Zebra ZT41146-T01000GA vs Zebra ZT42162-T01000GA: Specification Comparison
Both the Zebra ZT41146-T01000GA and ZT42162-T01000GA are desktop thermal printers in the ZT400 series, sharing the same form factor, print speed, resolution options, symbology support, and memory. The primary differentiator is print width: the ZT41146 is a 4-inch model while the ZT42162 handles 6-inch media. Buyers cross-shopping these units are typically choosing between standard 4-inch label formats common in logistics and light manufacturing versus wider 6-inch formats used in warehouse, retail shelf, and compliance labeling workflows. Bluetooth generation is the secondary axis of differentiation.
In This Guide
- Which printer handles your label width and throughput requirements?
- How do the connectivity and wireless options differ between these two models?
- Are the built-in scan engine, memory, and platform specifications equivalent across both models?
- Which should you choose: the ZT41146-T01000GA or the ZT42162-T01000GA?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which printer handles your label width and throughput requirements?
The ZT41146-T01000GA prints at 4 inches wide at 14 ips, making it suited for standard shipping labels, asset tags, and compliance labels where 4-inch media (e.g., 4x6 inch formats) is the norm. The ZT42162-T01000GA prints at 6 inches wide, also at 14 ips, accommodating wider media such as pallet labels, large retail shelf tags, and extended-format compliance labels without sacrificing throughput speed.
Both units share identical print speed (14 ips) and an identical resolution range (203, 300, and 600 dpi per Product A specs; 203 dpi native with 300/600 dpi capable per Product B specs). For operations already standardized on 4-inch media, the ZT41146 avoids the physical footprint and cost overhead of a 6-inch mechanism. For sites printing 6-inch or mixed-width labels, only the ZT42162 supports the full media width without cropping.
How do the connectivity and wireless options differ between these two models?
Both units include standard USB, Serial, and Ethernet as wired interfaces per their package contents. The wireless distinction lies in Bluetooth generation: the ZT41146-T01000GA includes Bluetooth 4.1 (MFi-certified), while the ZT42162-T01000GA includes Bluetooth 2.1/MFi.
Bluetooth 4.1 (on the ZT41146) supports Bluetooth Low Energy, offering lower power consumption during idle periods and compatibility with a broader range of modern mobile devices and management applications. Bluetooth 2.1/MFi (on the ZT42162) is an older standard with higher active power draw and narrower compatibility with current BLE-only host implementations. For environments pairing printers with modern smartphones, tablets, or Zebra mobile computers using BLE profiles, the ZT41146's Bluetooth 4.1 is the more capable radio. The ZT42162's Bluetooth 2.1 remains functional for legacy pairing scenarios and MFi-certified Apple device workflows.
Are the built-in scan engine, memory, and platform specifications equivalent across both models?
Both the ZT41146-T01000GA and ZT42162-T01000GA include a built-in 2D barcode scan engine capable of reading QR Code, Data Matrix, and PDF417, as well as 1D symbologies including Code 128, Code 39, UPC, and EAN. Neither model requires an external scanner for label verification workflows, which reduces hardware overhead at the print station.
Memory is specified identically at 256 MB SDRAM on both units, covering firmware, templates, programming languages, and documentation storage. Both carry a 1-year warranty and are listed at the same weight (36 lbs./16.33 kg to 40 lbs./18.14 kg per spec). The IR lowlight specification of 850 nm is identical on both. No differences in operating environment ratings, interface card options, or software platform support are present in the provided specifications for either model.
Which should you choose: the ZT41146-T01000GA or the ZT42162-T01000GA?
Our take: The ZT41146-T01000GA is the stronger choice when your operation is standardized on 4-inch label media and modern Bluetooth connectivity is a requirement. It delivers Bluetooth 4.1 (BLE-capable) versus the ZT42162's Bluetooth 2.1, enabling lower-power wireless pairing and compatibility with current mobile devices and BLE management stacks. Print width is the defining hardware delta: 4 inches on the ZT41146 versus 6 inches on the ZT42162, at the same 14 ips throughput and identical 203/300/600 dpi resolution range. Memory (256 MB SDRAM), scan engine (2D, identical symbology set), warranty (1-year), and wired interfaces (USB, Serial, Ethernet) are equivalent. Choose the ZT42162-T01000GA if your label format requires 6-inch media width—pallet labels, wide retail shelf tags, or extended compliance formats—where no 4-inch printer can substitute regardless of other specifications.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Zebra ZT41146-T01000GA | Zebra ZT42162-T01000GA |
|---|---|---|
| Product Type | Thermal Printer | Thermal Printer |
| Form Factor | Desktop | Desktop |
| Print Width | 4 inches | 6 inches |
| Print Speed | 14 ips | 14 ips |
| Print Resolution | 203, 300, 600 dpi | 203, 300, 600 dpi |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 4.1 (MFi) | Bluetooth 2.1/MFi |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Wired Interfaces | USB, Serial, Ethernet | USB, Serial, Ethernet |
| Built-in Scan Engine | 2D | 2D |
| 2D Symbologies | QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417 | QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417 |
| 1D Symbologies | Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN | Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN |
| Memory | 256 MB SDRAM | 256 MB SDRAM |
| Weight | 36–40 lbs. (16.33–18.14 kg) | 36–40 lbs. (16.33–18.14 kg) |
| IR Lowlight | 850 nm | 850 nm |
| Warranty | 1-year | 1-year |
| Mount Type | Desktop | Desktop |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the ZT41146-T01000GA or the ZT42162-T01000GA?
The ZT41146-T01000GA is the stronger choice when your operation is standardized on 4-inch label media and modern Bluetooth connectivity is a requirement. It delivers Bluetooth 4.1 (BLE-capable) versus the ZT42162's Bluetooth 2.1, enabling lower-power wireless pairing and compatibility with current mobile devices and BLE management stacks. Print width is the defining hardware delta: 4 inches on the ZT41146 versus 6 inches on the ZT42162, at the same 14 ips throughput and identical 203/300/600 dpi resolution range. Memory (256 MB SDRAM), scan engine (2D, identical symbology set), warranty (1-year), and wired interfaces (USB, Serial, Ethernet) are equivalent. Choose the ZT42162-T01000GA if your label format requires 6-inch media width—pallet labels, wide retail shelf tags, or extended compliance formats—where no 4-inch printer can substitute regardless of other specifications.
Is the ZT41146-T01000GA or ZT42162-T01000GA better for pairing with modern Android or iOS mobile devices?
The ZT41146-T01000GA is better suited for pairing with modern mobile devices. It includes Bluetooth 4.1, which supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) profiles used by current Android and iOS devices. The ZT42162-T01000GA uses Bluetooth 2.1/MFi, an older standard that lacks BLE support and has narrower compatibility with current mobile operating system Bluetooth stacks.
Can the ZT41146-T01000GA print 6-inch pallet labels?
No. The ZT41146-T01000GA has a specified print width of 4 inches. Printing 6-inch-wide labels requires the ZT42162-T01000GA, which is the only model in this comparison with a 6-inch print width. The ZT41146 cannot physically accommodate 6-inch media.
Do both printers include a built-in barcode scanner, or is one an add-on?
Both the ZT41146-T01000GA and ZT42162-T01000GA include a built-in 2D barcode scan engine as a standard feature per their specifications. No external scanner add-on is required. Both units read the same symbology set: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417 (2D) and Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN (1D).
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