Polaroid Hi-Print 2nd Gen Review: Fun But Pricey
A verified buyer on Best Buy summed it up simply: "Excellent print quality with vibrant colors — and so easy to use." The Polaroid Hi-Print 2nd Generation Bluetooth Photo Printer + 40 Paper Bundle earns a 7.5/10, standing out as a fun, portable photo printer for casual creativity, yet facing criticism for its high running costs and narrow versatility. Its greatest draw is the instant gratification of printing sticky-backed wallet-size photos straight from your phone — but only if you’re willing to pay a premium per print.
Quick Verdict: Conditional — worth it for hobbyists & event use, not for document printing or budget buyers
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Detailed, vibrant photo quality for small prints | Very high cost-per-print due to proprietary paper |
| Easy Bluetooth pairing with smartphones | No document or black & white printing |
| Compact, portable design with built-in battery | Slow printing speed (~80 seconds) |
| Fun customization via Polaroid Hi-Print app | Mediocre color accuracy & narrow gamut |
| Sticky-backed prints for creative projects | No display or advanced status indicators |
Claims vs Reality
Marketing calls it “the pocket printer your imagination needs”, promising “high-quality prints in under 50 seconds” with vibrant colors. While the dye-sublimation process does create finely detailed 2.1″ x 3.4″ images, testing shows print time closer to 80 seconds. Reddit user feedback reinforces this, noting, “You do have to wait longer than advertised since it runs four passes for each color layer”. That means it’s a little slower than the product page suggests, particularly noticeable at parties where people expect instant prints.
The color claim is also moderated by user reports: while Best Buy customers often praise the “beautiful, vibrant colors”, RTINGS.com testers countered that “pictures look noticeably darker than the originals” and bright tones like reds and blues can appear inaccurate. This gap became more pronounced in outdoor shots with saturated backgrounds.
Finally, portability is real — at 255g and powered by a rechargeable lithium-ion battery, it’s genuinely mobile. Amazon and Focus Camera listings emphasize “print anywhere,” and users confirm it works well on trips. A verified buyer on Amazon noted: “Took it on a weekend getaway and printed 15 photos without recharge.” Yet portability is partially undermined by the reality that photo paper costs nearly $0.85 per print, and you must buy proprietary cartridges.
Cross-Platform Consensus
Universally Praised
One clear win: ease of use. Setup is fast — download the app, pair via Bluetooth, and print. Best Buy shoppers highlight “simple setup and operation”, and even tech-cautious users found pairing with Android and iOS painless. This appeals to casual users who don’t want a learning curve.
Customization features in the app are another crowd-pleaser. Stickers, filters, frames, and text overlays resonate with scrapbookers, students documenting events, and parents creating quick keepsakes. A Trustpilot reviewer explained, “We printed on-the-spot party favors with custom stickers — everyone loved peeling them off and sticking on notebooks.”
Portability’s creative potential is a recurring theme. Event photographers and party hosts benefit most: the sticky-backed prints can be handed out immediately or stuck onto decorations. The app's direct access to phone albums means you can resurrect old moments in seconds.
Common Complaints
The most persistent issue is high running cost. RTINGS.com found a cost-per-print of $0.849, and many Reddit users called it “pricey for something so small.” Coolblue even warns in its product description that “the price per photo is high.” This hits home for users trying to produce bulk prints, such as wedding booths or family reunions.
Limited printing scope frustrates multipurpose printer seekers. It cannot print documents or larger photos, only the proprietary 2.1″ x 3.4″ paper. This alienates small business owners, teachers, or office workers hoping for broader use. As one Reddit comment put it: “It’s fun, but not an office tool — purely a toy for photos.”
Color accuracy falls short of “lifelike” claims. Bright and saturated tones are often dulled, leading to less pop in scenic shots. RTINGS ratings give color accuracy 6.4/10, with specific mention that reds, blues, and purples are “visibly off.” Users who prioritize photographic fidelity may be disappointed.
Divisive Features
The printing speed draws mixed reactions. While testers measured ~80 seconds per print, some casual users say it’s “fast enough” for coffee table novelty use. Others, especially at events, wish for shorter wait times.
Build quality earns generally good marks, but the exposed ribbon inside the cartridge worries careful owners. RTINGS notes that “the ribbon could tear if you aren’t careful,” yet many buyers haven’t experienced damage, citing sturdy casing. Portability enthusiasts appreciate the recycled plastic shell despite this vulnerability.
Trust & Reliability
Scam concerns are minimal — sellers on eBay and Amazon have high feedback scores, and direct-from-Polaroid purchases avoid counterfeit risk. However, long-term wear issues include dust entering through the output slit, potentially affecting print quality.
Durability stories diverge: while some users report flawless operation months later, a handful mention ribbon tears or Bluetooth dropouts over time. A recurring tip from Reddit threads is to store it in a protective case when traveling, to avoid dirt ingress.
Alternatives
Where color accuracy and gamut matter more than sticker-backed novelty, the Canon Selphy QX20 emerges as a competitor mentioned by RTINGS testers. It prints in a wider color gamut and offers larger sizes, making it better for true-to-life photo reproduction. However, it’s less portable and lacks the instant sticker feature.
For users seeking a cheaper cost-per-print, Zink-based printers offer lower ongoing expenses, though at the cost of detail quality — dye-sublimation still beats Zink in photo sharpness.
Price & Value
Prices range from about $96 on eBay to $139 at Focus Camera, with the bundle including 40 sheets being the most enticing starter option. The secondary market holds value well; used units on eBay retail between $82 and $89 without substantial depreciation, likely due to the locked ecosystem and specialized paper use.
Community buying tips focus on bulk paper purchasing during sales, as proprietary cartridge cost is the biggest expense. One Amazon reviewer advised: “Wait for discount packs — you’ll burn through paper faster than expected.”
FAQ
Q: Can it print documents or larger photos?
A: No. It only prints 2.1″ x 3.4″ images on its proprietary sticky-backed photo paper; document printing isn’t supported.
Q: Is the photo paper reusable or interchangeable with other brands?
A: No, it requires Polaroid Hi-Print 2x3 generation 2 cartridges; third-party options aren’t available.
Q: How’s the battery life for travel?
A: Advertised battery life is about 20 prints per charge. Many users confirm reaching 15-20 without recharge, making it acceptable for day trips.
Q: Does it work with Windows or MacOS?
A: No direct support; it connects via Bluetooth to Android, iOS, and ChromeOS devices only.
Q: How water-resistant are the prints?
A: Prints are durable and waterproof according to product descriptions, making them suitable for scrapbooks and outdoor use.
Final Verdict
Buy if you’re a creative hobbyist, party host, or scrapbook enthusiast who values instant, customizable prints over long-term cost. Avoid if you require document printing, larger formats, or professional photo accuracy.
Pro tip from community: Keep spare cartridges on hand and store the printer in a dust-proof pouch to prevent ribbon damage during travel.
