Polaroid Now+ Review: Is the Bluetooth Connectivity Worth the Extra Cost?

Polaroid Now quick overview

The Polaroid Now is a simple instant camera with a few modern tricks. You get autofocus, a built-in flash, and a clean metal-and-plastic body that feels solid in your hands. It shoots the classic square instant film while adding options for creative control that push it beyond a basic point-and-shoot.

This model splits the difference between fun and control. At a glance it behaves like a casual camera—easy to aim, quick to fire—but it also gives you long exposure and double exposure possibilities when you want to slow down and experiment. Battery life and film costs will shape how often you use those features, so factor them into your plans before you buy a stack of shots.

If you’ve been asking the headline question—Polaroid Now Review: Is the Bluetooth Connectivity Worth the Extra Cost?—this guide gets straight to that. In short, Bluetooth turns the Now from a cute gadget into a small studio tool; whether it’s worth the extra cash depends on how much you value creative modes and remote control.

Core features and film types in the Polaroid Now review

The core features are easy to spot. You’ll rely on autofocus for most snaps, but the Now also offers a self-timer, a tripod mount, and manual-style options through the app. Physically, it’s compact enough to carry daily. The app unlocks modes like double exposure, light painting, and shutter control, which let you make pictures that feel crafted rather than accidental.

Film is the heart of this camera, and it works with both i-Type and 600 film, plus color and black-and-white options. That matters because film choice changes the look and cost of every print:

• i-Type film — slightly cheaper per shot when used in i-Type bodies, great for color and B&W.
• 600 film — works in more cameras, slightly different chemistry and often sold in more varieties.

How Bluetooth changes shooting with Polaroid Now Bluetooth connectivity

Bluetooth adds a new layer of control. With the app, you can trigger the shutter remotely, fine-tune exposure settings, and switch to specialty modes without touching the camera. That’s handy for group photos, tripod shots, or when you want to paint with light while moving around the scene.

There are limits: the app can lag, and reliance on your phone means you must keep both devices charged. Still, for portrait sessions, creative experiments, or staged shots, Bluetooth is a real multiplier. If you love dialing in settings like a photographer, the app turns the Now into a small creative lab.

Snapshot of what to expect

Expect a friendly camera that rewards a bit of patience: good for everyday snaps, and better when you take time with composition and the app’s creative modes. Film expenses and occasional app quirks are the trade-offs for prints that feel personal and crafted.

What Bluetooth adds to shooting

Bluetooth brings control and flexibility to instant shooting you didn’t have before. With the Polaroid Now connected to your phone, you can trigger the shutter from across the room, tweak exposure, and stack creative modes without touching the camera. That means fewer blurred group shots, more deliberate double exposures, and less fumbling with tiny buttons.

You get more creative tools in your hands. The app opens up modes such as double exposure, light painting, and manual adjustments that the physical camera alone can’t offer. The phone becomes your test bench for composition and timing before you commit to film.

There are trade-offs. Bluetooth adds a bit of setup, can drain the camera battery slightly faster, and raises the price. But if you care about creative control, remote timing, or shooting with friends, the payoff can be big—especially when every shot costs film.

Remote control and app sync with Polaroid Now app remote control

Pairing gives you true remote control: start a timer, fire the shutter, or trigger bulb exposures without touching the camera. That’s a game-changer for group photos, self-portraits, and long exposures where any jiggle ruins the shot. You can place the camera on a ledge, walk into frame, and let the app call the shots.

Sync between phone and camera is mostly seamless and works like a simple handoff. Expect solid range for most real-world use (think across a small room or a backyard). For outdoor shoots or longer distances, keep devices close when pairing and check battery levels before you go.

App settings and shooting modes in the companion app

The app brings several creative modes and settings that expand what the Polaroid Now can do. Common modes:

• Double Exposure
• Light Painting
• Bulb / Long Exposure
• Portrait Mode (shallow focus effects)
• Exposure Compensation

These modes change your results in obvious ways: double exposure layers two scenes into one frame, light painting turns moving lights into streaks, and bulb keeps the shutter open for longer effects. Treat each film pack like precious film school—practice on a roll to see how settings translate to paper.

