Insta360 officially launches its flagship mini pocket camera "GO Ultra" on 21st August 2025. Unlike the originally expected "GO 4", this new product does not simply continue the GO 3S upgrade, but instead, while retaining the magnetic design, it completely changes the product's exterior design and upgrades the recording specifications.
As you can see from the name "GO Ultra", it is no longer an extension of the previous generation "GO 3S" thumb camera, but a new product form factor. In this review, I'll take you through the differences and upgrades between the GO Ultra and the GO 3S, and I'll also compare the GO Ultra's image quality with the flagship sports camera, the Ace Pro 2, to see the GO Ultra's strengths, weaknesses and real-world performance. This will help you decide if it's worth getting.
The main points are as follows.
- Specification Comparison
- Bundle Selection
- Product Design
- Picture Quality
- Low-Light Shooting
At the same time, I'll be focusing on answering some of the most frequently asked questions from GO Series users:
- Has the GO Ultra surpassed the Insta360's flagship sports camera in terms of image quality?
- Will the larger size and heavier weight affect the user experience?
- Does the Cube Camera GO Ultra work the same way as the Thumb Camera GO 3S?
The content is solid, just take your time!
GO Ultra Product Highlights
Firstly, let's get straight to the 3 important points of GO Ultra.
- "Picture Quality" is now on par with Insta360's flagship sports camera, with more realistic details and colours.
- Compact, flexible and ready to go, the GO series continues to deliver the same benefits as the GO series.
- Although the size has increased, the operation and ease of use has improved, bigger and smoother.
Picture Quality
The Insta360 GO Ultra is equipped with a 1/1.28-inch image sensor and a 5nm AI chip, boasting a 221% increase in light-sensitive area compared to its predecessor. It supports 4K 60fps video recording and offers a 4K 30fps night mode for low-light environments. Sports HDR effectively balances details in bright highlights and dark shadows, while the noise control during night shooting also delivers exceptional performance. Notably, its sensor size even slightly surpasses the 1/1.3-inch sensor of the Insta360 Ace Pro 2, the flagship action camera in Insta360's lineup.
In terms of image quality, the Insta360 GO Ultra has reached the same level as traditional action cameras—even ranking among the top tier. While it doesn’t offer 8K resolution (and the Insta360 Ace Pro 2 still outperforms it in terms of image detail rendering and sense of depth), its overall performance is nearly on par with the Ace Pro 2, delivering sharp image details and realistic colors.
It's a testament to the benefits of the enlarged camera body that the picture quality has taken a significant leap forward compared to the GO 3S, as the larger camera body can accommodate a larger sensor. The improved picture quality of the GO Ultra is especially noticeable in low light and HDR recording.
Photograph
Photo Capability: Up to 50 megapixel Ultra HD photos and supports 12.5 megapixel HDR and RAW formats. It also supports 12.5-megapixel HDR and RAW formats. 7 built-in filters are available for street photography and creative photography.
Battery Duration
Supporting 24W fast charging, it takes only 12 minutes to charge up to 80% and lasts up to 200 minutes.
Stabilization&Audio Reception
The Insta360 GO Ultra is equipped with FlowState Stabilization Technology, offering three anti-shake modes. In the High Stabilization Mode, the footage remains smooth and stable even during cycling or sports shooting scenarios. For audio capture, it adopts a noise-canceling, windproof structure with a steel mesh anti-pop filter. It supports sports wind noise reduction and voice enhancement modes, and is compatible with the wireless microphone Mic Air, ensuring clear audio recording.
Smart Control
It supports voice and gesture control, with a responsive touch screen for smooth operation. Aspect ratios of 9:16 and 16:9 (for vertical and horizontal shooting) can be switched quickly. Boasting a rich ecosystem of magnetic accessories, it enables multi-angle shooting effortlessly. After connecting to the Insta360 App, its AI automatically identifies highlight clips, intelligently splices videos and matches them with background music—greatly lowering the barrier to post-production editing.
Pocket-Sized & Easy to Carry
The Insta360 GO Ultra weighs only 53 grams and features a "cube - shaped" design. Although slightly heavier than its predecessor, it still offers a weightless wearing experience. It can be easily magnetically attached to clothes, hats, or backpacks, freeing up your hands and making it ideal for long - term on - the - go shooting. Whether magnetically fixed to objects or attached to clothing, it allows for instant shooting anytime, anywhere. With the included simple clamp and magnetic pendant, the GO Ultra can also effortlessly record first - person POV footage just like the GO 3S, keeping your hands free during recording.
