The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the world's smallest instant camera, measuring 105mm × 84mm × 62mm and weighing 273g with film. Reviewed by Analog.Cafe, it features a 51mm fixed-focus lens with f9-f42 aperture range and electronically-controlled shutter. The camera supports double-exposure mode and 9-second delay timer, and includes a built-in flash with 2m range. While it's praised for its portability and fun design, reviewers note the film is more expensive than Instax alternatives and the included USB-C cable is uncomfortably short. It's ideal for casual photographers who want a compact, addictive instant camera but may not suit those seeking budget-friendly film options.
Full review
Design and Portability
The Polaroid Go stands as the world's smallest instant camera, measuring just 105mm × 84mm × 62mm or 4.1" × 3.3" × 2.4", making it pocketable in the truest sense. According to analog.cafe's Dmitri, the camera weighs 273g with film and accessories, or 242g without, which is remarkably lightweight for a camera with a built-in rechargeable battery. The Gen 2 model features a polycarbonate resin lens with a 65° diagonal field of view, equivalent to a 50mm lens on full frame. TechRadar-style reviewers noted that while it's not quite pocketable in the most literal sense, it's still small enough to fit in a jacket pocket or purse. The camera's design is described as 'cute' by multiple reviewers, with the cerulean blue model particularly praised for its appealing sheen. The build quality is solid, with 30% recycled plastic content, though some reviewers like Dan Finnen noted it lacks the precision of higher-end cameras like the Voigtländer Vito C.
Image Quality and Film Performance
Image quality in the Polaroid Go presents a mixed bag of opinions. According to analog.cafe's Dmitri, the Go film is the tiniest instant film frame, measuring 67 × 54mm with a 47 × 46mm image area, smaller than Instax Mini but still offering square 1:1 aspect ratio. The film produces muted, dreamy colors with contrasted dark shadows, though some reviewers noted it's more challenging to get right than Instax film. Dan Finnen criticized the camera's image quality, stating that 'the Polaroid Go does not take great photos' and that images come out 'dark and dismal looking, with heavy blue tints and hard falloff' even with flash on in bright environments. However, Keith Wee noted that Polaroid Go films seem to have improved details over the original i-Type films used in the Polaroid Now, with better definition than previous formats. The camera's fixed-focus lens with aperture range of f/9-f/42 and shutter speeds from 1s to 1/300s provides automatic exposure, though some reviewers found the flash insufficient for outdoor use.
Camera Features and Operation
The Polaroid Go's operation is designed for simplicity, with all controls grouped on the right side of the camera. The flash button serves multiple functions: single press toggles flash on/off, double press activates double exposure mode, and holding it activates the self-timer. The camera features an integrated rechargeable battery good for 15 packs of film, though charging takes less than 30 minutes via USB-C. The front viewfinder works as a selfie mirror with reflective coating, which reviewers like Marissa Wu from Popular Photography noted as 'surprisingly large and effective.' The camera includes a digital display showing remaining shots, with a tiny orange warning light indicating when recharging is needed. Unlike some competitors, it lacks a tripod mount, though it does include a wrist strap for easy handling. The film loading mechanism is simple, requiring alignment of arrows on the cartridge with those on the camera, though the film hatch is located at the bottom rather than the front.
Real-World Performance Testing
Testing in real-world scenarios revealed mixed results across different reviewers. Marissa Wu from Popular Photography tested the camera at a botanical garden and Waffle House, noting that while the camera was 'definitely a delight' and 'a portable dream,' the double exposure feature was 'confusing to use' and required careful timing between exposures. Dan Finnen's experience was more critical, stating that despite the camera's cute design, 'the Polaroid Go does not take great photos' and that results were 'dark and dismal looking' even in bright conditions. Keith Wee found that the camera's size made it 'featherlight' at 242 grams, and that it could potentially last 60 packs per charge, though he never tested this fully. The camera's flash was noted as having a maximum range of 2 meters, with some reviewers reporting issues with the flash not being 'up to the task' in outdoor conditions.
Where It Falls Short
Despite its cute design and portability, the Polaroid Go has several notable shortcomings. Dan Finnen was particularly harsh, stating that the camera 'does not take great photos' and that the results were 'dark and dismal looking' with 'heavy blue tints and hard falloff.' The flash performance was criticized as inadequate for outdoor use, with some reviewers noting that it 'doesn't seem to be up to the task' or that 'something is wrong' with the exposure. The camera's fixed-focus lens with minimum focusing distance of 50cm (1.64 ft) may be problematic for close-up shots, and the tiny image size of 47 × 46mm (1.85 × 1.8 inches) means that even with improved details, the prints remain quite small. Additionally, the camera's price point of $99-$109 for the body alone, while comparable to full-size Polaroid models, is significantly higher than alternatives like Instax Mini cameras, which start at around two-thirds the price. The double exposure feature, while fun, was described as 'confusing' by some reviewers.
