Device A
Xerox AltaLink C8255
Next-generation 55ppm enterprise A3 colour MFP with ConnectKey, 128GB SSD and Common Criteria
Device B
Konica Minolta bizhub C550i
High-speed 55ppm A3 colour MFP with very high maximum paper capacity
VS
COMPARISON
Side by Side
Core specifications for both devices. All figures are manufacturer-stated under standard conditions.
Specification | Xerox AltaLink C8255 | Konica Minolta bizhub C550i |
|---|---|---|
Print speed | 55 ppm colour and mono | 55 ppm colour and mono |
Print resolution | 1200 x 2400 dpi | 1200 x 1200 dpi |
Max paper size | A3/SRA3 | A3/SRA3 |
Paper capacity (standard) | 3,140 sheets | 1,150 sheets |
Paper capacity (max) | 6,140 sheets | Up to 6,650 sheets |
Document feeder | 130-sheet DADF (duplex) | 100-sheet RADF |
Touchscreen | 10.1-inch | 10.1-inch |
Monthly duty cycle | Up to 300,000 pages/month | Up to 250,000 pages/month |
Finishing options | Optional stapling, hole punch and booklet making | Optional stapling, hole punch and booklet making |
Security | McAfee Embedded Control, Common Criteria certified, 128GB SSD, enterprise security suite | Data encryption, user authentication, SSD overwrite, Bitdefender AV |
OUR VERDICT
Which Device Is Right for You?
Both are strong devices. The right choice depends on your monthly print volume, finishing needs and budget.
CHOOSE THIS IF...
AltaLink C8255: Best for enterprise fleets, Common Criteria security and SRA3 production
Your organisation requires Common Criteria security certification as part of its procurement or compliance framework
You run a Xerox fleet and want the C8255 to integrate with existing ConnectKey management, NFC authentication and PostScript workflows
SRA3 bleed-edge print production is a regular requirement alongside standard copy and scan functions
Your monthly volume exceeds 15,000 pages and you need an enterprise-class device rated for sustained high-speed output
The C8200 platform's 128GB SSD and updated ConnectKey generation are advantages for your IT environment
Choose the AltaLink C8255 if enterprise security certification, ConnectKey, SRA3 and the C8200 platform upgrade are central to your requirement.
CHOOSE THIS IF...
bizhub C550i: Best for maximum paper capacity and environments requiring Bitdefender AV
Minimising paper replenishment time is a priority — the 6,650-sheet maximum capacity edges the C8255's 6,140-sheet ceiling
Your security policy requires active antivirus scanning on networked devices and the built-in Bitdefender engine meets this requirement natively
You are already in the Konica Minolta ecosystem and want to extend your managed print agreement without introducing a second manufacturer
Your environment prints at high speed across multiple concurrent print queues and needs a device that stays loaded between user interventions
Choose the bizhub C550i if maximum paper capacity and built-in AV protection are your primary requirements at the 55ppm tier.
SECTION 01
Build quality and reliability
Device positioning and what each machine is optimised for.
Xerox AltaLink C8255
The AltaLink C8255 is near the top of Xerox's enterprise AltaLink C8200 series — a second-generation platform upgrade from the C8100 range. It is built for IT-managed fleet deployments in large organisations where security certification, consistent output quality and fleet-level management are non-negotiable. Its 300,000-page monthly duty cycle provides headroom above the highest realistic office volumes. The C8200 series ships with 128GB SSD as standard, replacing the mechanical hard drive of earlier devices and improving both job processing speed and data security. SRA3 support enables production-quality bleed-edge print jobs from the same device used for everyday copying and scanning.
Konica Minolta bizhub C550i
The bizhub C550i is Konica Minolta's 55ppm A3 colour flagship in the i-Series range. Its maximum paper capacity of 6,650 sheets with options is the defining specification advantage at this tier — marginally above the AltaLink C8255's 6,140-sheet ceiling. It is designed for organisations that need a high-speed, high-capacity device that minimises staff time spent reloading paper across a busy working day.
SECTION 02
Paper handling and capacity
Standard configuration, maximum paper capacity and document feeder.
