Advanced vs Essential Multifunction Printers
Looking for a reliable Sharp monochrome multifunction printer? The Sharp BP-71M45 and Sharp BP-51M45 are two popular A3 black-and-white MFPs designed for modern offices. While both offer the same core print speed and user experience, they belong to different Sharp series — Advanced and Essential — each targeting different business needs.
This page compares the Sharp BP-71M45 vs BP-51M45 to help you choose the right copier based on performance, scanning, workflow features, and budget.
At a Glance: Key Similarities
Both models are built on Sharp’s latest BP platform and share the following features:
45 pages per minute monochrome print speed
Print, copy, scan, and optional fax functionality
10.1-inch color touchscreen with customizable interface
Strong security features for data and network protection
Mobile and cloud printing support
Expandable paper handling and finishing options
The difference lies in how advanced the hardware and workflow capabilities are.
Sharp BP-71M45 (Advanced Series)
The Sharp BP-71M45 is part of the Advanced Series, designed for organizations with higher document volumes and more complex workflows.
This model emphasizes speed, automation, and scanning performance, making it ideal for offices that rely heavily on document digitization and process efficiency.
Best for:
High-volume scanning environments
Businesses using document management systems
Departments with complex workflows
Organizations prioritizing performance and scalability
Sharp BP-51M45 (Essential Series)
The Sharp BP-51M45 belongs to the Essential Series, focused on dependable performance and cost efficiency.
It delivers all the core features expected from a modern Sharp copier without the additional automation and high-speed scanning hardware of the Advanced Series.
Best for:
Small to mid-sized businesses
General office printing and scanning
Cost-conscious buyers
Predictable, moderate document volumes
View the Sharp BP-71M45 and BP-51M45 Literature
Sharp BP-71M45
Sharp BP-51M45
Feature Comparison Table
| Feature | Sharp BP-71M45 (Advanced) | Sharp BP-51M45 (Essential) |
|---|---|---|
| Series | Advanced Series | Essential Series |
| Print Speed | 45 ppm | 45 ppm |
| Functions | Print, Copy, Scan, Fax (optional) | Print, Copy, Scan, Fax (optional) |
| Touchscreen | 10.1″ color touchscreen | 10.1″ color touchscreen |
| Processor | High-performance multi-core | Standard performance |
| Document Feeder | High-capacity single-pass duplex feeder | Standard reversing feeder |
| Duplex Scan Speed | up to 300ipm | up to 80ipm |
| Scan Resolution | 600 x 600 dpi | 600 x 600 dpi |
| Workflow & Automation | Advanced workflow and OCR options | Basic workflow tools |
| Internal Storage | Larger storage capacity | Smaller storage capacity |
| Target Use | High-demand office environments | Everyday office use |
| Cost Level | Higher investment | More affordable |
Which Sharp Copier Should You Choose?
Choose the Sharp BP-71M45 if:
Your office scans large batches of documents daily
Fast duplex scanning is critical
You need advanced workflow automation
Long-term scalability is a priority
Choose the Sharp BP-51M45 if:
You need reliable printing and scanning
Document volumes are moderate
Budget is a key consideration
You want modern features without added complexity
Sharp BP-71M45 vs BP-51M45: Final Verdict
Both the Sharp BP-71M45 and BP-51M45 are secure, modern multifunction printers built for today’s workplace. The right choice depends on how demanding your document workflows are.
BP-71M45 (Advanced): Best for performance-driven, scan-heavy environments
BP-51M45 (Essential): Ideal for cost-effective, everyday office productivity
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