Zebra ZT42162-T01A000Z vs Zebra ZT42162-T01000GA: Specification Comparison
Both the Zebra ZT42162-T01A000Z and ZT42162-T01000GA are 6-inch desktop direct-thermal/thermal-transfer label printers in the ZT421 industrial series, sharing a 14 ips print speed, 203/300/600 dpi resolution capability, 6-inch print width, 256 MB SDRAM, and identical barcode symbology support. The key differentiator a buyer must evaluate is wireless connectivity: the T01A000Z adds 802.11ac Wi-Fi on top of Bluetooth, while the T01000GA ships with Bluetooth only (no Wi-Fi) and an older Bluetooth 2.1 radio versus Bluetooth 4.1/MFi on the T01A000Z.
In This Guide
- Which model supports the wireless connectivity your facility requires?
- Do both models deliver equivalent print speed and resolution across the full 6-inch width?
- Are the barcode symbology and scan-engine capabilities equivalent between the two models?
- Which should you choose: the ZT42162-T01A000Z or the ZT42162-T01000GA?
- Side-by-Side Specs
- FAQ
Which model supports the wireless connectivity your facility requires?
The ZT42162-T01A000Z is specified with Ethernet, 802.11ac Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth 4.1/MFi. This triple-interface configuration allows the printer to join an existing 802.11ac WLAN infrastructure without a wired drop, while simultaneously supporting MFi-certified Bluetooth pairing with iOS mobile devices running Zebra Print Connect or compatible apps.
The ZT42162-T01000GA is specified with Ethernet and Bluetooth 2.1/MFi only. No Wi-Fi radio is listed in its specs. Bluetooth 2.1 predates the Bluetooth 4.0 low-energy and enhanced-rate improvements; it is functional for legacy print-pairing scenarios but lacks the throughput and connection-management advances of Bluetooth 4.1. Buyers deploying in locations without wired Ethernet drops, or those standardizing on 802.11ac wireless infrastructure, cannot use the T01000GA without a separate print server or wired connection.
Wired Ethernet is present on both units, and USB plus Serial are cited in both Package Contents fields, so the wired-only use case is equally served by either model.
Do both models deliver equivalent print speed and resolution across the full 6-inch width?
Print speed is specified at 14 ips on both the ZT42162-T01A000Z and ZT42162-T01000GA, with no speed degradation noted at higher resolutions in either spec set. Print width is 6 inches on both units.
Resolution capability is identical per spec: both list 203, 300, and 600 dpi. The T01A000Z notes native operation at 203 dpi/8 dots per mm with 300 dpi also called out in its connectivity tagline; the T01000GA similarly notes 203 dpi native with 300/600 dpi capability. Neither spec set documents a speed reduction when operating at 300 or 600 dpi, so buyers should verify with Zebra's ZT421 datasheet if high-resolution throughput is critical.
Memory is 256 MB SDRAM on both models, supporting label format storage, programming languages, templates, and documentation as noted in both spec sets. No flash storage capacity is broken out in either specification.
Are the barcode symbology and scan-engine capabilities equivalent between the two models?
Both the ZT42162-T01A000Z and ZT42162-T01000GA are specified with an identical 2D scan engine and the same symbology set: QR Code, Data Matrix, PDF417 (2D); Code 128, Code 39, UPC, EAN (1D). Neither spec set lists additional 2D symbologies such as Aztec or MicroQR, so buyers with those requirements should verify separately.
Both models carry the same IR lowlight spec of 850 nm, and both are described with the same 'Flexibility Easy to Operate' application descriptor. No differences in scan-engine hardware are documented between the two SKUs.
Warranty coverage is 1 year on both units. Package contents are described identically: standard USB, Serial, Ethernet, and Bluetooth. Weight is specified identically at 36 lbs./16.33 kg to 40 lbs./18.14 kg on both, indicating the same physical chassis.
Which should you choose: the ZT42162-T01A000Z or the ZT42162-T01000GA?
