Polaroid Go Gen 2 Review: Best Instant Camera?

Capturing spontaneous moments, especially when you’re out and about, often comes down to having a camera that’s easy to toss in your bag and quick to fire up. The Go Gen 2 is about as small as instant cameras get—think: fits in a jacket pocket, not just a purse. It churns out those classic instant photos that still have a certain charm, even in the age of digital everything.

The bundle includes 16 sheets of film, so you’re ready to go right out of the box. The built-in selfie mirror and self-timer are handy for creative shots or group photos, and the use of recycled materials is a nice touch for anyone thinking about sustainability. On the flip side, it uses its own unique film format, which isn’t interchangeable with other cameras, and the prints are really tiny—definitely smaller than what most folks are used to with instant cameras.

Overview: Polaroid Go Generation 2 Mini Instant Camera

The Polaroid Go Gen 2 is about as compact as instant cameras come. It’s designed for people who want something light and portable, with little features like a selfie mirror, self-timer, and double exposure for a bit of creative play. It’s easy to slip into a bag for a day trip or an impromptu outing.

Photos are much smaller than the classic Polaroid size, which some folks love for portability, but others might find a bit underwhelming. Image clarity is a toss-up—you might get a crisp, colorful shot if you nail the lighting, or you might end up with something blurry. The film is unique to the Go, so it adds a bit to the cost.

Pros:

• Super portable
• Straightforward controls
• Double exposure and selfie options

Cons:

• Tiny prints
• Hit-or-miss image quality
• Film isn’t cheap

Ultra-Portable Design

This camera really does fit in your hand or a small bag—no exaggeration. If portability is your top priority, it’s hard to beat. People mention how much easier it is to bring along compared to bulkier instant cameras.

That said, the controls and viewfinder are a bit cramped, especially if you’ve got bigger hands. Still, for quick snaps on the go, it’s a solid design for those who don’t want to lug around anything heavy.

Improved Exposure and Light Sensor

Lighting can make or break instant photos. The Go Gen 2’s updated light sensor tries to handle changing conditions on its own, balancing bright and dark scenes automatically.

A lot of users notice that indoor shots look better than they did with earlier models, and outdoor colors are truer, with less of that washed-out look. But low-light photos? Still kind of grainy sometimes. The automatic exposure is handy if you’re just looking to grab a quick shot without fiddling with settings.

Quick summary:

• Handles most lighting pretty well
• Auto exposure helps with quick snaps
• Low-light still isn’t its strong suit

Selfie Features and Self-Timer

The built-in selfie mirror is a simple but genuinely useful addition—it’s just enough to make sure you’re in the shot. The self-timer is straightforward to use if you want to jump into group photos or take a solo shot without rushing.

Some people love these features for trips or parties, but blurry selfies are still a thing if the lighting or timing is off. The camera’s small size makes it easy to hold out for selfies, though the tiny prints sometimes lose detail.

Double Exposure Creativity

Double exposure mode is where things get a bit more interesting. You can layer two images on one print, which opens up some creative possibilities. It’s genuinely fun to play around with, though you might need a few tries to get something you like—the small viewfinder and print size can make it tricky.

If you’re into experimenting, this is a cool feature, even if the results are sometimes unpredictable. It’s not for perfectionists, but it’s a fun way to add some flair to your photos.

Mini Film Experience

The prints from the Go Gen 2 are really small—think wallet-sized, which makes them easy to share or tuck away. Some people love the portability, but if you’re hoping to display them, the size might be a letdown.

Picture quality is a mixed bag. Good lighting brings out the best in these little prints, with nice color and contrast, but bad lighting can mean blurry or muddy results. If you’re after fun snapshots or keepsakes, it works. If you want sharp, detailed images, you’ll probably wish for something bigger.

Pros:

• Fits anywhere, super easy to carry
• Fun for quick, casual shots

Cons:

• Not much detail in small prints
• Lighting really matters for quality

Honestly, the mini film experience is best for playful shooting, not for anyone chasing perfect image quality.