However, it's also clear from the outside that the GO Ultra is bigger than the GO 3S, which is a bit of a concern.
Larger Size, Enhanced Usability
I thought that the larger body would make it more cumbersome to use, but in fact, the GO Ultra is much easier to use than the GO 3S. Here's why:
- 📐 Thinner body → more stable centre of gravity
- 🧲 Larger magnetic area → Firmer adsorption
- 🔧 New Installation System → More positions for fixing, more flexibility
Although the weight has increased by 14g, the potential disadvantage has been turned into an advantage by upgrading the specs and improving the picture quality.
It's clear that the Insta360 development team put a lot of effort into changing the size of the camera, and finally managed to find the right balance.
Drawbacks of the GO Ultra
The main drawbacks of the Insta360 GO Ultra include: long duration recording, non-replaceable battery, and the Action Pod only has anti-drip function and does not support underwater shooting. In particular, when recording at 4K/60fps, heating may occur after more than 30 minutes of recording, and long term vlogging requires the use of the Action Pod or Mini Power Handle to extend the usage time.
- Overheating
The camera body may overheat when recording continuously at high resolutions such as 4K/60fps. For this reason, it is necessary to use the Action Pod to extend the continuous recording period when recording for long periods of time. - Built-in Battery
The camera body has a built-in battery that cannot be replaced. Once the battery is dead, it must be recharged for further use. - Waterproof
The camera body is IPX8 waterproof, but the Action Pod is only IPX4 drip-proof. Therefore, it is not possible to shoot underwater with the Action Pod mounted.
GO Ultra vs. GO 3S: Specs Comparison
| GO Ultra | GO 3S | |
|---|---|---|
 |  | |
| Price | NTD $13,980 HKD $2,999 USD $449.99 | NTD $14,999 HKD $3,149 USD $399.99 |
| Sensor size | 1/1.28 | 1/2.3 |
| Chip | 5nm AI chips | 14nm Chip |
| Max Video Resolution | 4K@60fps | 4K@30fps |
| Capacity | New microSD memory card slot | Built-in Capacity |
| MegaView FOV | 156° | 150° |
| Run Time | Camera Only: 70 Minutes Camera + ActionPod: 200 Minutes | Camera Only: 38 minutes Camera + ActionPod: 140 minutes |
| 80%Quick Charge | Camera Only: 12 Minutes Camera + ActionPod: 18 Minutes | Camera Only: 23 minutes Camera + ActionPod: 47 minutes |
| Screen Size | 2.5" Flip Touch Screen | 2.2" Flip Touch Screen |
| Weights | Camera Only: 53g Camera + ActionPod: 161g | Camera Only: 39g Camera + ActionPod: 135g |
| Waterproof | Camera Only: 10m Water Resistance | Camera Only: 10m Water Resistance |
| Audio Modes | Auto Wind Noise Reduction-Strong Auto Wind Noise Reduction-Weak Voice Enhancement Original Audio | Wind Reduction / Stereo / Direction Focus |
| Ambient Light Sensor | ✅ | |
| Pure Video | ✅ | |
| 4K HDR | ✅ | |
| 4K Lossless Zoom | ✅ |
GO Ultra Bundle Selection
Available GO Ultra Bundles: A Complete List
The standard package of GO Ultra includes the following accessories.
- GO Ultra (with pre-installed lens guard)
- Action Pod
- Type C Charging Cable
- Magnetic Easy Clip
- Magnet Pendant
- Lens Guard
- Quick Release Safety Cord
- Stickers
- User Manual
The official website has already launched "Standard Kit", "Creator Kit", "Running Kit", "Vlogger Kit", "Bike Kit", and "Family Kit", with fewer choices than the GO 3S but with the addition of the "Running Kit", which shows that the GO series has gained a high level of attention among the running community. The standard package comes with the main unit and basic accessories, and is ready to use right out of the box. For those who want to try more shooting angles or styles, it may not be enough.
