Polaroid Mint Printer vs Prynt Pocket: Which should you buy?

Both the Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer and Prynt Pocket are good options if you just want a device to print your iPhone's photos, with the Prynt doing just a little bit more. However, whether those extra features are worth the hassle of carrying around something bulky is up for debate.

Let's break it down

While both the Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer and Prynt Pocket are capable of printing photos that you already have on your mobile device, the Prynt goes one step further and turns your iPhone into an instant camera. However, the setup process is a bit cumbersome and we don't think the bulk is worth carrying around if you just want to print out existing photos and don't need an instant camera.

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Header Cell - Column 0 Polaroid Mint Pocket PrinterPrynt Pocket
Cost$130$130
Dimensions3 x 0.5 x 1 inches3.3 x 2.8 x 1.9 inches
ProfileSlim and compactBulky
BatteryRechargeable via microUSB, lasts 50 printsRechargeable via microUSB, lasts a few days depending on usage
ConnectivityBluetoothLightning
CompatibilityiOS or AndroidiPhone only
Companion appYesYes
Instant CameraNoYes
PaperPolaroid 2x3" inch ZINK paperPrynt 2x3" inch ZINK paper
Easy-to-useYesNo
Photo paper subscription serviceNoYes

While the Prynt Pocket is pretty cool for turning your iPhone into an instant camera, it's just not that easy to use and very time-consuming to figure out. Considering how bulky the product is, by the time you get it all set up, perhaps that moment has already left.

Plus, you need to load the Zink paper into a separate cartridge, while making sure it's in the right orientation, and then that cartridge must be loaded into the part that connects to the phone via the Lightning port. It's cumbersome and not worth it, in our opinion. Since you can print out photos in your Camera Roll with the Prynt Pocket, what's the real point in turning your iPhone into an instant camera aside from novelty?

What's the point in turning your iPhone into an instant camera aside from novelty?

And if you're looking at these two products because you want a device that can just print out your photos on your device, the Polaroid Mint is clearly the superior choice. It's slim and compact enough to slide into your pocket and easily connects to your Android or iPhone device via Bluetooth. The app lets you edit photos before printing, and prints come out on sticky-backed 2-by-3-inch Zink paper. Plus, you're able to print out about 50 photos on a single charge, which is nice.

Even dealing with the paper is easier with the Polaroid Mint. This camera uses normal Zink paper, while the Prynt Pocket can only use Prynt's own Zink paper, which is much harder to find and purchase. Prynt does have a subscription for "unlimited paper," but that's extra money you might not need to spend.

If all you need is a portable photo printer for your existing Camera Roll photos, then the Polaroid Mint Pocket Printer is all you need.

Christine Chan

Christine Romero-Chan was formerly a Senior Editor for iMore. She has been writing about technology, specifically Apple, for over a decade at a variety of websites. She is currently part of the Digital Trends team, and has been using Apple’s smartphone since the original iPhone back in 2007. While her main speciality is the iPhone, she also covers Apple Watch, iPad, and Mac when needed.

When she isn’t writing about Apple, Christine can often be found at Disneyland in Anaheim, California, as she is a passholder and obsessed with all things Disney, especially Star Wars. Christine also enjoys coffee, food, photography, mechanical keyboards, and spending as much time with her new daughter as possible.