The Polaroid Flip, my favorite retro instant camera, is cheaper than ever | The VergeSkip to main contentThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.The VergeThe Verge logo.TechReviewsScienceEntertainmentAIHamburger Navigation ButtonThe homepageThe VergeThe Verge logo.Hamburger Navigation ButtonNavigation DrawerThe VergeThe Verge logo.Login / Sign UpcloseCloseSearchTechExpandAmazonAppleFacebookGoogleMicrosoftSamsungBusinessCreatorsMobilePolicySecurityTransportationReviewsExpandLaptopsPhonesHeadphonesTabletsSmart HomeSmartwatchesSpeakersDronesScienceExpandSpaceEnergyEnvironmentHealthEntertainmentExpandGamesTV ShowsMoviesAudioAIVerge ShoppingExpandBuying GuidesDealsGift GuidesSee All ShoppingCarsExpandElectric CarsAutonomous CarsRide-sharingScootersOther TransportationFeaturesVideosExpandYouTubeTikTokInstagramPodcastsExpandDecoderThe VergecastVersion HistoryNewslettersExpandThe Verge DailyInstallerVerge DealsNotepadOptimizerRegulatorThe StepbackArchivesStoreSubscribeFacebookThreadsInstagramYoutubeRSSThe VergeThe Verge logo.The Polaroid Flip, my favorite retro instant camera, is cheaper than everComments DrawerCommentsLoading commentsGetting the conversation ready...GadgetsCloseGadgetsPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All GadgetsTechCloseTechPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All TechVerge ShoppingCloseVerge ShoppingPosts from this topic will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All Verge ShoppingThe Polaroid Flip, my favorite retro instant camera, is cheaper than everThe camera makes a great gift for teens and adults alike, and right now, you can even get discounted film to go with it.The camera makes a great gift for teens and adults alike, and right now, you can even get discounted film to go with it.by Sheena VasaniCloseSheena VasaniCommerce WriterPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Sheena VasaniDec 2, 2025, 10:59 PM UTCLinkShareIf you buy something from a Verge link, Vox Media may earn a commission. See our ethics statement.Part OfThe Verge’s guide to Cyber Monday 2025see all Sheena VasaniCloseSheena VasaniPosts from this author will be added to your daily email digest and your homepage feed.FollowFollowSee All by Sheena Vasani writes about tech news, reviews gadgets, and helps readers save money by highlighting deals and product recommendations for The Verge.I love instant cameras because of how they help me slow down and be creative without the distractions of a phone. Holding a real print also feels grounding in a screen-dominated age, which is why I think a lot of people these days are drawn to them — and why models with old-school vibes like the Polaroid Flip make such great gifts. It’s usually pricey, but today you can buy the Flip for $184.99 ($35 off) directly from Polaroid, which is its best price to date. Amazon is also selling the camera with two packs of film for $212.49 ($37 off), which marks a new low too.Polaroid Flip$185$22016% off$185$212 at Amazon (with 16 prints)$187 at Best Buy$185 at PolaroidPolaroid cameras offer the most charming, old-fashioned instant-film experience of any I’ve tested, and the Flip is no exception. It sports a classic, retro-inspired design with a flip-up lid and prints vintage-style square I-Type photos with Polaroid’s iconic white frame. Yet at the same time it’s got the perfect amount of subtle modern conveniences baked in, like Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and a beginner-friendly companion app that lets you adjust saturation and exposure.RelatedThe digicam comebackThese terrific Cyber Monday deals are still available for $100 or lessThe Verge’s 2025 holiday gift guideBut what makes it really stand out is its picture quality, which outshines other Polaroid models in this price range. The Flip has the most powerful flash of any Polaroid camera, and paired with its unique sonar autofocus and four-lens hyperfocal system, it produces sharper, more consistently in-focus images than any model Polaroid offers at this price. You can manually tweak exposure, too, and the camera even sends warnings you when a shot is likely to be over- or underexposed. These are all features that go a long way toward reducing the number of wasted shots, which is helpful given I-Type film costs a whopping $18.99 for just eight prints.That said, the instant camera’s not for everyone. Fujifilm’s cheaper Instax Mini 12 develops prints much faster and looks more true-to-life while struggling less in low light. Still, the Flip’s dreamy, vintage aesthetic has its own appeal, especially if you prefer a more artistic, old-fashioned look.Verge DealsSign up for Verge Deals to get deals on products we’ve tested sent to your inbox weekly.Email (required)Sign UpBy submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice. 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The Polaroid Flip, a retro instant camera, is currently available at a significantly reduced price, presenting a compelling option for consumers. According to Sheena Vasani’s article published on The Verge, the camera’s price has been lowered to $184.99, a $35 discount, at both Polaroid and Amazon. Additionally, a bundled offer from Amazon includes two packs of film for $212.49, representing a further $37 discount. This pricing represents a new low for the camera, making it an attractive proposition, particularly for teens and adults seeking a nostalgic and creative photography experience. The camera’s design showcases a classic, retro aesthetic with a flip-up lid and produces I-Type instant photos with a distinctive white frame. Despite its vintage appearance, the Flip incorporates modern conveniences such as Bluetooth, USB-C charging, and a user-friendly companion app that allows for adjustments to saturation and exposure.

A key factor in the camera’s appeal resides in its image quality, which consistently outperforms other Polaroid models within its price range. The Flip boasts the most powerful flash among Polaroid’s offerings, combined with a unique sonar autofocus and a four-lens hyperfocal system. These features contribute to sharper, more consistently in-focus images. Furthermore, the camera’s software incorporates intelligent alerts, warning users when a shot is likely to be over- or underexposed, minimizing wasted attempts. This level of control, along with the manual exposure adjustment options, demonstrates a thoughtful design aimed at reducing shooting errors. The camera’s overall functionality suggests a deliberate effort by Polaroid to bridge the gap between nostalgic appeal and modern photographic capabilities.

However, it’s important to consider alternative options. Fujifilm’s Instax Mini 12 offers faster film development speeds and more accurate color reproduction, though it may struggle in low-light conditions. The Polaroid Flip’s distinct aesthetic and overall picture quality – particularly its brighter, more stylized images – present a unique allure. Despite the cost of I-Type film, which currently stands at $18.99 for eight prints, the camera’s accessibility at a reduced price reflects a strategic move by Polaroid to broaden its market reach and capitalize on the enduring interest in instant photography. The combination of vintage design and practical features, coupled with the availability of discounted film bundles, positions the Polaroid Flip as a worthwhile investment for those seeking a tangible and creative photographic experience.