Instant cameras are massive again in 2025 — and if you’re shopping during the holiday season, the Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 and Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 are the top models everyone is talking about.
Both of them can take great nostalgic prints… but they’re completely different cameras designed for different types of users.
Below is the ultimate comparison including print quality, color science, usability, battery, film cost, and real-world performance.
TL;DR — Quick Recommendations
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature | Instax Mini 12 | Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Film Format | Instax Mini | Polaroid i-Type | |
| Price Range (2025) | $69–$89 | $139–$159 | |
| Print Size | Instax Mini (credit-card) | Polaroid classic (larger) | |
| Color Style / Vibe | Bright, pastel, clean | Soft, vintage, artistic | |
| Autofocus / Focus | Fixed / simple AF | Full autofocus (better for portraits) | |
| Creative Modes | Basic (selfie + auto flash) | App-enabled: aperture, double exposure, light painting | |
| Battery | AA (user replaceable) | Rechargeable (built-in) | |
| Film Cost / Shot (est.) | $0.60–$0.75 | $2.30–$2.60 | |
| Best For | Beginners, gifts, parties | Creatives, photographers, aesthetic lovers | |
| Pros | Affordable, easy, consistent color | Iconic look, creative control, larger prints | |
| Cons | No creative controls, small prints | More expensive film, learning curve | |
| Overall Recommendation | Best all-rounder for most buyers | Best for creative/aesthetic users |
1. Instax Mini 12 — The Best Instant Camera for Most People (2025)
The Instax Mini 12 continues to dominate 2025 because it’s simple, cheap, reliable, and extremely fun.
⭐ Pros
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Bright & vibrant color reproduction
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Great for parties & selfies (auto flash works well)
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Extremely easy to use (point → twist → shoot)
❌ Cons
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No creative modes
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Small prints
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Not ideal for low-light scenes
🎁 Best for:
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Beginners
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Teens
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Gifts
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Travel snapshots
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Anyone who wants great colors without learning settings
You might also be interested in 4 Best Instant Cameras with Preview Function.
📸 2. Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 — Best for Creatives & Aesthetics
The Now+ Gen 3 is the true photographer’s instant camera.
This is the camera people buy for vibes — softer, vintage colors and iconic Polaroid borders.
⭐ Pros
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Largest, most iconic print size
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App unlocks:
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Aperture control
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Double exposure
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Tripod mode
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Light painting
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Gorgeous retro color science
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Rechargeable battery
❌ Cons
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Film is more expensive
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Slower to shoot
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Learning curve for best results
🎁 Best for:
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Artists
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Photographers
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Aesthetic lovers
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Scrapbook & collage creators
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People who want “true Polaroid vibes”
🎨 Print Quality Comparison — Instax Mini 12 vs Polaroid Now+ Gen 3
Instax Mini 12
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Bright, clean colors
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Better consistency in daylight
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Prints develop quickly
Polaroid Now+ Gen 3
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Soft vintage tones
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Larger dynamic range
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Best for moody portraits or aesthetic shoots
Pic Credit: “Clear Skies and Mansion at Cylburn Arboretum” by crudmucosa, CC BY 4.0
💵 Film Price Comparison (Per Shot)
| Film Type | Approximate Price (2025) | Cost Per Shot |
|---|---|---|
| Instax Mini | $12–$15 per 20 shots | $0.60–$0.75 |
| Polaroid i-Type | $19–$21 per 8 shots | $2.30–$2.60 |
Winner: Instax (much cheaper long-term)
Which One Should YOU Buy?
Buy Instax Mini 12 if you want:
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A gift
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Easy point-and-shoot fun
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Cheap film
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Consistent results
Buy Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 if you want:
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Gorgeous retro prints
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Artistic control
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Aesthetic photography
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The iconic Polaroid feel
Best Deals & Bundle Recommendations for Instax Mini 12 and Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 (2025 Holiday Edition)
🎁 Best Instax Mini 12 Bundle (Camera + Film + Case)
🎁 Best Polaroid Now+ Gen 3 Bundle (Camera + 2× Film Pack)
FAQs for Instax Mini 12 vs Polaroid
Is the Instax Mini 12 worth it in 2025?
Yes — it’s still the best value instant camera with cheap film and great colors.
Is Polaroid better than Instax?
Polaroid = better for artistic, vintage prints.
Instax = better for bright, clean, consistent prints.
Which camera is best for gifts?
Instax Mini 12. Handsdown!
Which camera is best for aesthetics?
Polaroid Now+ Gen 3.
