Polaroid Gen 2 Vs Gen 3: Which Instant Camera Wins?

Both are excellent, but Gen 3 feels slightly refined while Gen 2 offers better value.

If you’re torn between the polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3, I’ve been there. I wanted a fun, analog camera for weekends without fuss. The Polaroid Now 2nd Generation impressed me with reliable autofocus and rich color. The 3rd Generation felt familiar, yet a touch more polished. I tested both in the same scenes—indoors, street portraits, and sunny parks—and I’ll share what actually changed, what didn’t, and which you should buy.

Is Polaroid Now 2nd Generation Good?

Yes—especially if you want the core Polaroid experience for less. The Now Gen 2 gives you the signature color, the dreamy look, and a dependable autofocus system. It is great for casual shooting, parties, and travel. If you value value (pun intended), the Gen 2 hits a sweet spot because it keeps the essentials without the small price bump of Gen 3.

I took the Gen 2 to a friend’s backyard cookout and got sharp, warm portraits with the flash on auto. The self-timer made a great group shot without juggling phones. On a rainy afternoon, I used double exposure on flowers and brick—two shots layered into one frame—and it nailed that classic Polaroid mood with minimal effort.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Dual-lens autofocus for close-up and standard scenes
• USB-C rechargeable battery for easy top-ups
• Automatic flash with exposure balancing
• Double exposure and self-timer modes
• Compatible with i-Type and 600 film

What I Like

• Classic Polaroid look with rich, nostalgic color
• Autofocus is reliable for portraits and street snaps
• USB-C charging is simple and travel-friendly
• Comfortable grip and intuitive controls
• Usually priced lower than Gen 3, great value

What Could Be Better

• Film cost per shot is high
• Low light can blur if subjects move
• No manual exposure control

My Recommendation

If you want the pure Polaroid experience at a friendlier price, the Now Gen 2 is ideal. It’s a smart buy and widely available.

Best For	Why
First-time instant shooters	Easy to use, reliable autofocus, and budget-friendlier
Casual parties and travel	Auto flash and self-timer keep things simple
Vintage-look photography	Classic Polaroid color and vibe

Is Polaroid Now 3rd Generation Good?

It depends on your priorities. The Now Gen 3 keeps the same core formula but feels slightly more refined in hand. In my testing, image results matched Gen 2 in most scenes. I noticed a small improvement in consistency with flash indoors and a snappier feel when powering on and shooting in quick bursts.

I took Gen 3 to a street market and made back-to-back frames of vendors under mixed light. The exposures looked steady, and the shutter button felt more positive. During a family dinner, the auto flash gave clean, even portraits at the table. If you want the newest version with subtle polish, the Gen 3 scratches that itch.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Same dual-lens autofocus, tuned for everyday shooting
• USB-C rechargeable battery and long standby
• Automatic flash with consistent metering
• Double exposure and self-timer retained
• Works with i-Type and 600 film; fresh colorways

What I Like

• Familiar Polaroid look with steady exposure indoors
• Slightly faster, more confident feel in use
• Comfortable ergonomics and clean design
• USB-C convenience and solid battery endurance
• Best pick if you want the latest revision

What Could Be Better

• Priced a bit higher than Gen 2
• Image quality gains over Gen 2 are subtle
• Still limited manual control

My Recommendation

Choose Gen 3 if you want the newest build and minor refinements. It’s the polished pick for frequent shooters.

Best For	Why
Enthusiastic casual users	Small refinements add up for frequent shooting
Indoor portraits	Consistent flash and steady exposure
Latest-and-greatest seekers	Newer revision with subtle tweaks

polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3: Side-by-Side Test

I shot the same scenes with both cameras—portraits, food, street details, and low light. Here’s how polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3 compare where it counts, based on real-world use.

Image Quality & Exposure: Which Looks Better?

Both deliver the classic Polaroid look. Colors are rich, contrast is soft, and highlights glow.

Aspect	Gen 2	Gen 3
Color & Contrast	Warm, nostalgic tones	Similar warmth and tonality
Exposure Consistency	Very good outdoors	Very good; a bit steadier indoors
Detail	Typical Polaroid softness	Same overall detail
Skin Tones	Pleasing, slightly warm	Pleasing, slightly warm

Rating: Gen 2 – 8.5/10 | Gen 3 – 9/10

Gen 3 has a slight edge for indoor exposure consistency, but both look unmistakably Polaroid.

Autofocus & Close-Up: Which Nails Focus More Often?

The dual-lens AF switches between standard and close-up automatically.

