Instax Mini 12 & Instax Mini 40 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Instax Mini 12 rather than the Instax Mini 40.
Why Do I Recommend The Instax Mini 12?
- The Instax Mini 12 features a simplified twist-lens system for faster selfie activation and easier operation, compared to the Instax Mini 40’s pull-out lens design.
- Instax Mini 12 includes automatic parallax correction in selfie mode for more accurate framing and better centered close-up shots, whereas the Instax Mini 40 lacks this feature.
- It includes a clearly labeled lens mode indicator for intuitive switching between standard and close-up shooting, while the Mini 40 uses an unlabeled lens extension.
- The Instax Mini 12 comes with an improved lens structure for smoother lens rotation and reduced wear to enhance long-term usability over the Mini 40’s push-pull mechanism.
- Instax Mini 12 has a lighter body at 306g for improved portability and reduced hand fatigue during extended use, compared to the heavier Instax Mini 40.
- The Instax Mini 12 features a rounded ergonomic design for enhanced grip comfort and safer handling compared to the boxier Mini 40.
- Instax Mini 12 supports a wider range of vibrant color options for greater personalization and visual appeal, compared to the single black color of the Mini 40.
Maybe the Instax Mini 40 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Instax Mini 12. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Instax Mini 12 | Instax Mini 40 |
| Lens Activation | Twist to extend/close lens | Push-button to extend lens |
| Selfie Mode Activation | Twist further to “Close-Up” mode | Pull out lens further for Selfie Mode |
| Lens Type | 2 components, 2 elements | Retractable, 2 elements in 2 groups |
| Shutter Button Style | Rounded plastic button | Retro metal-like button |
| Shutter Button Position | Center top | Right-top corner |
| Design Language | Rounded, playful, modern | Retro, classic, vintage-inspired |
| Color Options | Pastel Blue, Mint Green, Blossom Pink, etc. | Black with silver accents only |
| Material Finish | Matte pastel plastic | Textured faux leather with chrome details |
| Weight (approx.) | 306g | 330g |
| Dimensions (W x H x D) | 104 × 122 × 66.6 mm | 104 × 121 × 65 mm |
| Strap Design | Minimal or color-matched strap | Vintage-style black strap with silver loops |
| Included Accessories | Typically camera only | Includes strap and matching packaging |
| Retail Packaging | Colorful box design | Vintage-style box design |
| User Target | Teenagers, casual users | Adults, style-conscious users |
| Viewfinder Shape | Rounded rectangular | Classic rectangular |
| Brand Logo Placement | Large centered on front | Small, bottom-right front |
| Battery Compartment Access | Side twist door | Bottom open door |
| Body Texture | Smooth plastic | Textured leather-look finish |
| Flash Type | Constant firing flash | Slightly more controlled flash exposure |
| Power Button Style | Twist lens to power on | Push button to extend lens |
| Film Ejection Slot Design | Rounded top slot | Flat and angular slot |
| Instruction Label Style | Modern icons and pastel styling | Monochrome retro-style instructions |
| Back Cover Shape | Rounded edges | Sharper, classic rectangular edges |
| Lens Bezel Text | Color-printed labels | Engraved silver-tone text |
| Price | Check Instax Mini 12 Price | Check Instax Mini 40 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Film Format Compatibility: Both cameras use the Fujifilm Instax Mini film, ensuring you get identical film sizes (86 × 54 mm) and image areas (62 × 46 mm), allowing users to swap film packs between the two.
- Shooting Range & Focus Distance: Each model supports a shooting range from 0.3 m to infinity, meaning you can take both close-up selfies and distant shots without needing to adjust the focus manually.
- Auto Exposure & Shutter Speed: Both feature fully automatic exposure and shutter control, ranging from 1/2 to 1/250 seconds, which eliminates manual settings and makes shooting easier for beginners.
- Built-in Flash: They include a constant firing flash that activates in all lighting conditions to brighten indoor scenes or backlit shots, useful for casual snapshots.
- Selfie Mode: Each has a dedicated selfie mode for closer shots with built-in mirrors for framing, making them great for portraits or group selfies without external attachments.
- Optical Viewfinder: Both have a basic optical viewfinder, allowing simple composition without relying on a screen, maintaining the analog instant camera experience.
- Battery System: The cameras are powered by two AA batteries, capable of delivering about 100 prints per charge, making them convenient and easy to replace in any location.
- Motorized Film Ejection: Once you press the shutter, both models automatically eject the photo, with no need for manual intervention.
- No Digital Features: Neither has digital storage, wireless connectivity, or apps — they stay true to the pure analog instant photography format.
- Print Speed: After the shutter is pressed, it takes approximately 90 seconds for the image to fully develop, regardless of model.
Common Features
| Feature | Instax Mini 12 | Instax Mini 40 |
| Film Type | Fujifilm Instax Mini | Fujifilm Instax Mini |
| Film Size | 86 mm × 54 mm | 86 mm × 54 mm |
| Image Size | 62 mm × 46 mm | 62 mm × 46 mm |
| Shooting Range | 0.3 m to infinity | 0.3 m to infinity |
| Built-in Flash | Yes | Yes |
| Auto Exposure | Yes | Yes |
| Manual Exposure Adjustment | No | No |
| Shutter Speed | 1/2 to 1/250 sec | 1/2 to 1/250 sec |
| Selfie Mode Available | Yes | Yes |
| Viewfinder Type | Optical | Optical |
| Battery Type | 2 × AA batteries | 2 × AA batteries |
| Battery Life | ~100 shots per set | ~100 shots per set |
| Film Ejection Mechanism | Motorized | Motorized |
| No Tripod Mount | Yes | Yes |
| No Bluetooth or App Support | Yes | Yes |
| No Internal Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Instant Print Time | ~90 seconds | ~90 seconds |
| Price | Check Instax Mini 12 Price | Check Instax Mini 40 Price |