Polaroid Flip makes instant photography feel new again

Photo: Polaroid

There is something oddly comforting about the hum of a machine that does one thing – and does it imperfectly. In an era of flawless smartphone shots and cloud-synced memories, the appeal of instant film lies not in precision but in unpredictability. You press a button, wait for a quiet whirr, and out slides a small square full of grain, light, and maybe a little blur.

With Polaroid's latest release, the Flip, the analogue revival begins to feel less like a trend and more like a return home. With a fold-in flash that doubles as a lens cover, a chunky clamshell body, and a tactile orange shutter button, the Flip looks like a tribute to the past but functions with purpose.

One of its standout features is sonar autofocus – A quiet pulse bounces off your subject and helps the Flip's four-lens system pick the best focus distance.

The Flip also brings an adaptive flash, which adjusts based on distance, helping avoid overexposed faces or washed-out backgrounds. It includes double exposure and self-timer options, yet the interface remains refreshingly minimal.

What sets the Flip apart is its balance. It is a camera that invites both beginners and seasoned users, offering ease without dumbing things down. According to wired.com, picture results are not flawless, but that is part of the charm. Each photo, warm and unpredictable, feels more alive than any filtered phone shot.

At $200, this is not a casual whim – but for those willing to embrace a bit of trial, a bit of error, and a bit of magic, the Flip might just be the right kind of throwback.