Polaroid vs maku
Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.
Polaroid
This app enhances the analog Polaroid experience by connecting to compatible cameras for advanced features. It also includes a high-resolution scanner for digitizing physical prints and allows users to print photos from their phone.
- Connect compatible Polaroid cameras
- Advanced camera modes (Portrait, Double Exposure)
- High-resolution Polaroid scanner
- Print phone photos as Polaroid pictures
- Create photo grids and collages
- Digital scrapbook for memories
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Unlock the full creative power of Polaroid — the film, the camera and the community. GET INSPIRED Join photography challenges and capture beautiful imperfection to win prizes and expand your knowledge with Polaroid cameras and photography. CONNECT YOUR CAMERA Link your Now+, OneStep+, I-2 or Flip to unlock additional features like: - Portrait Mode - Double Exposure - Self Timer - Aperture Priority - Tripod Mode - Light Painting - Manual Mode HIGH-RES POLAROID SCANNER Use our in-built scanner to scan, store and share high quality digital copies of your Polaroid pictures. Works for i-Type, 600, SX-70, and Spectra film. PRINT POLAROID PICTURES Load photos from your phone into the Polaroid app and place it on top of the Lab and your favorite memories will be printed as beautifully imperfect Polaroid pictures. Or create grids and collages of two, three, four, six or nine frames to share with others. CURATE YOUR GALLERY Once scanned, create your own digital scrapbook of your favorite memories.
maku
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maku turns your iPhone into an instant film camera. Eight shots a week. No more. That limit isn't a restriction - it's the point. When you only get eight, you look before you shoot. You wait for the right moment. The photos you take actually mean something. WEEKLY ROLLS Every week becomes its own roll of film, running Monday to Sunday. Your memories organize themselves into chapters you'll want to revisit, not a chaotic grid of thousands you'll never scroll through. AN INSTANT CAMERA THAT FEELS LIKE ONE The tactile camera interface, the square viewfinder, the red shutter button, the developing animation after each shot; maku is built around the joy of the instant film experience, not just the look of it. FILM LOOKS & CUSTOM FILTERS Shoot with built-in film looks including the signature Retro style. With maku+, create your own filters and fine-tune them to match your vision. WRITE ON YOUR PHOTOS Add captions directly on the white film border - just like a real instant photo. Mark the moment. Write who was there. Find it later. COLLAGES & PHOTO BOOKS Arrange your shots into collages using flexible layout templates, or export a roll as a photo book PDF. Perfect for printing and keeping. ALBUMS Group your favorite shots from any week into custom albums. Drag to reorder, pick a cover, make it yours. ICLOUD BACKUP (maku+) Your rolls sync privately to your own iCloud, not our servers. Switch devices, reinstall the app, and your memories come back with you. maku+ Membership Unlock iCloud backup, unlimited custom filters, alternate app icons, and the full collage and photo book export experience. --- maku is for anyone who wants their phone camera to feel intentional again. The app uses the Apple Default EULA: https://www.apple.com/legal/internet-services/itunes/dev/stdeula/
Screenshots
Verdict
The clearest difference is in-app purchases: Polaroid at none against maku's 3. Polaroid also leads on iOS requirement (17.0 vs 26.0). On price, ads and device support there is nothing between them.
Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS
Both are free to download. maku sells 3 in-app purchases, starting at $1.99 per month. Polaroid asks for nothing beyond the download.
| Parameter | Polaroid | maku |
|---|---|---|
| Price | Free | Free |
| Rating | 4.9 (19K ratings) — better | — |
| Positive reviews | 61.0% of reviews | — |
| Number of ratings | 19K — better | — |
| Update frequency | Every 3 weeks | — |
| Ads | No | No |
| In-app purchases | No — better | Yes |
| Monetization | Free | — |
| Devices | iPhone | iPhone |
| Requires iOS | 17.0 — better | 26.0 |
| Further details — not scored | ||
| Size | 215 MB | 19 MB |
| Age rating | 12+ | 4+ |
| Developer | Polaroid | Erik Hering |
Bugs and requests
Polaroid
Reported bugs
4 issues- Compatibility issues with newer iPhone models
- Printing problems with Polaroid Lab device
- Unreliable Bluetooth connection with cameras
- Scanning feature not working consistently
Requested features
4 requests- Self-timer option in manual mode
- Ability to customize AR photo display
- Quicker access to frequently used settings
- Improved photo library organization
maku
Not enough reviews yet to summarise bugs or requests.
In-app purchases
Polaroid
No in-app purchases
maku
- maku+ Monthly$1.991 Month
- maku+ Yearly$14.991 Year
- maku+ Lifetime$24.99







