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What’s the difference between the HP 49A and HP 49X?

There are two versions of the HP 49 printer cartridge currently available. So, what are the major differences between the HP 49A and HP 49X?

You can find out in this comparison guide for these Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridges.

Quick Summary

When compared to the HP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge, the HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge is capable of printing around 140% more pages.

So, while the HP 49X will be more expensive, you won’t need to replace it as often as the HP 49A. Therefore, you will end up getting better value out of the X version in the long run.

The two versions of the HP 49 have the same recommended operating temperature and humidity ranges as well as identical storage temperature and humidity ranges.

The HP 49A does contain slightly more recycled materials than the HP 49X, however.

HP 49A vs. HP 49X Comparison Chart

You can take a look at the Seeking Tech comparison table for the two types of HP 49 cartridges below.

HP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (Q5949A)HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (Q5949X)
Package Dimensions15.35 in x 4.61 in x 6.61 in15.35 in x 4.80 in x 7.72 in
Package Weight2.20 lbs.2.87 lbs.
What's in the BoxHP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge

Recycling Guide
HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge

Recycling Guide
Print TechnologyLaserLaser
Compatible PrintersHP LaserJet 1320n Q5928A#ABA

HP LaserJet 1320tn Q5930A#ABA

HP LaserJet 3390 Q6500A#ABA
HP LaserJet 1320n Q5928A#ABA

HP LaserJet 1320tn Q5930A#ABA

HP LaserJet 3390 Q6500A#ABA
Page YieldAround 2,500 pagesAround 6,000 pages
Operating Temperature Range50°F to 90.5°F50°F to 90.5°F
Storage Temperature Range-4°F to 104°F-4°F to 104°F
Operating Humidity Range20% to 80% RH20% to 80% RH
Storage Humidity Range10% to 90% RH10% to 90% RH
Recycled Content in Cartridge19%18%
PricingCheck price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)

Package Dimensions

The retail box for the HP 49X is a little bit longer in depth and height when compared to the HP 49A.

You can find the exact measurements, which is displayed as Width x Depth x Height, below:

  • HP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 15.35 in x 4.61 in x 6.61 in
  • HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 15.35 in x 4.80 in x 7.72 in

Package Weight

The X variant of the HP 49 also weighs more when compared to the A variant.

You can take a look at the weight specifications for both packages below:

  • HP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 2.20 lbs.
  • HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 2.87 lbs.

What’s in the Box

Along with the toner cartridge, both retail boxes also come with a recycling guide.

You can find a breakdown of the content include in each new box for both products below:

HP 49A:

  • HP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge
  • Recycling Guide

HP 49X:

  • HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge
  • Recycling Guide

Print Technology

The A and X versions of the HP 49 use laser as the printing technology.

Compatible Printers

The HP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge and HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge support the following printers:

  • HP LaserJet 1320n Q5928A#ABA
  • HP LaserJet 1320tn Q5930A#ABA
  • HP LaserJet 3390 Q6500A#ABA

Page Yield

Page Yield measures the capacity of the HP 49 toner cartridge in terms of the number of black and white pages that can be printed out when it is fully filled up.

According to internal test done by HP, the HP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge is able to print around 3,500 more pages when compared to the HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge.

When looking at it from a percentage standpoint, the X version of the HP 49 has a 140% yield advantage when compared to the A version.

The internal tests were done using the ISO/IEC 19752 methodology.

You can check out the page yield specifications below:

  • HP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 2,500 pages
  • HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 6,000 pages

Operating Temperature Range

When it comes to the temperature range, HP recommends that the A and X variants of the HP 49 be operated within of range of 50°F to 90.5°F.

Storage Temperature Range

For storage, the two versions in this versus showdown can withstand a temperature range of -4°F to 104°F when not in use.

Operating Humidity Range

Both products also have the same recommended humidity range of 20% to 80% RH when being used.

Storage Humidity Range

When not in use, you can store these cartridges within a humidity range of 10% to 90% RH.

Recycled Content in Cartridge

The HP 49A is built with slightly more recycled content when compared to the HP 49X.

You can find the percentages below:

  • HP 49A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 19%
  • HP 49X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 18%

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