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What Is the Difference Between Star TSP100IV X4 and TSP143IIIW? | NEOTECH® Learning Center
What Is the Difference Between Star TSP100IV X4 and TSP143IIIW? | NEOTECH® Learning Center
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Understand the connectivity, printing, paper and application differences before deciding whether the Star TSP100IV X4 or TSP143IIIW better matches your POS environment.
What Is the Difference Between Star TSP100IV X4 and TSP143IIIW? Businesses comparing the Star TSP143IIIW with the newer Star TSP100IV X4 / TSP143IV UEWB may initially see two similar 80 mm thermal receipt printers.
However, the important difference is not simply printing speed.
Both belong to Star's TSP100 family and share several fundamental receipt-printing characteristics, including 250 mm/s maximum print speed, 203 dpi resolution, 80 mm paper support, 58 mm operation with a paper guide, an automatic cutter and an internal power supply.
The major difference is connectivity and the type of POS environment each printer is designed to support.
The TSP143IIIW is primarily a WLAN/WiFi version of the TSP100III generation.
The TSP100IV X4, identified by Star as TSP143IV UEWB, combines Ethernet LAN, USB-C, USB-A, Bluetooth, dual-band WLAN and Star CloudPRNT in one printer.
This makes the comparison particularly relevant when replacing an existing printer, changing POS software, introducing tablets, or moving toward cloud and online-order printing.
What Is the Star TSP143IIIW?
The Star TSP143IIIW is a direct thermal receipt printer from the TSP100III family.
Star identifies the TSP143IIIW as the WLAN/WiFi interface model within that generation.
Current Star EMEA information lists, among others:
39464790 — TSP143IIIW EU + UK Grey
39464890 — TSP143IIIW EU + UK Ultra White
Both are described by Star as thermal printers with futurePRNT, 80 mm paper support, an internal 24 VDC power supply, cutter and WLAN/WiFi interface.
The TSP100III family was designed with separate interface-oriented versions, including USB, Ethernet, Bluetooth and WLAN models.
This distinction is important when comparing it with the TSP100IV X4.
What Is the Star TSP100IV X4?
The Star TSP100IV X4 is part of the newer TSP100IV generation.
Star identifies the wireless X4 configuration as TSP143IV UEWB.
Current EMEA variants include:
39473890 — TSP143IV UEWB Grey E+U
39473790 — TSP143IV UEWB White E+U
Instead of providing only one principal communication interface, the X4 combines multiple wired, wireless and cloud-oriented connectivity options in the same printer.
These include:
USB-C
USB-A
Ethernet LAN
Bluetooth
Dual-band WLAN
Star CloudPRNT
Cash drawer connectivity
The USB-A connection also supports Android Open Accessory (AOA) data communication and charging for compatible Android devices.
How Do Their Connectivity Options Differ?
This is arguably the most important difference.
Star TSP143IIIW
The TSP143IIIW is the WLAN/WiFi model of the TSP100III family.
Star TSP100IV X4
The TSP100IV X4 / TSP143IV UEWB combines:
USB-C
USB-A with Android AOA data and charging support
Ethernet LAN
Bluetooth
Dual-band WLAN
CloudPRNT
This means a business considering the TSP100IV X4 does not necessarily have to choose a separate WiFi, Bluetooth or Ethernet printer variant for those connectivity methods.
Star has incorporated them into the X4 configuration.
Is the TSP100IV X4 Faster Than the TSP143IIIW?
Not according to Star's published maximum print-speed specifications.
Star specifies a maximum print speed of:
TSP143IIIW: 250 mm/s
TSP100IV X4 / TSP143IV UEWB: 250 mm/s
Both also use 203 dpi printing.
Therefore, someone replacing a TSP143IIIW should not assume that the main reason to consider the TSP100IV X4 is higher headline printing speed.
The more substantial change is in connectivity, cloud functionality, device integration and the newer physical platform.
Do Both Printers Use 80 mm Receipt Paper?
Yes.
Both support standard 80 mm thermal receipt paper and can operate with 58 mm paper using the appropriate paper guide.
Star specifies a standard maximum paper-roll diameter of 83 mm for the TSP100 family.
There is, however, a small difference in supported paper thickness.
Star lists:
TSP100III Series: 0.053–0.085 mm
TSP100IV Series: 0.049–0.085 mm
The TSP100IV therefore supports thinner thermal paper within Star's published specifications.
Businesses should still verify the actual paper specification required for their application rather than selecting receipt paper solely by width.
Does the TSP100IV X4 Support WiFi?
Yes.
The TSP100IV X4 includes dual-band WLAN, supporting both 2.4 GHz and 5 GHz wireless connectivity according to Star's current specifications.
Star also identifies WiFi 6 and WPA3 in the current TSP143IV X4 specification sheet.
Star provides wireless setup methods including an automatically generated QR code and the Star Quick Setup Utility.
The TSP143IIIW also provides WLAN connectivity, but it belongs to the earlier interface-specific TSP100III architecture.
