Insta360 X4 & Insta360 X3 share many similarities, but there are also important differences, such as quality, performance, features, design, and connectivity. If you want the best one between them, I Would recommend the Insta360 X4 rather than the Insta360 X3

Why Do I Recommend The Insta360 X4

  • The Insta360 X4 has 8K 30fps 360 video recording that captures ultra-high-resolution footage for sharper detail, better clarity, and more flexibility when reframing or cropping in post-production compared to the Insta360 X3’s 5.7K limit.
  • Insta360 X4 features a 2290mAh battery that extends recording time up to 135 minutes, compared to the X3’s 81-minute runtime.
  • It includes a next-generation processor that improves thermal efficiency, speeds up file processing, and enhances stabilization performance, while the Insta360 X3 has an older chip.
  • The Insta360 X4 supports single-lens 4K video at 60fps that delivers smoother, more cinematic footage during action shots and vlogging, which is a significant step up from the X3’s 4K at 30fps mode.
  • Insta360 X4 has a 2.5-inch ultra-bright touchscreen that enhances outdoor visibility and interaction, compared to the smaller 2.29-inch screen on the X3.
  • It includes a higher video bitrate of up to 200Mbps that preserves more visual detail and reduces compression artifacts, resulting in clearer, cleaner footage than the 120Mbps maximum bitrate on the X3.
  • The Insta360 X4 comes with snap-on removable lens guards that provide built-in protection from scratches and impact during active use, while the Insta360 X3 requires separate purchases.
  • Insta360 X4 features upgraded FlowState stabilization with an improved gyro algorithm that delivers steadier video capture during movement, compared to the Insta360 X3’s standard stabilization.

Maybe the Insta360 X3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Insta360 X4. But you have to compromise all the above-mentioned features. Now the Decision is Yours. I hope it was helpful to choose the right one.

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Side By Side Comparison

FeatureInsta360 X4Insta360 X3
Max 360 Video Resolution8K at 30fps5.7K at 30fps
Max 360 Slow-Mo Video5.7K at 60fps5.7K at 30fps
Single-Lens Mode4K at 60fps4K at 30fps
Bullet Time Mode4K at 120fps3K at 100fps
Timelapse Resolution8K5.7K
ProcessorNext-gen Insta360 processorPrevious-gen Insta360 processor
Display Size2.5” Ultra-bright touchscreen2.29” Standard touchscreen
Video BitrateUp to 200MbpsUp to 120Mbps
Battery Capacity2290mAh1800mAh
Battery Life (360 Mode)Up to 135 minsUp to 81 mins
Charging Time~70 mins~90 mins
Removable Lens GuardsIncludedOptional, sold separately
Lens Guard DesignSnap-on designScrew-on (optional)
HDR Video ModeActive HDR 2.0Active HDR 1.0
FlowState StabilizationEnhanced algorithmStandard algorithm
Voice ControlVoice Control 2.0Standard Voice Control
Frame Rate Options (360)More frame rate varietyFewer frame rate options
Weight203g180g
Dimensions114 x 46 x 30mm114 x 46 x 33.1mm
Thermal ManagementImproved heat dissipationStandard heat management
Microphone SetupDual microphones with noise reductionDual microphones
PriceCheck Insta360 X4 PriceCheck Insta360 X3 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 360 Dual-Lens Design: Both the X4 and X3 use a dual-lens setup to capture full 360° footage, which can be reframed later for standard videos or VR content.
  • Mounting Compatibility: Each has a standard 1/4″ thread, allowing easy mounting on tripods, selfie sticks, helmets, and accessories without proprietary mounts.
  • microSD Card Storage: Both support UHS-I V30 cards up to 1TB, using exFAT format, essential for high-bitrate 360 video recording.
  • In-Camera Stitching: Insta360 includes real-time in-camera stitching for 360 content, removing the need for external software during capture.
  • High-Resolution 360 Photos: Both capture up to 72MP 360 stills, which is ideal for panoramic content and VR experiences.
  • Photo & Video Formats: Both support JPG, RAW/DNG, INSP for stills, and H.264/H.265 encoding for video, offering flexibility in quality and compression.
  • Waterproof Without Case:
    Each model is IPX8-rated, waterproof up to 33ft (10m) without a housing, suitable for underwater use in most casual settings.
  • Stabilization (FlowState): Insta360’s proprietary FlowState stabilization is available in both, offering gimbal-like steadiness in 360 and single-lens modes.
  • Invisible Selfie Stick Effect: Both automatically remove the selfie stick from 360 footage, creating a drone-like floating camera effect.
  • AI-Powered Editing Tools: The Insta360 app provides automatic highlight creation, Shot Lab effects, and smart reframing on both devices.
  • Voice & Gesture Controls: Hands-free operation is available with both voice commands and gesture recognition on both models.
  • Livestreaming & Webcam Mode:
    They support 360 livestreaming and can function as a webcam via USB, ideal for content creators and remote professionals.
  • Software Ecosystem: Compatible with Insta360 Studio (desktop) and Insta360 App (mobile), both cameras offer similar post-processing workflows.
  • Firmware & GPS: Over-the-air firmware updates and optional GPS data overlays are available on both, using the Insta360 GPS remote accessory.

