Zillennials may be the most technologically well-versed generation, but many are nostalgic for a time before HD screens and doomscrolling; instead flocking to markets to snag sought-after vintage point-and-shoot cameras.
A Zillennial myself, I’m old enough to remember my parents’ own folding Polaroid instant camera, which was almost identical in size, shape and foldability to the new Polaroid Flip.
The main differences between the 2025 Polaroid Flip and its 1983 counterpart (the Polaroid 600 One-Step) are the former’s rechargeable nature, LCD screen, app-enabled control, ability to shoot double exposures, EV correction and a handy exposure level indicator light. But is this enough to justify a brand-new launch? We put the latest in old-school instant photography to the test.
Keep scrolling for a full review of the latest Polaroid Flip.
Key specifications
- Lid closed: 163.5 x 117.2 x 89.7 mm
- Lid open: 163.5 x 117.2 x 121.6mm
- Product weight: 648g
- Compatible with: i-Type Film 600 Film
- Lens: Two-lens structure with 4 zones, auto-switching hyperfocal optical system
- Shutter system: Fastest shutter speed 1/200, exposure time range is 1/200~30s
- Additional features:
- App-enabled for full control of camera via smartphone
- USB Type-C charging
- LED display for modes, film count, battery level
- Lithium-ion polymer soft-pack battery, user-serviceable
Design
Though the Polaroid Flip has been designed to capitalise on a renewed interest in film photography, it remains a relatively bulky, un-pocket-friendly device. I appreciate that it came with a carry strap, but it’s not something I’ll be ferrying around instead of a regular ‘ole point-and-shoot or DSLR, as it’s simply too big for what it’s worth in terms of shooting.
It’s also pricey, coming in at £199.99 with a pack of eight i-Type Colour Film costing £16.99. If I carried this Polaroid around with me, I’d be more inclined to take fun, impromptu snaps – which would cost me a significant amount of dosh in the long-haul thanks to the eye-watering price of film. It is, however, worth noting that buying and developing 35mm film isn’t exactly inexpensive either. It ultimately comes down to which version of the medium you prefer.
Qualms aside, the flipping mechanism glides open and closed with ease, and I enjoyed how easy it is to fiddle with settings thanks to the handy LCD screen, which tells you how many shots you have left, as well as whether the flash, timer, exposure level indicator or double exposure is switched on.
User-friendliness
Toggling through the different settings on the Polaroid Flip is a breeze thanks to the single-button functionality. Beneath the LCD screen on the right-hand side of the camera, there’s a rectangular button which helps you flip through the features.
Press once to turn the self-timer on or off, hold it down to utilise the exposure indicator, and quick-press twice to kick-start a double-exposed shot. It’s really that simple. When shooting a double exposure, a handy indicator appears dictating whether you’re on your first or second image.
Then, a simple press of the big red button on the front of the camera initiates the shutter. Within seconds, you’ll get your physical snap. But be warned, for contrary to popular belief, Polaroid distinctly says not to shake the picture. Pop it face down or in a dark place and wait a few minutes for it to develop.
By far the largest disappointment was my inability to connect the camera to its companion app to experiment with full remote control. Despite touting Bluetooth connectivity, no matter what I tried, the Polaroid app just kept repeating that there was no camera nearby to be found.
Had there been an inkling of an explanation in the instructions within the box, or a handy Bluetooth connect button, I might have been able to play with the brilliant portrait, light-painting, noise-trigger and remote self-timing modes which truly set the device apart from its vintage counterpart. This may, of course, just be down to my own dunce-headed nature – but I’m not convinced just yet.
Functionality
All in all, the Polaroid Flip does produce beautiful, clear images which retain a sense of nostalgic charm, not only thanks to their physical nature, but thanks to the bloomy and irreverent finish that Polaroid photos remain so beloved for.
Verdict
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Polaroid Flip Camera
This camera is something to have at home, to bring out after a dinner party. Or in true university fashion, to take portraits of friends that visit your home, and tack them to a dedicated guest wall.
While I reject the idea that this is a genuine new addition to the Polaroid fleet, I’m nevertheless a big fan of the ethos behind the return of physical, instant photography – the delightfully bloomy, subtly blurred images produced by it, and the way the photos are somehow already evocative of a distant memory.
A pricey Polaroid with limited film encourages users to be precious when it comes to shooting instant photographs, in contrast to the hundred-photo bursts provided by smartphones these days.
Plus, the customisable photographs produced by the Flip are remarkably high-quality and perfect for framing or blue tacking onto the walls of entryways. Bulk-aside, I’ll be taking it with me on travels and to friends’ houses for the foreseeable.
Buy now £199.99, Polaroid
