Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid vs Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

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 (4.1 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about creative hybrid users — read the strengths below before deciding.

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 →

Ranked #3 in Best Instant Cameras

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

4.0

6 sources$249as of Jul 31

The Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40 is a compact instant camera shooting the newer Instax Square format, which yields wider square prints with a vintage Polaroid look. PCMag's Jim Fisher described the analog process, where the image surfaces gradually 90 seconds after the shutter fires. Camera Labs' Gordon found it close to the SQ1 model but dressed up more seriously. A built-in flash and viewfinder are included, and it runs Instax Square film at 10 prints per cartridge. Reviewers pointed to the two limits: Square film only, and a price above the alternatives.

Strengths

— Uses fully analog process with prints emerging 90 seconds after shooting
— Produces wider square prints reminiscent of vintage Polaroids
— Includes built-in flash and viewfinder for easy framing

Watch-outs

— Limited to single print shape (cannot use Mini film)
— Relatively expensive compared to other instant cameras

$249 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

How they stack up

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.

Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40

While the Fujifilm Instax Mini Film Twin Pack offers broader compatibility, the SQ40 camera uniquely produces wider square prints with a vintage aesthetic. Compared to the Polaroid I-2, it lacks advanced manual controls but provides a simpler, more analog experience. Unlike the Lomo Instant Square, it doesn't support dual formats or creative exposure modes, making it more straightforward for casual users.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid	Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
Film Format	Instax Mini Film	Instax Square
Lens	28mm equivalent f/2	2components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6
Shutter Speed	1/4 to 1/8000 second	—
Battery Type	Rechargeable li-ion battery	—
Flash	Built-in with on, auto and off settings	Built In Flash
Dimensions	82.5 mm × 122.9 mm × 36.7 mm	—
Weight	265g	453g
Connectivity	Bluetooth	—
Battery	—	CR2 lithium
Color	—	Three options
Focusing	—	0.5m to infinity

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