Our take: The ZT42162-T01A000Z is the stronger choice when wireless network integration or iOS mobile-pairing compatibility is required. Three concrete spec deltas define the gap: (1) the T01A000Z includes an 802.11ac Wi-Fi radio; the T01000GA has no Wi-Fi radio per spec; (2) the T01A000Z carries Bluetooth 4.1/MFi versus Bluetooth 2.1/MFi on the T01000GA—a meaningful generational difference in connection reliability and low-energy support; (3) all other specs—14 ips speed, 6-inch print width, 203/300/600 dpi resolution, 2D scan engine, symbology set, 256 MB SDRAM, weight, and 1-year warranty—are identical. The T01000GA is appropriate for fixed, wired-Ethernet-only deployments where Wi-Fi is neither available nor needed and Bluetooth 2.1 legacy pairing suffices. Buyers standardizing on 802.11ac wireless print infrastructure or MFi Bluetooth 4.1 mobile workflows should specify the T01A000Z.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Spec-for-spec, from manufacturer data.
| Specification | Zebra ZT42162-T01A000Z | Zebra ZT42162-T01000GA |
|---|---|---|
| Print Width | 6 inches | 6 inches |
| Print Speed | 14 ips | 14 ips |
| Resolution (native / capable) | 203 dpi native; 300, 600 dpi capable | 203 dpi native; 300, 600 dpi capable |
| Form Factor | Desktop | Desktop |
| Wi-Fi | 802.11ac | — |
| Bluetooth Version | Bluetooth 4.1/MFi | Bluetooth 2.1/MFi |
| Wired Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| USB | Yes (Package Contents) | Yes (Package Contents) |
| Serial | Yes (Package Contents) | Yes (Package Contents) |
| Scan Engine | 2D | 2D |
| 1D Symbologies | Code 128; Code 39; UPC; EAN | Code 128; Code 39; UPC; EAN |
| 2D Symbologies | QR Code; Data Matrix; PDF417 | QR Code; Data Matrix; PDF417 |
| Memory | 256 MB SDRAM | 256 MB SDRAM |
| Weight | 36–40 lbs. (16.33–18.14 kg) | 36–40 lbs. (16.33–18.14 kg) |
| Warranty | 1 year | 1 year |
| IR Lowlight | 850 nm | 850 nm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which should you choose: the ZT42162-T01A000Z or the ZT42162-T01000GA?
The ZT42162-T01A000Z is the stronger choice when wireless network integration or iOS mobile-pairing compatibility is required. Three concrete spec deltas define the gap: (1) the T01A000Z includes an 802.11ac Wi-Fi radio; the T01000GA has no Wi-Fi radio per spec; (2) the T01A000Z carries Bluetooth 4.1/MFi versus Bluetooth 2.1/MFi on the T01000GA—a meaningful generational difference in connection reliability and low-energy support; (3) all other specs—14 ips speed, 6-inch print width, 203/300/600 dpi resolution, 2D scan engine, symbology set, 256 MB SDRAM, weight, and 1-year warranty—are identical. The T01000GA is appropriate for fixed, wired-Ethernet-only deployments where Wi-Fi is neither available nor needed and Bluetooth 2.1 legacy pairing suffices. Buyers standardizing on 802.11ac wireless print infrastructure or MFi Bluetooth 4.1 mobile workflows should specify the T01A000Z.
Does the ZT42162-T01000GA support Wi-Fi, or do I need the ZT42162-T01A000Z for wireless network printing?
Based on the provided specs, the ZT42162-T01000GA does not include a Wi-Fi radio—its wireless connectivity is limited to Bluetooth 2.1/MFi plus wired Ethernet. The ZT42162-T01A000Z adds 802.11ac Wi-Fi alongside Bluetooth 4.1/MFi and Ethernet. If wireless LAN connectivity is required, only the T01A000Z is specified to support it.
Is there any difference in print speed or resolution between the ZT42162-T01A000Z and ZT42162-T01000GA?
No. Both models are specified at 14 ips print speed, 6-inch print width, and 203/300/600 dpi resolution capability. Memory is also identical at 256 MB SDRAM on both units. Print performance specs do not differentiate these two SKUs.
Which Bluetooth version does each model use, and does it matter for my deployment?
The ZT42162-T01A000Z uses Bluetooth 4.1/MFi; the ZT42162-T01000GA uses Bluetooth 2.1/MFi. Bluetooth 4.1 supports Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) profiles and improved connection management compared to 2.1. If your mobile devices or host systems require BLE or Bluetooth 4.x pairing, the T01A000Z is the correct choice. For legacy Bluetooth 2.1 environments, the T01000GA is sufficient.
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