Hello friends! Today I will talk about the Insta360 X3 and X4. Both of these are 360-degree cameras and they work great. I have been using these cameras for many years and I think the X4 is much better than the X3. I have used both myself and will share with you what I think. No company pressure here!
When the X3 first came out, it was very popular and many people bought it. There was a reason for this. But the X4 is more modern. I will discuss the battery, size, low light capabilities, weight, various features, image quality, how big the camera is, the sensor and much more. I will tell you what I have learned from using it myself and from other websites and users’ opinions.
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Why you can trust this review
When I write a product review, I do not write it under pressure from any company or brand. I do not write reviews for money or under any other influence. I do not write reviews to sell products of any company.
I test everything equally. I highlight the good and bad sides of a product in a timely manner. If there are any changes in the future, I update the review.
Your purchase decision is your own. Before buying anything, please look carefully and buy it.
Insta360 X3 VS X4 A Differences Complete Comparison
| Insta360 X3 | Insta360 X4 | |
| Max. 360° Video Resolution | 5.7K30fps | 8K30fps & 5.7K60fps |
| Max. 360° Slow Motion Resolution | 3K100fps | 4K100fps |
| Max. Wide Angle Resolution/Frame Rate | 4K30fps | 4K60fps |
| 5nm AI Chip | √ | × |
| Bitrate | 120 Mbps | 200 Mbps |
| Me Mode | 1080p60fps | 4K30fps, 2.7K120fps |
| Run Time (5.7K30fps, Lab Environment) | 81 min | 135 min = 67% longer |
| Touchscreen | 2.29″ Touchscreen made with Tempered Glass | 2.5″ Touchscreen made with high-strength Corning® Gorilla® Glass |
| Ruggedness | Sticky Lens Guards (non-removable) | Removable Lens Guards in two editions: Standard and Premium |
| Timelapse | 8K | 11K |
| TimeShift | 5.7K | 8K |
| Bullet Time | 4K@120fps, 3K@180fps | 5.7K120fps, 3K240fps |
| Battery Size | 1800mAh | 2290mAh |
| Price | $399.99 | $499.99 |
Insta360 X3 VS X4 Design and Build
The Insta360 X4 camera looks very similar to the X3. However, upon closer inspection, the X4 camera is larger, thicker, and weighs a bit more. The main reason for this is that the X4 uses a 2,290mAh battery, while the X3 had a 1,800mAh battery.
The X4 camera’s screen is also slightly larger than before, at 2.5 inches. The X3’s screen was 2.29 inches. The X4’s screen is made of Gorilla Glass, so it won’t break easily and is good for use in harsh environments. The X3’s screen was also good, but the X4’s screen will be more useful for those who play risky sports or hang out outdoors.
Both cameras can work underwater up to 33 feet. However, to get good underwater images, it is better to use the Invisible Dive Case. This cover is available for both cameras.
Insta360 X3 vs X4 Battery: Capacity and Runtime
The Insta360 X4 camera has a 2,290mAh battery, while the X3 has a 1,800mAh battery. However, the X4 has to work harder. I left both cameras on until they turned off on their own. Then I charged them again using a Power Delivery (PD) charger. Both cameras can record video while charging. But the X4 supports Power Delivery, which means it can be fully charged very quickly with a 9V 2A charger.
| Camera | Run time | PD charger time |
|---|---|---|
| Insta360 X3 @ 5.7K25 | 1 hr 7 mins | 1 hr 5 mins |
| Insta360 X4 @ 8K25 | 1 hr 21 mins | 52 mins |
Insta360 X3 vs X4 Size
For 360° video, you need a good quality, large, and fast UHS-1 V30 memory card. Both the Insta360 X4 and X3 support memory cards up to 1TB. Here are some ideas I’ve tested to give you an idea of how much memory you’ll need for how many videos…
| Camera | 5 mins of footage | GB/hour |
|---|---|---|
| Osmo Action 4 4K25 | 2.78 GB | 33.36 GB/h |
| Insta360 X3 5.7K25 | 4.67 GB | 56.05 GB/h |
| Insta360 X4 8K25 | 8.26 GB | 99.12 GB/h |
The Insta360 X4 has a mode called 5.7K+. This mode doesn’t work well in low light. However, the file size is smaller in this mode than 8K. In daylight, the images look clearer than the regular 5.7K. The difference between 8K and 5.7K+ is shown well in this video. However, I prefer working in 8K.
Insta360 X3 vs X4 Low Light Performance
Taking good pictures in low light is very important for action cameras. This aspect has been improved in the X4 model.