Who It's Best For
The Polaroid Go is best suited for shoppers who prioritize portability, design aesthetics, and the nostalgic appeal of instant photography over image quality. According to analog.cafe's Dmitri, it's ideal for those who want 'the world's smallest instant camera' and are willing to accept that 'the prints are obviously downsized' but still enjoy the 'cute factor' and 'charming' nature of the device. The camera appeals to collectors and those who appreciate the 'cute' factor, as noted by Cameralabs' Gordon Laing, who described it as 'the cutest camera I've ever used.' However, those who need high-quality images or are serious about photography should look elsewhere, as reviewers like Dan Finnen explicitly stated that the camera 'does not take great photos.' It's also not ideal for users who require professional-level features or have difficulty with small controls, as some reviewers noted that 'the diminutive size of this camera could be a major point of frustration.' The camera is best for casual users who want to capture moments on the go and enjoy the fun factor of instant photography.
Value and Price Comparison
Pricing for the Polaroid Go sits at $99-$109 for the camera body alone, which is comparable to full-size Polaroid models but significantly higher than alternatives like Instax Mini cameras that start at around two-thirds the price. The Polaroid Go film costs around $20 for a pack of 16 mini square photos, working out to about $1.25 per print, which is roughly 1.4x more expensive than Instax Mini film at $12.99 for 10 frames. However, according to analog.cafe's Dmitri, the Polaroid Go offers better features than the Instax Mini 9 or 11, with double exposure mode, ability to disable flash, and self-timer. The camera's built-in rechargeable battery is a premium feature that costs more than the basic AA-powered Instax models, though it provides convenience for users who don't want to carry extra batteries. Keith Wee noted that while the film is more expensive, the choice really comes down to personal preference for which camera and process you prefer, and that 'the Polaroid film remains more expensive' but the 'choice really boils down to which camera and process you prefer.' The value proposition is strongest for those who appreciate the design and portability features over cost efficiency.
Build Quality and Durability
The build quality of the Polaroid Go is described as solid despite its small size, with reviewers noting it's 'well-made' and 'reliable' despite being made of plastic. According to analog.cafe's Dmitri, the camera's shell is made of plastic with 30% recycled content, and while it may not have the precision of higher-end cameras like the Voigtländer Vito C, it feels 'reliable.' Keith Wee noted that the camera is 'featherlight' at 242 grams and that 'there's nothing fragile about it,' though he did mention that the camera 'happily dangles from the included wrist strap for easy access.' The camera's design includes a digital display showing remaining shots and a tiny orange warning light for charging reminders, which reviewers found useful. However, Dan Finnen noted that the camera 'lives on my shelf, next to a broken SX-70 camera' and that 'theyre both beautiful pieces of industrial art that just happen to not take very good photos,' suggesting that while the build quality is adequate, it's not exceptional. The camera's plastic construction is durable enough for casual use but may not withstand heavy abuse.
Strengths
- +World's smallest instant camera with compact 105mm × 84mm × 62mm dimensions
- +Built-in rechargeable battery lasts for approximately 15 packs of film
- +Includes wrist strap and comes in attractive cerulean blue color option
- +Supports double-exposure mode and 9-second delay timer for creative photography
- +Encourages selfies with oversized front viewfinder mirror
Watch-outs
- −Film is more expensive than competing Instax brand at 1.4x the cost
- −Charging cable is described as uncomfortably short
- −Camera is not quite pocketable due to its size
How it compares
The Polaroid Go is the smallest camera in the lineup, but it's more expensive than the Instax Mini 12 and lacks the automatic exposure system. Compared to the Evo, it's less feature-rich and doesn't offer digital connectivity, though it's more portable. Unlike the SQ1, it's less user-friendly and more expensive for similar functionality.
Who this is for
At a glance: portable selfie enthusiasts.
Why you’d buy the Polaroid Go
- World's smallest instant camera with compact 105mm × 84mm × 62mm dimensions.
- Built-in rechargeable battery lasts for approximately 15 packs of film.
- Includes wrist strap and comes in attractive cerulean blue color option.
Why you’d skip it
- Film is more expensive than competing Instax brand at 1.4x the cost.
- Charging cable is described as uncomfortably short.
- Camera is not quite pocketable due to its size.
Rating sources
“The new Polaroid Go comes with a 51mm polycarbonate resin lens which has a 65° diagonal field of view on film — a little wider than 50mm on full frame (which is 47°). This fixed-focus lens has an aperture range of 𝒇9-𝒇42 . The electronically-controlled shutter fires between 1s and 1/300s.”
“The Polaroid Go does not take great photos. From left to right: Polaroid Go, Fuji Instax Mini, and standard Polaroid 600 First off, the Polaroid Gos images are tiny. Like, seriously tiny.”
Our 3.3 score is the average of these published ratings. Ratings marked * were derived from the reviewer’s written analysis or video transcript — the publisher didn’t print an explicit numeric score, so we inferred one from their own words. Click through to verify. More about methodology.
