Polaroid Zip Review: the best tiny photo printer on the market today
The following review will give you a brief overview of what it'll mean to use the Polaroid Zip Instant Photoprinter. This little device can fit in your pocket (if you've got a wallet-sized pocket) and is able to print a collection of photos from your smartphone using NFC to connect and Bluetooth to send data. This device prints 2-inch x 3-inch prints with glossy fronts and instant-dry ink. This device takes the fun of the original Polaroid Instant Camera and jams it in to our modern age, with a sticky back to boot.
The basics
This system is one of the many strangely enticing Polaroid products to have been released in the brand's modern age. Another recent product we've reviewed from Polaroid is the fantastical piece of mini-camera called the Polaroid Cube.
You could – if you wanted – take photos with the Polaroid Cube, transfer them to your smartphone, and print them off with the Polaroid Zip pocket printer. It'd be easier just to take photos with your phone, but who are we to judge?
With the Polaroid Zip printer, you'll connect to your smartphone using NFC – or you can just connect with Bluetooth with a button tap. Either way, you're connecting quick.
From there, you'll need the (free) Polaroid Zip app, an app which allows you to print with a single button press (if you wish), or edit at will.
Inside the app you can edit your photo with filters – we've chosen to avoid all filters for our tests – or resize your photos for a white border.
With a white border placed correctly, you'll get that classic Polaroid photo look.
Photos can appear a bit on the light side. They're not going to pop out looking like you just went to the professional print station where you'd have to toss a few dollars at each print.
They're instant prints. They'd made with ZINK technology, too, so you won't have to worry about replacing ink or keeping your paper in the dark until its ready to process.
The result is pretty awesome.
Each photo can be kept in your pocket, attached to your refrigerator with a magnet, or stuck to your forehead. To stick to your forehead, you'll need to remove the sticker back that's in place on every standard "Polaroid 2x3 inch Premium ZINK Photo Paper" print.
The whole experience is quite slick. The printer is wireless and can be recharged with a standard micro-USB cord, also included in the box.
Verdict
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This tiny printer does not give you award-winning, archival-quality, masterpiece photo prints. It gives you quick prints that are more than awesome enough to capture a memory and stick it to your best friend's locker.
It's simple, it works, and it'll work with the smartphone you have in your pocket (or your hand) right this minute.
The Polaroid Zip Instant Mobile Printer is available in White or Black – they do the same thing, don't worry. They're both $129.99 USD, and you'll want to pick up a pack or two of Polaroid 2x3 inch Premium ZINK Photo Paper to go with – they cost around $25 per 50 sheets.