Kodak Mini 2 RetroPhoto Printer review: Portable physical memories

For all the many memories that are created digitally on a phone, where the only limit to cataloging what’s going on in your world is how much storage space is on your device, creating physical mementos doesn’t seem as common, or as easy. Kodak‘s Mini 2 Retro Photo printer is among a surge of small instant photo printers of the last couple of years looking to appeal to those who still want to have physical photos, but who also crave convenience. This relatively affordable and highly portable Kodak printer appears to satisfy those needs, offering a compromise between having sizable photos on hand for standard picture frames and only keeping photos on your phone.

I tested out the Kodak Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer to see just how useful and accessible it is, and whether, as someone who takes a lot of photos and enjoys reminiscing, there’s room in my gadget-heavy life for another portable device.

KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Instant Photo Printer

Pros

• Easy to use
• Quality pictures
• Customizable settings

Cons

• Small prints
• Cost over time

Specs, pricing, and availability

The lightweight, portable photo printer is available in three colors: black, white, and yellow. It includes eight photo sheets already on the device, so you can start using it right away. It also includes a short micro-USB cable for charging, likely further adding to your USB collection. There are bundle options available as well; you can purchase the printer along with extra printer sheets, a traveling case, wooden pegs for hanging up photos, stickers to affix to them, and a tin for storing all your creations.

The Kodak Mini 2 Retro Printer is available from Amazon, Best Buy, and directly from Kodak. A bundle including two sets of photo sheets typically retails for around $140, but is regularly on sale from under $100.

What I liked about the Kodak Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer

Quick, quality photos with plenty of customization

There is plenty to enjoy with this handy, cute retro printer. From the start, it’s easy to use and just about ready to go. The inclusion of eight photo sheets already installed in the printer means you just need to download the app and connect via Bluetooth to get going (it probably won’t be fully charged, but it might have enough juice if you’re eager to start printing). The process overall is quick and simple; ‘4Pass’ in the name of the device means it goes through four operations before the photo is complete, adding in layers of yellow, magenta, and cyan, and then a finishing lamination that completes the process. In all, it takes about 90 seconds from when you press ‘print’ on your phone to actually getting the completed photo in your hand.

I found the quality to be quite impressive. There were plenty of details in the photos and the colors popped; admittedly, I was printing photos taken on recent iPhone and Samsung Galaxy phones that have good cameras to start with, but at such a small size, you’ll need a pretty inferior source file to create a poor photo. The photos feel durable, too. As soon as it is out of the printer, you can touch it and set it up as you wish.

The app allows for some creativity and customization. You can add a simple border to the photos or include a more elaborate one that Kodak offers, including a seasonal holiday border or a more retro-looking black and yellow one. Within the app, you can crop the photo, adjust settings like contrast and brightness, or add a filter. You have the option of creating a collage, and you can also change the photo to monochrome.

There’s also a lot to like about the look and size. It certainly has a retro aesthetic to it, with late 80s/early 90s video game vibes. The soft corners and compact size make it easy to transport as well, although I’d be careful handing it; I think the carrying case is a worth investment to keep it protected if you’re going to frequently take it with you. While it’s certainly fine to keep at home and print photos at your leisure, I do think there’s plenty of added value by taking the device with you to events where you can take photos and print them out instantly to give to others or admire.

What I didn’t like about the Kodak Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer

Size and costs over time may be an issue for some

There isn’t a lot about the printer that’s particularly disappointing, mainly because its limitations are apparent from the start. It only prints photos that are 2.1 x 3.4 inches in size, so keep that in mind when you’re figuring out what you want your physical memories to look like. These are small photos designed for collages and creative decorating; you’re probably not going to be putting a single photo in a single frame.

The main consideration, potentially a drawback, is the requirement that you regularly buy specific Kodak printer paper to keep the printer working. The printer comes with eight sheets installed, and I recommend grabbing a bundle from the start to lower the price for the additional sheets. From there, you’ll want to buy packs whenever they go on sale; you can expect to pay around $0.30 to $0.40 per sheet if you can find a decent deal. Unlike an instant camera, however, which may waste a sheet or two on a picture that doesn’t turn out as good as it looks through the lens, you have plenty of opportunity to ensure what you’re printing looks great. There shouldn’t be any wasted sheets.

I suppose compatibility may be an issue for some. Photos can only be printed via the downloaded phone app; there is no desktop version. I don’t love the micro-USB connection, but it doesn’t take long to charge, and you should be able to get about 20 photo prints before you need to charge again.

The mini-printer is a bit of a financial investment up front, but it has a lot of potential, and it’s reasonable to see the value accumulate over time with each and every photo printed.

There is a question of longevity, and that’s hard to answer. Eventually, the printer will run out of steam, but I have to imagine that it will take a lot of photos for it to start slowing down. There’s always the risk of damage if it’s dropped also, so be careful.

Should you buy the Kodak Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer?

I think there’s plenty of value to having this convenient, portable printer in your life, especially if you want to share physical memories with loved ones. Its few limitations, such as the small photos and additional costs over time, are built into the upfront price and part of the expectations you should have when you invest in the gadget. For those looking to get creative and share photos with others, the Kodak Mini 2 Retro Photo Printer is worth getting excited about.

KODAK Mini 2 Retro 4PASS Instant Photo Printer