Common Features

FeatureInsta360 X4Insta360 X3
Design Type360° action camera with dual lenses360° action camera with dual lenses
Camera MountStandard 1/4″-20 tripod threadStandard 1/4″-20 tripod thread
Storage SupportmicroSD (exFAT), UHS-I V30, up to 1TBmicroSD (exFAT), UHS-I V30, up to 1TB
Stitching MethodIn-camera stitching for 360 videoIn-camera stitching for 360 video
Photo Format SupportJPG, RAW (DNG), INSPJPG, RAW (DNG), INSP
Video EncodingH.264 / H.265 (HEVC)H.264 / H.265 (HEVC)
360 Photo Resolution72MP72MP
360 Photo ModesStandard, HDR, Interval, BurstStandard, HDR, Interval, Burst
Waterproof RatingIPX8IPX8
Audio CaptureDual microphones with wind noise reductionDual microphones with wind noise reduction
Voice ControlYesYes
Invisible Selfie Stick SupportYesYes
FlowState StabilizationYesYes
360 Reframing SupportYesYes
Gesture ControlYesYes
AI Editing ToolsShot Lab, Auto Editing, AI highlightsShot Lab, Auto Editing, AI highlights
App CompatibilityInsta360 AppInsta360 App
PC SoftwareInsta360 StudioInsta360 Studio
Livestreaming Support360 Live Streaming via App/USB360 Live Streaming via App/USB
Webcam ModeYesYes
GPS SupportVia optional Insta360 GPS RemoteVia optional Insta360 GPS Remote
Firmware UpdateOTA via app or USB-COTA via app or USB-C
Price Check Insta360 X4 Price Check Insta360 X3 Price

FAQ

Does the Insta360 X4 support 8K video recording?
Yes, the Insta360 X4 supports 8K video recording at 30fps, making it the first consumer 360 camera from Insta360 to offer ultra-high-resolution video for sharper details and better reframing.

Is the Insta360 X4 waterproof without a case?
Yes, the Insta360 X4 is waterproof up to 33 feet (10 meters) without a protective case, just like the Insta360 X3, making it suitable for swimming, snorkeling, and wet conditions.

Can I use the Invisible Selfie Stick with both Insta360 X4 and X3?
Yes, both models support the Invisible Selfie Stick, which is automatically removed from footage using Insta360’s proprietary software, giving you a floating camera effect.

What’s the battery life difference between Insta360 X4 and X3?
The X4 offers up to 135 minutes of 360 video recording, thanks to its larger 2290mAh battery, while the X3 offers about 81 minutes with its 1800mAh battery under similar conditions.

Does the Insta360 X4 have better stabilization than the X3?
Yes, the X4 features improved FlowState stabilization with an upgraded algorithm and gyroscope, offering smoother footage than the already excellent stabilization found on the X3.

Can I livestream with both Insta360 X4 and X3?
Yes, both cameras support 360° livestreaming via the Insta360 app or when connected to a PC using the USB-C port, making them suitable for live events, vlogging, and social streaming.

Do both Insta360 X4 and X3 support single-lens mode?
Yes, both cameras support single-lens (standard action cam) mode, but the X4 upgrades it with 4K 60fps compared to the X3’s 4K 30fps, offering smoother and higher-quality footage.

What kind of memory cards are required for Insta360 X4 and X3?
Both cameras require UHS-I V30-rated microSD cards with exFAT format and support capacities up to 1TB. However, X4 benefits more from high-speed cards due to its 8K video bitrate.

Is the Insta360 X4 heavier than the X3?
Yes, the X4 weighs around 203g, which is slightly heavier than the X3’s 180g, due to its larger battery and improved internal components, though the difference is minimal in hand.

Can both cameras shoot high-resolution 360 photos?
Yes, both the Insta360 X4 and X3 support 72MP 360 still image capture, delivering stunning panoramic images suitable for virtual tours and immersive photography.

Do both cameras support AI-powered editing features?
Yes, both cameras work with the Insta360 app and offer features like Shot Lab, Auto Editing, and smart reframing using AI tools to make post-production faster and more intuitive.

Are the lens guards included with both Insta360 X4 and X3?
The Insta360 X4 includes standard snap-on removable lens guards in the box, while the X3 requires a separate purchase for protective lens guards.

Is there a difference in touchscreen size between X4 and X3?
Yes, the X4 features a larger and brighter 2.5-inch touchscreen, while the X3 has a 2.29-inch screen. The larger screen improves visibility, especially outdoors and during active use.

Can both the Insta360 X4 and X3 be used as webcams?
Yes, both cameras support webcam mode via USB-C when connected to a PC or Mac, allowing 360-degree video conferencing or use in creative studio setups.

Do both support firmware updates through the app?
Yes, both the Insta360 X4 and X3 support over-the-air (OTA) firmware updates via the Insta360 mobile app, making it easy to stay up to date with new features and fixes.

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