Choosing between Xerox and Konica Minolta for your next A3 office printer?

The Xerox AltaLink C8235 and the Konica Minolta bizhub C361i are two of the most popular 35 page per minute A3 colour multifunction printers for small and medium-sized businesses. Both print, copy and scan in colour, handle A3 and SRA3 paper and suit a team of around 10-25 people. They go about it in different ways, so the best A3 office printer for you depends on what matters most in your office.

Scriptum supplies and supports both brands, so this comparison is neutral: we tell you where each one is stronger.

Who is a 35ppm A3 office printer for?

• Small and medium-sized businesses where one printer serves the whole office.
• Departments in larger organisations that need their own colour device.
• Accountants, solicitors, estate agents and architects who print and scan client documents.
• Offices printing roughly 6,000-12,000 pages a month.
• Teams producing colour leaflets, proposals and presentations in-house.

New to buying an office printer? Start with our beginners guide to choosing an A3 office printer.

This is a detailed, independent comparison of the Xerox AltaLink C8235 and the Konica Minolta bizhub C361i: what comes as standard, what costs extra, colour quality, security, paper handling, size and running costs, so you can decide which is right for your office.

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 September 2026.

What is included as standard, and what costs extra?

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.

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

Document feeders

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.

How many pages a month can each printer handle?

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

Konica Minolta states a recommended maximum monthly volume of 33,000 pages for the bizhub C361i. Note that this is a maximum rather than an average, so it is not directly comparable with the Xerox figure. 33,000 pages a month does seem optimistic for a machine with a lightweight chassis of 122kg, compared with the 143kg AltaLink.

In practice, both are 35ppm machines and suit the same size of office. Check where yours sits:

Software, apps and cloud printing

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 printing 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.

Print security: Quocirca ratings and certification

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.

Xerox AltaLink C8235 vs Konica Minolta bizhub C361i: key 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.

Touchscreen 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 scanning

Memory, hard drive and processor

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 capacity and paper handling

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

Size and weight: which fits a small office better?

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 compared

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 capacity and consumables life

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).

Energy use and environmental credentials

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.

Verdict: which is the best A3 office printer for you?

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 consumables, 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.

Konica 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

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

Software infrastructure

Xerox 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 subscription 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.

Which is the best A3 office printer for your office?

Choose the Xerox AltaLink C8235 if:

• You want a complete machine out of the box, with a single-pass document feeder, four paper trays, OCR scanning and a job separator tray included.
• Security is a priority and you want the most comprehensive toolset included as standard.
• You print regularly on heavy card (up to 300gsm) or SRA3 from any tray, including double-sided.
• You want an open app platform with AI-assisted apps and custom workflows.

Choose the Konica Minolta bizhub C361i if:

• Colour quality and consistency are your top priority.
• Space is tight: it has one of the smallest footprints of any full-size A3 multifunction printer.
• You prefer to start with a lower-cost base machine and add only the options you need.
• You want real-time Bitdefender virus scanning of files going to and from the device.

What should be included in a quote for a 35ppm A3 office printer?

Headline prices rarely compare like for like. Before you sign, ask every supplier to confirm, in writing, that the quote includes:

• The exact model and configuration, including the document feeder, paper trays and cabinet or stand.
• Security features: an encrypted hard drive, secure print release and end-of-life data wipe.
• Genuine Adobe PostScript and OCR (searchable PDF) scanning if you need them, and whether they are standard or extra.
• Any finisher, booklet maker or hole punch your team needs.
• Delivery, installation, network set-up and user training.
• A service agreement with the cost per mono and colour page, what is included (toner, parts, labour, call-outs) and the guaranteed response time.
• The contract length, any minimum monthly volume and annual price increases.

On the Konica Minolta bizhub C361i, the document feeder, paper cassettes and cabinet are chosen as options, so make sure the quote lists the exact configuration.

Service, uptime and support: questions to ask

Over its life, an A3 office printer will usually cost more to run than to buy, so the service agreement matters as much as the machine. Ask:

• What is the guaranteed engineer response time, and is it measured in working hours?
• Are toner, parts, labour and call-outs all included in the cost per page?
• Is toner sent automatically when the machine reports it is low?
• Can the supplier fix problems remotely, and do they monitor the device?
• What happens at the end of the contract, and how is data wiped from the hard drive?

Should you buy, lease or rent?

Most UK businesses finance an A3 office printer rather than paying outright. Buying gives the lowest total cost if you keep the machine for five years or more. Leasing spreads the cost over a fixed term (usually three to five years) and keeps cash free for the business. Renting suits short projects or businesses that need flexibility.

Our guide to buying, leasing or renting an office multifunction printer explains the pros and cons of each option in plain English.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best A3 office printer for a small business?

For most small businesses, a 30-36ppm A3 colour multifunction printer is the right size. The Xerox AltaLink C8235 and Konica Minolta bizhub C361i are two of the strongest options; the right one depends on whether you value an all-inclusive specification and security (Xerox) or colour quality and a compact footprint (Konica Minolta).

Which has better colour quality, Xerox or Konica Minolta?

In our experience, Konica Minolta has probably the best colour quality and consistency of any manufacturer. The Xerox AltaLink has a higher stated resolution, but dpi alone does not define print quality.

Does the bizhub C361i come with a document feeder?

No. You choose a platen cover or one of two optional document feeders. The Xerox AltaLink C8235 includes a 130-sheet single-pass feeder as standard.

Which printer is more secure?

Both are rated Leaders in the Quocirca Print Security Landscape report and both have Common Criteria certification. Xerox includes more security features as standard; Konica Minolta offers extra protection through its paid bizhub SECURE services.

How many people can share a 35ppm A3 printer?

Typically 10-25 people printing around 6,000-12,000 pages a month.

Can you supply both Xerox and Konica Minolta?

Yes. Scriptum supplies, installs and supports both brands, so we can recommend whichever suits you best.

Get expert advice on the best A3 office printer for you

Scriptum Document Solutions supplies, installs and supports Xerox and Konica Minolta multifunction printers for businesses across the UK. We will look at how your office prints, recommend the right size and configuration, and give you an honest like-for-like quote. Not sure what you need? Book a free print audit and we will measure it for you.

You can also buy the Konica Minolta bizhub C361i or the Xerox AltaLink C8235 from our online shop. For a newer rival, see our Canon imageFORCE C3135 vs bizhub C361i comparison.

Call us on 0800 011 2858, email interface@scriptumds.co.uk or fill in the short form below and we will come back to you.

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