Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 vs Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid

Which is the better buy? Side-by-side on rating, price, strengths, and watch-outs — with the published ratings we averaged to get there.

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The short answer

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid comes out ahead by a narrow margin (3.8 vs 4.1). The gap is mostly about creative hybrid users — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #6 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

3.8

6 sources$109.95as of Jul 31

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 looks good and does little new, which reviewers summed up as familiar features in an attractive package. They liked the ease of use and automatic exposure control but criticized the absence of any real advancement and the cheap plastic construction. It works fine for basic instant photography, though reviewers point buyers toward competitors like Lomography and MiNT for better value or features. Aesthetics over innovation is the trade being made here.

Strengths

— Very nice looking design with a leatherette finish
— Easy to use with simple film loading and operation
— Automatic exposure control that produces well-exposed images

Watch-outs

— No significant innovations compared to previous Instax models
— Plastic build quality that feels cheap and fragile

$109.95 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #2 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid

4.1

4 sources$169as of Jul 31

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay is a hybrid of instant film and digital, and it brings a dedicated selfie camera to the Instax line for the first time. Reviewers noted the redesign, with a larger grip and a better user interface, though some found the power button slow to respond and the button placement awkward. It handles digital capture and smartphone printing, and adds the new instax Sound Album feature for animated videos with sound. Ease of use is the priority, with creative photo modes and audio built around it.

Strengths

— Features a dedicated selfie camera with wider 23mm focal length and f/2.2 aperture
— Includes instax Sound Album feature that turns photos into animated videos with sound
— Supports printing images from smartphone via Bluetooth and QR code audio clips

Watch-outs

— Power button requires long press of over three seconds to activate
— Selfie toggle button positioned close to power button, causing accidental presses

$169 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini 40

The Fujifilm Instax Mini 40 offers a more stylish design than the Mini 12 but lacks innovation, making it less compelling than the Evo which provides digital features and smartphone connectivity. While it's more visually appealing than the SQ6, it doesn't match the SQ6's analog simplicity and better build quality. Compared to the SQ1, it's more expensive and less practical despite its attractive finish.

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid stands out from the Evo with its dedicated selfie camera and sound album feature, which the Evo lacks. Compared to the Mini 12, it offers more digital connectivity and smartphone app integration, though it's more complex and less straightforward. Unlike the SQ1, it's more feature-rich and offers hybrid functionality, but it's more expensive and less user-friendly.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Mini 40	Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid
Film Format	Instax Mini	Instax Mini Film
Lens	60mm f/12	28mm equivalent f/2
Shutter Speed	1/250th max	1/4 to 1/8000 second
Battery Type	2 AA	Rechargeable li-ion battery
Flash	Constant firing flash (automatic light adjustment)	Built-in with on, auto and off settings
Dimensions	104 mm × 121 mm × 65 mm	82.5 mm × 122.9 mm × 36.7 mm
Weight	330 g	265g
Connectivity	—	Bluetooth

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