Polaroid Go Gen 2 Review: The Smallest Polaroid Ever

Quick Verdict

The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is a pocket-sized Polaroid that delivers the brand's classic square-format charm in the smallest body ever made. It is genuinely fun to use and remarkably portable. However, the miniature Go film format, higher cost per shot, and limited availability of film make it a harder recommendation than the Instax Mini 12 for most buyers. If you are committed to the Polaroid aesthetic and want maximum portability, the Go Gen 2 delivers. For everyone else, there are more practical options.

Rating: 7.8/10

Design: Smallest Polaroid Ever Made

The Polaroid Go Gen 2 holds the distinction of being the world's smallest analogue Polaroid camera, and it wears that title proudly. Measuring approximately 83 x 106 x 62 mm and weighing around 242 grams, it is noticeably smaller than the Polaroid Now Gen 2 and even slightly more compact than the Instax Mini 12.

The body retains Polaroid's recognisable design language — the rainbow stripe, the boxy shape, the front-facing lens — but everything has been scaled down. It is available in a range of colours including White, Black, Red, and several limited-edition options. The build quality is decent plastic, sturdy enough for daily carry but without the premium feel of the larger Polaroid Now.

A small selfie mirror sits next to the lens, and the optical viewfinder is functional though quite small. The overall impression is of a carefully miniaturised version of the Polaroid experience, designed to go anywhere.

Features

Despite its compact size, the Go Gen 2 packs in a few features that its predecessor lacked.

Double exposure. A dedicated button lets you take two exposures on a single frame. This is one of the most enjoyable creative features in any instant camera at this price point. Overlaying two scenes produces ghostly, artistic results that feel genuinely unique. It requires some experimentation to master, but the learning curve is part of the fun.

Self-timer. The Gen 2 adds a self-timer function, allowing you to set the camera down, press the button, and get into the frame yourself. The delay gives you roughly ten seconds to position yourself. It is a simple addition that was notably absent from the first generation.

USB-C rechargeable battery. Unlike Instax cameras that run on disposable AA batteries, the Go Gen 2 has a built-in rechargeable lithium battery that charges via USB-C. A full charge is good for approximately 15 packs of film, which translates to around 120 shots. In practice, battery life is not a concern — you will run out of film long before you run out of power.

Flash. The built-in flash fires automatically in low light. There is no option to force it on or off, and no manual controls of any kind. Point, shoot, and trust the camera.

Image Quality and Go Film

This is where the Go Gen 2 demands honest assessment. The Polaroid Go film format produces a 67 x 54 mm print — noticeably smaller than both standard Polaroid i-Type film (79 x 79 mm image area) and Instax Mini (62 x 46 mm image area). The Go frame is square in the Polaroid tradition, but the actual image area within it is tiny.

Colour reproduction follows the classic Polaroid character: slightly muted tones, a cool-to-neutral white balance, and a dreamy softness that digital photographers would call "low contrast." In good lighting, the results are charming and unmistakably Polaroid. In dim conditions, images tend toward muddy shadows and grain.

Compared to the Polaroid Now Gen 2, which uses the larger i-Type film, the Go Gen 2 produces noticeably less detailed prints. The smaller film surface simply cannot resolve as much information. This is not a flaw — it is a consequence of the format — but it is worth understanding before you buy.

Film Cost: The Elephant in the Room

Polaroid Go film comes in packs of 16 shots (a double pack of two 8-shot cartridges). A double pack typically costs between $17 and $22, which works out to roughly $1.10 to $1.40 per shot. By comparison, Instax Mini film costs approximately $0.55 to $0.70 per shot when purchased in bulk.

This means Go film is roughly twice as expensive per print as Instax Mini film, and the prints are smaller. Additionally, Go film is less widely stocked than Instax Mini. You may need to order online rather than picking it up at a local shop.

For occasional shooters, the cost difference is negligible. For anyone who plans to shoot regularly, it adds up quickly and should factor into your buying decision.

Polaroid Go Gen 2 vs Instax Mini 12

This is the comparison most buyers will be weighing, so here it is laid out plainly.

Feature	Polaroid Go Gen 2	Instax Mini 12
Print format	Square (67x54mm)	Rectangle (86x54mm)
Image area	~46x46mm	~62x46mm
Film cost per shot	~$1.10-1.40	~$0.55-0.70
Shots per pack	16	20
Battery	Rechargeable USB-C	2x AA
Double exposure	Yes	No
Self-timer	Yes	No
Weight	242g	293g
Price	$79-99	$75-85

The Instax Mini 12 wins on image size, film cost, and film availability. The Go Gen 2 wins on portability, battery convenience, and creative features (double exposure and self-timer). Choose the Go if the Polaroid brand and creative features matter to you. Choose the Mini 12 if you want the most practical everyday instant camera.

Who Is the Polaroid Go Gen 2 For?

The Go Gen 2 is best suited to Polaroid enthusiasts who want the brand's signature square-format aesthetic in the most portable package possible. It is also a strong choice for creatives who will make use of the double exposure feature and appreciate the artistic character of Polaroid chemistry.

It is less ideal for budget-conscious buyers, high-volume shooters, or anyone who prioritises print size. If you want Polaroid's look but with larger prints, the Polaroid Now Gen 2 is the better option.

Where to Buy

The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is available from Polaroid's official store and major online retailers. Check current pricing on Amazon.

🛒 Polaroid Go Gen 2 on Amazon →

Verdict: 7.8/10

The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is a genuinely likeable little camera. It is portable, fun, and produces prints with authentic Polaroid character. The double exposure and self-timer features add creative value that most competitors at this price lack. However, the small print size and high film cost hold it back from being an easy recommendation for the majority of buyers. It occupies a niche with conviction — but it is a niche nonetheless.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use regular Polaroid film in the Go Gen 2?

No. The Polaroid Go Gen 2 uses only Polaroid Go film, which is a smaller format than standard i-Type or 600 film. The cartridges are not interchangeable between Go cameras and full-size Polaroid cameras.

How long does a Polaroid Go Gen 2 print take to develop?

Polaroid Go prints take approximately 10 to 15 minutes to fully develop, though a recognisable image usually appears within the first two to three minutes. For best results, shield the print from direct sunlight during development and place it face-down or in a dark pocket.

Is the Polaroid Go Gen 2 worth it over the first generation?

Yes. The Gen 2 adds a self-timer, improved flash performance, and USB-C charging (replacing micro-USB). The image quality and film format are the same, but the usability improvements make the Gen 2 the clear choice if you are buying new.

How many shots can I take on a full battery charge?

Polaroid rates the Go Gen 2 for approximately 15 packs of film per charge, which translates to around 120 shots. In practice, this means battery life is rarely a limiting factor — you will almost certainly need to recharge your film supply before your battery runs out.