Xerox AltaLink C8235 versus Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i – Which A3 printer is best for your office

The webs most comprehensive guide and review of the Xerox AltaLink C8235 and Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i. Complete review, comparison, best prices, service costs, all the stats, everything you need to know.

This review will also help you if you’re looking to buy or rent any of the following Konica office multi-Function printers;

Konica Minolta Bizhub C251i

Konica Minolta Bizhub C301i

Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i

Konica Minolta Bizhub C451i

Konica Minolta Bizhub C551i

Konica Minolta Bizhub C651i

Konica Minolta Bizhub C751i

Or buy or rent any of the following Xerox office Multi-Function Printers;

Xerox AltaLink C8230

Xerox AltaLink C8235

Xerox AltaLink C8245

Xerox AltaLink C8255

Xerox AltaLink C8270

Article updated on 17th February 2026

We’ve split this article into easy to consume sections as follows:

What are the key hardware and software differences between the Konica Minolta Bizhub and the Xerox AltaLink?

Hardware

One of the biggest plusses that the Xerox AltaLink C8235 has from the outset is the amount of hardware, software and functionality that comes as standard. Konica handle things differently, the base price is lower, because you start with a basic print engine, then add everything as optional extras. Xerox and Konica both include a huge range of software functionality, as well as additional apps, many of which are extra cost options.

Overall, the prices of each model when fully configured are broadly similar.

The following items are all chargeable extras on the Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i .

Document Feeder(s)

The Xerox AltaLink C8235 comes standard with a 130-sheet capacity Single-Pass Document feeder.

The Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i comes without a document feeder. You can start with a simple platen cover, – “Original Cover OC-511”. There are two optional document feeders, the DF-632 Reversing automatic document feeder and the DF-714 Dualscan automatic document feeder.

Both of Konica’s document feeders have a capacity of 100 sheets, which is lower than that of the Xerox AltaLink.

The Konica DF-714 is the equivalent of the Xerox Single Pass Feeder; however, it has a lower capacity of 100 sheets. The DF714 pips the Xerox with the weight of the paper you can place in the document feeder: 163gsm vs 128gsm.

Paper Cassettes

Depending on which version you choose, the Xerox AltaLink C8235 comes with either four 520-sheet paper drawers (C8235V_T) all of which accept SRA3 paper, or the high-capacity version (C8135V_F), which sees the bottom two 520 sheet drawers swapped for 2 x high-capacity A4 drawers, giving a total paper capacity of 3,140 sheets (C8135V_F). With either version, the paper drawers act as a built-in cabinet / stand, but there is no space in either model for storing paper or spare consumables.

On the Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i, you have to choose one of the either a basic cabinet without cassettes,  or choose between four different paper drawer stand options. The four paper tray options on the Konica range from a basic total of 1,150 sheets through to 3,650 sheets. As with the Xerox AltaLink C8200, the Konica can be equipped with an optional 3,000-sheet Hi-Capacity Feeder. Giving the Konica a Top Trump 6,650 total capacity versus 6,180 on the AltaLink C8235.

The Konica Minolta Bizhub supports SRA3, but this is only possible through tray 1 and the bypass. Also, the cassettes only support a maximum of 256 GSM; anything heavier has to go through the bypass.

All four of Xerox’s standard cassettes support SRA3 and up to 300GSM paper weight.

The AltaLink C8200 Series can auto-duplex from any tray and up to 300GSM. The Konica will only auto-duplex up to 256GSM.

You can add the optional IM-103 Image Sensor to the Konica C251i / C301i / C361i models. This will automatically detect the paper weight, size and colour. A very helpful feature that eliminates the need to change the machine’s settings, helps reduce paper jams, and adjusts the machine to produce perfect prints. The IM-103 is standard on the Konica C451i / C551i / C651i / C751i models.

Output tray

There is an inner separation tray that is standard on the AltaLink. The tray can be used to separate print jobs from copy jobs, ensuring users do not inadvertently remove a colleague’s printouts. The Konica C361i can be fitted with an inner separation tray; however, this is an extra cost option (JS-506 Job separator).

Print Quality

One area that cannot be measured purely by statistics is colour quality. Often a subjective matter, frequently misunderstood.

For example, ignore a manufacturer’s stated D.P.I. It’s such a small part of the picture; in our opinion, it’s meaningless. That’s the equivalent of taking the BHP figure of a car and assuming it will be faster than a competitor, purely based on this number.

The only way to define print quality is by looking at the equivalent output, on the same paper, from the same file, across several samples.

In our experience, Konica has probably the best colour quality and consistency of any manufacturer.

Reliability

Modern printers are highly reliable, especially when serviced regularly. When it comes to reliability, both Xerox and Konica Minolta have solid reputations. There is little to choose between the two.

To get the most life from your investment, we recommend having a Managed Print Service agreement.

For customers choosing the DIY route, we still recommend having a routine maintenance visit. Not doing so is a false economy; you wouldn’t just drive your car until it broke down.

