Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 Instant Camera - Mint Green
Score: 71/100
Polaroid Go Generation 2 - Mini Instant Camera + Film Bundle
Score: 70/100$90.69
$105.79
Rankings
The Instax Mini 12 adds a twist-to-power lens, selfie mirror and close-up mode to the familiar automatic instant-camera formula. It prints credit-card-sized photos quickly, but the plastic construction and lack of manual controls keep it in the entry-level segment.
The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the world's smallest analog instant camera, offering pocket-size portability, square-format Polaroid Go film, and creative features like double-exposure and a selfie mirror. It's rechargeable via USB-C and built with recycled materials, but image quality can be hit-or-miss and the proprietary film is pricey.
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
100 shots | 480 shotsbest | |
| ↓ lower better | 453.6 g | 240 gbest |
| ↓ lower better | 12.7 fbest | — |
| ↓ lower better | 0.004 seconds | 0 secondsbest |
| ↓ lower better | 5 secondsbest | — |
800best | — | |
1 yearsbest | 1 yearsbest | |
4 itemsbest | 4 itemsbest |
Click an attribute name to sort · Green = best, red = worst (relative to this comparison)
| Attribute | | |
|---|---|---|
Physical Specs(1) | ||
Weight (g) | 453.6 g | 240 g |
Battery & Power(2) | ||
Battery Life (shots) | 100 shots | 480 shots |
Battery Type | AA alkaline | Lithium-ion |
Print(1) | ||
Print Size | 54x86 mm | 54x67 mm |
Camera(3) | ||
Shutter Speed (seconds) | 0.004 seconds | 0.0001 seconds |
Film Format | Instax Mini | Polaroid Go |
Flash Type | Constant firing flash | Built-in |
Products in the top-left offer the best value (high score, low price).
Professional reviewers (PCMag Editors' Choice) commend the Mini 12 for its beginner-friendly design, intuitive twist-to-power operation, and useful selfie features, while noting the lack of manual controls and tripod mount.
Users enjoy the fun, nostalgic experience and ease of use for kids and teens, but criticize the cheap feel, occasional washed-out images, and the ongoing cost of film.
“The camera feels cheap, the photos are washed out, but the nostalgia makes it all worth it.”
“Love the twist-to-power lens and selfie mirror - perfect for my teen.”
“Great for quick prints, but the plastic feels fragile.”
Choose Instax Mini for lower film cost, auto-focus convenience, and quicker print development; choose Polaroid Go for ultimate portability, square-format nostalgia and creative modes.
Professional reviewers praise the Go Gen 2 for its ultra-compact size, improved exposure control and creative modes, while noting occasional over-exposure, a fixed focus system, and a higher defect rate in the exclusive film.
Everyday users love the nostalgic vibe, portability and fun modes, but complain about blurry or inconsistent photos, defective units, and the high cost of the proprietary film.
