Fujifilm’s new Instax mini LiPlay+ finally fixes selfies on instant cameras

Let’s be honest: half the photos taken on a standard instant camera end up in the bin. Someone blinked, the flash didn't fire, or you framed the Burj Khalifa but only captured a lamppost. That is an expensive mistake when film costs as much as a decent coffee in DIFC.

Enter the instax mini LiPlay+, Fujifilm’s latest attempt to stop us from burning cash on bad shots. Announced for a December 2025 release in the UAE, this "Plus" model builds on the popular hybrid formula—snap digital, print analog—but adds a few tricks we actually wanted, including a dedicated wide-angle selfie camera. It’s a printer, a camera, and a voice recorder all mashed into a pocket-sized brick.

What is the Instax Mini LiPlay+ (2025 Model)?

The LiPlay+ is a "hybrid" instant camera. That means it has a digital sensor and an LCD screen on the back. You take pictures, review them, and only print the ones that don’t look terrible. It uses the standard credit-card-sized Instax Mini film.

• Hybrid System: Shoot digitally, print analog.
• Printer Function: Connects to smartphones via Bluetooth to print phone photos.
• Audio Features: Embeds audio into prints via QR codes.

It fixes the biggest anxiety of analog photography: the fear of wasting film. By letting you select your shots, it bridges the gap between our obsessively curated digital images and the physical permanence of film.

3 Reasons the New LiPlay Stands Out

• Dedicated Selfie Camera: Unlike previous models that just gave you a tiny mirror, the LiPlay+ packs a specific wide-angle lens for group selfies, so you aren't guessing the frame.
• Layered Photo Mode: You can now overlay a selfie onto a background shot taken with the main camera, creating a weirdly cool double-exposure effect directly in-camera.
• Sound Albums: The audio feature has evolved; you can now stitch sound-embedded images into video slideshows to share digitally.

Instax Mini LiPlay Data Breakdown

While Fujifilm often keeps the exact processor speeds quiet, the specs here focus on usability rather than raw power.

Sensor Resolution and Storage Capacity

Don't expect DSLR quality here. The digital sensor is designed to be "good enough" for a small instant print.

• Resolution: Typically around 5 megapixels (sufficient for Instax Mini size).
• Storage: Internal memory holds roughly 45 images, but you will want a microSD card.
• Screen: LCD monitor for framing and reviewing.

The real benefit is storage. You can snap hundreds of photos during a weekend camping trip in Hatta and only print the best two when you get home. It removes the pressure to perform on the spot.

Battery Life and USB-C Charging Efficiency

Following the industry shift, the LiPlay series has moved away from the ancient micro-USB.

• Port: USB Type-C for charging.
• Battery: Built-in Lithium-ion.
• Endurance: Good for approximately 100 prints on a single charge.

This is a massive quality-of-life update. You can charge it with the same cable you use for your iPad or Android phone, making it much easier to carry around Dubai without a nest of cables.

A Pocket-Sized Retro Wonder

The LiPlay+ retains the title of the most compact model in the lineup. It doesn't look like a toy; it looks like a piece of tech.

Why It Is the Ultimate Instax Selfie Camera

The LiPlay+ is small enough to slide into a clutch bag or a back pocket.

• Size: Compact and vertical orientation.
• Selfie Cam: Located on the front, paired with a dedicated shutter button.
• Monitor: Rear LCD allows for precise framing.

Previous Instax cameras relied on a "selfie mirror"—basically a shiny piece of plastic next to the lens. The LiPlay+ actually has a wide-angle selfie lens. This means you can fit three friends in the shot without dislocating your shoulder. The new "Layered Photo Mode" is interesting: you snap a background (like the Dubai Fountain), then snap a selfie, and the camera merges them. It sounds like Photoshop with extra steps, but doing it in-camera adds a fun layer of creativity.

New Colourways and Texture Finishes for the LiPlay Plus

Fujifilm knows its aesthetic. The new model comes in two "grown-up" colours:

• Sand Beige: A neutral, desert-inspired tone.
• Midnight Blue: Dark, sleek, and premium.

They use metallic accents around the lens and shutter, giving it a premium feel that separates it from the bubblegum-coloured Mini 11s or 12s. It fits right in with the Retro revival we are seeing in tech design.

Bridging Digital Images and Analog Film

The hardware is fine, but the software is where the LiPlay+ justifies the price tag.

