Head to head
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 vs Polaroid Go Generation 2 (2027)
Head-to-head: Instax Mini 12 versus Polaroid Go Gen 2, the two carry-everywhere instant cameras compared on size, film and cost.
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
The point-and-shoot Instax Mini that gets exposure right automatically.
- Film format: Instax Mini, 54 x 86 mm card, 46 x 62 mm image
- Lens: 60 mm f/12.7, 2 components, close-up mode 0.3 to 0.5 m
Polaroid Go Generation 2
The smallest Polaroid ever made, for pockets and everyday carry.
- Film format: Polaroid Go, 67 x 53 mm card, 47 x 46 mm image
- Lens: Polycarbonate resin, approx. 34 mm equiv., f/9 and f/42 apertures
Our recommendation
Buy the Mini 12 for cheaper film, larger prints and AA batteries you can buy anywhere. Buy the Go Gen 2 if pocketability and USB-C charging decide what you actually carry. This is the classic format-economics versus carry-size contest.
Size and print size
The Go Gen 2 at 211 g is half the Mini 12's carry burden and truly pocketable. The trade is print area: the Mini image is 46 x 62 mm against the Go's 47 x 46 mm - Mini prints are taller and read better at distance, Go prints are charm objects.
Film economics
Instax Mini film is the cheapest instant film sold and is stocked everywhere. Go film packs cost close to full-size Polaroid money for much smaller prints. Over a year of weekly shooting, the Mini 12's running-cost advantage dwarfs the body price gap.
Features and power
The Go fights back with double exposure, USB-C recharging and a pocketable sealed body. The Mini 12 counters with a better selfie mirror, close-up mode and AA power. Creative features favour the Go; practical event use favours the Mini.
Choose Fujifilm Instax Mini 12 if…
- Film budget matters over months of shooting
- You shoot parties and events with many guests
- You want the larger, cheaper Mini print
Choose Polaroid Go Generation 2 if…
- You will only carry a truly pocket-sized camera
- You want double exposure in a tiny body
- You prefer USB-C charging to buying AAs
Questions, answered
Which is cheaper to run for a year?
The Mini 12, by a wide margin. Instax Mini twin packs bring the per-shot cost well below Go film, and the gap grows with volume.
Which takes better indoor photos?
Both flash hard at close range. The Go Gen 2's wider aperture helps backgrounds; the Mini 12's metering is more consistent for faces. Neither replaces good light.
Can either print phone photos?
Neither directly. You would need a hybrid like the Mini Evo, or a separate Instax Link or Polaroid Lab-style printer for phone images.