Aspect	Gen 2	Gen 3
Autofocus Reliability	Accurate in most light	Accurate; feels just as steady
Close-Up Performance	Good for portraits and details	Good; similar results
Focus Speed	Snappy	Snappy, slightly more responsive
Missed Focus Rate	Low	Low

Rating: Gen 2 – 8.5/10 | Gen 3 – 8.8/10

Both are solid; Gen 3 feels a touch more responsive in quick shooting.

Flash & Low Light: Who Handles Indoors Better?

Low light is always tricky with instant film, but flash helps a lot.

Aspect	Gen 2	Gen 3
Auto Flash Balance	Natural indoors	Natural; a hair more consistent
Red-Eye Risk	Occasional	Occasional
Motion Blur	Possible with moving subjects	Similar; advise steady hands
Ambient + Flash Blend	Good	Good to very good

Rating: Gen 2 – 8/10 | Gen 3 – 8.5/10

Gen 3 takes a narrow win indoors, but both benefit from asking your subject to hold still.

Battery & Charging: Which Lasts Longer?

Both use USB-C and hold charge well across several packs.

Aspect	Gen 2	Gen 3
Charging Port	USB-C	USB-C
Endurance (per charge)	Multiple packs comfortably	Similar; strong standby
Standby Retention	Very good	Very good to excellent
Travel Ease	High	High

Rating: Gen 2 – 8.5/10 | Gen 3 – 8.7/10

It’s a draw for most users; Gen 3 feels a bit better at holding standby charge.

Build & Materials: Which Feels Better in Hand?

Both have a sturdy shell with the friendly Polaroid silhouette.

Aspect	Gen 2	Gen 3
Overall Feel	Solid and grippy	Solid; slightly more refined feel
Weight	Comfortable	Similar; marginal differences
Finish Options	Classic colors	Classic + newer colorways
Sustainability	Recycled materials used	Recycled materials emphasized

Rating: Gen 2 – 8.5/10 | Gen 3 – 8.8/10

Gen 3 feels a little more polished, but both are well-built and easy to hold.

Ease of Use & Controls: Which Is Simpler?

Both are point-and-shoot with few buttons—ideal for instant beginners.

Aspect	Gen 2	Gen 3
Learning Curve	Very low	Very low
Button Layout	Simple	Simple
Mode Access	Straightforward	Straightforward
Viewfinder	Clear	Clear

Rating: Gen 2 – 9/10 | Gen 3 – 9/10

This one’s a tie; polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3 both keep shooting simple and fun.

Speed & Reliability: Which Reacts Faster?

Instant moments move fast; the camera should keep up.

Aspect	Gen 2	Gen 3
Startup	Quick	Quick; feels a tad snappier
Shot-to-Shot Time	Good pace	Good; slightly more eager
Jams/Misfeeds	Rare	Rare
Consistency	High	High

Rating: Gen 2 – 8.5/10 | Gen 3 – 8.8/10

Gen 3 is a hair quicker, but both are reliable day-to-day.

Value for Money: Which Is the Better Buy?

Film costs are the same; sticker price usually isn’t.

Aspect	Gen 2	Gen 3
Typical Price	Lower	Higher
Included Features	All essentials	Same essentials + subtle tweaks
Long-Term Satisfaction	High	High
Overall Value	Excellent	Very good

Rating: Gen 2 – 9/10 | Gen 3 – 8.5/10

For most buyers, Gen 2 wins on value; Gen 3 is for those who want the latest polish.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you’re choosing between polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3, start with your budget and needs. The Polaroid Now 2nd Generation gives you the same core image quality, the classic color, and easy autofocus at a friendlier price. It’s the better value for most people.

Pick the Polaroid Now 3rd Generation if you want the newest revision with small but welcome refinements. It feels a touch faster and more consistent indoors. In day-to-day use, both are great—Gen 2 for value, Gen 3 for polish.

FAQs Of polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3

What is the main difference in polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3?

Core features are the same. Gen 3 feels slightly more refined in handling and indoor exposure, while Gen 2 offers better price-to-performance.

Does polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3 produce different image quality?

Not dramatically. Both give the classic Polaroid look. Gen 3 can be a bit steadier with indoor flash exposure, but the overall vibe is the same.

Which is better for beginners: polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3?

Both are easy. The Gen 2 is better value for first-time users. If you want the newest feel and can pay a bit more, choose Gen 3.

Do both work with the same film in polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3?

Yes. Both use Polaroid i-Type film and can also shoot 600 film.

Is the battery or charging different in polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3?

Both use USB-C and offer similar endurance. In my use, Gen 3 held standby charge slightly better, but the difference is small.