Instant photography is having another moment — and Polaroid knows how to own it.
The Polaroid Flip isn’t just a vintage-inspired camera. It’s a reengineered icon. With sonar-powered autofocus, a clever multi-lens system, and the brand’s most powerful flash to date, the Flip combines analog magic with practical smarts — all wrapped in a satisfying clamshell design.
Specifications
• Dimensions (Closed): 163.5 × 117.2 × 89.7 mm
• Dimensions (Open): 163.5 × 117.2 × 121.6 mm
• Weight: 648 g
• Lens System: Dual-lens module with 4 fixed focus zones
• Focus Zones: 0.4–0.77 m, 0.77–1.03 m, 1.03–1.68 m, 1.68 m–∞
• Autofocus: Sonar sensor with automatic zone switching
• Viewfinder: LED indicators for focus, exposure, battery, and film count
• Field of View: Horizontal 39.4°, Vertical 40.8°
• Flash: Vacuum tube, effective up to 4.5 meters
• Film Type: Polaroid i-Type and 600
• Image Area: 79 × 79 mm
• Film Size: 107 × 88 mm
• ISO: ASA 640
• Battery: Built-in rechargeable lithium-polymer (USB-C)
• Bluetooth: For app pairing and remote controls
• App Features: Manual exposure, self-timer, double exposure, remote shutter
• Included: Camera, neck strap, quick-start guide, safety leaflet
Flipping Into Style: Design & Build
The Flip is unmistakably Polaroid — a love letter to the past, folded into a future-facing shell. Its clamshell form protects the lens and flash, while evoking the mechanical satisfaction of classic gear. Available in bold white/orange or stealthy graphite gray, it feels retro without being kitschy.
Every detail is purpose-driven: the housing is sturdy, the hinge opens with a solid click, and the physical buttons are clean and clicky. A raised shutter button on the front panel brings a different kind of ergonomics — one that invites a fresh approach to framing.
Features That Matter
At the heart of the Flip is its sonar autofocus system. This iconic Polaroid tech uses ultrasonic waves to determine the subject distance, then selects one of four preset focus zones — from tight portraits at 0.65 meters to landscapes beyond 2.5 meters.
Complementing that is a powerful adaptive flash, which automatically adjusts intensity depending on how far your subject is. Polaroid claims this is their most powerful flash ever — a claim backed by its 4.5-meter effective range.
Inside the viewfinder, users will find LED guidance that warns of exposure issues or focus errors before a shot is taken. No screens. No digital preview. Just analog shooting — assisted by invisible brains.
The App: Smart, If You Want It
While the Flip works fully standalone, the Polaroid app adds extra flexibility via Bluetooth:
• Adjust manual exposure
• Activate self-timer
• Create double exposures
• Remotely trigger the shutter
The app doesn’t overwhelm — it complements. You can go fully analog or blend in a bit of tech control as needed.
Price and Availability
• Price:
$199.99 / £199.99
Availability:
• Available for pre-order at Polaroid Official Store
• Global retail availability begins May 13, 2025
How It Stacks Up
Polaroid Flip vs. Fujifilm Instax Mini Evo
• Flip has sonar autofocus and real-time exposure guidance / Evo uses a digital screen and manual lens ring
• Flip delivers larger square format / Evo shoots on smaller Instax Mini film
• Flip offers tactile, fully analog feel / Evo offers digital previews and filters
Which to choose?
• Prefer pure analog with clever tech? Go with the Flip
• Want creative digital controls with instant output? Try the Evo
What Others Say
“Polaroid’s Flip feels like it was pulled from a retrofuture dream — equal parts charming and clever.” — The Verge
“This is the most advanced analog camera Polaroid has ever made.” — TechRadar
Cons
• Larger than typical point-and-shoot instant cameras
• No tripod mount
• Slight learning curve with offset viewfinder
• Film costs add up over time
FAQ
• Does it have zoom?
No. The Flip uses fixed focal zones with automatic switching.
• Can I use it without the app?
Yes. The Flip is fully functional on its own.
• Does it support USB-C charging?
Yes, the built-in battery charges via USB-C.
• Is the film reusable?
No. Like all Polaroid instant film, it’s single-use.
Final Verdict
Polaroid Flip might just be the company’s most ambitious instant camera to date. It reimagines old-school instant photography with sonar smarts, dynamic flash, and a design that literally flips the script. For anyone craving hands-on creativity with a touch of tech — this is instant gratification done right.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5
4.5 / 5