Simple Bluetooth benefits

Bluetooth is the small bridge that turns the camera from a single-purpose tool into a creative kit: remote shutter, extra modes, and hands-off timing let you make pictures with more intention and fewer wasted frames.

Using the app as a remote

You plug into the app and the camera becomes a remote-controlled tool. You can frame from your phone, press the shutter from across the room, and avoid camera shake. That extra reach matters for group shots, long exposures, and any time you need the camera steady on a tripod.

The app gives a live view or preview so you can fine-tune framing before you press. You can move around, test angles, and then fire the shot without touching the camera. Think of the app as a second pair of hands for complex shots—light painting, double exposure, or posed portraits—so you can step in without rushing.

Shutter release, timers, and remote firing

The app’s shutter release is simple and reliable. Use the countdown timer to give yourself time to get into the frame and avoid awkward sprints back to the group.

If you want more control, use the remote firing option for long exposures or timed bursts. Quick steps:

• Pair the camera to the app
• Open remote mode
• Set the timer or select direct remote firing
• Frame on your phone, then tap shutter

Manual controls you can access from the app

From the app you can tweak shutter speed, aperture-like options, and exposure adjustments. Those choices let you freeze motion or blur it, darken bright skies, and get the look you want. Small control changes can make a big visual difference on instant film.

You’ll also find creative modes—multiple exposure and light painting—right in the app. Slow the shutter and move a light source for streaks, or combine two frames for layered portraits. The app turns simple scenes into playful experiments.

How remote mode helps shots

Remote mode stops you from touching the camera, which means no shake, cleaner long exposures, and more precise timing. It also lets you preview shots, test changes, and trigger the shutter from anywhere in the room.

Creative Lens kit and effects

The Creative Lens kit turns the Polaroid Now from a snap-and-go camera into a small studio you can carry. You get a handful of clip-on lenses that change how light hits the film—color shifts, soft edges, and new ways light behaves that make each shot feel like a story.

Use the kit to push mood and style rather than chase perfection. A close-up adapter makes tiny subjects fill the frame; a starburst filter turns streetlights into glittering rays. Some lenses reduce light or soften corners, so consider distance and lighting when you shoot.

Types of creative lenses and performance

Main lenses: Close-up, Portrait, Wide, and Starburst.

• Close-up lowers the minimum focus distance for detail shots.
• Portrait softens features and smooths skin tones for flattering results.
• Wide opens scenes for groups and landscapes but can add edge distortion.
• Starburst splits bright points into rays for festive effects.

Performance varies by light and distance. In bright sun, lenses behave cleanly; in low light, some feel soft. The starburst needs strong highlights to show its pattern. Build quality is simple but solid; clips hold steady if you handle them gently.

Practical uses for lenses

• Close-up: small subjects—jewelry, leaves, coffee foam.
• Portrait: flattering human shots at arm’s length.
• Wide: group shots, busy streets, scenery.
• Starburst: night markets, holiday lights, concerts—bright points against darks.

Best lens uses

Match the lens to your goal: Close-up for texture, Portrait for faces, Wide for groups, Starburst for dramatic highlights.

Image quality and exposure control

You work with film chemistry, not pixels, so exposure and light matter more than ever. In bright sun you’ll get punchy colors and sharp edges. In low light you’ll rely on the built-in flash and longer exposure quirks. Bright backgrounds often need negative exposure compensation; dim rooms need steady hands or extra light.

The lens and film set a fixed dynamic range—highlights can blow out and shadows may block up. Use the camera’s modes or the app features to nudge exposure, and bracket shots when light is tricky. Small choices—angle, distance, timing—make big differences.

