Head-to-head · Best Instant-film-cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 vs Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White)

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

The short answer

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 3.3). The gap is mostly about aesthetics-focused casual users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Instant-film-cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

3.8

$109.95as of Jul 5

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 is a stylish camera that offers little innovation over previous Instax models, described as a repackage of familiar features in an attractive package. Reviewers noted its ease of use and automatic exposure control, but criticized its lack of advancement and cheap plastic construction. While it's visually appealing and functional for basic instant photography, reviewers suggest looking elsewhere for better value or features, with competitors like Lomography and MiNT being more appealing options. The camera is designed for users who prioritize aesthetics over innovation.

Strengths

— Very nice looking design with a leatherette finish
— Easy to use with simple film loading and operation
— Automatic exposure control that produces well-exposed images

Watch-outs

— No significant innovations compared to previous Instax models
— Plastic build quality that feels cheap and fragile

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Ranked #7 in Best Instant-film-cameras

Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White)

3.3

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 3 offers a nostalgic design with simple operation and app-based creative controls, but its autofocus system is unreliable and the I-Type film is costly and unpredictable. PCMag's Jim Fisher notes that while it maintains the classic Polaroid aesthetic and one-button simplicity, the camera's basic autofocus misses too often to justify its price. The device charges via USB-C and supports both I-Type and 600 film formats, though the latter requires a separate purchase. Casual users seeking ease of use should consider the Fujifilm Instax Mini 99 instead, while artsy photographers who prefer Polaroid film may want the $200 Flip model.

Strengths

— Iconic trapezoidal design with classic Polaroid silhouette
— Simple one-button operation with optical viewfinder
— USB-C charging capability with built-in battery rated for 15 packs of film

Watch-outs

— Basic autofocus misses too often to justify cost per use
— Expensive I-Type film that is unpredictable and must be shielded from light during development

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How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 offers a more stylish design than the Mini 12 but lacks innovation, making it less compelling than the Evo which provides digital features and smartphone connectivity. While it's more visually appealing than the SQ6, it doesn't match the SQ6's analog simplicity and better build quality. Compared to the SQ1, it's more expensive and less practical despite its attractive finish.

Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White)

The Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White) offers app-based controls and creative modes that the Mini 12 lacks, but it's less reliable in autofocus and more expensive than the SQ6. Compared to the Evo, it's more analog and lacks digital connectivity, though it's more affordable than the LiPlay Hybrid. Unlike the SQ1, it's less practical and more expensive for similar features.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Mini 40	Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White)
Film Format	Instax Mini	I-Type and 600
Lens	60mm f/12	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Shutter Speed	1/250th max	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter
Battery Type	2 AA	Rechargeable battery
Flash	Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment)	Accurate, human-friendly flash
Dimensions	104 mm × 121 mm × 65 mm	3.8 x 4.4 x 5.9 inches
Weight	330 g	15.9 ounces
Connectivity	—	Bluetooth

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