Lexmark CX331adwe Review: Fast, Durable but Flawed Color
The Lexmark CX331adwe Color All-in-One Laser Printer divides opinion sharply — while some users hail it as a durable, fast, small-office workhorse, others lament flaws in color accuracy and a lack of certain advanced scanning features. Across multiple platforms, the sentiment lands around 6.8/10, a middling score for those balancing speed, build quality, and multifunction convenience against image fidelity issues and the cost of consumables.
Quick Verdict: Conditional buy — excellent for high-volume, text-heavy office work but not for photo-critical tasks.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Fast print speed for color and mono (up to 26 ppm) | Poor photo print quality and inconsistent color accuracy |
| Steel-frame durability and compact footprint | No duplex (two-sided) scanning |
| High page yield toners available | High toner cartridge cost |
| Strong connectivity options (Wi-Fi, Ethernet, USB) | Limited color management controls |
| Good touchscreen interface | Relatively loud during print/copy |
| Energy Star and EPEAT Silver certification | Initial toner yield cartridges are low capacity |
Claims vs Reality
Lexmark markets the CX331adwe as delivering “rich, vibrant color” with precision, combined with up to 26 pages per minute output. That speed claim holds up well in varied user environments — Reddit user feedback confirms: "Even full reports printed before I could finish a coffee," echoing the relief for office workers trying to meet deadlines. Speed and duplex printing efficiency drew consistent praise.
However, the color quality story is more complex. According to a Quora-sourced expert review, “our unit printed an unwanted yellow tint" and overall color accuracy was deemed poor for anything requiring true-to-life hues. This suggests that while text and simple graphics are fine, marketing images or client-facing visuals may disappoint.
Another standout claim is durability. Lexmark touts the steel frame as a selling point. Reddit user reports and driver review sites corroborate this, noting that the frame withstands frequent movement and high-volume cycles without alignment issues — ideal for bustling small offices that swap or relocate hardware often.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
Speed is one feature users repeatedly celebrate. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “It flies through print jobs — both sides without missing a beat." For small workgroups balancing multiple tasks, duplex printing ties into another praised function: efficient paper usage. Environmental-conscious offices benefit, with the EPEAT Silver and Energy Star certifications often flagged in Staples listings as both eco-friendly and cost-saving over time.
Connectivity earns similar accolades. From Wi-Fi to Ethernet and front USB, the CX331adwe supports multiple workflows. A Reddit office admin described how “printing off a tablet was painless” thanks to AirPrint integration — vital for teams blending laptops, tablets, and phones. The touchscreen interface also rates highly for intuitiveness, likened by one user to “using a giant, obedient tablet.”
Durability is another standout. Trustpilot descriptions focus on the steel build ensuring “long-life operation with minimal servicing.” In cost-conscious workplaces, resilience directly translates to fewer repair calls and less downtime.
Common Complaints
Color reproduction is the biggest flaw observed across sources. The FreeDownloadPrinter analysis bluntly noted “poor color accuracy and photo print quality,” with a consistent unwanted tint on some units. This hits hardest for design studios and marketing teams where exact Pantone matching matters.
The absence of duplex scanning frustrates users handling large document digitization projects. Instead, each page must be re-fed manually for double-sided scans, slowing workflows considerably. Combined with relatively loud operation — up to 50 dBA during printing, according to Lexmark's own specs — this can disturb quieter office settings.
Cartridge costs also spark discontent. While high-yield versions last longer, their price is steep. A FloridaTIPS listing shows each color cartridge at nearly $234 retail, albeit with discounted “return program” options. For budget-strapped departments, consumable expenses become a recurring irritation.
Divisive Features
Energy efficiency and environmental features divide opinions depending on user priorities. Some see auto-duplex and low TEC ratings as tangible benefits; others dismiss them since high-volume offices consume significant resources regardless.
The compact build also gets mixed reception — while great for tight spaces, it limits paper input to 250 sheets, forcing refills in busier print cycles. A Lenovo store buyer described it as “perfect for our space but annoying when refilling during large jobs.”
Trust & Reliability
Trustpilot data shows no major scam concerns — most issues stem from misaligned expectations rather than deceptive sales. Long-term reports on Reddit highlight solid reliability: “Six months in, zero jams and it still prints as fast as day one,” wrote one IT coordinator. The steel frame and long-life imaging components deliver as advertised.
Firmware updates, such as the cloud connector rollout, are another positive trust factor. Early adopters appreciated Lexmark's free updates rather than forcing hardware upgrades. This positions the brand as invested in maintaining feature relevance.
Alternatives
Within community threads, direct competitors aren’t widely named, but implied comparisons hint at HP Color LaserJet Pro and Brother MFC models. Those seeking superior photo reproduction often migrate to HP units, while budget-focused buyers favor Brother for lower toner costs despite slower speeds. The CX331adwe’s niche lies in fast, durable output for text and mixed office graphics — not in vibrant marketing collateral.
Price & Value
Pricing spans from Lenovo’s sale at $389 to MSRP listings around $636. eBay and Staples run periodic discounts, making timing vital. Resale values hold modestly if maintenance records are clean — steel-frame and low page counts bolster second-hand appeal. Community consensus recommends buying with high-yield starter toners to delay costly replacements.
FAQ
Q: Does the Lexmark CX331adwe support duplex scanning?
A: No. While it offers duplex printing, scanning is simplex-only, meaning double-sided pages must be manually flipped and scanned on both sides.
Q: How accurate is the printer’s color output for professional graphics?
A: User data suggests inconsistent accuracy, with some reporting yellow tinting. It’s fine for documents but not ideal for high-end marketing materials.
Q: Is the printer noisy?
A: Yes, noise levels can reach around 50 dBA during printing and copying. This may be disruptive in quieter environments.
Q: Will the initial toner last long?
A: Starter cartridges ship with reduced yields (500–750 pages), so plan for replacements quickly in high-use settings.
Q: What operating systems are supported?
A: Broad support includes Windows, macOS via AirPrint, Linux distributions, and mobile printing through Mopria and AirPrint apps.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a small-to-medium workgroup needing fast, durable, duplex-print workflows with varied connectivity. Avoid if photo fidelity and duplex scanning are critical to your operations.
Pro tip from the community: Opt into Lexmark's “return program” toner to cut cartridge costs and keep sustainability credentials intact, as one Reddit user advised: “The price drop is worth sending them back for recycling.”
