Canon PIXMA MG4240 — Review: Features, Specs, Performance
Canon PIXMA MG4240 — Detailed Review: Features, Specifications, Performance & Business Use
The Canon PIXMA MG4240 is a multifunction inkjet printer designed to meet the needs of home users and small offices looking for a compact, efficient, and affordable all-in-one solution. Combining printing, scanning, and copying capabilities, the MG4240 represents Canon’s commitment to offering versatile and reliable printers at a consumer-friendly price point. With features like Wi-Fi connectivity, automatic duplex printing, and mobile printing compatibility, it blends practicality and modern convenience into a single sleek design.
In this in-depth 1500-word review, we’ll explore the Canon PIXMA MG4240’s features, technical specifications, real-world performance, and suitability for business and personal use — giving you a comprehensive understanding of what this printer can do.
1. Design and Build Quality
The Canon PIXMA MG4240 carries the familiar Canon design language — compact, elegant, and user-friendly. Its matte black finish and curved edges give it a professional look that fits easily into both home and small-office environments.
Despite being a multifunction device, it maintains a small footprint, measuring approximately 449 x 304 x 152 mm and weighing about 5.7 kg. It fits comfortably on a desk or a shelf without taking up too much space.
Key Design Highlights:
-
Compact all-in-one design: Print, scan, and copy without needing multiple devices.
-
2.5-inch color LCD screen: Allows easy navigation through menus and settings.
-
Front-loading paper tray: Simplifies paper replacement and reduces desk clutter.
-
Automatic duplex printing: Prints on both sides of the paper without manual intervention.
-
Energy efficiency: Equipped with Auto Power On/Off to save power during idle times.
The build quality is solid for its class, and the buttons feel tactile and responsive. The top lid opens smoothly for scanning or copying, while the front output tray folds neatly when not in use. The display is bright and sufficiently large for status updates, even though it’s not a touchscreen.
2. Features Overview
The PIXMA MG4240 comes loaded with practical features that make it ideal for a variety of uses — from printing photos to managing daily office documents. Canon designed this model for ease of use, combining traditional functionality with wireless versatility.
Key Features:
-
All-in-One Functionality – Print, scan, and copy from one device.
-
Wi-Fi Connectivity – Print wirelessly from laptops, smartphones, and tablets.
-
PIXMA Cloud Link – Access and print from cloud storage and social media platforms like Google Drive, Dropbox, and Picasa.
-
Automatic Duplex Printing – Reduces paper usage and supports eco-friendly printing.
-
Borderless Photo Printing – Create edge-to-edge photos up to A4 size.
-
Canon My Image Garden Software – Organize, enhance, and print photos easily.
-
Mobile Printing Support – Compatible with Canon PRINT app, Apple AirPrint, and Google Cloud Print.
-
Fast Front Design – Simplifies ink and paper replacement via front access.
This combination of features makes the MG4240 more than just a printer — it’s a flexible hub for digital and print workflows, especially useful in hybrid home-office setups.
3. Technical Specifications
Below is a detailed breakdown of the Canon PIXMA MG4240’s core specifications:
| Specification | Details |
|---|---|
| Printer Type | Inkjet All-in-One (Print/Scan/Copy) |
| Print Technology | Canon FINE Ink Cartridge System (2 cartridges: Black and Tri-color) |
| Print Resolution | Up to 4800 x 1200 dpi |
| Print Speed (ISO) | Approx. 9.9 ipm (black) / 5.7 ipm (color) |
| Photo Printing | Borderless 10 x 15 cm photo in approx. 44 seconds |
| Scanner Type | Flatbed CIS (Contact Image Sensor) |
| Scanner Resolution | Optical: 1200 x 2400 dpi |
| Copy Speed | Approx. 20 seconds for color copy |
| Paper Sizes Supported | A4, A5, B5, Letter, 10x15 cm, 13x18 cm, 20x25 cm, Envelopes (DL, COM10) |
| Paper Capacity | 100 sheets (rear tray) |
| Connectivity | USB 2.0 Hi-Speed, Wi-Fi 802.11b/g/n |
| Supported OS | Windows 7/8/10, macOS, and mobile OS (iOS/Android) |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 449 x 304 x 152 mm |
| Weight | Approx. 5.7 kg |
4. Print Quality and Performance
Print Quality
Canon’s FINE (Full-photolithography Inkjet Nozzle Engineering) technology ensures that even an entry-level printer like the MG4240 delivers sharp, detailed output. Text documents print crisply, and color graphics maintain vibrant tones with smooth gradients.
When it comes to photo printing, the printer impresses for its class. Borderless photo prints are rich in color, and Canon’s ChromaLife100 system helps preserve photo quality against fading.