Eco-Friendly Materials

A lot of people care about sustainability, and the Go Gen 2 uses 30% recycled materials in its body. It’s a step in the right direction, though it’d be nice if that number were higher. The film and packaging don’t seem to have much recycled content, which might be a letdown if you’re aiming for a truly eco-friendly purchase. Still, it’s better than nothing, and it’s a detail some buyers appreciate.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Tiny and lightweight—easy to bring anywhere, from parties to day trips.
• Super simple to use, even if you’ve never touched an instant camera before.
• Self-timer and selfie mirror add a bit of flexibility for group shots or self-portraits.
• The instant prints have that classic, nostalgic feel—nice for scrapbooks or gifts.
• USB-C charging is convenient and modern, and the partial use of recycled materials is a plus.
• Comes with film so you can start snapping right away.

Feature	Benefit
Self-timer & Mirror	Easier self-portraits
USB-C Charging	Fewer cable needs
Lightweight & Portable	Good for travel

Cons

• Image quality is all over the place—blurry or unclear shots happen, especially if you’re not careful with lighting.
• The film is unique to this camera and costs more than you might expect if you shoot a lot.
• Some people just can’t get past how small the prints are.
• Getting the hang of exposure takes some trial and error.
• A few users mention minor issues, like the film door acting up.

Summary:
It’s a fun, portable camera that’s easy to use, but you’ll want to keep your expectations realistic about photo quality and ongoing film costs. The print size and exposure quirks might take some getting used to.

User Experience and Portability

The Go’s small size and featherweight body make it a breeze to toss into a bag or even a roomy pocket. People love how hassle-free it is for travel or casual get-togethers.

Controls are straightforward, so there’s not much of a learning curve. The compactness is mostly a win, though the tiny viewfinder can be a pain, especially in bright sunlight.

The rechargeable battery (USB-C, thankfully) is a plus, but it does mean you’ll need to remember to charge it before heading out. Overall, portability and ease of use are its biggest strengths, but adjusting to the small format can take a bit of time if you’re used to bigger instant prints.

Customer Reviews

Most buyers rave about how small and portable the Go is—it’s a hit for travel, or as a gift for kids and teens. People like the instant gratification of pocket-sized photos and the easy setup.

On the downside, photo quality is inconsistent. Lighting and steady hands make a big difference; blurry prints are a common gripe. Some folks mention mechanical hiccups, like the camera cover acting up. The cost of film and the tiny print size are also sticking points, but overall, many see it as a fun, retro way to capture memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Some questions come up again and again for people considering the Go Gen 2. Here’s a quick rundown:

What are the main differences between Polaroid Go Generation 1 and Generation 2?

The Gen 2 is more of a refresh than a total overhaul.

• Uses 30% recycled materials (good for eco-conscious shoppers, but doesn’t change how it works).
• Slightly bigger aperture range and a better light sensor.
• Size, shape, and key features (like the selfie mirror and self-timer) are basically the same.

How does Polaroid Go Generation 2 compare to the Instax Mini 12?

A lot of folks are curious about how it stacks up against Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12.

Feature	Polaroid Go Gen 2	Instax Mini 12
Film Size	Smaller (Polaroid Go)	Credit card size (Mini Film)
Picture Quality	Mixed user feedback	Generally consistent
Portability	Very compact	Compact, slightly larger
Photo Cost	Higher per shot	Lower per shot

Both are easy to use and portable, but the Go is more retro and compact. Instax prints tend to look sharper, but they don’t have that same old-school vibe.

What improvements have been made in the Polaroid Go Generation 2?

Compared to Gen 1, you get:

• A lens with a wider aperture range, which should help a bit in low light.
• An updated light sensor for more accurate exposure.
• More recycled material in the shell.
• Still, some users say image clarity hasn’t improved as much as they hoped.

What type of film does the Polaroid Go Generation 2 use?

Only Polaroid Go film will work—it’s the brand’s smallest format.

• Comes in color with classic white frames.
• Not compatible with other Polaroid or Instax cameras.

Finding the film isn’t always as easy (or cheap) as with more common formats.

Are there any size differences in the film or camera between generations of Polaroid Go?

Nope, not really.

• Both generations use the same camera body.
• Both use the same Polaroid Go film—no changes in size or style.

So, if you’re upgrading, your old film packs will work just fine.

When was the Polaroid Go Generation 2 officially released?

The Polaroid Go Gen 2 popped up on online shops and official sites sometime in late 2023. Depending on where you live, the rollout might’ve landed a bit earlier or later, but by the tail end of that year, most big retailers had it in stock.