Where they actually differ
The most decisive specs, ranked by how much they matter — before the full spec table.
| Spec | Fujifilm - Instax mini 12 | Polaroid - Now (Gen 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Double exposure | false | true |
| Film format | Instax mini | Polaroid i-Type |
Between the Instax mini 12 and Now (Gen 3), the Instax mini 12 comes out ahead in several specs, while the Now (Gen 3) wins on double exposure / film format. Overall, the Instax mini 12 scores 89.2 and the Now (Gen 3) scores 75.6 on our Mars Score.
Which should you buy?
The Instax mini 12 is the clear pick on raw spec strength, leading by 13.6 points on the Mars Score. The margin is wide enough that the underdog only makes sense if its individual strengths line up with what you specifically need.
The Instax mini 12 does not pull ahead on any single popular-comparison spec — its strengths sit in the spec-table groups rather than the headline advantages.
Pick the Now (Gen 3) if you care most about double exposure / film format. Its strongest claims are double exposure, film format. The single most decisive one: Has Double exposure.
Both ship with comparable hybrid (digital + print), so those specs do not separate the two — focus on the differences below.
Bottom line: the Instax mini 12 is the safer default. The other model is the right choice only when its specific advantages line up with your priorities.
Which should you buy: Fujifilm - Instax mini 12 or Polaroid - Now (Gen 3)?
Fujifilm - Instax mini 12 leads the current Mars Score by 13.6 points.The more useful decision is the trade-off behind that result: compare film format, double exposure against the way you will actually use the product.
Choose Fujifilm - Instax mini 12 if…
Fujifilm - Instax mini 12 does not lead a decisive measured field here, so choose it for price, ecosystem, design, or availability when those matter more to you.
Choose Polaroid - Now (Gen 3) if…
Polaroid - Now (Gen 3) has the measurable edge on has double exposure, film format.
This is a structured comparison of the published catalog values. It is not a claim of identical real-world performance across every workload; use the linked spec drill-downs and methodology page to inspect the inputs.
Why Fujifilm - Instax mini 12 wins
- No decisive advantages.
Why Polaroid - Now (Gen 3) wins
- ▲Has Double exposure.
- ▲Film format: Polaroid i-Type (vs Instax mini).
Spec comparison
Film
| Spec | Fujifilm - Instax mini 12 | Polaroid - Now (Gen 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Film format | Instax mini | Polaroid i-Typelead |
| Hybrid (digital + print) | false | false |
Features
| Spec | Fujifilm - Instax mini 12 | Polaroid - Now (Gen 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Selfie mirror | true | true |
| Double exposure | false | truelead |
| Lens count | 1 | 2lead |
Design
| Spec | Fujifilm - Instax mini 12 | Polaroid - Now (Gen 3) |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | 306 glead | 434 g |