Insta360 GO 3S & Insta360 GO 3 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 GO 3S rather than the Insta360 GO 3.
Why Do I Recommend The Insta360 GO 3S?
- The Insta360 GO 3S has native 4K video recording for capturing sharper, more detailed footage compared to the Insta360 GO 3’s 2.7K resolution.
- Insta360 GO 3S features a new 16mm equivalent f/2.8 lens for delivering more natural perspective and improved image sharpness, compared to the ultra-wide 11mm lens on the GO 3.
- It includes Dolby Vision HDR video for producing richer contrast and more vibrant color depth in high-dynamic-range scenes, while the GO 3 lacks this support.
- The Insta360 GO 3S has advanced slow-motion modes at 2.7K 100fps and 1080p 200fps for enabling smoother action replays, while the GO 3 is limited to 1080p 120fps.
- Insta360 GO 3S supports Apple Find My integration for quickly locate the camera if lost, which the GO 3 does not support.
- It includes a next-generation processor for improving video encoding speed, stabilization performance, and feature responsiveness compared to the GO 3.
- The Insta360 GO 3S supports a new interval video mode for capturing hands-free long-duration content creation, which is not available on the GO 3.
- Insta360 GO 3S is waterproof up to 10 meters without a case for enabling deeper underwater shooting, while the GO 3 is limited to 5 meters.
Maybe the Insta360 GO 3 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Insta360 GO 3S. 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 GO 3S | Insta360 GO 3 |
| Camera Weight | 39.1 g | 35.5 g |
| Camera Dimensions | 25.6 × 54.4 × 24.8 mm | 25.6 × 54.4 × 23.2 mm |
| Waterproof Rating (Camera Only) | 10m | 5m |
| Video Resolution | Up to 4K@30fps | Up to 2.7K@30fps |
| Photo Resolution | 4000×2250 | 2560×1440 |
| Aperture | f/2.8 | f/2.2 |
| Focal Length | 16mm equivalent | 11mm equivalent |
| Slow Motion | 2.7K@100fps, 1080p@200fps | 1080p@120fps |
| Video Codec | H.265 | H.264 |
| New Modes | Interval Video, Apple Find My | Not supported |
| HDR Video | Dolby Vision | Standard HDR |
| Processor | Faster next-gen chip | Previous-gen chip |
| Battery Life (Camera Only) | 38 mins | 45 mins |
| Battery Life (with Action Pod) | ~140 mins | ~170 mins |
| Voice Control 2.0 | Yes | No |
| Gesture Control | AI-powered | Basic |
| Lens Guard Compatibility | New size only | Original GO 3 filters only |
| Max Bitrate | 120 Mbps | 80 Mbps |
| Audio Recording | Dual Mic w/ Wind Reduction | Dual Mic Basic |
| Firmware Features | Enhanced Subject Tracking, Video Pause | Standard |
| Connectivity | Apple Find My + BLE 5.2 | BLE 5.0 |
| Price | Check Insta360 GO 3S Price | Check Insta360 GO 3 Price |
What Common Both Can Do?
- Magnetic Mounting System: Both models support hands-free magnetic mounting using a range of creative accessories like the Magnet Pendant, Easy Clip, Pivot Stand, and Quick Release Mount. This allows for POV shots and flexible placement on metal surfaces or clothing.
- Modular Camera with Action Pod: Both cameras feature a 2-part design—an ultra-light camera module and a screen-equipped Action Pod. The pod offers remote control, preview, and charging functionality, increasing versatility.
- Flip Touchscreen Display: The Action Pod in both models includes a 2.2-inch flip touchscreen that rotates 180°, making it ideal for vlog-style framing and selfies.
- Dual Microphones with Directional Audio: Both devices include dual mics to record immersive, directional audio. Wind noise reduction is also implemented in both models for clearer sound outdoors.
- FlowState Stabilization & Horizon Lock: Both models use Insta360’s FlowState stabilization to eliminate camera shake, and Horizon Lock keeps footage level even when the camera is rotated during action.
- AI Auto Editing Tools: The Insta360 app for both models includes tools like FlashCut and Shot Lab, which automatically generate short edited videos using AI, effects, and music, making content creation fast and beginner-friendly.
- Voice & Remote Control: Voice commands are supported on both models for hands-free operation, and remote control is possible via the Action Pod or smartphone app.
- Slow Motion, Timelapse, Hyperlapse, and FreeFrame: These key creative modes are available on both, allowing for dynamic speed effects, long exposure-type shots, and re-framing video after capture.
- Connectivity & Charging: Both models support USB-C charging and connect wirelessly over Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for file transfer, live preview, and firmware updates.
- App Compatibility & Editing Features: Both use the same Insta360 app (Android/iOS) with robust editing, multi-clip timeline, color grading, filters, cropping, and export tools.
Common Features
| Feature | Insta360 GO 3S | Insta360 GO 3 |
| Mounting System | Magnetic mounting with accessories | Magnetic mounting with accessories |
| Modular Design | Camera Core + Action Pod | Camera Core + Action Pod |
| Action Pod Display | 2.2″ Flip Touchscreen | 2.2″ Flip Touchscreen |
| Audio | Dual built-in microphones | Dual built-in microphones |
| Audio Mode | Directional Audio Recording | Directional Audio Recording |
| Stabilization | FlowState Stabilization | FlowState Stabilization |
| 360° Horizon Lock | Supported | Supported |
| Auto Editing | Insta360 AI-powered Auto Editing | Insta360 AI-powered Auto Editing |
| Voice Control | Voice Control supported | Voice Control supported |
| Remote Preview | Via Action Pod or app | Via Action Pod or app |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth | Wi-Fi + Bluetooth |
| FreeFrame Mode | Supported | Supported |
| Timelapse | Timelapse supported | Timelapse supported |
| Hyperlapse | Hyperlapse supported | Hyperlapse supported |
| Slow Motion | High-FPS Slow-Mo modes supported | High-FPS Slow-Mo modes supported |
| USB-C Charging | USB-C port | USB-C port |
| Storage Options | 64 GB / 128 GB | 64 GB / 128 GB |
| Companion App | Insta360 App | Insta360 App |
| Editing Features | Shot Lab, FlashCut, AI Highlights | Shot Lab, FlashCut, AI Highlights |
| Magnet Pendant & Clip Mount | Included | Included |
| Price | Check Insta360 GO 3S Price | Check Insta360 GO 3 Price |
