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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.

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid
Higher ratedRanked #3 in Best Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid
4 sources$175as of Sep 25

The Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay is a hybrid of instant film and digital: it saves shots to internal memory or a microSD card so you choose which to print, and it doubles as a printer for photos sent from a smartphone. Reviewers liked its compact body and its many filters and frames, and it can record sound and print it as a QR code on the photo, though Tom's Guide found that feature a hassle and low-light performance subpar. Ease of use is the priority, with creative photo modes and audio built around it.

Strengths
  • — Selfie mirror on the front for framing self-portraits
  • — Records sound and prints it as a QR code that plays back from the photo
  • — Supports printing images from smartphone via Bluetooth and QR code audio clips
Watch-outs
  • — Filters can't be added after shooting
  • — Subpar low-light performance
$175 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
Ranked #4 in Best Instant Cameras
Fujifilm Instax Square SQ40
6 sources$183.18as of Sep 25

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
$183.18 · Check Price on AmazonFull review →

How they stack up

Fujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay Hybrid

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

SpecFujifilm Instax Mini LiPlay HybridFujifilm Instax Square SQ40
Film FormatInstax Mini FilmInstax Square
Lens28mm equivalent f/22components, 2elements, f = 65.75mm, 1:12.6
Shutter Speed1/4 to 1/8000 second—
Battery TypeRechargeable li-ion battery—
FlashAuto, forced and suppressed flashBuilt In Flash
Dimensions82.5 mm × 122.9 mm × 36.7 mm2.4 x 4.72 x 5.28 inches; 15.98 ounces
WeightApproximately 255 g453g
ConnectivityBluetooth—
Image Sensor1/5-inch CMOS, 2560 x 1920—
Screen2.7-inch LCD—
Battery—CR2 lithium
Color—Three options
Focusing—0.5m to infinity
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