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Make your memories tangible with portable photo printers
Summary
Portable photo printers are making a comeback, merging the convenience of smartphones with the thrill of holding instantly printed photos in your hand
At my son’s first birthday celebration a few years ago, we handed out prints of his photo with the family members to them as a souvenir of our special weekend. Even today, after several years, I see some of them have that picture adorning their refrigerator among all their fridge magnet collection. A special sight in the days of ephemeral social media moments.
In a world dominated by digital screens, there’s something undeniably special about holding a printed photo in your hands. It’s tangible, personal, and evokes a sense of nostalgia that a digital image often cannot.
This desire for physical keepsakes has fuelled a resurgence in photo printing, but with a modern twist: portability. Gone are the days of bulky printers at home or professional studios. While my child delights in the instant gratification of an Instax camera, I find myself drawn to the flexibility of my HP Sprocket printer—snapping photos with my smartphone, editing it to personalize my aesthetics, and then wirelessly printing photos on the go. The convenience of having a portable printer is unmatched.
It all started with Polaroid
In 1948, Edwin Land introduced the Polaroid camera—a marvel that gave birth to the concept of instant printing. For decades, Polaroid reigned supreme, allowing people to capture memories and see their photos develop right before their eyes. Instant camera wasn’t just a technological breakthrough—it became a cultural phenomenon.
However, as digital cameras emerged in the late 1990s and then smartphones became ubiquitous after the turn of the millennium, instant printing and physical photo prints fell out of favour—till Gen Z discovered the joy of photo prints! This recent wave of popularity is not fueled by nostalgia—after all, these are digital natives who have no experience with the film cameras of the past.
According to a Global Growth Insights report, the global portable photo printers’ market was valued at $830.2 million in 2024 and is projected to reach $903.2 million.
The appeal of photo printers
The instant cameras of the past offered immediate gratification but were limited in terms of image quality and flexibility. Portable photo printers represent the culmination of these two worlds, combining the convenience of digital photography with the tangible appeal of physical prints. This resurgence of photo printing, despite the dominance of photo-sharing platforms, speaks volumes about our desire for tactile experiences.
With a portable printer, there’s no need to visit a studio or wait for an online order to arrive. You can print photos anywhere, anytime. Plus, most portable printers come with apps that allow you to edit photos, add filters, stickers, or text before printing. It’s perfect for personalizing your prints as well as for adding context for journaling or scrapbooking.
"My friend and I recently attended a music festival and we clicked dozens of pictures on our phones. On our way back, I handed her an instant print of one of our favourite moments at the festival with a caption and goofy stickers. It turned a fleeting moment into a keepsake," says Ankur Arora, a Delhi-based technology professional. “The photo’s still on the pinboard above her desk," he adds.
The appeal of portable photo printers goes beyond being able to capture a moment and print it instantly. For those who document their lives through journals or scrapbooks, these printers offer a quick way to add visuals to their entries. Printed photos can be used to create personalized wall collages, photo strings, or even DIY art pieces.
And, of course, a photo print with a handwritten note can be a heartfelt gift, adding a personal touch to any occasion. Instant photo prints also serve as great party favours or keepsakes, making events more memorable. One often comes across ‘Polaroid photos’ peeking through transparent smartphone covers of people as well.
Arun Babu, who leads the Instax business at Fujifilm India, says smartphone printers cater to tech-savvy users who prefer digital flexibility but still enjoy physical prints. “This segment includes content creators, scrapbookers, professionals who use prints for journaling or business, and those looking for a seamless way to turn their digital memories into tangible keepsakes," he explains; this contrasts with instant cameras which cater to Gen Z and millennials who appreciate retro aesthetics, creative expression, and social sharing as a medium of self-expression.
Options on the table
Globally, Canon (23.5%) and Fujifilm (19.8%) lead the market in portable photo printers, followed by Polaroid. But in India, Canon hasn’t launched its Canon Ivy range of portable photo printers. And while my HP Sprocket printer has served me well through the years, unfortunately, HP pulled the plug on the category in India.
The market is dominated by—and almost synonymous with—Instax by Fujifilm, mostly owing to its brand recall with instant cameras. You can pick up the Instax Mini Link 3 ( ₹10,999) or the Instax Square Link printer ( ₹14,999). Fujifilm’s Arun concedes that instant photo printers are not as mainstream as instant cameras, but they are steadily gaining traction; Instax is expected to grow 50% this fiscal year amid the rising demand.
Instax apart, there’s the Kodak Mini 3 Retro ( ₹11,999) that offers impressive print quality. Mind you, Kodak photo printers are a product of Prinics Co., a Korean company that has licensed the Kodak brand to piggyback on the brand value. It has nothing to do with the Eastman Kodak Company, the 132 years old company with a legacy in photography and film.
While Polaroid is not officially available in India, you can buy an imported unit of the delightful looking Polaroid Hi Print pocket photo printer ( ₹11,049). But its paper cartridges come at a steep price, mind you. There are also cheap thermal printers like the Seznik Mini ( ₹2,099) that you can pick if you just need cheaper monochrome prints.
Bridging the gap between an instant camera and a portable photo printer is the Instax Wide Evo ( ₹19,999). These hybrid devices combine the functionality of an instant camera with the convenience of a smartphone printer. This fusion caters to users who desire the immediacy of instant photography with the flexibility of digital editing.
While portable photo printers have numerous advantages, they’re not without challenges. The specialized photo paper required for these printers can be pricey, especially if you print photos frequently. And, of course, depending on the model, some printers may require frequent charging, which can be inconvenient during long trips. Plus, it’s an extra device to carry along when one is out and about. Moreover, while most portable printers produce decent quality prints, they may not match the sharpness and detail of professional studio prints.
In a digital age, where photos often get lost in a sea of data, printed photos offer a sense of permanence. They remind us of the moments that matter, allowing us to relive them every time we flip through an album or glance at a photo on the wall. There’s something magical about holding a printed photo—it transforms fleeting digital moments into lasting memories.
