Sharp BP-70C45 vs. Konica Minolta bizhub C451i Value Analysis: More business-critical features for greater value
Today’s business users demand cutting-edge features and security and while still making the most of their budget. Sharp makes that easy with the BP Color Advanced Series. In addition to the base model being less expensive than the Konica Minolta model, it offers a better standard feature set, including an integrated retractable keyboard for easy entry of scan destinations, OCR and Encrypted PDF scanning, Serverless Print Release and a 300-sheet duplexing single pass feeder with an original reminder light that is not available on the C451i. Once you add in these options to comparably configure the Konica Minolta model, it’s clear that the BP-70C45 is a better value.
KEY BENEFITS
- Standard wireless connectivity makes mobile printing and scanning more accessible
- Intuitive tablet-style touchscreen with Easy Copy and Easy Scan modes simplifies user experience
- Standard optical character recognition (OCR) converts documents to popular Microsoft® Office file formats and searchable PDFs
- Integrated retractable keyboard and fast scan speeds simplify data entry and boost productivity
- Standard PANTONE licensing means professional color matching without the added cost of an optional print controller
- Standard Serverless Print Release provides flexibility and improves security
- Standard leading-edge, multi-layered security features help safeguard confidential data and network resources
| Sharp BP-70C45 | Konica Minolta bizhub C451i | |
| First Copy Out Time | 6.5 sec color, 4.5 sec black | 5.0 sec color, 3.8 sec black |
| Warm-up Time | 18 sec | 17 sec color, 15 sec black |
| Standard System Memory | 5 GB RAM / 256 GB SSD | 8 GB RAM, 2556 GB SSD |
| Maximum Paper Capacity | 6,300 sheets | 6,650 sheets |
| Document Feeder | 300-sheet DSPF | 300-sheet DSPF |
| PANTONE Color Matching | Standard | Optional with Fiery Controller |
| Encrypted Secure Print | Standard | Optional |
| USB File Preview | Standard | Not Available |
| End of Lease Data Erase + Confirmation Report | Standard | Optional |
Exceptional ease of use with an intuitive user interface, simplified workflows, and virtual training
The Sharp BP-70C45 features a 10.1″ (diagonal) tablet-style control panel that offers:
- A capacitive touchscreen display for accurate, responsive operation
- An intuitive menu system and simple navigation procedures
- Menu-driven Easy Modes for simple operation and faster job programming
- The Sharp Remote Front Panel feature to remotely operate, troubleshoot, or
configure the MFP and help simplify training, support and administration
Standard features deliver exceptional ease of use
Sharp makes using the BP-70C45 nearly effortless by integrating convenient features into the device design. An integrated retractable keyboard simplifies data entry, repetitive scanning tasks, and user authentication. A built-in indicator light on the duplexing single pass feeder flashes to remind you to take your originals, helping you keep your confidential information secure. This helpful security feature is not even available as an option on the Konica Minolta bizhub C451i.
Designed for hybrid work environments
The Sharp BP-70C45 integrates a wide range of mobile and cloud functionality to extend your document capabilities. This includes support for mobile printing and scanning, as well as connectivity to popular cloud services.
- Connect to the cloud: Quickly and easily access popular cloud services such as Microsoft® Teams, OneDrive for Business, SharePoint Online, Box, Dropbox and Google Drive™.
- Mobile device support: Conveniently print jobs on the go with Apple AirPrint and Android™ Printing. Sharp also offers Sharpdesk Mobile and Synappx for advanced printing and scanning from mobile devices.
- Standard wireless connectivity: Print directly to the MFP from mobile devices without interfering with the corporate network. 5 GHz technology and WPA3™ Encryption safely deliver fast, reliable data.
Cutting-edge technology for enhanced productivity
Time is a precious commodity for office workers, and Sharp takes this into account. A walk-up motion sensor, Adobe Embedded Print Engine, and high yield black toner cartridges are just a few of the productivity features that give the Sharp BP-70C45 a competitive edge over the Konica Minolta bizhub C451i. The BP-70C45 comes standard with an integrated walk-up motion sensor that wakes the device from sleep as you approach the control panel. This touchless feature provides a contact-free way to wake the device so you can get to work fast. Combined with fast warm-up and first copy out times, it helps decrease time spent at the device. With Adobe Embedded Print Engine, the Sharp BP-70C45 can direct print PDF and PostScript files with greater accuracy and performance. This technology offers high quality, predictable output even when printing PDF files generated with third-party software. Adobe Embedded Print Engine natively processes direct print jobs, including those sent from USB drives, mobile devices and cloud applications, to help achieve superior results. Sharp is currently the only manufacturer to offer Adobe Embedded Print Engine on a workgroup document system.
| Cost Comparison | Sharp BP-70C45 | Konica Minolta biz hub C451i |
| Base MSRP of MFP | $20,365 | $30,610 |
| Four Paper Drawer Configuration | $1,740 (3 x 550 sheets), Total of 2,300 sheets | $1,311 (2 x 500 sheets), Total of 2,150 sheets |
| Inner Finisher | $2,210 | $1,709 |
| Wireless Connectivity | No Charge | $286 |
| QWERTY Keyboard | No Charge – integrated retractable keyboard | $222 + 136 + 220 – external keyboard, holder, usb interface |
| Scan to Searchable PDFs, Word, Excel, PowerPoint | No Charge | $191 + 667 – LK-108, LK110 v2 I-Option license |
| Total Cost | $24,315 | $35,352 |
Advantages indicated in red.
