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

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 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 Square SQ6 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.8 vs 3.3). The gap is mostly about purist analog instant photographers — read the strengths below before deciding.

Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Instant-film-cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6

3.8

$19.99as of Jul 5

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is a fully analog instant camera designed for the newer Instax Square film format, which produces 2.4 x 2.4 inch prints. Dan Finnen of Dan Finnen Writing noted that while the camera offers a more spacious frame than Instax Mini, it doesn't significantly improve upon the format's limitations for artistic work. Gordon from Camera Labs highlighted the camera's simplicity and compactness, though he emphasized that the auto focus and flash settings often produce inconsistent results. The SQ6 sits between Instax Mini and Wide in terms of print size and camera ergonomics, but lacks the advanced features of digital competitors.

Strengths

— Simple analog design with no internal memory or screen, appealing to purists
— Compact size similar to Instax Mini 9, easy to handle
— Prints measure 2.4 x 2.4 inches (62 x 62 mm), wider than Instax Mini but smaller than Instax Wide

Watch-outs

— Small and awkward viewfinder, not much better than cheap rangefinder cameras
— Auto mode focuses between macro and landscape, resulting in soft images for close or distant subjects
— Flash off mode falls back on long shutter speeds, negating much of its value

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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 Square SQ6

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ6 is more analog and traditional than the Evo, lacking digital features but offering better build quality and simpler operation. Compared to the SQ1, it's more practical and less prone to cheap construction issues, though it's less user-friendly due to its auto-focus limitations. Unlike the Mini 12, it's more consistent in its analog approach and lacks the modern convenience features.

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 Square SQ6	Polaroid Now+ Instant Camera (White)
Film Format	Instax Square	I-Type and 600
Lens	Retractable lens, 2 components, 2 elements	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Shutter Speed	Mechanical	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter
Battery Type	2 x AA batteries	Rechargeable battery
Flash	Built-in automatic electronic flash	Accurate, human-friendly flash
Dimensions	118.7 mm × 128.1 mm × 58.1 mm	3.8 x 4.4 x 5.9 inches
Weight	Approximately 150g	15.9 ounces
Connectivity	—	Bluetooth

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