We may earn a commission if you buy something through the affiliate text links or affiliate image links on Seeking Tech.

What’s the difference between the HP 05A and HP 05X?

If you are looking into getting the HP 05 printer cartridge, you may have noticed that there are two versions. So, what are the main differences between the HP 05A and HP 05X?

You can find out in this comparison guide between these two LaserJet toner cartridges.

Quick Summary

The HP 05X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge is capable of printing nearly three times as many pages when compared to the output of the HP 05A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge.

So, while the A version of the HP 05 is more affordable, you will have to replace it more often than the X version. Thus, the 05X provides the better value.

Both variants of the HP 05 are identical when it comes to temperature and humidity ranges.

The HP 05A is built with slightly more recycled content than the HP 05X, however.

HP 05A vs. HP 05X Comparison Chart

You can take a look at Seeking Tech’s comparison table for the A and X versions of the HP05 cartridge below.

HP 05A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (CE505A)HP 05X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge (CE505X)
Package Dimensions13.54 in x 4.29 in x 8.07 in13.54 in x 4.45 in x 8.86 in
Package WeightAround 2.20 lbs.Around 2.87 lbs.
What's in the BoxToner cartridge

Recycling guide
Toner cartridge

Recycling guide
Print TechnologyLaserLaser
Compatible PrintersHP LaserJet P2035 (CE461A#ABA)

HP LaserJet P2035n (CE462A#ABA)

HP LaserJet P2055d (CE457A#ABA)

HP LaserJet P2055dn (CE459A#ABA)

HP LaserJet P2055x (CE460A#ABA)
HP LaserJet P2035 (CE461A#ABA)

HP LaserJet P2035n (CE462A#ABA)

HP LaserJet P2055d (CE457A#ABA)

HP LaserJet P2055dn (CE459A#ABA)

HP LaserJet P2055x (CE460A#ABA)
Page Yield (Black and White)Around 2,300 pagesAround 6,500 pages
Recycled Content in Cartridge36%35%
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
PricingCheck price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)

Package Dimensions

The HP 05X comes in a bigger package, in terms of physical size, when compared to the HP 05A.

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

  • HP 05A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 13.54 in x 4.29 in x 8.07 in
  • HP 05X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 13.54 in x 4.45 in x 8.86 in

Package Weight

The retail box for the X version of the HP 05 is also heavier than the A version.

You can find the weight specifications for both boxes below:

  • HP 05A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 2.20 lbs.
  • HP 05X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 2.87 lbs.

What’s in the Box

When it comes to what’s included in the box, both HP 05 variants come with a toner cartridge in addition to a recycling guide.

Print Technology

The two toner cartridges in this comparison showdown use the laser printing technology.

Compatible Printers

The HP 05A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge and HP 05X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge are compatible with the following printers:

  • HP LaserJet P2035 (CE461A#ABA)
  • HP LaserJet P2035n (CE462A#ABA)
  • HP LaserJet P2055d (CE457A#ABA)
  • HP LaserJet P2055dn (CE459A#ABA)
  • HP LaserJet P2055x (CE460A#ABA)

Page Yield (Black and White)

Page yield measures the amount of black and white pages the HP 05 can print out before it eventually needs to be replaced.

According to internal testing done by HP, the HP 05X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge has a maximum yield that is 4,200 pages more than the output of the HP 05A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge.

In terms of percentages, the X version of the HP 05 has an 182.609% advantage over the A version when it comes to capacity.

Both versions were tested using the ISO/IEC 19752 methodology.

You can find the page yields below:

  • HP 05A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 2,300 pages
  • HP 05X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: Around 6,500 pages

Recycled Content in Cartridge

When it comes to being environmentally friendly, the HP 05A is made up of slightly more recycled materials when compared to the HP 05X.

You can find the percentages of recycled content in each product below:

  • HP 05A Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 36%
  • HP 05X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridge: 35%

Operating Temperature Range

The A and X versions of the HP 05 have the same suggested operating temperature range, which is from 50°F to 90.5°F.

Storage Temperature Range

The two types are also identical when it comes to storage temperature range, which is from -4°F to 104°F.

Operating Humidity Range

The HP 05A and HP 05X High Yield Black Original LaserJet Toner Cartridges are also suggested to be operated within a humidity range of 20% to 80% RH.

Storage Humidity Range

Last but not least, HP also recommends that you store both of these toner cartridges within a range of 10% to 90% RH.

Resources: