Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid 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 LiPlay Hybrid comes out ahead by a narrow margin (4.1 vs 4.0). Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid is best for: creative hybrid users. Read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid

4.1

3 sources$169.99as of Oct 28

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay is a hybrid of instant film and digital: it saves shots to internal memory or a microSD card so you choose which to print, and it doubles as a printer for photos sent from a smartphone. Reviewers liked its compact body and its many filters and frames, and it can record sound and print it as a QR code on the photo, though Tom's Guide found that feature a hassle and low-light performance subpar. Ease of use is the priority, with creative photo modes and audio built around it.

Strengths

— Selfie mirror on the front for framing self-portraits
— Records sound and prints it as a QR code that plays back from the photo
— Supports printing images from smartphone via Bluetooth and QR code audio clips

Watch-outs

— Subpar low-light performance
— Filters can't be added after shooting

$169.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Ranked #4 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

4.0

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)

$170.15 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid

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

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

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid	Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
Film Format	Instax Mini Film	Instax Square
Lens	28mm equivalent f/2	2components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6
Shutter Speed	1/4 to 1/8000 second	—
Battery Type	Rechargeable li-ion battery	—
Flash	Auto, forced and suppressed flash	Built In Flash
Dimensions	82.5 mm × 122.9 mm × 36.7 mm	2.4 x 4.72 x 5.28 inches; 15.98 ounces
Weight	Approximately 255 g	453g
Connectivity	Bluetooth	—
Image Sensor	1/5-inch CMOS, 2560 x 1920	—
Screen	2.7-inch LCD	—
Battery	—	CR2 lithium
Color	—	Three options
Focusing	—	0.5m to infinity

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