Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 Review: Worth the Extra Cost?

Quick Verdict

The Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 takes everything the standard Now Gen 2 does well and layers on a suite of creative tools that transform it from a point-and-shoot into a genuine artistic instrument. Five physical lens filters, Bluetooth app connectivity with manual controls, double exposure capability, and light painting modes give photographers a level of creative freedom that is rare in the instant camera world. At 8.7/10, it earns a higher score than the standard Now -- but whether the premium is worth it depends entirely on how you plan to shoot.

What the Now+ Adds Over the Now Gen 2

The core camera hardware is identical to the standard Now Gen 2: the same dual-lens autofocus system, the same USB-C rechargeable battery, the same i-Type film compatibility. What sets the Now+ apart is its creative toolkit.

Five Physical Lens Filters

The Now+ ships with five snap-on lens filters that attach magnetically to the front of the camera:

• Starburst -- transforms point light sources into multi-pointed star flares. Ideal for night scenes with street lights, candles, or fairy lights.
• Red Vignette -- adds a warm red gradient around the edges of the frame, drawing the eye toward the centre of the image. Effective for portraits with a dramatic, moody feel.
• Orange -- casts a warm amber tone across the entire image, reminiscent of golden hour light. Works well for landscapes and outdoor portraits.
• Yellow -- produces a subtle warm shift that is less intense than the orange filter. Adds a nostalgic, sun-drenched quality to everyday scenes.
• Blue -- applies a cool blue cast across the frame, giving images a melancholic or wintry atmosphere. Particularly striking for architectural and urban photography.

The magnetic attachment system is simple and satisfying. The filters snap on and off cleanly, and they are small enough to carry in a pocket. Polaroid includes a fabric pouch to keep them together. Build quality is adequate -- they are plastic rather than glass -- but they feel durable enough for regular use.

Bluetooth App Controls

This is where the Now+ truly distinguishes itself. By connecting the camera to the Polaroid app via Bluetooth, you unlock a set of manual controls that are otherwise unavailable on any Polaroid camera in this price range:

• Manual exposure control -- adjust exposure compensation to deliberately overexpose or underexpose your shots.
• Double exposure mode -- take two exposures on a single frame, layering images on top of each other for surreal, artistic compositions.
• Light painting mode -- the shutter stays open for an extended period, allowing you to trace light sources through the frame. This requires a tripod and a dark environment, but the results can be spectacular.
• Tripod mode -- disables the flash and uses a longer exposure, ideal for well-lit static scenes where flash would be intrusive.
• Self-timer with remote trigger -- use your phone as a remote shutter release, giving you more control over timing than the standard 9-second timer.

The app itself is functional but not flawless. Bluetooth pairing is generally reliable, though we experienced occasional disconnections during extended sessions. The interface is clean and intuitive, and Polaroid has improved stability significantly since the first-generation Now+. That said, expect the odd hiccup -- the app crashed twice during our testing period, requiring a reconnection.

Build and Design

Physically, the Now+ is nearly identical to the Now Gen 2. The dimensions and weight are the same, and the exterior design follows the same rounded, heritage-inspired aesthetic. The Now+ is available in fewer colour options -- typically Black and White -- which reflects its positioning as a more serious, creatively oriented tool rather than a fashion accessory.

The magnetic ring around the lens for filter attachment is the only visible hardware difference. It is subtle and does not affect the camera's profile or handling.

Film compatibility is slightly broader on the Now+: it works with both i-Type and 600 film, giving you access to vintage 600 stock if you happen to find any. The standard Now Gen 2 also supports both formats, so this is not a unique advantage, but it is worth confirming.

The box includes the camera, a USB-C charging cable, the five lens filters with a carrying pouch, and two packs of i-Type film (16 photos total). That bundled film is a meaningful inclusion, given that a single pack retails for $14-18. It effectively offsets a portion of the price premium over the standard Now.

Image Quality

Image quality is fundamentally the same as the Now Gen 2, since both cameras use identical optics and the same i-Type film. Prints measure 79 x 79mm on the standard Polaroid border, with the same characteristic soft focus, gentle grain, and muted colour palette that defines the modern Polaroid look.