Sharp BP-70C45’s Advanced document handling
The BP Advanced series models come standard with a high capacity 300-sheet duplexing single pass feeder (DSPF) that scans originals at up to 280 images per minute (IPM). For virtually worry-free scanning, it features an Original Position Indicator which lets users know their documents are loaded properly and ready to scan, and an optional Double Feed Detection Kit, to help ensure that documents are scanned correctly.
Smart scanning leverages artificial intelligence (AI) technology
The BP series offer expanded Auto Scan settings to speed up job setup and help ensure that users achieve their desired results. These models use AI to automatically adjust the following settings:
- Document Size: automatically detects document size and orientation
- Skewed Originals: automatically detects and adjusts skewed originals in various file formats
- Compression: automatically selects compression ratio based on originals to help reduce file sizes
- Color Modes: automatically selects mono/grayscale, full color, and reduced color
Flexible printing solutions help speed up your office productivity
Standard Serverless Print Release technology, allows users to release print jobs at any compatible Sharp MFP—including the BP-70C45—without the need for a dedicated server or special software. This feature helps ensure print jobs are not left unattended, while giving you the freedom to print at the most convenient MFP. As a native function of the device, Serverless Print Release is quick and easy to setup through the Sharp web user interface. Konica Minolta does not offer an option to enable similar functionality on the bizhub C451i in the United States.
Strong security features help keep your data safe
Sharp multifunction printers are armed with leading-edge, multi-layered security features, including BIOS Integrity Check at startup that helps protect system files from malware attacks and Firmware Attack Prevention, which can help identify a malicious intrusion and restore the machine firmware to its original state. Application Allowlisting detects access attempts to the machine file system and denies access if the source data is not on the allowlist. The built-in Trusted Platform Module (TPM) provides an additional layer of protection by securing access to the solid-state drive with cryptographic keys. Real-time Intrusion Detection identifies abnormal connection requests and will deny access. Administrators can also apply Active Directory® Group Policy, which offers centralized configuration and control for select security and print driver settings. Optional Bitdefender Antivirus provides comprehensive protection from virus threats. Sharp Remote Device Manager (SRDM) enables both administrators and service providers to monitor and centrally manage their MFPs by maintaining security policies, scheduling admin password changes and more. When it is time to trade the machine in, Sharp MFPs include an End-of-Lease feature that can erase all data and personal information, as well as print a confirmation report for verification.
Smart options for the finishing touch
The BP Advanced and Essentials series models offer an optional inner folding unit, which conveniently performs common folds in a compact, space-saving design. Fold patterns include z-fold, half fold, c-fold and accordion fold. The inner folding unit can be installed on the main unit by itself, without expanding the footprint of the device. For environments that require stapling, offset stacking, or higher output capacity, the folding unit can also be configured with an external floor-standing finisher.
Environmentally-friendly advanced imaging system design
The imaging system on the BP series has been redesigned for lower emissions and lower power consumption. A roller charging system offers low ozone output, a low-melt toner fuses at a lower temperature and provides more uniform fill, and a pad fusing system transfers heat to the surface area that contacts the paper with less energy consumption. This method avoids wrinkles in paper and enables stable fusing, quick warm up, and energy savings. In addition, the BP models are EPEAT® registered and offer one of the lowest TEC values in their category as well as one of the lowest stand-by power consumption ratings.
Innovative toner cartridge system helps reduce waste
The Sharp toner cartridge design keeps the cartridges for each color locked in place until empty to help ensure they are not replaced prematurely. When it is ready for replacement, the toner auto-eject feature makes changing the correct cartridge a quick and easy process. And with eleven models in the line sharing the same toner cartridges, Sharp makes it easy to ensure that uptime
is always maximized.
Quality output that is just right for business, even for color-critical applications
Businesses needing color output get excellent results with Sharp MFPs. These devices come standard with various technologies for color-rich output:
- PANTONE licensing: Provides color fidelity to the PANTONE Matching System, allowing precise printing of corporate logos, letterheads, and other corporate material. On the Konica model this feature is only offered through an expensive print controller option.
- Micro-fine toner technology: Delivers superior color accuracy compared to conventional toners, enhanced image density and balance, and improved edge definition.
- The Sharp Color Consistency System: A synergy of processes that helps ensure optimal color print quality is maintained over time.
Summing up Sharp BP-70C45 vs. Konica Minolta bizhub C451i
Compared to the Konica Minolta bizhub C451i, the Sharp BP-70C45 offers a lower main unit cost, standard wireless connectivity, and standard PANTONE Color Matching. Other usability and productivity advantages include standard features like Adobe Embedded Print Engine, USB file preview and native Serverless Print Release technology. When these devices are configured similarly with paper drawers, wireless connectivity, and OCR scanning, the Sharp model is significantly less expensive. All things considered, the Sharp BP-70C45 delivers greater value than the Konica Minolta bizhub C451i.
