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.
.
Side By Side Comparison
| Feature | Insta360 X4 | Insta360 X3 |
| Max 360 Video Resolution | 8K at 30fps | 5.7K at 30fps |
| Max 360 Slow-Mo Video | 5.7K at 60fps | 5.7K at 30fps |
| Single-Lens Mode | 4K at 60fps | 4K at 30fps |
| Bullet Time Mode | 4K at 120fps | 3K at 100fps |
| Timelapse Resolution | 8K | 5.7K |
| Processor | Next-gen Insta360 processor | Previous-gen Insta360 processor |
| Display Size | 2.5” Ultra-bright touchscreen | 2.29” Standard touchscreen |
| Video Bitrate | Up to 200Mbps | Up to 120Mbps |
| Battery Capacity | 2290mAh | 1800mAh |
| Battery Life (360 Mode) | Up to 135 mins | Up to 81 mins |
| Charging Time | ~70 mins | ~90 mins |
| Removable Lens Guards | Included | Optional, sold separately |
| Lens Guard Design | Snap-on design | Screw-on (optional) |
| HDR Video Mode | Active HDR 2.0 | Active HDR 1.0 |
| FlowState Stabilization | Enhanced algorithm | Standard algorithm |
| Voice Control | Voice Control 2.0 | Standard Voice Control |
| Frame Rate Options (360) | More frame rate variety | Fewer frame rate options |
| Weight | 203g | 180g |
| Dimensions | 114 x 46 x 30mm | 114 x 46 x 33.1mm |
| Thermal Management | Improved heat dissipation | Standard heat management |
| Microphone Setup | Dual microphones with noise reduction | Dual microphones |
| Price | Check Insta360 X4 Price | Check 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
| Feature | Insta360 X4 | Insta360 X3 |
| Design Type | 360° action camera with dual lenses | 360° action camera with dual lenses |
| Camera Mount | Standard 1/4″-20 tripod thread | Standard 1/4″-20 tripod thread |
| Storage Support | microSD (exFAT), UHS-I V30, up to 1TB | microSD (exFAT), UHS-I V30, up to 1TB |
| Stitching Method | In-camera stitching for 360 video | In-camera stitching for 360 video |
| Photo Format Support | JPG, RAW (DNG), INSP | JPG, RAW (DNG), INSP |
| Video Encoding | H.264 / H.265 (HEVC) | H.264 / H.265 (HEVC) |
| 360 Photo Resolution | 72MP | 72MP |
| 360 Photo Modes | Standard, HDR, Interval, Burst | Standard, HDR, Interval, Burst |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX8 | IPX8 |
| Audio Capture | Dual microphones with wind noise reduction | Dual microphones with wind noise reduction |
| Voice Control | Yes | Yes |
| Invisible Selfie Stick Support | Yes | Yes |
| FlowState Stabilization | Yes | Yes |
| 360 Reframing Support | Yes | Yes |
| Gesture Control | Yes | Yes |
| AI Editing Tools | Shot Lab, Auto Editing, AI highlights | Shot Lab, Auto Editing, AI highlights |
| App Compatibility | Insta360 App | Insta360 App |
| PC Software | Insta360 Studio | Insta360 Studio |
| Livestreaming Support | 360 Live Streaming via App/USB | 360 Live Streaming via App/USB |
| Webcam Mode | Yes | Yes |
| GPS Support | Via optional Insta360 GPS Remote | Via optional Insta360 GPS Remote |
| Firmware Update | OTA via app or USB-C | OTA via app or USB-C |
| Price | Check Insta360 X4 Price | Check Insta360 X3 Price |
FAQ
Does the Insta360 X4 support 8K video recording? Is the Insta360 X4 waterproof without a case? Can I use the Invisible Selfie Stick with both Insta360 X4 and X3? What’s the battery life difference between Insta360 X4 and X3? Does the Insta360 X4 have better stabilization than the X3? Can I livestream with both Insta360 X4 and X3? Do both Insta360 X4 and X3 support single-lens mode? What kind of memory cards are required for Insta360 X4 and X3? Is the Insta360 X4 heavier than the X3? Can both cameras shoot high-resolution 360 photos? Do both cameras support AI-powered editing features? Are the lens guards included with both Insta360 X4 and X3? Is there a difference in touchscreen size between X4 and X3? Can both the Insta360 X4 and X3 be used as webcams? Do both support firmware updates through the app? |
