950930 are both 1D/2D handheld barcode scanners sharing the same scan engine class, symbology support, and IP42 ingress rating — making them genuine cross-shop candidates for retail POS and warehouse checkout deployments. The core question is whether a buyer needs wireless mobility and a built-in battery, or whether a lighter, simpler USB-powered wired scanner with a longer warranty is sufficient. Both units read the same barcode families and target similar point-of-sale workflows, so the decision turns on connectivity, power architecture, and warranty coverage.
In This Guide
- Which scanner offers the right connectivity and power architecture for your deployment?
- How do the two scanners compare on physical ruggedness and form factor?
- Do both scanners read the same codes, and which warranty term better protects a business investment?
- Which should you choose: the 37950950 or the 37950930?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which scanner offers the right connectivity and power architecture for your deployment?
The 37950950 supports USB, RS-232, and Bluetooth, giving it both wired and wireless operating modes. It carries an internal 2200 mAh battery, enabling untethered scanning without a powered host cable. This makes it suitable for mobile associates, queue-busting scenarios, or any workflow where the scanner must leave the counter.
The 37950930 supports USB and RS-232 only — no Bluetooth or wireless mode is listed in its specifications. Its power source is described as USB-powered with no separate adapter required, meaning it draws power directly from the host. No battery capacity is specified, confirming it is a wired-only device. For fixed-station retail checkout or legacy RS-232 terminals, the wired-only architecture is simpler and eliminates battery management, but it does not support cordless operation.
How do the two scanners compare on physical ruggedness and form factor?
Both scanners carry an IP42 ingress protection rating, meaning both resist solid particle intrusion of 4mm or larger objects and dripping water — equivalent protection for typical retail or light warehouse environments.
The 37950950 adds a 1.2 m drop rating, a concrete spec that quantifies its tolerance for accidental drops from counter or hip height. The 37950930 does not list a drop rating in its specifications, so direct comparison on drop survivability cannot be made from available data.
Physical dimensions are provided only for the 37950930: 5.75 in wide × 4.06 in tall × 2.72 in deep, with a handheld form factor. The 37950950 lists no dimensional data in its specifications. The 37950950 is listed at 1 lb; the 37950930 does not specify weight.
Do both scanners read the same codes, and which warranty term better protects a business investment?
Both the 37950950 and 37950930 share identical listed symbology sets: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, and EAN — all decoded by a 2D imager capable of reading both linear and matrix codes in a single pass. Neither scanner has an advantage over the other in barcode format coverage based on provided specifications.
Warranty terms differ materially. The 37950930 carries a 2-year warranty versus the 37950950's 1-year warranty. For buyers prioritizing lower total cost of ownership and reduced service risk over a multi-year deployment, the 37950930's longer coverage is a concrete advantage. The 37950950's 1-year warranty is half that of its sibling with no offsetting specification listed to explain the shorter term.
Which should you choose: the 37950950 or the 37950930?
Our take: The 37950950 is the stronger choice when wireless mobility is a deployment requirement. It adds Bluetooth connectivity and an internal 2200 mAh battery that the 37950930 entirely lacks, enabling cordless operation for mobile POS, queue-busting, or warehouse floor workflows. It also specifies a 1.2 m drop rating, a durability data point absent from the 37950930's spec sheet. However, the 37950930 counters with a 2-year warranty versus the 37950950's 1-year term — a meaningful advantage for fixed-station deployments where battery management is unnecessary overhead and service longevity matters more than mobility. Symbology coverage and IP42 protection are identical across both units. Buyers equipping fixed checkout lanes on legacy or USB hosts with a longer support window should favor the 37950930; buyers needing untethered scanning flexibility should select the 37950950 despite its shorter warranty.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Star Micronics 37950950 | Star Micronics 37950930 |
|---|---|---|
| Scan Engine | 1D/2D Imager | 1D/2D Imager |
| Symbologies | QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN | QR, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN |
| Interface | USB; RS-232; Bluetooth | USB; RS-232 |
| Wireless / Cordless | Yes (Bluetooth) | No |
| Power Source | Internal 2200 mAh battery | USB-powered (no adapter) |
| Battery Capacity | 2200 mAh | — |
| IP Rating | IP42 | IP42 |
| Drop Rating | 1.2 m | — |
| Form Factor | Handheld | Handheld |
| Color | White | Black or White |
| Weight | 1 lb | — |
| Dimensions (W × H × D in) | — | 5.75 × 4.06 × 2.72 |
| Warranty | 1 Year | 2 Year |
| Country of Origin | Vietnam | — |
| Scan Mode | Single-pass | Single-pass |
| Intended Use | Retail POS, warehouse, inventory | Retail checkout |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the 37950950 or the 37950930?
The 37950950 is the stronger choice when wireless mobility is a deployment requirement. It adds Bluetooth connectivity and an internal 2200 mAh battery that the 37950930 entirely lacks, enabling cordless operation for mobile POS, queue-busting, or warehouse floor workflows. It also specifies a 1.2 m drop rating, a durability data point absent from the 37950930's spec sheet. However, the 37950930 counters with a 2-year warranty versus the 37950950's 1-year term — a meaningful advantage for fixed-station deployments where battery management is unnecessary overhead and service longevity matters more than mobility. Symbology coverage and IP42 protection are identical across both units. Buyers equipping fixed checkout lanes on legacy or USB hosts with a longer support window should favor the 37950930; buyers needing untethered scanning flexibility should select the 37950950 despite its shorter warranty.
Is the 37950950 or 37950930 better for mobile or queue-busting retail use?
The 37950950 is the only option for mobile use. It includes Bluetooth wireless connectivity and a 2200 mAh internal battery, enabling cordless operation. The 37950930 is USB-powered with no wireless capability listed in its specifications, so it must remain tethered to a host at all times.
Which scanner has the longer warranty, and does it matter for a multi-year retail deployment?
The 37950930 carries a 2-year warranty; the 37950950 carries a 1-year warranty. For fixed-station deployments where scanners see continuous daily use, the extra year of coverage on the 37950930 directly reduces replacement and service cost risk without requiring any trade-off in barcode reading capability.
Do both scanners read the same barcodes, including QR codes and GS1 formats used in modern retail?
Yes. Both the 37950950 and 37950930 list identical symbology support: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417, Code 128, Code 39, UPC, and EAN — decoded by a 2D imager engine on each unit. Neither model has an advantage over the other in barcode format coverage based on the provided specifications.
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