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

FeatureInsta360 GO 3SInsta360 GO 3
Camera Weight39.1 g35.5 g
Camera Dimensions25.6 × 54.4 × 24.8 mm25.6 × 54.4 × 23.2 mm
Waterproof Rating (Camera Only)10m5m
Video ResolutionUp to 4K@30fpsUp to 2.7K@30fps
Photo Resolution4000×22502560×1440
Aperturef/2.8f/2.2
Focal Length16mm equivalent11mm equivalent
Slow Motion2.7K@100fps, 1080p@200fps1080p@120fps
Video CodecH.265H.264
New ModesInterval Video, Apple Find MyNot supported
HDR VideoDolby VisionStandard HDR
ProcessorFaster next-gen chipPrevious-gen chip
Battery Life (Camera Only)38 mins45 mins
Battery Life (with Action Pod)~140 mins~170 mins
Voice Control 2.0YesNo
Gesture ControlAI-poweredBasic
Lens Guard CompatibilityNew size onlyOriginal GO 3 filters only
Max Bitrate120 Mbps80 Mbps
Audio RecordingDual Mic w/ Wind ReductionDual Mic Basic
Firmware FeaturesEnhanced Subject Tracking, Video PauseStandard
ConnectivityApple Find My + BLE 5.2BLE 5.0
PriceCheck Insta360 GO 3S PriceCheck 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

FeatureInsta360 GO 3SInsta360 GO 3
Mounting SystemMagnetic mounting with accessoriesMagnetic mounting with accessories
Modular DesignCamera Core + Action PodCamera Core + Action Pod
Action Pod Display2.2″ Flip Touchscreen2.2″ Flip Touchscreen
AudioDual built-in microphonesDual built-in microphones
Audio ModeDirectional Audio RecordingDirectional Audio Recording
StabilizationFlowState StabilizationFlowState Stabilization
360° Horizon LockSupportedSupported
Auto EditingInsta360 AI-powered Auto EditingInsta360 AI-powered Auto Editing
Voice ControlVoice Control supportedVoice Control supported
Remote PreviewVia Action Pod or appVia Action Pod or app
Wireless ConnectivityWi-Fi + BluetoothWi-Fi + Bluetooth
FreeFrame ModeSupportedSupported
TimelapseTimelapse supportedTimelapse supported
HyperlapseHyperlapse supportedHyperlapse supported
Slow MotionHigh-FPS Slow-Mo modes supportedHigh-FPS Slow-Mo modes supported
USB-C ChargingUSB-C portUSB-C port
Storage Options64 GB / 128 GB64 GB / 128 GB
Companion AppInsta360 AppInsta360 App
Editing FeaturesShot Lab, FlashCut, AI HighlightsShot Lab, FlashCut, AI Highlights
Magnet Pendant & Clip MountIncludedIncluded
Price Check Insta360 GO 3S Price Check Insta360 GO 3 Price

FAQ

Is the Insta360 GO 3S compatible with the GO 3 Action Pod?
Yes, the Insta360 GO 3S camera module is fully compatible with the GO 3 Action Pod, allowing users to reuse the same docking system for control, preview, and extended battery life.

Can I use GO 3 accessories with the GO 3S?
Most accessories like the Magnet Pendant, Easy Clip, and Pivot Stand work with both models, but the lens guard and filter thread are different in size, so filters for GO 3 do not fit GO 3S.

What is the video resolution difference between GO 3S and GO 3?
The Insta360 GO 3S can shoot in 4K at 30fps, whereas the GO 3 is limited to a maximum of 2.7K at 30fps, giving the GO 3S significantly sharper and more detailed footage.

Is the Insta360 GO 3S waterproof without a case?
Yes, the GO 3S is waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet) without an additional case, an improvement over the GO 3 which is only waterproof to 5 meters.

Does the GO 3S support Apple Find My?
Yes, the GO 3S supports Apple Find My, enabling users to track the location of the camera module if it gets lost or misplaced.

What kind of stabilization does the GO 3S use?
The GO 3S uses FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock, the same as the GO 3, ensuring smooth and level footage even during intense motion.

Can both models record slow-motion videos?
Yes, both support slow motion, but the GO 3S offers higher frame rate options, such as 2.7K at 100fps and 1080p at 200fps, compared to the GO 3’s max of 1080p at 120fps.

What is the battery life difference between GO 3 and GO 3S?
The GO 3S camera module lasts up to 38 minutes standalone and 140 minutes with the pod, while the GO 3 lasts up to 45 minutes standalone and 170 minutes with the pod, making GO 3 better for longer sessions.

Does the GO 3S have better audio recording than GO 3?
Yes, the GO 3S improves on audio with enhanced wind noise reduction and directional capture, although both models feature dual microphones.

Is there a difference in the lens between the two models?
Yes, the GO 3S uses a 16mm equivalent f/2.8 lens while the GO 3 uses an 11mm equivalent f/2.2 lens, giving the GO 3S a narrower but sharper field of view.

Do both cameras support hands-free mounting?
Yes, both the GO 3S and GO 3 support hands-free shooting via magnetic mounts, clip mounts, and pendants, enabling versatile point-of-view filming.

Can I control both cameras using a smartphone?
Yes, both cameras can be remotely controlled using the Insta360 mobile app available on iOS and Android devices, allowing for preview, shooting, and file management.

Do both cameras use the same mobile app?
Yes, both GO 3S and GO 3 work with the Insta360 app, which supports editing, AI features, reframing, and sharing content directly from your phone.

Is there a difference in internal storage capacity?
The GO 3S is available in 64GB and 128GB versions, while the GO 3 was available in 32GB, 64GB, and 128GB variants, meaning GO 3 had a smaller entry option.

Which model is better for content creators?
The GO 3S is better for creators who need higher video quality, smart features like Apple Find My and 4K resolution, while the GO 3 may appeal more to those who want longer battery life and a slightly wider lens.

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