Last, but probably most important, never use compatible toners or parts. Whilst they may work when first installed, you are essentially slowly poisoning your machine. Compatible toners will cause catastrophic damage; the cost to reinstate the machine to working health will be far more than any savings you made by purchasing fake toner. In addition, most non-genuine toner cartridges do not last anywhere near as long as the genuine item.

Monthly print Capability

Xerox states that the average sustainable monthly print volume for the AltaLink C8235 is 5,000-15,000 pages.

Konica states a recommended maximum monthly volume of 33,000 pages, meaning it can handle double the capacity of the Xerox AltaLink 8235. 33,000 pages per month does seem optimistic for a machine that has a lightweight chassis of just 122KG, compared to the 143KG of the AltaLink.

Software integrations

Apps

The Xerox AltaLink C8235 comes with a lot of cloud software integrations and apps out of the box, these are included as standard. Whilst some of the apps are totally free, some are credit-based, and they will expire at some point. You can buy more credits without committing to a subscription. Xerox has a customer-facing portal where end users can purchase credits or apps directly.

Konica is now including a large selection of apps on the C361i, straight out of the box. You can add more cloud services and apps, most of which are chargeable; they are available from Konica Minolta’s “App Marketplace”.

Xerox has an open software platform; partners can create apps for customers according to a customer’s specific needs.

Xerox has an app-building / customisation service. Konica does not currently offer app customisation.

Cloud Print and integration

Both Konica and Xerox are named Leaders in Quocirca’s Cloud Print Services 2024 Landscape Report. They have both taken a big step in the direction of cloud printing and have deeply integrated their printers with Microsoft’s Universal Print offering, meaning that you do not need to use Microsoft’s Universal Print Connecter.

Both the Konica Minolta Bizhub C301i and Xerox AltaLink C8200 series have Cloud Identity Provider (IdP) Integration, including Active Directory, Ping Identity, Okta.

With both the Xerox and Konica you can print from Dropbox / 365 / OneDrive / Box / Google Drive cloud print services.

Security

Both Xerox and Konica are rated as leaders in Quocirca’s Global Print Security Landscape 2024 Report.

Xerox and Konica are one of the few Printer Manufacturers offering Single Sign On (SSO Oauth2). This means that with a single sign on to an AltaLink or Bizhub device you will be authenticated for multiple cloud services, saving you valuable time from having to log in to multiple online accounts. Konica also have SSO to Microsoft Entra ID or Google Workspace.

Both the Konica C361i and Xerox AltaLink C8235 have Common Criteria ISO 15408 (HCD-PP/ ISO15408) security certification. Konica and Xerox approach security slightly differently.

Xerox provides Trellix (formerly known as McAfee) whitelisting as standard, standard TPM module (v2.0) compliant with ISO/IEC 11889, along with various options such as; Trellix ePO, Cisco ISE integration, and Native Configuration Remediation (Configuration Watchdog).

Konica offers real time Bitdefender Virus scan, which scans all files to and from the device. Konica has various security upgrades such as their bizhub SECURE Platinum and Ultimate service. Some items are extra-cost options, such as Trusted Platform Module (TPM).

A detailed security analysis and comparison between the Konica Bizhub and Xerox AltaLink can be found in the security section further below.

Basic Specifications

The Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i and Xerox AltaLink C8235 appear to be even competitors if you go by the print speed as a category, but Konica charge extra for many basic features and hardware that are standard on the Xerox.

Screen features and access control

The Xerox AltaLink C8235 and Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i start out on an even footing, both have a tilting 10.1 inch screen. The Xerox pulls away thereafter with a much higher level of customisation and productivity features built in.

Apps and Ai features

Printing Features and cloud print services

Both the Xerox AltaLink C8200 Series and the Konica Minolta Bizhub CXX1i Series do the traditional basics really well. When it comes to modern methods of printing and accessing cloud services, they have both chosen to include what users are asking for, on the device straight out of the box and free of charge. Konica and Xerox offer users advanced cloud services, you will need to download apps from their respective portals.

Scanning features and cloud services

Memory, Hard Drive & Processor capability

The headline specifications are evenly matched. Whilst the hard drive capacities are the same, Xerox uses the latest NV RAM chip, which is up to 5 times faster than an SSD Drive, as Konica do not state the type of SSD we can only assume it’s a SATA. Konica use a slightly more powerful processor, along with a larger RAM.

Paper Capacities & Options

Xerox is one of the only manufacturers to start their range with an “Out of the box” ready-to-go configuration. Most manufacturers require you to add several items to get a working machine. That’s like a car manufacturer selling you a car that comes with no wheels or seats 😲 – sorry for the repeated car analogies.

The “entry” Xerox AltaLink C8235 comes as standard with four drawers, giving a total capacity of 2,180 sheets. The base configuration of the Konica, has only two drawers and a bypass, totalling just 1,150 sheets. To reach the minimum specification of the Xerox, you need to add the optional PC-216 2 x Universal Tray.

On the Xerox C8235, all paper trays handle 300GSM and SRA3 size paper. The C8235V_F version has 3,140 sheets as standard. The AltaLink C8200 Series can be supplemented with an optional 3,000-sheet hi-capacity paper deck too. Giving a total of 6,180 sheets.

