Insta360 X3 & Insta360 X2 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 X3 rather than the Insta360 X2. 

Why Do I Recommend The Insta360 X3

  • The Insta360 X3 has a 72MP 360° photo resolution for capturing ultra-detailed and high-clarity panoramic images, compared to the Insta360 ONE X2’s 18.4MP output.
  • Insta360 X3 features a 2.29″ large touchscreen for easier framing, intuitive navigation, and real-time playback, compared to the ONE X2’s small 0.9″ circular screen.
  • It includes a single-lens 4K mode for traditional wide-angle action shots without stitching, which the Insta360 ONE X2 does not support.
  • The Insta360 X3 supports Active HDR video for enhanced dynamic range in motion to preserve detail in bright and shadowed areas compared to the ONE X2’s standard HDR.
  • Insta360 X3 features Me Mode with 1080p 60fps recording to keep the subject centered while removing the selfie stick in action shots, which the Insta360 ONE X2 lacks.
  • It features Loop Recording and Pre-Recording functions for security, vlogging, and event coverage, whereas the ONE X2 lacks these tools.
  • The Insta360 X3 comes with an upgraded 1800 mAh battery for slightly longer shooting sessions and better handling of higher processing demands, compared to the 1630 mAh battery in the ONE X2.
  • Insta360 X3 supports a 120 Mbps video bitrate for richer image quality and less compression, compared to the 100 Mbps maximum on the Insta360 ONE X2.

Maybe the Insta360 X2 price can make you comfortable because it’s a little bit cheaper than the Insta360 X3. 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 X3Insta360 X2
Image Sensor1/2″ 48MP Sensor1/2.3″ 12MP Sensor
Photo Resolution (360°)72MP18.4MP
Screen Size2.29″ Rectangular Touchscreen0.9″ Circular Touchscreen
Touchscreen TypeLarge Color LCDSmall Color LCD
Single-Lens ShootingYesNo
Single-Lens Resolution4K30, 3.6K60, 2.7K120Not available
Active HDR VideoYesNo
Me Mode (No-Stitch Selfie)1080p 30/60fpsNot available
Loop RecordingYesNo
Pre-RecordingYesNo
Starlapse ModeYesNo
Video Bitrate120 Mbps100 Mbps
Timelapse Interval0.5s to 120s0.5s to 30s
Voice ControlVoice Control 2.0Voice Control 1.0
Audio Input4-Mic Array4-Mic Array
Audio ProcessingDirectional Audio, Wind ReductionWind Reduction only
Weight180g149g
Dimensions114×46×33.1mm113.6×46.2×29.8mm
Battery Capacity1800 mAh1630 mAh
Battery Life (5.7K 30fps)Approx. 81 minutesApprox. 80 minutes
Charging TimeApprox. 90 minApprox. 85 min
Firmware FeaturesMore ModesFewer Modes
PriceCheck Insta360 X3 PriceCheck Insta360 X2 Price

What Common Both Can Do?

  • 360° Dual-Lens System: Both cameras use a dual-lens setup to capture full spherical 360° video at up to 5.7K resolution, allowing immersive footage that can be reframed post-capture.
  • FlowState Stabilization: Each model includes Insta360’s powerful stabilization tech for ultra-smooth video, removing the need for a physical gimbal.
  • 360 Horizon Lock: Both support full horizon leveling even when the camera rotates, ideal for action sports and dynamic movement.
  • Invisible Selfie Stick Effect: Thanks to dual-lens stitching, both can automatically remove the selfie stick from footage, creating drone-like third-person views.
  • RAW Photo Capture & High-Quality Codecs: Both support DNG for advanced editing and use H.264/H.265 codecs for efficient video compression with preserved quality.
  • IPX8 Waterproofing: Each camera is natively waterproof up to 10 meters (33ft) without needing a separate case, suitable for rain, splashes, or shallow underwater use.
  • Universal Mount and App Support: Both use a standard 1/4″ mount for accessories and are compatible with the Insta360 mobile app for shooting, previewing, and editing.
  • AI & Smart Editing Tools: Features like Auto Frame (auto selects the best angle), Deep Track (subject tracking), and TimeShift (hyperlapse with speed ramping) are available on both via the app.
  • Voice and Audio Features: Voice commands are supported for hands-free use, and a 4-mic array helps capture directional audio with wind noise reduction.

