When choosing a countertop payment terminal, merchants often compare two of Ingenico’s most popular models: the Desk/3500 and Desk/5000. At first glance, they look nearly identical—but there are key differences that can impact performance, user experience, and long-term flexibility.
Overview
Both devices belong to Ingenico’s Desk/Series, known for their reliability, security, and ease of use. They run on the Telium TETRA operating system, ensuring compatibility with the same payment applications and accessories.
However, the Desk/5000 is designed as the more advanced option. It offers enhanced hardware, a larger color touchscreen, and more powerful processing capabilities—making it better suited for merchants who need speed, interactivity, and scalability.
Note: The Ingenico Desk/3500 has now been discontinued. If you’re considering a modern alternative with similar functionality, you may want to look at Ingenico’s Move/5000, which offers additional flexibility and mobile features (more on this below).
Key differences at a glance
| Desk/3500 | Desk/5000 | |
| Display | 2.8” color QVGA (320×240) | 3.5” HVGA (480×320) |
| Memory | 256 MB flash, 128 MB RAM | 512 MB flash, 512 MB RAM |
| Multimedia support | Basic graphics only | Supports video and richer media |
| Connectivity options | Ethernet, modem, Wi-Fi | 4G, 3G, GPRS, Bluetooth and WiFi Ethernet |
| Power consumption | 24 W | 32 W |
Display and user experience
The Desk/5000 features a larger, higher-resolution 3.5-inch display, providing a more modern and interactive experience. Its screen supports richer graphics and video, which can be useful for on-screen tipping, branding, or promotional messages.
In contrast, the Desk/3500 offers a smaller 2.8-inch screen with basic color output—ideal for merchants who prioritize simplicity and speed over visual enhancements.
Performance and memory
While both devices use the same Cortex A5 processor, the Desk/5000’s quadrupled memory capacity (512 MB Flash + 512 MB RAM) gives it an edge in performance. This means it can handle more complex applications, faster updates, and multitasking more efficiently.
The Desk/3500, with its smaller memory, is best for basic payment operations without additional software layers or multimedia needs.
Connectivity
Both models provide reliable wired connections, including Ethernet and modem options. However, the Desk/5000 comes with more connectivity flexibility, offering extra ports like USB and RS232—useful for integrating with POS systems, barcode scanners, or customer displays.
Wi-Fi capability is available for both, though it depends on configuration and regional variants.
Security and reliability
Security-wise, both terminals are PCI-PTS 5.x certified, ensuring compliance with the latest payment industry standards. They also support EMV chip cards, magstripe, and NFC contactless payments, including mobile wallets like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
Which one is right for your business?
- Choose the Desk/3500 if:
You’re looking for a reliable, cost-effective terminal for basic payment processing at the counter. It’s perfect for smaller stores, cafés, or businesses with straightforward transaction needs. - Choose the Desk/5000 if:
You want a faster, more versatile device that can support interactive applications, multimedia screens, or future software updates. It’s ideal for busy retail environments or merchants who want to enhance the checkout experience.