The maximum paper weight in all drawers on the Konica, is 256GSM. The top tray (tray 1) is the only tray that accepts SRA3. You can only print on heavy stocks through the bypass.

The Xerox AltaLink will duplex onto 300GSM SRA3, the Konica can only duplex on SRA3 up to 256GSM

Weight & Dimensions

The Konica C361i has one of the smallest footprints for a full-size A3 Multi-Function Printer. Meaning that if you are restricted on space, then this would be a great choice.

Security and Access Control

Xerox has long since been a leader when it comes to the breadth and depth of its security offering, the comparison here shows that the Xerox AltaLink C8235 stands head and shoulders above the Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i, there’s just so much that Xerox have built in as standard.

Toner capacities and supplies lifespan

Toner capacities may not be the top of users considerations when it comes to choosing an office duty Multi-Function Printer, however it does mean that you’ll be changing black toners slightly less frequently with a Xerox AltaLink C8200 Series. You’ll need to hold fewer supplies, as the Xerox drums have a universal fit across CMYK, whereas Konica has one drum for CMY, and a different one for black (K).

Environmental and power consumption

Protecting the environment is something we must all take seriously, both as businesses and individuals. Konica and Xerox have made massive strides in recent years to help us reduce our carbon footprints.

Aside from the technical specifications of the equipment performance, there are numerous advances in the use of recycled materials, the reduction in non-recyclable packaging, and the increase in the amount of the machine that can be recycled again. Konica won an award for its proprietary air-cushioning packaging, which eliminates the use of Styrofoam.

Konica and Xerox have similar credentials when it comes to environmental recognition and certification.

Optional Extras

Konica and Xerox have a vast selection of accessories. In our experience, users rarely buy any of these 🤷🏻‍♂️.

Fiery Print Controller Options

Out of the box, the Xerox AltaLink C8200 Series has a higher D.P.I. (dots per inch) resolution than the Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i. But, as I said above, D.P.I. isn’t the be all and end all. If you are looking to produce any marketing material, presentations or promotional material and you need a high quality accurate colour finish, then the Konica produces better quality in our opinion.

Both the Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i and the Xerox AltaLink C8235 can be fitted with a Fiery Controller. For the uninitiated, a Fiery is best described as a print driver on steroids. It’s not only going to get you highly accurate colour matching, it can handle those large complex files with ease.

Both machines are good enough to print limited runs of your own in-house marketing material and get that all important full edge to edge colour, just like a professional print shop – this requires SRA3 capability. Xerox and Konica are used by many professional print shops for their high print quality.

Prices

You will have noticed how difficult it is to get quotes for a heavy-duty A3 office printer. Unfortunately, most of the industry is still stuck in the old world habits of not making pricing transparent and not giving you a price until a salesperson visits. The other challenge you will have is buying a machine without entering a long-term contract.

You can find prices for the Konica C361i and buy one from us here

You can find prices for the AltaLink C8235 HERE

As important as the cost of the machine is, it’s not nearly as important as the cost to run the machine. Over the life of the printer, you will spend at least double the cost of the printer running it, you didn’t mis-read that. The running cost of the printer will be your biggest outlay, easily outstripping the initial purchase cost, or the monthly rental. So you should do your due diligence and make sure that you get complete transparency from a supplier clearly detailing what they include, what’s extra, and what the tie-in to the contract involves.

Running costs on the AltaLink C8200 Series and Konica CXX1i Series are similar, starting from as low as 2.9p per colour print and 0.3p per mono print.

Conclusion

Konica and Xerox have followed the same path with their latest models. They’ve taken their previous range and updated the software and firmware; everything else is the same. They both use the same comsumables, the same accessories, the same parts as their previous models.

We say, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Or, is it the age-old trick: make a small modification and stick a new model number on it?

Security and Environment

Xerox have included just about every security protocol in the price of their machine; there’s very little left to add. Not only does Xerox offer a lot as standard, there are additional higher security offerings in their armoury, with things such as the optional Trellix integrity control and Cisco Identity Services Engine integration.

Koinca does have robust security, but if you want to reach the level of Xerox, you have to pay for it. Konica has Bizhub secure, offering three chargeable levels; Secure, Platinum and Ultimate. You can see why Xerox features at the top of every independent report on security.

Performance statistics

Both the Konica and Xerox are solid performers; they both have decent hardware. There’s nothing between them.

Software infrastructure

Xerox’s has its ConnectKey open software platform, which gives you access to a huge range of apps, many of which are free and do not require subscription. The AltaLink C8200 series also comes preloaded with several Ai apps that dramatically improve user experience and productivity. Konica has something similar, called “marketplace”. It comes pre-loaded with the most popular apps, you can download more, many of which subscritpion based.

Final thoughts

We think that the both the Xerox AltaLink C8235 and Konica Minolta Bizhub C361i are decent pieces of kit, both will suit many office users.

If you are worried about Cybersecurity and data protection, Xerox have you covered. Security comes on the box as standard and works for the serious business user or corporate, and it can work for an SME that wants to deploy security without needing a high degree of IT knowledge.

Konica wins if it’s colour quality you’re looking for.