Speed
For everyday tasks, print speed is respectable:
-
Text documents: around 9–10 pages per minute (black and white).
-
Color documents: about 5–6 pages per minute.
-
Photos: a 10x15 cm borderless photo takes approximately 44 seconds.
While not designed for high-volume printing, it’s fast enough for small offices or personal projects. Duplex printing slightly slows output but saves paper and is convenient for professional reports.
Paper Handling
The MG4240 uses a rear tray for paper feeding — it holds up to 100 sheets, which is sufficient for light to moderate workloads. The printer handles a range of media types, including glossy photo paper, matte paper, envelopes, and labels.
5. Scanning and Copying Performance
The built-in CIS flatbed scanner captures documents at resolutions up to 1200 x 2400 dpi, suitable for archiving and moderate-resolution image scanning. Scans are clean and well-detailed, particularly for photos and graphics.
Copying performance is straightforward — color copies take around 20 seconds per page, while black-and-white copies are slightly faster. Multiple copies and resizing features can be controlled easily via the LCD menu.
The Canon Quick Utility also allows scan-to-PC or direct scan-to-email, depending on software configuration.
6. Connectivity and Software
Wireless Printing
The PIXMA MG4240 is equipped with Wi-Fi, allowing seamless connection to your local network. Users can print from multiple devices without using cables — ideal for households with multiple laptops or smartphones.
Setup is straightforward using WPS (Wi-Fi Protected Setup) or manual connection. Once connected, the printer works with the Canon PRINT Inkjet/SELPHY app for printing photos and documents directly from smartphones or tablets.
Cloud and Mobile Integration
Canon’s PIXMA Cloud Link feature enables direct printing from cloud services and social media. Users can print documents from Google Drive, OneDrive, and photos from Facebook or Instagram without transferring them manually.
Compatibility with Apple AirPrint and Google Cloud Print adds further convenience for mobile device users.
Software Tools
Canon’s bundled software enhances usability:
-
My Image Garden: Organizes and enhances photos before printing.
-
Creative Park Premium: Access to templates, designs, and craft ideas.
-
Easy-WebPrint EX: Helps clip and print from web pages efficiently.
7. Ink System and Running Costs
The Canon PIXMA MG4240 uses a dual-cartridge system:
-
Black Cartridge (PG-540)
-
Tri-color Cartridge (CL-541)
While this system simplifies replacement, it can be less economical for heavy color users since one depleted color requires replacing the entire tri-color cartridge. However, Canon offers XL versions of these cartridges (PG-540XL and CL-541XL) for higher page yields and lower cost per page.
Typical Yields:
-
Black (standard): ~180 pages
-
Black (XL): ~600 pages
-
Color (standard): ~180 pages
-
Color (XL): ~400 pages
For users printing regularly but not excessively, using XL cartridges provides a good balance between cost efficiency and convenience.
8. Energy Efficiency and Noise Levels
The MG4240 is ENERGY STAR® certified, consuming minimal power during operation and almost none in standby. The Auto Power On/Off feature automatically turns the printer off after a period of inactivity and powers it on when a print job is sent — excellent for home offices aiming to save energy.
Noise levels are modest, thanks to Canon’s Quiet Mode, which reduces operational sound during late-night printing or in quiet workspaces.
9. Business Use and Productivity
While the Canon PIXMA MG4240 isn’t intended for large enterprise workloads, it fits neatly into small businesses, home offices, and personal professionals who value flexibility and quality over sheer speed.
Ideal Business Use Cases:
-
Freelancers and Remote Workers: For reports, invoices, and scans.
-
Small Offices or Consultancies: Suitable for light daily document tasks.
-
Educational Use: Ideal for teachers, students, or parents printing assignments and study materials.
-
Creative Professionals: Great for producing small-run photo prints, flyers, or promotional materials.
Its wireless capability supports multi-user environments, allowing everyone in a small office to share one printer without a wired network setup.
10. Pros and Cons
Pros
✅ Compact, elegant all-in-one design
✅ Excellent print quality for text and photos
✅ Built-in Wi-Fi and mobile/cloud printing support
✅ Automatic duplex printing
✅ Easy-to-use color LCD interface
✅ Energy-efficient and quiet operation
Cons
❌ Tri-color cartridge design can waste ink if one color runs out
❌ Modest paper capacity (100 sheets)
❌ No Ethernet port for wired networks
❌ Slower than business-class laser printers
❌ Not ideal for high-volume environments
11. Final Verdict
The Canon PIXMA MG4240 strikes an appealing balance between price, functionality, and quality. It’s a well-rounded printer that excels in home offices, small businesses, and creative settings where printing versatility and wireless convenience matter.
