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Camera & Photo · Head to head

INSTAX mini instant film vs Polaroid 6000 Color Film: Which Should You Buy?

Instant film for two different camera systems: small, cheap-per-shot Instax mini against Polaroid's larger, retro i-Type.

INSTAX mini instant film White Border, 20 shot Pack, suitable for all mini cameras and printers INSTAX

INSTAX mini instant film White Border, 20 shot

4.7 / 5 217,930 reviews
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Polaroid 6000 Color Film for i-Type, 8 Films Polaroid

Polaroid 6000 Color Film for i-Type, 8 Films

4.4 / 5 42,359 reviews
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Side by side

INSTAX mini instant film White BorderPolaroid 6000 Color Film for i-Type
PriceSee on Amazon →See on Amazon →
Rating★★★★★ 4.7★★★★☆ 4.4
Review count217,93042,359
BrandINSTAXPolaroid
Highlights
  • Produce credit card sized instax mini film, print size 54 (W) x 86 (H) image size 46 (W) x 62 (H) mm
  • Suitable for all instax mini series cameras, mini SHARE and Link photo printers and LiPlay and mini -EVO Hybri…
  • ISO 800 Film
  • UPDATED CLASSIC: The classic film is back with a new formula exclusively for I-Type cameras. It uses Polaroid'…
  • LIGHT IT UP: Polaroid Instant Film loves light. The more light in your shot, the better your photo will turn o…
  • DEVELOP: All photos appear blank at first. Photos develop within 15 minutes. Shield photos from the light and …

Our verdict

Crucially, these are not interchangeable, so your camera decides first. Instax mini film only fits Fujifilm Instax mini cameras and printers; Polaroid i-Type film only fits Polaroid i-Type and OneStep cameras. Beyond compatibility they offer different experiences. Instax mini prints are credit-card small, with crisp, bright, reliable results and a much lower cost per shot, which makes them the friendly, forgiving choice. Polaroid i-Type prints are large, square and dreamy, with the classic soft vintage look, but they cost noticeably more per photo and are less consistent. Buy for the camera you own. If you are still choosing a camera, Instax mini is cheaper and more reliable, while Polaroid is bigger and more nostalgic.

Which one is for you?

Prices are pulled live from Amazon.

Prices move around, so always confirm on Amazon before deciding. Browse more options in Camera & Photo or see the whole Electronics department. New to the category? Start with our buying guide.