Symbol DS4208 vs the Symbol DS4308
By: POSGuys - 1/18/2016

![Symbol DS4308 Scanner versus the Symbol DS4208 Scanner][1][][]
We recently created a video where POSGuy Travis raved about the merits of the [Symbol DS4308][2] 2D barcode scanner. It got me wondering, what exactly are the differences between the [DS4208][3] and the DS4308? This is POSGal Camille, I reviewed the older DS4208 four years ago. Check out the two videos below or continue reading to get to the meat of the article.

<h2>TLDR! <span class="small">(The too long didn't read version for the busy entrepreneur.)</span></h2>

The DS4308 is better than the DS4208 because it scans from greater distance, usually has a similar price, and has generally better tech specs. If you are thinking of buying and are torn between the two, stop reading now and buy the [DS4308][2].

I carefully compared specs and it is apparent that the DS4308 is higher performing in *most* regards. Travis's practical testing came to the same conclusion. The biggest improvement on the DS4308 is the range. Scanner range depends a lot on the size of the barcode but I compared the published decode range tests from Zebra (Symbol) and in all the cases where a comparison could be drawn the range was longer. In the case of 13 mil UPCs the typical scanning range increased by over a foot. No more straining to scan that heavy bag of dog food on the bottom of the cart. The DS4308 also has a higher motion tolerance than before which means super high performing cashiers won't be slowed down by a scanner that can't handle scanning while in motion. Also, the DS4208 is discontinued. They may be available now but no guarantees for the future. You are better off buying the version that is currently in production.

The only surprise was the reduced IP42 seal that prevents dust and moisture from getting inside. They dropped from IP43 on the DS4208 to IP42 on the DS4308. That means the DS4308 is slightly less sealed against moisture. Unless you need to scan in sideways rain the scanner should be fine. See the IP chart showing the difference between IP42 and IP43 below.

<a href="https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/9275/ds4208-ds4308-iprating.jpg" title="Click for enlarged version.">![IP Seal Difference - DS4208 vs DS4308][4][300][]</a>

<h2>For a look at ONLY the differences between the two, check out the detailed table below.</h2>
<table class="table table-bordered">
<tr class="info">
<td></td>
<td>Symbol DS4208</td>
<td>Symbol DS4308</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">2D Barcodes</td>
<td>PDF417, MicroPDF417, Composite Codes, TLC-39, Data Matrix, Maxicode, QR Code, MicroQR, Aztec</td>
<td>PDF417, MicroPDF417, Composite Codes, TLC-39, Data Matrix, Maxicode, QR Code, MicroQR, Aztec, <span style="color: red;"><b>Han Xin</b></span></td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td>Postal Barcodes</td>
  <td>Australian Post, US PLANET, Royal Mail 4 State Customer, US POSTNET, KIX Code (Dutch), UK Postal, Japan Post, UPU 4 State Postal FICS (Post US4), USPS 4 State Postal (Post US3)</td>
  <td>Australian Post, US PLANET, Royal Mail 4 State Customer, US POSTNET, KIX Code (Dutch), UK Postal, Japan Post, UPU 4 State Postal FICS (Post US4), USPS 4 State Postal (Post US3), <span style="color: red;"><b>Canadian Post (Postbar)</b></span></td>
</tr>
<tr class="success">
<td width="200">Decode Range</td>
<td>Scans a little better up close in the less than .5&quot; range.</td>
<td>Scans further away than previous model. Over a foot in some cases. Click to see full size image of Decode Range details side by side. 
<a href="https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/9275/ds4208vsds4308.png" title="View Full Size Comparison Image"><img src="https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/9275/ds4208vsds4308.png" alt="DS4208 vs DS4308 Decode Range" style="width: 250px; height: auto;"/></a>
</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">Dimensions</td>
<td>6.7 in. H x 3.7 in. L x 2.7 in.</td>
<td>6.48 in. H x 3.86 in</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">Electrical Safety</td>
<td>UL60950-1 2nd ed, CSA C22.2 No. 60950-1 2nd ed, EN60950-1/IEC60950-1 2nd ed.</td>
<td>UL60950-1 2nd ed, CSA C22.2 No . 60950-1 2nd ed, EN60950-1/, IEC60950-1 2nd ed.</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">Electromagnetic Interference (EMI) / Radio-Frequency Interference (RFI)</td>
<td>FCC Part 15 Class B, ICES-003 Class B, EN55022 Class B, EN55024</td>
<td>FCC Part 15 Class B, ICES-003 Class B, EN55022 Class B, EN55024, Medical Electrical Equipment: EN60601-1-2</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">LED Safety </td>
<td>IEC/EN60825-1:2001, IEC/EN62471:2006</td>
<td>IEC 62471:2006 and EN 62471: 2008</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">Light Source</td>
<td>Aiming pattern: 617 nm LED Illumination: 625 nm LEDs</td>
<td>Aiming pattern: 617 nm LED Illumination: 660 nm LEDs</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">Minimum Resolution</td>
<td>-SR: Code 39 4 mil; UPC 60% 5 mil; PDF417 5 mil, Datamatrix 7.5 mil -HD: Code 39 3 mil; UPC 60% 5 mil; PDF417 4 mil, Datamatrix 5 mil</td>
<td>SR: Code 39 4 mil, UPC 60% 7.8 mil, PDF417 5 mil, Datamatrix 7.5 mil HD: Code 39 3 mil, UPC 60% 7.8 mil, PDF417 4 mil, Datamatrix 5 mil</td>
</tr>
<tr class="success">
<td width="200">Motion Tolerance</td>
<td>Up to 25 in. / 63.5 cm per second</td>
<td>Up to <span style="color: red;">30 in.</span> / 76.2 cm per second</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">Operating Temp</td>
<td>32° F to 104° F (0° C to 40° C) </td>
<td>32° F to <span style="color: red;">122° F</span> / 0° C to 50° C</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">Power Usage</td>
<td>5 VDC ± 10% @ 275 mA (RMS typical)</td>
<td>5 VDC ± 10% @ 360 mA (RMS typical)(Draws more power.)</td>
</tr>
<tr class="success">
<td width="200">Print Contrast</td>
<td>25% minimum reflective difference</td>
<td><span style="color: red;">20%</span> minimum reflective difference (a lower number is better)</td>
</tr>
<tr>
<td width="200">Seal</td>
<td>IP43</td>
<td>IP42</td>
</tr>
<tr>
  <td>Weight</td>
  <td>172.9g</td>
  <td>162.0g</td>
</tr>
</table>

Thank you for reading our detailed comparison of the two barcode scanners. Purchase the [DS4308][2] from POSGuys.com and receive free lifetime POSGuys support on the scanner. We are the barcode scanner experts; we support what we sell!

Email: <a href="mailto:Sales@POSGuys.com" title="Email POSGuys.com Sales For Help">Sales@POSGuys.com</a>
Phone: 1.800.903.6571 ext. 4
Hours: 6am - 5pm PST (Mon - Fri)

[1]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/9275/ds4208vsds4308v02.png
  [2]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/Symbol-DS4308_2398/
  [3]: https://posguys.com/barcode-reader-scanner_3/Symbol-DS4208_1117/
  [4]: https://posguys.blob.core.windows.net/content/images/blog/9275/ds4208-ds4308-iprating.jpg

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Symbol DS4208 vs the Symbol DS4308 By: POSGuys - 1/18/2016

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Symbol DS4208 vs the Symbol DS4308
By: POSGuys - 1/18/2016