Does the TSP100IV X4 Have Ethernet?
Yes.
Ethernet LAN is integrated into the TSP100IV X4 alongside its wireless interfaces.
This is a meaningful difference from the TSP100III family structure, where Star offered separate interface models such as:
TSP143IIIW — WLAN
TSP143IIILAN — Ethernet
TSP143IIIBI — Bluetooth
The TSP100IV X4 consolidates Ethernet, WLAN and Bluetooth connectivity into a single configuration.
This can provide more flexibility if a POS environment changes its preferred connection method later.
Does the TSP100IV X4 Support Bluetooth?
Yes.
Bluetooth is included with the TSP143IV UEWB / TSP100IV X4.
By comparison, Bluetooth within the TSP100III generation was associated with the TSP143IIIBI variant rather than the TSP143IIIW WiFi model.
Again, this demonstrates one of the principal architectural differences between the generations: the X4 brings several connectivity methods together.
What Is Different About USB Connectivity?
The TSP100IV generation introduces more flexible USB connectivity.
The TSP100IV X4 includes:
USB-C
USB-A
The USB-A port supports Android Open Accessory (AOA) communication and charging for compatible Android tablets and mobile devices.
It can also support compatible USB peripherals such as scanners or displays in appropriate configurations.
Compatibility should nevertheless be confirmed for the particular POS device, operating system, application and peripheral combination being considered.
A physical USB connection alone does not guarantee software compatibility.
What Is CloudPRNT?
Star CloudPRNT is technology designed to enable supported web- and cloud-based systems to communicate with compatible Star printers.
The TSP100IV family includes Star CloudPRNT technology for online receipt and order printing.
This can be relevant to businesses using:
Online ordering
Web-based POS systems
Cloud applications
Hospitality ordering platforms
Remote order workflows
However, an important distinction should be understood:
Having CloudPRNT support does not automatically make the TSP100IV compatible with every cloud POS, e-commerce or online-ordering platform.
The software platform must support an appropriate integration method.
Always verify software compatibility before selecting hardware for a cloud-printing project.
Can the TSP100IV X4 Work with Android POS Devices?
Star provides Android-oriented functionality through the printer's USB-A Android Open Accessory support, including data communication and charging for compatible Android tablets and mobile devices.
Star also provides software resources including StarXpand SDK and StarPRNT SDK for supported platforms.
This does not mean every Android tablet or every Android POS application will automatically work with the printer.
Before ordering, verify:
Android device model
Android version
POS application
Required connection method
Printer driver or SDK requirements
Charging requirements
Peripheral requirements
This is particularly important when replacing an existing printer in a functioning POS environment.
Is the TSP100IV X4 Smaller Than the TSP100III Generation?
Yes.
Star states that the TSP100IV is approximately 20% smaller than TSP100III models.
The TSP100IV X4 measures approximately:
140 mm (W) × 169 mm (D) × 123 mm (H)
Weight: approximately 1.3 kg
It retains an internal power supply and supports horizontal, vertical and wall-mounted operation.
This can be useful where counter space is limited.
Is the TSP100IV X4 a Direct Replacement for the TSP143IIIW?
It should not automatically be treated as a universal drop-in replacement.
From a receipt-printing perspective, there are significant similarities:
203 dpi resolution
250 mm/s maximum print speed
80 mm thermal paper
58 mm paper capability with guide
Automatic cutter
Internal power supply
But replacement suitability also depends on the existing POS environment.
Before changing from a TSP143IIIW to a TSP100IV X4, verify:
POS software compatibility
Operating system
Printer drivers
Existing WLAN configuration
Receipt formatting
Application-specific printer settings
Peripheral connections
Cash drawer requirements
API or SDK dependencies
Cloud-printing requirements
Physical installation
A newer printer having more interfaces does not guarantee that existing software will recognize or configure it identically.
Is the TSP143IIIW Discontinued?
NEOTECH® does not currently recommend making that blanket statement based on the information reviewed for this article.
Star's current EMEA TSP100 information continues to list the TSP143IIIW EU/UK grey 39464790 and ultra-white 39464890 variants.
Interestingly, the same current Star material explicitly labels the grey TSP143IIILAN as discontinued and points users toward TSP143IV UE, but it does not provide the same explicit discontinued wording for TSP143IIIW in the information reviewed.
For that reason, customers should verify current regional availability rather than assuming lifecycle status from third-party listings.
Which Printer Should a Business Consider?
Neither printer should be selected simply because one model is newer.
The TSP143IIIW may remain relevant when:
An existing system already uses it successfully.
The required connection is WLAN.
Existing software specifically supports the TSP143IIIW.
There is no operational reason to change a functioning installation.
The TSP100IV X4 may be worth considering when:
Multiple connectivity methods are useful.
Ethernet and WiFi flexibility is required.
Bluetooth is required.
USB-C connectivity is relevant.
Compatible Android data-and-charge functionality is useful.
CloudPRNT functionality is required.
