Are HP 83A and CE278A the same cartridge?
Short answer: yes for compatibility purposes. HP 83A (also labeled CE278A) is the same physical cartridge platform sold under two part numbers. Most compatible cartridge manufacturers treat 83A and CE278A as interchangeable and print both numbers on the same box.
The cartridge fits a specific family of HP LaserJet Pro printers. If your printer came with a CE278A cartridge, an 83A-equivalent replacement will fit and work the same way.
Which printers use HP 83A / CE278A?
The 83A cartridge family covers the HP LaserJet Pro P1566/P1606 and the M2xx/M22x series. Confirmed compatible models include:
- HP LaserJet Pro M201dw / M201d / M201n
- HP LaserJet Pro M226dw / M226dn
- HP LaserJet Pro M202dw / M202n
- HP LaserJet Pro M225dw / M225dn
- HP LaserJet Pro P1566 / P1606dn
Before ordering, check the toner label inside your printer door or search your exact model number — some regional variants differ.
Yield, chip and quality differences to check
Two things matter for wholesale buyers: page yield and chip behaviour. The HP 83A standard cartridge is rated around 1,600 pages at 5% coverage; many compatible equivalents claim 2,100+ pages with a bigger toner fill.
Most compatible cartridges ship with a chip that reports accurate toner levels and works out of the box. If you are buying for machines used in offices, choose cartridges with a stable 1:1 clone chip to avoid "toner low" warnings on the first install.
Buying tips for distributors and resellers
For B2B buyers the practical checklist is: confirm the exact printer model list with your supplier, compare grams of toner fill (not just claimed page count), and request a sample carton before committing to bulk volume.
Ask about MOQ, lead time and packaging variants (single vs carton of 10). Prices drop significantly at carton tier, and consistent quality across batches matters more than the lowest unit price.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will an HP 83A cartridge work in my HP LaserJet Pro M226dw?
Yes. The M226dw uses the 83A / CE278A platform, so a compatible HP 83A toner cartridge fits and works.
What is the difference between HP 83A and CE278A?
None functionally. 83A and CE278A are two part numbers for the same cartridge; CE278A was the original retail number and 83A is the later designation.
How many pages does an HP 83A toner cartridge last?
The HP original is rated about 1,600 pages at 5% coverage. High-capacity compatible versions can reach 2,100+ pages.
Does a compatible 83A cartridge need a chip?
Yes, most compatible cartridges include a 1:1 clone chip so the printer recognises the cartridge and shows accurate toner levels.