Its print quality, especially for photos and graphics, is impressive for its class, and Canon’s software ecosystem adds creative and productivity value. While it’s not a high-volume printer, the MG4240’s combination of automatic duplexing, Wi-Fi printing, and compact design make it a smart choice for everyday users.
Final Rating: 8.7/10
-
Print Quality: ★★★★★
-
Speed: ★★★★☆
-
Ease of Use: ★★★★★
-
Connectivity: ★★★★☆
-
Value for Money: ★★★★★
Canon PIXMA MG4240 Operating System Compatibility
MG4240 series MP Drivers (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64/XP)~~~>>> DownloadMG4240 series XPS Printer Driver (Windows 10/10 x64/8.1/8.1 x64/8/8 x64/7/7 x64/Vista/Vista64) ~~~>>>DownloadWindows Printers and Multifunction Printers security patch Ver.1.0.2~~~>>>Download
Steps by Step to Install Canon PIXMA MG4240
- The first of all, you will need the setup file for the driver and software that you will need to install Canon PIXMA MG4240 . If you do not have the file that you need, then you need to download it first from the official website of Canon.
- The second thing that you need is the USB cable that can connect your printer to the computer or laptop where the software will be installed. Make sure it is compatible, or you can use the cable from the package when you buy the printer.
- The first thing that you need to do is turning on the laptop or computer where the software will be installed and your PIXMA MG4240 .
- Before you do anything, you need to make sure that the USB cable is unplugged. That is because you will need to plug the USB cable later on, but not now.
- The next thing that you need to do is downloading the necessary setup file for your Canon PIXMA MG4240 and run the file to start the installation program. You just need to follow all of the simple instructions when the installation program starts.
- After the installation is finished, you will be prompted to plug in the USB cable and you should do that. Soon after that, the program will automatically check on the USB cable connection automatically. After you plug in the cable, the installation will continue to the further process.
- You just need to follow the later instructions to finish the whole installation process.
- When all of the processes are finished, then the installation is finished too and you can start using your Canon MG4240 for printing.
Method 2: Installing PIXMA MG4240 Using Manual Driver Installation
- You need to firstly have the driver setup for Canon PIXMA MG4240 or the software setup to install the printer. You can find the specific link on the official website of Canon.
- The next thing that you need is the printer USB cable that will connect the printer to the computer or laptop.
- The first thing that you need to do is turning on the computer or laptop where you will install the software and the PIXMA MG4240 printer.
- After that, you need to connect the USB cable from the printer to the computer.
- Once the cable has been connected, you will need to start extracting the data and setup file that you have downloaded for PIXMA MG4240 .
- If you are running on Windows 7 or Vista for the operating system, then you will need to go to Control Panel and search for View Devices and Printer. For those who are running their computer on XP operating system, you need to find Fax and Printer options on Control Panel.
- Once you have found the main option, you will need to pick Add a Printer to start the installation.
- Before you start the installation process, you will need to lead the program to the extracted data file that the installation software needs. Therefore, take the tab to the location where you extracted the setup file earlier.
- After waiting for some time, you will notice that the printer has been installed on your computer and you are ready to use the PIXMA MG4240 printer.
Method 3: Canon MG4240 Software Installation Using Automatic Wizard
- First of all, you will need to have the CD/DVD drive to be installed on your computer. Most computers have this kind of device.
- The second thing that you need is the software CD for installing Canon PIXMA MG4240 printer. The CD is usually included on the bundle package when you buy the printer.
- The third thing that you need is the USB cable that will connect PIXMA MG4240 to the computer when you are installing the printer.
- The first thing that you need to do is turning on the computer and your Canon PIXMA MG4240 printer. Make sure you do not forget those things.
- You should not connect the USB cable from PIXMA MG4240 to the computer now. That is because you will be prompted to do that later on.
- The next thing that you need to do is inserting the installation CD to your CD/DVD drive. After that, the CD will run automatically and start the automatic wizard to install Canon PIXMA MG4240 . You just need to follow all of the instructions until the whole process is finished.
- When the automatic wizard prompts you to insert or connect the USB cable from PIXMA MG4240 to your printer, then you will need to do so.
- Wait for the automatic wizard detects the USB cable after it is connected. When the wizard has detected the USB cable, you just need to follow the further steps.
- After few moments, you will get the finish notification. That means, your Canon PIXMA MG4240 is already installed and ready to use.
Setup / Installation Canon PIXMA MG4240 for Mac
- To begin the installation, you need first the respective file driver. So, download the file, prior, and at the time you think about the installation, trace the file that you save in particular folder. Or check your computer setting.
- Next, hit the downloaded file twice, and ensure that you mount the driver file on Disk Image.
- Afterward on the mounted Disk Image give another double click.
- And finally, apply two-time click on packaged drivel file. Just wait, since the installation will be automatically started.
Comments
Post a Comment