A new POS deployment is being planned.
Future changes in POS connectivity are anticipated.
The correct decision depends on the complete POS ecosystem, not the printer specification alone.
What Should You Verify Before Changing Your POS Printer?
Before replacing a TSP143IIIW—or any existing receipt printer—confirm:
Exact existing printer model and part number
Do not rely only on the appearance of the printer.
POS software
Confirm that the application supports the proposed printer.
Operating system
Check the required Windows, macOS, Linux, Android or other platform support.
Connection method
Determine whether the installation requires WiFi, Ethernet, Bluetooth or USB.
Network requirements
Check WLAN bands, network security and configuration requirements.
Receipt paper
Verify width, thickness and roll dimensions.
Cash drawer
Confirm electrical and connector compatibility rather than assuming that every similarly shaped connector is interchangeable.
Other peripherals
Check customer displays, scanners, buzzers and other attached equipment separately.
Cloud integration
CloudPRNT capability should be verified against the actual software platform.
Regional SKU
Confirm that the exact part number is appropriate for the intended market, power requirements and supplied accessories.
Why Does NEOTECH® Recommend Compatibility Verification First?
A receipt printer is only one component of a POS system.
Two printers may use the same 80 mm paper and offer similar printing speeds while behaving differently when connected to particular software, operating systems, networks or peripherals.
For that reason, NEOTECH® encourages businesses to identify their actual requirement before purchasing or replacing POS hardware.
Learn First. Decide Second. Buy Only If It Is Right for Your Needs.
There is absolutely no obligation or pressure to proceed with a purchase from NEOTECH®.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the main difference between the Star TSP100IV X4 and TSP143IIIW?
A: The main difference is connectivity. The TSP143IIIW is the WLAN model of the TSP100III generation, while the TSP100IV X4 combines Ethernet LAN, USB-C, USB-A, Bluetooth, dual-band WLAN and CloudPRNT in one configuration.
Q: Is the TSP100IV X4 faster than the TSP143IIIW?
A: No significant headline speed difference is shown in Star's specifications. Both are rated at up to 250 mm/s and 203 dpi.
Q: Can both printers use 80 mm thermal paper?
A: Yes. Both support 80 mm thermal receipt paper and 58 mm paper with the appropriate guide.
Q: Does the TSP100IV X4 have WiFi?
A: Yes. The TSP100IV X4 / TSP143IV UEWB includes dual-band WLAN as well as Bluetooth and Ethernet LAN.
Q: Does the TSP100IV X4 support Ethernet?
A: Yes. Ethernet LAN is integrated alongside its wireless and USB connectivity.
Q: Does the TSP100IV X4 support Bluetooth?
A: Yes. Bluetooth is included in the TSP143IV UEWB / X4 configuration.
Q: Does the TSP100IV X4 support CloudPRNT?
A: Yes. Star includes CloudPRNT technology for supported cloud and online receipt/order-printing applications. Software integration must still be verified.
Q: Can I replace a TSP143IIIW with a TSP100IV X4?
A: Potentially, but do not assume automatic compatibility. Verify the POS application, operating system, connection method, drivers, peripherals and any software integration before changing printers.
Q: Is Star TSP143IIIW discontinued?
A: The current Star EMEA information reviewed by NEOTECH® still lists TSP143IIIW part numbers 39464790 and 39464890. We therefore recommend checking current regional availability rather than describing the entire model as discontinued without explicit manufacturer confirmation.
Q: Which model is better for a new POS installation?
A: There is no universally correct choice. The TSP100IV X4 provides substantially broader connectivity, but the correct printer should be selected according to the POS software, operating system, network, peripherals and operational requirements.
Helpful Internal Links
Star Micronics TSP100IV X4 WiFi Receipt Printer | NEOTECH® UAE
Star Receipt Printers | NEOTECH® UAE
As we build the ecosystem, we can later add:
How Do You Connect the Star TSP100IV X4 to WiFi? | NEOTECH® Learning Center
What Is Star CloudPRNT and How Does It Work with TSP100IV? | NEOTECH® Learning Center
Which POS Printer Connection Should You Choose: USB, Ethernet, WiFi or Bluetooth? | NEOTECH® Learning Center
I recommend adding these links only after the corresponding pages actually exist, so we do not create dead internal links.
NEOTECH® Learning Center
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For product-specific questions or compatibility verification:
Email: support@neotech.ae
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Editorial Note
NEOTECH® Learning Center content is written to help readers understand technology before making a purchasing decision. Product names, trademarks and part numbers belong to their respective owners. Manufacturer information may be consulted for factual verification, but NEOTECH® educational content is independently written and is not intended to imply manufacturer authorization, endorsement or affiliation.
Educational Disclaimer
This article is provided for general educational and product-comparison purposes. Specifications, software support, connectivity, regional availability, accessories and product lifecycle information may change. Compatibility depends on the complete hardware, software and network environment. Always verify the exact manufacturer part number and current technical requirements before ordering, replacing or integrating POS equipment.