Common Features

FeatureInsta360 X3Insta360 X2
Camera Type360° Dual-Lens Action Camera360° Dual-Lens Action Camera
Video Resolution (360°)5.7K at 30/25/24fps5.7K at 30/25/24fps
Lens Aperturef/1.9f/1.9
Video CodecH.264 / H.265H.264 / H.265
Photo FormatJPEG, DNGJPEG, DNG
StabilizationFlowState StabilizationFlowState Stabilization
360 Horizon LockYesYes
Invisible Selfie Stick EffectYesYes
Voice ControlYesYes
Microphone Setup4-Mic Array4-Mic Array
WaterproofIPX8 (10m without housing)IPX8 (10m without housing)
Storage FormatexFAT microSDexFAT microSD
Mounting ThreadStandard 1/4″ MountStandard 1/4″ Mount
App CompatibilityInsta360 AppInsta360 App
Editing FeaturesAuto Frame, Deep Track, Shot Lab, TimeShiftAuto Frame, Deep Track, Shot Lab, TimeShift
Audio FeaturesWind Reduction, Directional AudioWind Reduction, Directional Audio
Charging PortUSB Type-CUSB Type-C
Live Streaming SupportYesYes
AI Editing ToolsYesYes
Price Check Insta360 X3 Price Check Insta360 X2 Price

FAQ

Is the Insta360 X3 better than the Insta360 ONE X2 in terms of image quality?
Yes, the Insta360 X3 captures significantly higher-quality photos with its 72MP resolution, compared to the ONE X2’s 18.4MP, resulting in sharper and more detailed 360° images.

Do both cameras shoot 360° video at 5.7K resolution?
Yes, both the Insta360 X3 and ONE X2 shoot 360° video at 5.7K resolution at 30, 25, or 24 frames per second, providing immersive and detailed video capture.

Can both cameras be used underwater without a case?
Yes, both the X3 and ONE X2 are waterproof up to 10 meters (33 feet) without a housing, thanks to their IPX8 waterproof rating.

Does the Insta360 X3 support single-lens shooting like an action camera?
Yes, the Insta360 X3 supports single-lens shooting up to 4K30fps, allowing it to be used like a traditional wide-angle action cam, which is not available on the ONE X2.

Is there a difference in screen size between the X3 and ONE X2?
Yes, the X3 has a much larger 2.29″ rectangular touchscreen, while the ONE X2 features a smaller 0.9″ circular screen, making the X3 easier to navigate and preview footage.

Can both cameras create the Invisible Selfie Stick effect?
Yes, both models support the Invisible Selfie Stick effect, automatically removing the selfie stick from footage to simulate a floating camera or drone-like perspective.

Which camera has better stabilization?
Both use FlowState Stabilization with 360 Horizon Lock, but the X3 may deliver slightly smoother results due to improved internal processing.

Is there a difference in battery life between the two?
Battery life is similar, with the X3 lasting around 81 minutes and the ONE X2 around 80 minutes when shooting 5.7K video, although the X3 has a slightly larger 1800 mAh battery.

Do both support RAW photo and advanced editing?
Yes, both the X3 and ONE X2 support RAW (DNG) photo capture and include editing tools like Auto Frame, Deep Track, and Shot Lab in the Insta360 app.

Can both cameras live stream in 360°?
Yes, both support 360° live streaming and reframe mode via the Insta360 app, suitable for broadcasting immersive content.

Which model supports the Me Mode and Pre-Recording feature?
Only the Insta360 X3 supports Me Mode (which keeps the user centered without reframing) and Pre-Recording (captures 15 or 30 seconds before hitting record), while the ONE X2 does not.

Is the Insta360 X3 heavier than the ONE X2?
Yes, the X3 weighs 180 grams, while the ONE X2 is lighter at 149 grams, although the difference is minor and expected due to the X3’s larger screen and battery.

Do both use the same type of microSD card?
Yes, both cameras use exFAT-formatted UHS-I V30 microSD cards and support up to 1TB in storage capacity.

Can both be controlled using voice commands?
Yes, both support voice control, but the X3 includes Voice Control 2.0, which provides improved accuracy and responsiveness over the ONE X2.

Which model includes more creative shooting modes out of the box?
The Insta360 X3 includes additional modes like Loop Recording, Starlapse, Me Mode, and Pre-Recording, giving it more creative flexibility than the ONE X2.

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