Do I need the app, or can I print from a browser?

The Android app drives the printer directly; the web page is there to get you to it.

The Android app is the way to print. It talks to the printer over Wi-Fi and sends the job to it directly, which is why a print starts within seconds of paying.

Scanning a printer's QR code without the app installed opens a web page that explains what you scanned and where to install the app from. Once it is installed, scan the same code again and it opens in the app.