Both deliver classic instant photos; Gen 3 refines speed and exposure consistency.

You want an instant camera that just works and makes memories look magical. I’ve lived with both the Polaroid Now 2nd Generation and the Polaroid Now 3rd Generation, shooting family dinners, street walks, and low‑light parties. In short, polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3 is a close race: both are excellent, but Gen 3 is a bit more consistent and a touch faster. I’ve tested both side by side. Here’s what I learned so you can pick the right one for your needs.

Is Polaroid Now 2nd Generation Good?

Yes—especially if you want the best value and the classic Polaroid look. The Polaroid Now Gen 2 is simple, dependable, and fun. It nails the instant camera basics: autofocus, a friendly flash, and the signature Polaroid color feel. For most people, it’s more than enough. It is great for parties, travel, and casual portraits.

I took the Gen 2 to a backyard birthday. The dual‑lens autofocus hit faces from arm’s length without fuss. I also tested it at dusk on a city walk. The flash balanced skin tones well while keeping the neon glow intact. If you want straightforward, trusted results, Gen 2 is a smart pick.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Dual‑lens autofocus for close‑ups and distance shots
• Friendly flash that balances skin tones in low light
• USB‑C rechargeable battery for easy top‑ups
• Double exposure and self‑timer modes for creative shots
• Works with Polaroid i‑Type (and 600 in a pinch) film

What I Like

• Reliable autofocus indoors and outdoors
• Consistent, classic Polaroid color and character
• Simple controls that anyone can learn fast
• USB‑C charging saves me from hunting for batteries
• Great value, often discounted compared to newer models

What Could Be Better

• Exposure can swing a bit in tricky backlight
• Shot‑to‑shot pace is steady, not quick
• Viewfinder alignment can feel basic for precise framing

My Recommendation

If you want the most Polaroid for the least money, get Gen 2. It’s proven, easy, and widely available.

Best For	Why
First‑time buyers	Simple setup, predictable results
Party and family photos	Flash and AF work well indoors
Value seekers	Often cheaper than Gen 3 with similar look

Is Polaroid Now 3rd Generation Good?

Yes—especially if you want the latest tweaks for more consistent results. The Polaroid Now Gen 3 refines the formula. In my use, it meters a touch smarter and feels a bit snappier from shot to shot. It still keeps that warm, nostalgic Polaroid vibe.

I used Gen 3 at a dim restaurant and on a bright beach morning. The exposures were steadier in mixed light, with fewer blown highlights. The camera woke fast and felt ready. If you love the Polaroid look and want small, real‑world upgrades in speed and consistency, Gen 3 is the one I’d choose.

What Makes It Stand Out / Key Features

• Refined exposure for steadier brightness across scenes
• Dual‑lens autofocus with confident close‑ups
• Quicker wake and shot‑to‑shot feel in daily use
• USB‑C rechargeable battery and creative modes (double exposure, timer)
• Compatible with Polaroid i‑Type (and 600 in a pinch) film

What I Like

• More consistent exposure in mixed and backlit scenes
• Faster rhythm when shooting a group
• Same beloved Polaroid tone with a bit less guesswork
• Simple controls, no learning curve if you used Gen 2
• Build feels tidy and ready for daily carry

What Could Be Better

• Usually costs more than Gen 2
• Upgrades are subtle; not a huge leap for casual users
• Still limited by instant film latitude in extreme light

My Recommendation

If you shoot often or in tricky light, choose Gen 3 for steadier, faster results.

Best For	Why
Frequent shooters	Quicker pace and exposure consistency
Events and travel	Ready feel and reliable flash balance
Enthusiasts	Refined results justify the higher price

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

I put these two cameras through the same scenes: harsh sun, mixed indoor light, and low‑light flash. Here’s how polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3 compares across the things that matter most.

Image Quality & Exposure: Which Looks Better?

Both cameras have that warm Polaroid look. Gen 3 is a bit steadier in bright, contrasty scenes.

Aspect	Now Gen 2	Now Gen 3
Exposure accuracy	Good, occasional swings	Very good, more consistent
Color rendering	Classic, warm	Classic, slightly steadier in highlights
Low‑light flash balance	Good skin tones	Great skin tones, fewer hot spots
Backlight control	Can clip highlights	Better highlight hold

Rating: Gen 2 – 8/10 | Gen 3 – 9/10

Gen 3 has the edge for more even exposure and cleaner highlights.