Where the Now+ pulls ahead is in what you can do with that image quality. Double exposures, when executed well, produce genuinely striking results -- layered portraits over textured backgrounds, silhouettes merged with landscapes, abstract compositions that would be impossible on the standard Now. Light painting opens up an entirely different creative avenue, and the manual exposure control lets you rescue shots in tricky lighting situations where the automatic metering would otherwise struggle.

The lens filters add a tangible creative dimension as well. The starburst filter, in particular, transforms otherwise ordinary night scenes into something visually compelling. The colour filters are more situational -- they work best when you commit to a specific mood rather than applying them indiscriminately.

Who Should Upgrade -- and Who Should Not

Upgrade to the Now+ if:

• You are genuinely interested in experimenting with creative techniques like double exposure and light painting.
• You enjoy the process of composing shots deliberately and are willing to spend time learning the app controls.
• You want the lens filters for adding a physical, optical effect to your images -- something no digital filter can truly replicate.
• You are buying your first Polaroid camera and want the most versatile option available.

Stick with the Now Gen 2 if:

• You primarily use your Polaroid for casual snapshots at events, parties, and gatherings.
• You are unlikely to use the Bluetooth app or the creative modes regularly.
• You prefer simplicity -- point, shoot, done.
• The price difference matters to your budget and you would rather spend the savings on extra film.

The honest assessment is this: the Now+ is a better camera, but only if you use its additional features. If the five lens filters and the Bluetooth app stay in the box after the first week, you have paid a premium for nothing. The standard Now Gen 2 takes the exact same photographs in automatic mode.

Where to Buy

The Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 is available from major retailers. We recommend checking Amazon for the best current pricing:

🛒 Polaroid Now+ on Amazon →

Pricing typically ranges from $129 to $159 depending on colour and current promotions. Remember that the box includes two packs of film (16 shots), which effectively reduces the premium over the standard Now.

Final Verdict: 8.7/10

The Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 is the most creatively capable instant camera Polaroid currently makes at a consumer price point. The five lens filters, Bluetooth-connected manual controls, double exposure mode, and light painting capability give photographers tools that simply do not exist on any other instant camera in this category. The core photography experience remains identical to the excellent Now Gen 2, meaning you sacrifice nothing by choosing the Now+.

The question is straightforward: will you use the creative features? If the answer is yes -- or even probably -- the Now+ is worth every penny of its premium. If you just want to point and shoot, save your money and buy the standard Now Gen 2 with an extra pack of film.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Now+ compatible with 600 film as well as i-Type?

Yes. The Polaroid Now+ Gen 2 is compatible with both i-Type film and 600 film. Since the camera has its own built-in rechargeable battery, it does not need the battery embedded in 600 film cartridges. This means you can use either format interchangeably. However, i-Type film is typically cheaper because it does not include a battery, so there is no practical reason to buy 600 film unless you find a specific special edition you want to try.

How stable is the Bluetooth app?

The Polaroid app has improved significantly since the first-generation Now+. Bluetooth pairing is generally quick and reliable, and the interface is intuitive. That said, it is not perfect. Occasional disconnections and rare crashes can occur, particularly during extended creative sessions. We recommend keeping the app updated to the latest version and ensuring your phone's Bluetooth is not being contested by too many other devices. Overall, the app is stable enough for regular use but not bulletproof.

Can I use the lens filters on the standard Now Gen 2?

No. The lens filters are designed to attach to the magnetic ring around the Now+'s lens, which the standard Now Gen 2 does not have. There is no way to adapt them for use on the standard model. If the creative filters are important to you, the Now+ is your only option within the current Polaroid lineup.

Is the Now+ worth the price difference over the Now Gen 2?

That depends entirely on your shooting style. The price difference is typically $40-50, but the Now+ includes two packs of film in the box (worth approximately $30-36), which narrows the effective gap. If you are the type of photographer who will experiment with double exposures, light painting, and the lens filters, the Now+ offers genuine value. If you want a simple point-and-shoot Polaroid experience, the Now Gen 2 delivers identical image quality at a lower price, and the savings are better spent on extra film.