Head-to-head · Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid Go vs Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

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

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 comes out ahead by a clear margin (3.3 vs 4.0). The gap is mostly about nostalgic beginners — read the strengths below before deciding.

Ranked #11 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid Go

3.3

5 sources2 derived$21.19as of Jul 31

The Polaroid Go Generation 2 is the world's smallest instant camera at 105mm × 84mm × 62mm and 273g with film loaded. Analog.Cafe's review covers the 51mm fixed-focus lens with an f9-f42 aperture range and an electronically-controlled shutter. Double-exposure mode, a 9-second delay timer, and a built-in flash with 2m range round it out. Reviewers like the portability and the fun of using it, but note the film costs more than Instax alternatives and the bundled USB-C cable is uncomfortably short. Casual photographers who want something compact and addictive will enjoy it; anyone watching film costs won't.

Strengths

— World's smallest instant camera with compact 105mm × 84mm × 62mm dimensions
— Built-in rechargeable battery lasts for approximately 15 packs of film
— Includes wrist strap and comes in attractive cerulean blue color option

Watch-outs

— Film is more expensive than competing Instax brand at 1.4x the cost
— Charging cable is described as uncomfortably short
— Camera is not quite pocketable due to its size

$21.19 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Higher ratedRanked #4 in Best Instant Cameras

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

4.0

3 sources2 derived$139.99as of Jul 31

The Polaroid Now Generation 2 hands you a nostalgic instant camera with a few modern conveniences. Reviewers praised the double exposure mode and retro styling, calling it a good starting point for anyone new to instant film. It has a built-in battery, charges over USB, and ships with a picture frame and lanyard. The build reads plasticky and heavy to some, but reviewers agree the Polaroid character comes through with better functionality behind it. Beginners looking for an accessible way in will do well; serious photographers who want advanced controls won't.

Strengths

— Double exposure mode feature for creative photography
— Built-in battery with USB charging capability
— Retro aesthetic with colorful design and vintage-inspired look

Watch-outs

— Plastic feel and heavy build may not appeal to all users
— Requires charging unlike older models with battery-pack film

$139.99 · Check Price on Amazon Full review →

Derived means the reviewer published no score, so one was inferred from their written verdict. Everything else is a number the publisher printed. How we rank.

How they stack up

Polaroid Go

The Polaroid Go is the smallest camera in the lineup, but it's more expensive than the Instax Mini 12 and lacks the automatic exposure system. Compared to the Evo, it's less feature-rich and doesn't offer digital connectivity, though it's more portable. Unlike the SQ1, it's less user-friendly and more expensive for similar functionality.

Polaroid Now+ Generation 2

The Polaroid Now+ Generation 2 offers a retro aesthetic and double exposure mode that the Mini 12 lacks, but it's more expensive and less reliable than the SQ6. Compared to the Evo, it's more analog and lacks digital connectivity, though it's more affordable than the LiPlay Hybrid. Unlike the SQ1, it's less compact and more expensive for similar functionality.

Specs side-by-side

Spec	Polaroid Go	Polaroid Now+ Generation 2
Lens	51mm polycarbonate resin	Optical grade PC and Acrylic lens, coated
Shutter Speed	1s to 1/300s	Custom design shutter system, using precision step motor for shutter
Battery Type	Rechargeable, lasts 15 packs	Built-in rechargeable
Dimensions	105mm × 84mm × 62mm	150.2mm x 112.2mm x 94mm
Film Format	Polaroid Go Film	i-Type film
Flash	Built-in automatic flash	Built-in automatic flash
Weight	251.9 grams	0.78 kg
Connectivity	—	Bluetooth

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