The 'Sound' Feature Explained: Adding Audio to Vintage Prints

This feature has been around, but it is still the LiPlay’s party trick. You hold a button, record 10 seconds of audio, and take a photo.

• The Tech: The audio is uploaded to the cloud.
• The Print: The camera prints a QR code on the photo.
• The Result: Scan the code to hear the "Happy Birthday" song or the noise of the waves.

The new Instax Sound Album feature takes this further. You can group these audio photos into a slideshow video with background music. It’s a smart way to make physical photos relevant on TikTok.

Using the Instax Mini LiPlay App: Printing from the App Store

If you use an iPhone, you will spend a lot of time in the dedicated app.

• Remote Shooting: Use your phone as a shutter button (great for group shots).
• Direct Print: Print photos from your phone's camera roll.
• Frames: Add filters and overlays before printing.

You can download the app from the App Store or Google Play. It effectively turns the LiPlay+ into a portable smartphone printer, which is arguably more useful than the camera itself.

Instax Mini LiPlay vs. Instax Mini Evo

The biggest rival to the LiPlay+ is its sibling, the Instax Mini Evo.

Portability vs. Print Levers: Which Hybrid Wins?

• Instax Mini Evo: Styled like a classic 1970s camera. It has a physical "print lever" (very satisfying) and lens dials to change effects. It is bulkier.
• Instax Mini LiPlay+: Modern, minimal, and tiny. It focuses on audio and selfies.

If you care about the "tactile" feel of photography, the Evo is better. If you want something that fits in a pocket and handles selfies better, the LiPlay+ wins. Petapixel noted in their review of the original LiPlay that its strength lies in being a fun, social camera rather than a serious photographic tool.

Image Quality Comparison: Lens Effects vs. Filters

Both cameras use similar digital sensors (roughly 1/5-inch CMOS). The image quality on the screen will look grainy compared to a phone, but that is irrelevant once printed. The print resolution is limited by the film chemistry, not the digital file. The LiPlay+ offers "Instax-Rich" (vibrant) and "Instax-Natural" (soft) modes, letting you choose between punchy colours or that washed-out Vintage look.

Instant Camera UAE Price Guide

Pricing for the "Plus" model in the UAE is still TBD, but looking at historical data gives us a clue.

Upfront Cost vs. Long-Term Value

• Estimated Price: Likely between AED 700 and AED 850.
• Comparison: A standard analog Instax Mini 12 costs around AED 300.

You pay double for the hardware, but you save on film. With a standard Instax, a bad photo costs you AED 4. With the LiPlay+, a bad photo costs you nothing—you just hit delete.

Cost-Per-Print Calculation for UAE Users

A pack of Instax Mini film (10 sheets) costs roughly AED 35-45 in Dubai.

• Analog Camera: 10 shots = AED 40. No do-overs.
• LiPlay+: You only print the "keepers." One pack of film might last you a month instead of an hour.

Fujifilm is also launching a new "Soft Glitter" film with gold accents. It’s gimmicky, but people love it for weddings and parties. According to CIPA statistics, shipment of digital cameras with built-in printers has remained steady, proving people are willing to pay for this hybrid convenience.

Finding a Hybrid Instant Camera in Dubai

When looking for the LiPlay+ in Dubai:

• Check Firmware: Ensure it is the "Plus" model (released late 2025) to get the wide-angle selfie cam.
• Bundle Deals: Look for retailers bundling film packs.
• Availability: Virgin Megastore, Sharaf DG, and Amazon AE usually stock these first.

FAQs

What is the difference between Instax Mini LiPlay and LiPlay Plus?
The LiPlay Plus (2025) features a new wide-angle selfie camera, a "Layered Photo Mode" for combining selfies with backgrounds, and enhanced sound features like the "Sound Album."

Can the Instax Mini LiPlay+ save photos without printing?
Yes. The camera has internal memory and supports a microSD card. You can take photos, save them digitally, and choose to print them later or not at all.

Does the Instax Mini LiPlay+ print photos from iPhone or Android?
Yes. It connects via Bluetooth to the Instax Mini LiPlay app. You can send photos from your smartphone's camera roll to the device and print them on Instax film.

How long does the battery last on the Instax Mini LiPlay+?
The built-in battery typically lasts for about 100 prints per charge. It uses a USB-C port for charging, making it compatible with most modern chargers.

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