Verdict
Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo vs Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

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

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The short answer

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo comes out ahead by a clear margin (4.4 vs 4.0). Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is best for: digital-instant hybrid users. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
Higher ratedRanked #1 in Best Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
2 sourcesall derived$219.99as of Oct 28

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo is a hybrid digital instant camera, bringing traditional instant photography together with digital convenience. Reviewer Mark G Adams traces how it went from a fun, experimental device to a practical tool for printing family memories across three years of use. It carries a 28mm f/2.0 lens with dial controls for lens and film effects, a selfie mirror, and smartphone connectivity for remote control and social sharing. Purists who want a fully analog instant camera may not warm to it, but as a printer for digital images it does the job well, with a nostalgic feel attached. Casual users and families who want digital flexibility plus instant prints are the audience.

Strengths
  • — Combines digital camera functionality with instant film printing capabilities
  • — Features 10 lens effects and 10 film effects that can be combined for 100 different looks
  • — Includes built-in selfie mirror and dual shutter buttons for versatile shooting
Watch-outs
  • — Limited 5MP resolution when capturing images digitally
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
Ranked #4 in Best Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
4 sources$170.15as of Oct 28

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is a compact instant camera shooting the newer Instax Square format, which yields wider square prints with a vintage Polaroid look. PCMag's Jim Fisher described the analog process, where the image surfaces gradually 90 seconds after the shutter fires. Camera Labs' Gordon found it close to the SQ1 model but dressed up more seriously. A built-in flash and viewfinder are included, and it runs Instax Square film at 10 prints per cartridge. Reviewers pointed to the two limits: Square film only, and a price above the alternatives.

Strengths
  • — Uses fully analog process with prints emerging 90 seconds after shooting
  • — Produces wider square prints reminiscent of vintage Polaroids
  • — Includes built-in flash and viewfinder for easy framing
Watch-outs
  • — Limited to single print shape (cannot use Mini film)

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo

The Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo and the Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid are both digital hybrids that print on Instax Mini film. The Mini Evo offers 10 lens effects and 10 film effects, while the LiPlay records sound and prints it as a QR code. The Mini Evo costs more than the LiPlay and weighs 285g against about 255 g.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

The Polaroid I-2 offers LiDAR autofocus and full manual modes, while the SQ40 focuses from 0.5m to infinity. At 453g it weighs about the same as the Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 at 451.5 g without film.

Specs side-by-side

SpecFujifilm Instax Mini EvoFujifilm Instax Square SQ40
Film FormatInstax Mini FilmInstax Square
Lens28mm f/2.02components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6
Shutter Speed1/8000th to 1/4 second—
Battery TypeBuilt-in lithium-ion—
FlashBuilt-in flash with automatic mode, and forced ON modeBuilt In Flash
Dimensions4.8 x 3.4 x 1.4 (123 x 87 x 36mm)2.4 x 4.72 x 5.28 inches; 15.98 ounces
Weight10.1 oz (285g)453g
ConnectivitySmartphone app support—
Battery—CR2 lithium
Color—Three options
Focusing—0.5m to infinity
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