It has two sensors and a special chip (5nm AI chip). Due to this chip, its working capacity has increased by 140% compared to the previous model. As a result, there is less noise when taking pictures and a lot of detail can be seen even in 8K resolution.
Pictures taken with the X4 in low light are more detailed, especially where there are shadows. However, in some pictures, such as cement or street pictures where there is little variation in light, noise is a little more visible. Sometimes it is seen that the pictures become too bright and colorful.
On the other hand, the X3 model can take pictures up to 5.7K resolution. It takes fairly good pictures in low light, but cannot provide the same detail and dynamic range as the X4. So the X4 is good for taking pictures at night, if the noise is not a problem.
Insta360 X4 vs Insta360 X3 audio quality
In one video, the Insta360 X4 camera had “Auto Noise Wind Reduction” turned on, while the X3 camera had “Wind Noise reduction” turned on. I was surprised to see that both cameras were able to reduce wind noise very well.
I also used the DJI Osmo Action 4 camera for comparison. It seemed that this camera could hear the engine noise better, but there were some problems with some vibrations.
When I test the wind muff in the next part of this review, you will see that the Insta360 X4 does a better job of reducing wind noise than the X3, even without the wind muff.
You can also record sound from a Bluetooth intercom. I tried using the Cardo Packtalk Pro, but the sound quality can be a little worse due to the intercom’s wind noise reduction settings. Generally, the best sound is obtained by placing the microphone on the inside of the helmet, near the cheek.The following intercoms are listed as supported by Insta360:
- Sena 50S, ST1 and 10S
- Cardo Packtalk Edge
- Airide G7+
- ASMAX F1
- Lexinmoto G4
- Vimoto V9S and V9X
Insta360 X3 vs X4 Weight: Portability Factor
There is a weight issue with the camera. The X3 weighs 177.2 grams, while the X4 weighs 203 grams. That means the X4 is 26 grams heavier. The reason the X4 is a bit heavier is because it has a larger battery and uses things like two sensors and an AI chip.
The X3 is good for those who want a lightweight camera, especially for long walks or trips. But the X4 is not too heavy either, and it is fine for general action camera use.
The Insta360 X4 doesn’t have a recording gap
The Insta360 X3 camera had an annoying problem. It would stop recording after 30 minutes and then start recording again. But there would be a gap of a few seconds between the two videos. If you are running multiple cameras at once, this gap can cause problems with the videos matching. Although for most people, it is not a big problem.
I tested the Insta360 X4 and it was able to record continuously for up to 1 hour and 16 minutes. Then it stopped because the memory card was full.
Insta360 X3 vs X4 Specs: Technical Specifications
The X4 model has seen a lot of improvements from the X3. The X3 could record videos at 5.7K resolution at 30 frames per second (fps). It could record videos at 3K at 100 fps for slow motion videos and 4K at 30 fps using one lens.
On the other hand, the X4 can record videos at 8K resolution at 30 fps, 5.7K at 60 fps. It can record videos at 4K at 100 fps for slow motion videos and 4K at 60 fps using one lens. This is possible thanks to its fast 5nm AI chip. This chip makes it easier to pair and use videos inside the camera.
Among other features, the X4 can be used underwater up to 10 meters without any cover and has a USB 3.0 Type C port. The X3 also has similar features, but they are not as advanced as the X4. The X4’s video quality is around 210 Mbps at 8K, which is higher than the X3. This is because the X4 uses more data.
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Insta360 X3 vs X4 Photo Quality
The X4 and X3 cameras are almost the same for taking photos. But the X4 camera is better for making videos. It makes time lapse videos and frame-shift videos better.
The X4 camera supports 11K time lapse. Then it can be converted to 8K panoramic videos. The X3 camera shoots 8K time lapse and 5.7K videos. So the X4 camera’s videos are clearer and show more detail.
In use, it has been seen that the images of the X4 camera look more real. Its dynamic range is good, so details can be seen even in low light. The images of the X3 camera do not have as much detail, especially where there is more or less light.
For videos, the X4 camera supports 8-bit video. Although it is not 10-bit, it can still provide better color and detail than the X3 camera. The video quality is better due to the less compression in the X4 camera.
Insta360 X3 vs X4 Dimensions
Size here refers to the size of the cameras. However, to make it easier to understand, the X3 camera is small and its size is 71.9×52.2x38mm. On the other hand, the X4 camera is long and thin, its size is 46×123.6×26.3mm. So the X3 camera can be easily put in a pocket. This is because the X4 camera has a large screen and more internal components. As a result, it may be difficult to attach accessories (such as mounts) to the X4 camera.