Focus system and sharpness from the autofocus stepper motor

The autofocus stepper motor is a clear step up from fixed-focus instant cameras. It quietly adjusts the lens to your subject, improving sharpness on faces and mid-range subjects (especially between 0.6 m and several meters).

Limits: in very low light or fast action you’ll get soft frames or missed focus. For pets or kids, anticipate the moment and pre-focus, or use good light to speed the motor.

Film look, exposure range, and Polaroid Now image quality review

The film look of the Now is its headline: rich saturation, creamy grain, and unpredictable contrast that feels human. Colors shift with temperature and film batch, so no two shots are exactly the same—that’s part of the charm.

Polaroid Now Review: Is the Bluetooth Connectivity Worth the Extra Cost? If you want more control over double exposure, light painting, or aperture-like effects through the app, Bluetooth gives you artistic tools. For basic shooting, the camera alone delivers satisfying image quality. If you crave creative control and playful effects, the extra cost can pay off; if you mostly want quick, consistent snaps, you might skip Bluetooth and save the cash.

What affects image quality

• Light — bright vs dim changes grain and contrast.
• Focus — autofocus accuracy affects perceived detail.
• Film age/batch — variations shift color and exposure.
• Motion — movement causes blur on slow exposures.
• Flash — alters color temperature and shadow detail.

Battery life and real world use

The Polaroid Now runs on a built-in rechargeable battery charged via USB. Expect a charge to cover several film packs worth of shots rather than a full professional day. Flash, frequent framing, and cold weather reduce that number, so think in terms of sessions: a party or a short trip on one charge; longer events need a plan.

Bluetooth and app use keep the radio active and pull power. The upside: USB charging means you can top up from a power bank between packs.

Rechargeable power and value

Rechargeable power saves money on disposables and fits modern travel. You can’t hot-swap a spare internal cell—if the battery dies and you forgot a charger, you’re stuck. Simple contingencies: charge fully before you go, keep a short USB cable in your bag, and pair film packs with realistic frame counts.

Polaroid Now Review: Is the Bluetooth Connectivity Worth the Extra Cost? Bluetooth and app features add value but also drain the battery. If you use Bluetooth controls often, expect a modest hit to runtime; weigh how often you’ll rely on those features.

Simple tips to extend shooting time

• Charge fully before events.
• Turn Bluetooth off unless needed.
• Limit flash use.
• Keep the camera warm in cold weather.
• Carry a small power bank and a short USB cable.

Small choices make a big difference. Turning off Bluetooth when you don’t need the app can add real time to your session. Organize your shoot to batch planned shots so you’re not constantly fiddling with settings.

Battery takeaways

USB recharge gives solid everyday run time and flexibility to top up on the go, but Bluetooth and flash use shorten that time—plan accordingly.

Polaroid Now vs Polaroid Now

The Now adds creative tools the base Now lacks. The base Now is simple point-and-shoot: quick prints, autofocus, and reliable results. The Now keeps that ease but plugs into an app via Bluetooth to open manual controls and extra shooting modes. If you like instant photos without fuss, the Now delivers; if you want to push for creative shots, the Now is the step up.

Build and handling feel familiar across both. The bodies share Polaroid’s classic look and the same film size. What truly changes is control: the Now includes a lens kit and connected modes that let you change shutter speeds and aperture-like effects.

Key feature differences

The biggest difference is connectivity and control. The Now pairs with the Polaroid app over Bluetooth to give modes like shutter priority, aperture-like control, and double exposure. The Now is mostly automatic. The Now also ships with a lens kit for portraits and close-ups that the Now does not include.

Price gap and value tradeoffs

Polaroid Now Review: Is the Bluetooth Connectivity Worth the Extra Cost? The answer depends on what you want. If price and simplicity matter, the Now is economical. If you crave creative control and will use the app features, the Now can pay off in more interesting photos. Consider:

• If you want plug-and-play prints, pick the Now.
• If you want creative modes and the lens kit, pick the Now.

Main difference summary

The Now adds Bluetooth app control, extra modes, and a lens kit; the base Now is simpler, cheaper, and fast for casual shooting.