Xerox AltaLink C8255
The AltaLink C8255 ships with 3,140 sheets standard in a tandem tray configuration, meaning it arrives ready for high-volume use without requiring immediate optional tray investment. Maximum expansion with optional high-capacity modules reaches 6,140 sheets. The 130-sheet DADF handles duplex scanning. SRA3 media is supported in the standard paper trays, giving it the flexibility to produce bleed-edge output without additional configuration.
Konica Minolta bizhub C550i
The bizhub C550i ships with 1,150 sheets standard across two 500-sheet trays and a 150-sheet multipurpose tray. Maximum expansion with optional trays reaches 6,650 sheets — marginally above the AltaLink C8255's 6,140-sheet maximum. The gap between the two devices is narrower than in previous generations. For environments with multiple print queues running simultaneously throughout the day, the bizhub's capacity advantage remains relevant. The 100-sheet RADF handles routine scan and copy jobs adequately.
SECTION 03
Finishing options
Finishing, stapling and booklet making.
Xerox AltaLink C8255
The AltaLink C8255 supports a comprehensive range of optional finishing including multi-position stapling, hole punching, saddle-stitch booklet making and Z-fold options. The BR Finisher configuration provides a 3,000-sheet stacker with full finishing capability. For organisations producing reports, bound documents or folded marketing materials, the AltaLink's finishing range matches professional output requirements.
Konica Minolta bizhub C550i
The bizhub C550i supports optional finishing configurations including stapling, hole punching and booklet making. Finishing options are broadly comparable at this tier. The specific configuration will depend on your volume requirements and the finisher module chosen at the time of ordering. Both devices can be configured for saddle-stitch booklet production with the appropriate accessories.
SECTION 04
Connectivity and cloud integration
Security, cloud integration and platform ecosystem.
Xerox AltaLink C8255
The AltaLink C8255 is Common Criteria certified and runs McAfee Embedded Control, which provides real-time protection against unauthorised firmware changes and application execution. The C8200 series ships with 128GB SSD as standard, improving job processing speed and reducing data residency risk compared to mechanical drives. NFC enables proximity-based authentication — users can release print jobs by tapping an access card or mobile device. ConnectKey integrates with OneDrive, SharePoint, Google Drive, Box and Dropbox. Adobe PostScript 3 is standard, ensuring accurate rendering of professional print files from design and publishing applications.
Konica Minolta bizhub C550i
The bizhub C550i runs Konica Minolta's IWS platform with cloud integration to OneDrive and SharePoint. Bitdefender antivirus is embedded into the device platform, actively scanning for malware in a way that most enterprise MFPs do not provide natively. Data encryption, SSD overwrite and user authentication are all standard. For organisations where active AV protection is a security policy requirement alongside high-volume output, this combination is genuinely differentiated.
SECTION 05
Leasing costs and cost of ownership
Lease costs, recommended volumes and total cost of ownership.
Xerox AltaLink C8255
The AltaLink C8255 carries a premium lease cost at the 55ppm enterprise tier. Its 300,000-page monthly duty cycle, Common Criteria certification and C8200 platform upgrade command a higher monthly commitment than mid-range devices. For large organisations managing a Xerox fleet under a single managed print agreement, the centralised management tools and engineer infrastructure justify the investment. Under a fully managed contract from XOS UK, the cost per page at sustained enterprise volumes is competitive.
Konica Minolta bizhub C550i
The bizhub C550i is available at a competitive lease cost for a 55ppm A3 device. Its recommended monthly volume is up to 50,000 pages, which covers most busy workgroups and departments without pushing the device above its operating parameters. The very high maximum paper capacity reduces consumables replenishment frequency, which is a meaningful efficiency gain in high-volume environments.
GET STARTED TODAY
Not Sure Which Is Right for Your Business?
Speak to XOS. We will assess your current print volume, requirements and budget and recommend the right device. No obligation, and no pressure to choose either of these if something else suits better.
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XOS (UK) LTD
Unit 3, Pegasus Square
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United Kingdom