Fujifilm instax mini LiPlay+ hybrid instant camera Review - techbuzzireland

The Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay+ builds upon the popular LiPlay hybrid concept, delivering a compact, 3-in-1 device that functions as a digital camera, an instant film printer, and a unique sound recorder. Launched as an upgrade to its predecessor, the LiPlay+ introduces some new features that make it one of the most versatile Instax cameras yet.

The most impactful upgrade is the Dual-Lens System. Where the original relied on a small mirror for selfies, the LiPlay+ features a dedicated wide-angle selfie camera on the back (above the main LCD). This significantly improves framing and precision for self-portraits. This dual system powers the new Layered Photo Mode, allowing users to combine images from both lenses onto a single print.

Like all Instax hybrids, the LiPlay+ is a digital camera first (using a small 1/5-inch CMOS sensor, producing 4.9MP images), which is a huge benefit:

  1. Select Before You Print: You can review, edit, and filter images on the 3.0-inch LCD before committing to a print, saving expensive film.
  2. Smartphone Printing: It connects via Bluetooth to your smartphone, allowing it to function as a printer for any photo on your phone’s camera roll.

The camera’s digital image quality (4.9MP)  and is not intended to compete with modern smartphones. It captures the charm of nostalgic, retro photography.

  • Best Performance: Performs best in bright, well-lit conditions.
  • Low Light: Expect focus hesitation in dim environments, though the built-in flash works well within its limited range (up to 1.5m).
  • Print Quality: When printed on Instax Mini film, the digital file is rendered beautifully in the classic instant film aesthetic. You can choose between Instax-Rich Mode (deeper, vibrant colors) or Instax-Natural Mode (softer, classic film look) before printing.

The LiPlay+ is designed for vertical shooting, which complements the portrait-orientation of the Instax Mini film. The control layout is intuitive, featuring a navigational dial that doubles as shortcuts for filters, frames, and flash settings.

Its compact size (4.86 x 3.27 x 1.49 inches) makes it easy to carry in a coat pocket or small bag some might think it is a bit clunky however and each to their own.

Many of the creative features, like customizing frames and utilizing the advanced Sound Album feature, are managed through the companion smartphone app and you can see this down below and also check out the unboxing and walkthrough video.

This unique feature allows you to record a short (3-second) audio clip when you take a photo. When printed, a QR code appears on the film. Scanning this code with the companion app plays back the recorded sound, adding an interactive, auditory layer to your physical memory. See samples below. Yes you can scan the QR codes.

instax qr code samples

The Fujifilm Instax mini LiPlay+ is a highly versatile and fun instant camera, ideal for users who want the creative freedom of digital photography without losing the tangible experience of an Instax print. Popular as ever this will be in many Christmas gifts this year and one should lap it up if so and have fun and get creative with the new features on board.

mini LiPlay+ App

mini li play

mini li Play app

Main Features:

instax mini LiPlay+™ Smartphone App

The free, downloadable instax mini LiPlay™ App allows users to capture images remotely via Bluetooth connection, add finishing touches to images with frames, and print photos from a connected smartphone. Users can further embellish their images by adding sticker icons or overlay text, making each image a true custom creation.

Dual camera functionality

The mini LiPlay+™ hybrid instant camera features both a front main camera and a rear-facing wide-angle selfie camera. New to mini LiPlay+™ is layered photo mode, in which images created with both the front and rear cameras can be combined so the images appear in layers, one in the foreground and one in the background. When editing images, users can choose between instax-Rich mode™ and instax-Natural mode™ to accentuate their images and choose from a selection of artful filters to express themselves further. mini LiPlay+™ also features automatic exposure and flash control to enhance image quality and includes either 2 or 10 second timers.

Instax Sound Print™ and instax Sound Album™

Users can utilise the free, downloadable instax mini LiPlay+™ App to add sound features to their images. With the instax Sound Print™ feature users have four unique ways to record 3-second audio clips to add to their images, then listen back by scanning the printed QR code on your photo (instax™ instant film required and sold separately) with their smartphone. Alternatively, the instax Sound Album™ feature turns adventures into custom animated videos with sound, vibrant backgrounds, and standout music.

New instax™ mini film variety introduced

Also being announced at the same time as the mini LiPlay+™ camera is instax™ mini Soft Glitter instant film available in a 10-exposure pack. Gold accents combine with soothing hues to bring a calming shimmer to the frames around each photo.

Pricing and Availability

The instax mini LiPlay+hybrid instant camera will be available in Sand Beige and Midnight Blue colors from 30th October 2025 at a manufacturer’s suggested retail price of €220.00 (inc. VAT). The updated instax mini LiPlay+™ smartphone App will also be available at this time. Available from Fujifilm retailers nationwide.

By Jim O Brien/CEO

CEO and expert in transport and Mobile tech. A fan 20 years, mobile consultant, Nokia Mobile expert, Former Nokia/Microsoft VIP,Multiple forum tech supporter with worldwide top ranking,Working in the background on mobile technology, Weekly radio show, Featured on the RTE consumer show, Cavan TV and on TRT WORLD. Award winning Technology reviewer and blogger. Security and logisitcs Professional.

Leave a Reply

Discover more from techbuzzireland.com

Subscribe now to keep reading and get access to the full archive.

Continue reading