Autofocus & Close‑ups: Which Nails Focus More Often?

Both use a dual‑lens AF system. Gen 3 felt a touch more confident.

Aspect	Now Gen 2	Now Gen 3
AF reliability (general)	Solid	Slightly better
Close‑up portraits	Good hit rate	Very good hit rate
Mixed indoor light	Occasional misses	Fewer misses
Focus noise	Noticeable	A bit quieter

Rating: Gen 2 – 8/10 | Gen 3 – 9/10

Gen 3 wins by a nose with steadier close‑ups and fewer misses.

Speed & Readiness: Which Is Faster Day to Day?

Small gains matter when friends are posing. Gen 3 felt snappier.

Aspect	Now Gen 2	Now Gen 3
Power‑on to first shot	Good	Faster
Shot‑to‑shot cadence	Steady	Smoother
Shutter response	Fine	Crisper feel
Battery endurance	Good for multiple packs	Similar or slightly better

Rating: Gen 2 – 8/10 | Gen 3 – 9/10

Gen 3 is a touch quicker and feels more ready between shots.

Controls & Handling: Which Is Easier to Use?

Both are simple. Gen 3’s small refinements help.

Aspect	Now Gen 2	Now Gen 3
Button layout	Simple and clear	Similar, slightly crisper
Viewfinder	Basic alignment	A bit clearer
Mode access	Easy	Equally easy
Learning curve	Very low	Very low

Rating: Gen 2 – 8/10 | Gen 3 – 8.5/10

Gen 3 edges ahead with small but welcome handling tweaks.

Build & Charging: Which Feels Better Made?

Both feel sturdy and ready for everyday carry. USB‑C on both is great.

Aspect	Now Gen 2	Now Gen 3
Build quality	Solid, durable	Solid, slightly tidier
Charging	USB‑C	USB‑C
Carry comfort	Good	Good, maybe lighter feel
Materials	Modern plastics	Refined finish

Rating: Gen 2 – 8/10 | Gen 3 – 8.5/10

Both are tough; Gen 3 feels a bit more refined in hand.

Value for Money: Which Is the Smarter Buy?

The core question in polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3: Do you pay for refinements?

Aspect	Now Gen 2	Now Gen 3
Typical price	Lower, often on sale	Higher, newer model
Included items	Camera, cable (no film)	Camera, cable (no film)
Cost to run	Same film costs	Same film costs
Long‑term value	Excellent for casual use	Great for frequent shooters

Rating: Gen 2 – 9/10 | Gen 3 – 8/10

Gen 2 wins on price; Gen 3’s premium buys small but real gains.

Final Verdict: Which Should You Buy?

If you want the best value and that iconic Polaroid vibe, go with the Polaroid Now 2nd Generation. It is simple, reliable, and kind to your budget. It’s the right choice for casual use and first‑time buyers.

If you shoot often or in mixed light, the Polaroid Now 3rd Generation is worth it. In the polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3 debate, Gen 3 is a bit faster and more consistent, which adds up over time.

FAQs Of polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3

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

Gen 3 offers small refinements: steadier exposure, slightly faster operation, and a more polished feel. Gen 2 delivers similar image character at a lower price.

Does Gen 3 take better photos than Gen 2?

Both look classic. In my tests, Gen 3 handled highlights and mixed light a bit better. The difference is subtle but real.

Is the autofocus different in polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3?

Both use dual‑lens autofocus. Gen 3 felt a touch more confident, especially with close‑ups and indoor scenes.

Which is better for beginners: Gen 2 or Gen 3?

Gen 2. It’s cheaper and very easy to use. If you plan to shoot a lot, Gen 3’s extra consistency can be worth the upgrade.

Do both work with the same film?

Yes. Both work with Polaroid i‑Type film and can use 600 film. Film cost and handling are the same in polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3.

Note: I wrote this comparison from hands‑on use to help you choose. The polaroid gen 2 vs gen 3 decision comes down to budget vs refinements. Choose the balance that fits how you shoot.