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Instax Mini 12 vs Mini 13: Which One to Choose in 2026?
Instax Mini 12 vs Mini 13: the 13 adds a 2s/10s self-timer and rounded design for ~$10 more. We analyzed both: which to pick in 2026?
⚡ TL;DR
- 1Top pick: Instax Mini 13 — the 2026 refresh of the bestseller
- 2Budget: Instax Mini 12 — frequently discounted since the 13 launched
- 3Key difference: 2s/10s self-timer and rounded design on the Mini 13
- 4Verdict: within $10, get the Mini 13; otherwise the Mini 12 stays excellent
Summary
The Mini 13 is a cautious update of the Mini 12: 2s/10s self-timer, rounded design and refreshed colors. If the price gap exceeds $15, the often-discounted Mini 12 remains the best value.
Comparison criteria
Products compared
Detailed comparison
| Criteria | Top choice  |  |
|---|---|---|
| Price | 87-90€ | 79-99€ |
| Format film | Instax Mini | Instax Mini |
| Format impression | 62×46mm | 62×46mm |
| Objectif | 2 composants, 2 éléments, f = 60 mm, 1:12,7 | - |
| Plage de prise de vue | 0,3 m et plus (mode Gros plan de 0,3 m à 0,5 m) | - |
| Exposition | Automatique, Lv 5,0 à 14,5 (ISO 800) | - |
| Flash | Automatique, portée effective 0,3 m à 2,2 m | Automatique |
| Retardateur | Oui, 2 s ou 10 s | - |
| Batteries | 2×AA (LR6), environ 10 cartouches de 10 vues | 2×AA |
| Dimensions | 105,5 × 124,7 × 67,6 mm | - |
| Poids | 327 g (sans piles, avec film et dragonne) | - |
| Mise au point | - | Automatique |
| Déclencheur selfie | - | Oui |
| Offre MN Photo Vidéo | - | 86,90 €, en stock le 24/07/2026 |
| Buy | Check current price →Read our review | Check current price →Read our review |
Fujifilm Instax Mini 13
Fujifilm
87-90€
Fujifilm Instax Mini 12
Fujifilm
79-99€
Instax Mini 12 vs Mini 13: Which Generation to Choose?
Quick answer: The Mini 13 (June 2026) adds a 2s/10s self-timer and a rounder design to the Mini 12, for
$10-15 more ($90 vs$78). Both share the same reliable auto exposure, the same film ($1/shot) and the same simplicity. If the Mini 12 is discounted, it stays unbeatable; at near-equal price, take the Mini 13.
What changes between the Mini 12 and Mini 13
Fujifilm didn't reinvent its formula: the Mini 13 keeps what made the Mini 12 a worldwide success (auto exposure, 30-50cm macro mode, selfie mirror, 2 AA batteries ~100 shots).
The real updates:
| Feature | Mini 12 | Mini 13 |
|---|---|---|
| Self-timer | ❌ | ✅ 2s / 10s |
| Design | Rounded corners | Rounder, matte finishes |
| Colors | 5 (sage, lilac, white, pink, sky blue) | Refreshed palette |
| Auto exposure | ✅ | ✅ identical |
| Macro mode | ✅ 30-50 cm | ✅ identical |
| Indicative price | ~$78 | ~$90 |
The self-timer: the real new feature
It's the only real functional addition: a 2s/10s self-timer that finally allows group shots with everyone in the frame, without outstretched arms. On the Mini 12, you need a remote shutter or a photo booth for the same result.
Price: the decisive argument
Since the Mini 13 launched (June 2026), the Mini 12 is regularly discounted (up to -20% on Amazon). Within $10, the Mini 13 is worth it for the self-timer. Beyond $15 of difference, the Mini 12 remains the best value on the market.
Our verdict
- First camera: Mini 13 if the gap is < $15 — freshness and self-timer are worth it
- Tight budget: discounted Mini 12 — functionally identical for photography
- Gift: the Mini 13 is the safe 2026 choice, especially for teens
Go deeper: our Mini 13 review and Mini 12 review, plus the best Instax Mini 2026.