The printer comes already assembled in a cardboard box. The directions are clear, and there's nothing to put together.
The film goes in an opening in the bottom of the Lab. This was the least intuitive part for me, but it didn't take too long to figure out.
Next, in the Polaroid app, access your camera roll and choose a photo. (The device works with both iPhones and Android phones).
One tip: Before getting started, make sure you have the brightness turned up on your phone, and for iPhones, True Tone turned off.
To get started, place your phone screen down on the scanner — the lights will blink when your phone is lined up. When you press the red button to print, the lights next to it will indicate how much film you have left.
Here's the first photo I printed. It came out looking recognizably like a Polaroid: kind of faded and overexposed. But that's the aesthetic you know you're getting when you use a Polaroid.
I also tried a black and white one. I think next time, I would use a darker photo, since this one turned out very overexposed.
My final thoughts? The Polaroid Lab is fun but a bit pricey.
The Polaroid Lab was fun to use — and makes for cute decor — but it's an expensive toy.
I do like the ability to print pictures without going to CVS, and I can see myself decorating my desk or mirror with the images it produces. The photos are recognizable as Polaroids, and I had fun choosing images off my phone. I think the Lab would work best if several people shared it, like a family or group of roommates. Otherwise, I don't think it will get used enough to be worthwhile for one person.
But if you're one of many millennials and Gen Z-ers who like a vintage aesthetic, this might be perfect for you.