Insta360 X3 vs X4 Sensor
The sensor size of both cameras (X4 and X3) is the same (1/2.0 inch). But the X4 camera uses a new dual sensor, due to which more pixels are available when taking pictures, which makes the picture more detailed. Also, the X4 camera uses a good quality Leica SUMMARIT lens, so the pictures are better.
The X4 camera has a powerful sensor and 5nm AI chip, so it can shoot high-resolution videos. Not only that, but it can also take good pictures in low light.
On the other hand, although the sensor size of the X3 camera is the same, it does not have the advantage of dual sensors and AI chip. So it can shoot 5.7K resolution videos. In addition, the performance of the X3 is relatively worse than the X4 when taking pictures in low light.
AI features Insta360 X4
The main reason for the Insta360 X4’s image quality, battery life, and other good performance is its new 5nm AI chip. This chip takes the X4 to new heights.
The use of the 5nm AI chip in the X4 is a major improvement in the world of action cameras. This chip is not only smaller, but it is also much more powerful. Due to this, its computing power has increased by about one and a half times (140%). This means that the X4 can work with a lot more information at the same time. This is very useful for the camera’s good resolution and fast frame rate.
The X4’s dual sensor with this chip has increased the number of pixels by four times. As a result, it can take photos at 11K resolution. The chip then uses those images to create 8K panoramic videos. As a result, the images are much clearer and add details, which makes your experience more vivid.
New Features on the Insta360 X4
Here are some exclusive features added to the X4 that aren’t available on the X3:
1. Gesture Control
Just use your hand or make a peace sign to start or stop recording or take a picture. It’s easy to use when you can’t talk or touch because you’re skiing, biking, or wearing a helmet.
2. AI Highlights Assistant
Automatically finds the best parts of your video, marking them for quick editing. This saves time by not having to watch videos for hours.
3. Timed Capture
You can set the recording time in advance. This is very useful for capturing time-lapse videos of sunrises or wildlife, for example.
4. Faster Wi-Fi Transfer
The X4 has a file transfer speed of 30 Mbps, while the X3 has a speed of 19 Mbps. This means that the X4 can send files faster. This speed difference is quite useful when working with large files.
5. Playback Improvements
Time-lapses can be viewed directly on the X4’s screen, without having to send them to the app first.
Winner: Insta360 X4 — every one of these features adds real-world value.
Editing and App Experience
Both cameras use the Insta360 app, and editing experiences are nearly identical. You get access to:
- AI editing tools
- Pro editing controls
- Quick edits
- Shot Lab for pre-made visual effects
Regardless of which camera you choose, the post-production workflow remains intuitive, flexible, and fun.
Winner: Tie
Price Comparison
- Insta360 X4: ~$500
- Insta360 X3: ~$400
The price of the X4 has increased, you will have to spend $100 more to buy it. However, the X4 has some good points. Its video quality is much better than before, it can make beautiful slow-motion videos, the battery also lasts longer and file sharing is very fast. In addition, some new features have been added to it. All in all, even though the price is a little higher, buying the X4 is profitable.
Winner: Depends on your budget — X3 is still great, but X4 offers serious upgrades.
Insta360 x3 vs x4 good value?
Now that the price of the Insta360 X3 has dropped, it might be a good idea to buy it. But before you buy, read the reviews and decide according to your needs.
You can also look at a regular action camera. But think about what you will use it for and where. If the camera is likely to be damaged in bad environments, a 360 camera may not be a good choice.
Before buying a regular action camera, check whether the lens protection can be changed. For example, the lens protection of the Insta360 Ace Pro camera cannot be changed. If there is damage, it is fixed for free in the first year, but not after that. It is said that the lens protection of the new Ace Pro 2 camera can be changed.
| Insta360 X4 | £499.99 |
| Insta360 X3 | £389.99* |
| Insta360 Ace Pro | £329.99* |
| Insta360 Ace | £359.99 |
| DJI Osmo Action 4 | £259* |
| GoPro Hero 13 Black | £399.99 |
| GoPro Hero 12 Black | £349.99 |
* All prices correct at time of writing
Final Verdict: Insta360 X3 vs. X4
The Insta360 X3 is a great 360 camera. It’s a favorite among videographers. The Insta360 X4 stands as a superior camera selection when people prioritize extended lifespan alongside technological advancement capabilities.
Choose the X4 if:
- You want the highest video resolution (8K)
- You need better battery life
- You film slow-motion content often
- You shoot in challenging environments
- You appreciate added smart features like gesture control and AI highlights
Choose the X3 if:
- You’re on a tighter budget
- You’re new to 360 cameras and want to start simple
- You don’t need 8K resolution or higher frame rates
In today’s post, Insta360 X3 VS X4 are discussed. Both cameras are good, but the difference here is that you should buy the camera according to your needs.
