My New Printer: Instax Square Link – A Review

As any long, or even short term viewer of my website knows, I like to print my images out on a regular basis. More specifically, I like to print mostly family photos, so that we have memories which are much more accessible than having them digitally. Recently I have been missing my square print images that I used to have with my Instax SQ1, and of course from the memories of much older family photographs, when Polaroids were all the rage.

You can see a selection of Instax Square (and Instax Mini) photos on my other website.

A Review Of The Printer

The Instax Square Link is a portable, Bluetooth-enabled printer that allows you to create instant photos from your smartphone. It’s the third in Fujifilm’s “Link” series of printers, and a favourite for many users due to its “Goldilocks” size and feature set. Here’s a comprehensive review of its design, performance, and key features.

Design and Build

The Square Link is a compact and lightweight device, with a sleek, curved design that makes it easy to hold and carry. It’s smaller and more streamlined than its predecessor, the Instax Share SP-3. The printer features a subtle wave pattern that adds both aesthetic interest and a bit of grip. Unlike the Mini Link, it lacks a dedicated motion control feature but includes a handy reprint button on the front, which is perfect for parties or events. A significant upgrade is the inclusion of a USB-C port for charging, which is more convenient and modern than the Micro-USB found on older models.

Print Quality and Film

The Instax Square Link uses Instax Square film, which produces prints with a classic 1:1 aspect ratio, reminiscent of vintage Polaroid photos. The physical print size is 86mm x 72mm, with the image itself measuring 62mm x 62mm.

The print quality is generally excellent and consistent, a hallmark of Instax printers. Because you’re printing from a high-resolution smartphone photo, the final result is often better than what you would get from a typical instant camera. The app offers two modes: “INSTAX-Natural Mode” for a more traditional instant photo look, and “INSTAX-Rich Mode” for more vibrant colours and contrast. This gives users the flexibility to choose their preferred aesthetic. Print time is fast, with an image typically ejecting in about 12 seconds and fully developing in about 90 seconds.

App and Features

The accompanying Instax Square Link app is where the printer truly shines and sets itself apart. It’s a comprehensive and user-friendly platform that offers a wide range of creative options.

• Simple Print: The most basic function, allowing you to crop, rotate, and make basic exposure and saturation adjustments before printing. This can be done with any image in your photo gallery.

• AR Print: A unique feature that adds an augmented reality element to your prints. By selecting an effect (like a birthday cake, bubbles, or a hidden message) and a QR code, you can print a photo that comes to life when scanned with your phone. While some users find this a gimmick, it can be a fun and engaging feature, especially for social events.

• INSTAX Connect: This feature allows you to send an image with text and stickers to a friend who also has the app and a Square Link printer. They can then open and print the photo, fostering a unique way to share memories.

• Video Print: You can select a single frame from a video on your phone and print it as a still photo.

• Collage Print: The app allows you to combine multiple photos into a single print.

• Stickers and Frames: A vast library of over 1,600 stickers and decorative frames are available to personalize your photos.
• Square Print Camera: The app allows you to take square format images and print instantly, or keep taking images until you have one you like, and then print it.

Battery Life

The Instax Square Link has a non-removable, internal lithium-ion battery. A full charge takes approximately 80 to 120 minutes and is rated to produce about 100 prints. The actual number of prints can vary depending on usage, such as how long the printer is left on without printing. The battery life is generally considered strong enough for a typical day of printing at an event or on a trip.

Final Verdict

Because the Instax Square link is portable, it means I can take it out and about with me to weddings, events and family gatherings, and using the amazing phone app, I can take square images and instantly print the results. The phone app has a camera function, which basically turns the phone into a square shot camera! How great is that! Of course, if I have my main mirrorless camera with me, it is just as easy to print, with the addition of sending the photo from the camera using Nikons Snapbridge software, and then printing the image.

The Instax Square Link is an outstanding choice for anyone looking for a versatile and high-quality instant photo printer. It perfectly balances the nostalgic charm of a square instant photo with the modern convenience of smartphone connectivity. Its “Goldilocks” size, excellent print quality, and a robust app with creative features like AR Print and INSTAX Connect make it arguably the best all-rounder in the Instax Link series. While the film is more expensive than Instax Mini, the larger square format is a major selling point for those who love the retro aesthetic. For its price and performance, the Instax Square Link is a highly recommended portable printer.