Polaroid Now Review: Is the Bluetooth Connectivity Worth the Extra Cost?

The Polaroid Now adds Bluetooth and an app that unlock a set of creative controls missing from the base Now: remote trigger, long exposures, double exposure, and lens-adapter options driven from your phone. If you like to experiment beyond simple point-and-shoot frames, these tools change what the camera can do—turning a toy into a creative tool.

The price jump matters. The Now typically costs noticeably more than the standard Now. That gap buys software control and included accessories, but it does not change film cost or core lens sharpness. If you shoot casually, the app features can feel like icing; if you shoot with intent, they feel like a toolbox you’ll use every session.

Cost versus the new app features — Is Polaroid Now worth the extra cost

The app gives real manual-style options: bulb mode, multiple exposure stacking, aperture simulation, and light painting. Those functions let you make photos you couldn’t with the standard Now. If you plan night shots, staged portraits, or arty double exposures, the app delivers added value rather than gimmicks.

But weigh the math. The Now premium buys software and a couple of lens accessories—it does not reduce film cost. If you only want quick party snaps, the extra money may not pay back. If you plan to experiment over a year, the cost spreads out and looks reasonable.

Who benefits most from Polaroid Now Bluetooth connectivity

You benefit most if you care about creative control and will use the app: hobby photographers, content creators, teachers running workshops, and anyone who values remote trigger and bulb options for group or night scenes.

You won’t gain as much if you prize simplicity or travel light. Street shooters wanting a fast, pocket-friendly camera will find the added features cumbersome. If you rarely shoot beyond daylight snaps, the extra cost stays mostly unused.

Final cost-benefit note

If you value creative tools, enjoy experimenting, and plan to use long exposures or double exposures, the Now is worth the extra cash. If you want simple instant pictures with minimal fuss, stick with the standard Now and put the savings toward film.

Should you buy Polaroid Now?

If you care about creative control and like to craft images rather than just snap them, the Polaroid Now is worth a hard look. The Bluetooth link to the app unlocks manual modes, long exposures, and multiple-exposure features that the base Now doesn’t offer, turning the camera from a simple party prop into a small studio you can carry.

Balance that against cost and complexity. The Now costs more and asks more from you: learning the app, swapping settings, and buying accessories if you want the full kit. Film and accessories add recurring expenses, so the real price is higher than the sticker. If you plan to use the extra features, the added spending can make sense.

Polaroid Now Review: Is the Bluetooth Connectivity Worth the Extra Cost? For hands-on creators, yes; for casual users, probably not.

Who should buy the Polaroid Now and why

Buy the Now if you want to push instant photos into creative territory. The app-controlled manual modes let you do long exposures for light painting, simulate aperture effects, and layer exposures. If you’re an artist, hobbyist, or content creator who shares curated feeds or sells prints, those features turn a novelty camera into a practical tool.

Also buy it if you enjoy learning camera basics without a heavy DSLR—the immediate physical prints make experiments rewarding.

When to skip the Bluetooth upgrade and save money

Skip the Bluetooth upgrade if you mainly want quick, no-fuss prints for parties, travel, or family albums. The base Now gives easy, reliable results with fewer settings to worry about. Also skip it if budget is tight or you rarely shoot—the extra features encourage experimentation and more frames, which raises film costs.

Short buying guide

• If you want creative features, buy the Now; if you want simplicity and lower cost, stick with the base Now.
• Consider ongoing film cost and how often you’ll shoot.
• Try the app first (if possible) to see whether Bluetooth controls feel useful or just extra fuss.

Conclusion

Polaroid Now Review: Is the Bluetooth Connectivity Worth the Extra Cost? The verdict depends on use: Bluetooth and the app add meaningful creative control (remote trigger, bulb, double exposure, lens kit) that will delight hobbyists and creators. If you want simple, quick snaps and lower upfront cost, choose the standard Now and spend the savings on film.