REASONS TO BUY
Great app
Easy set-up
Okay resolution
REASONS TO AVOID
Orange cast
Streaking
Poor fidelity
Polaroid ZIP Review
This printer has very few checks in the pro column
Credit: Jason Peters
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Our Verdict
While we are certainly fans of the mini printer format, we were not impressed with this machine. For the money, there are several models that outclass this printer — several of which are covered in this review.
Our Analysis and Test Results
What sets the Polaroid ZIP apart from the class is its poor image quality and its abandonment of the vintage Polaroid film look. The ZINK film it uses is great. It has an adhesive sticker back, and in other printers it yields quality results. Not so with the ZIP. For a greater return on your dollars, look to other mini printers in this review.
Performance Comparison
Credit: Laura Casner
Likes
Truth be told, we didn't really like this printer. Sure, it has okay resolution. It's also true that the accompanying app is one of the better in the review, and the set-up was breezy. Yet, all that is irrelevant because its photo renderings were poor.
Credit: Laura Casner
Dislikes
We are not going to kick a product when it's down. All we can say that, considering all the other similarly priced mini printers out there that produce impressive images, you don't have to settle for low-quality results.
Value
This printer is not a good value. For the same amount of cash you can get yourself a much better machine.
Conclusion
The Polaroid ZIP was, unfortunately, a disappointment. Throughout the reviews of mini printers we repeatedly referenced the fun and excitement that Polaroid instant prints created, and how the mini printer technology is bringing that energy back to parties and social gatherings. It's too bad that the ZIP wasn't the leader in this revitalization.
—Nick Miley, Jason Peters and Austin Palmer
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