Polaroid Snap vs Fujifilm Instax Mini 9: Which should you buy?

Polaroid Snap
Polaroid Snap (Image credit: Polaroid)

The Polaroid Snap and Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 are starter instant cameras for kids and adults alike. Both are good at what they do, but one outshines the other, as you'll see below.

The choice

When deciding between these two cameras, you're making a choice between one ecosystem over the other. You're also deciding whether being able to store your photos for later use is essential, and whether you want a camera with a rechargeable battery or not.

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Header Cell - Column 0 Polaroid SnapFujifilm Instax Mini 9
Weight7.52 ounces10.8 ounces
PaperZinkInstax
Photo size2x3 inches2.44x1.81 inches
Colors75
Charging time2.5 hoursN/A
BatteryRechargeable2 AA
Prints per charge15-20100
No. of sheets it holds1010
Price per printaround $0.70around $1
microSDYesNo

Although the Polaroid Snap is more expensive than the Fujifilm Instax Mini 9, it offers a less expensive experience over the long-run since its film cost less per print. It also has a rechargeable battery, which should save you some money too. Perhaps the best reason to buy the Polaroid camera over the Fujifilm Instax is the ability to save photos to microSD. I've also noticed the Polaroid is more durable than the other camera. You can feel the difference immediately when comparing the two.

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 9 does have some strengths, however, depending on your situation. First, with two AA batteries, you can snap up to 100 photos. By contrast, the battery on the Polaroid will only allow for 15 to 20 pictures before it needs to be recharged. The Fujifilm camera is also the only one to include a selfie mirror. It also offers an automatic exposure measurement, which signals the recommended aperture setting with a flashing LED.

The bottom line: At this price point, where convenience and price are perhaps most important, you should go with the Polaroid Snap.

Bryan M Wolfe
Staff Writer

Bryan M. Wolfe has written about technology for over a decade on various websites, including TechRadar, AppAdvice, and many more. Before this, he worked in the technology field across different industries, including healthcare and education. He’s currently iMore’s lead on all things Mac and macOS, although he also loves covering iPhone, iPad, and Apple Watch. Bryan enjoys watching his favorite sports teams, traveling, and driving around his teenage daughter to her latest stage show, audition, or school event in his spare time. He also keeps busy walking his black and white cocker spaniel, Izzy, and trying new coffees and liquid grapes.