The list below shows the accessories included in each bundle, in addition to what you get in the Standard Bundle. One important note: Except for the Standard Bundle, every other GO Ultra bundle includes the Quick Release Mount. This is one of my most recommended accessories — the dual-magnet design combined with the buckle-lock system keeps the GO Ultra securely mounted and safely in place.
| Set Name | Inner Bag Accessories | Usage Scenarios | |
| Standard Bundle |  | GO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard | Everyday Simple Vlog 📷 |
| Creator Bundle |  | GO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard + Quick Release Stands, Mini Tripod Selfie Sticks, Swivel Stands | Deep Vlog, Multi-Angle Recording 📹 |
| Vlogger Bundle |  | GO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard + Quick Release Stand, Mini Tripod Selfie Stick, Mic Air | External microphone to record Vlog 📷 |
| Snap & Shoot Bundle |  | GO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard + Quick release stand, mini 2-in-1 tripod,Sticky Tabs | Stick the recording everywhere 📷 |
| Running Bundle |  | GO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard + Quick release bracket, screen protector, easy headband, backpack clip | Running 🏃, hiking ⛰️ |
| Cycling Bundle |  | GO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard + Quick Release Bracket, Screen Protector, Flexi Strap Bracket, Sports Bracket | Cycling🚴 |
| Family Bundle 2.0 |  | GO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard +Quick release bracket, mini tripod selfie stick remote control set, big head baby hat clip | Record from a baby’s point of view 👶 |
Creator Bundle
Designed for users with Vlog recording needs, this bundle includes the three most essential accessories: a Quick-Release Mount, a Mini Tripod Selfie Stick, and a Pivot Mount.
| Inner Bag Accessories | |
| Standard Mount for Insta360 Ace Series |  |
| Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0 |  |
| Pivot Mount |  |
Vlogger Bundle
Designed for Vlogging with external microphone, this set comes with the popular Insta360 Mic Air.
| Inner Bag Accessories | |
| Standard Mount for Insta360 Ace Series | |
| Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0 |  |
| Mic Air |  |
Snap & Shoot Bundle
Included with adhesive pads to unlock diverse shooting angles
| Inner Bag Accessories | |
| Standard Mount for Insta360 Ace Series | |
| Mini 2-in-1 Tripod 2.0 | |
| Sticky Tabs |  |
Running Bundle
Satisfies the need to shoot short videos while running
| Inner Bag Accessories | |
| Standard Mount for Insta360 Ace Series | |
| Screen Protector |  |
| Easy Clip Headband |  |
| Backpack Clip |  |
Cycling Bundle
The most unmissable set for cycling 🚴
| Inner Bag Accessories | |
| Standard Mount for Insta360 Ace Series | |
| Screen Protector | |
| Flexi Strap Mount |  |
| Action Mount |  |
GO Ultra vs. GO 3S: Product Design
From Thumb Camera to Cube Camera
Compared to GO 3S, GO Ultra has 3 major changes in its design.
- Heavier than GO 3S 25%, no longer a thumb camera but a square camera
- Thinner and shorter than GO 3S
- Increased number of specialised accessories
The GO 3S has a horizontal thumb-sized design, while the GO Ultra has a square look with rounded corners.
Although the camera itself seems to have been enlarged by about 1.5 times, the actual size has only increased by about 25%, which is far less than expected.
The thinner body of the GO Ultra, coupled with the improved magnetic contact area, instead brings stability in use, giving a further optimised feel and peace of mind.
Measured on the camera body alone, the GO Ultra is 18mm and the GO 3S is 20mm, the GO Ultra is about 10% thinner than the GO 3S. GO Ultra is about 10% thinner than GO 3S.
Change in Thickness
The design of the GO Ultra quick - release bracket has also been changed. The mounts between the GO Ultra and GO 3S are incompatible.
The lens on the GO 3S looks bigger, but the real measurement shows that the GO Ultra's lens is slightly larger. Like the GO 3S, the GO Ultra comes with a removable lens cover.
The GO Ultra and GO 3 S also adopt the same magnetic design to wirelessly charge the camera body through the Action Pod. The GO Ultra has a larger magnetic contact area, which not only compensates for the increased weight, but also allows for greater stability than ever before. In addition, GO Ultra allows you to remotely view playback video without having to put the camera in the Action Pod.
The GO 3S comes with built-in memory (128/256GB), while the GO Ultra supports SD memory cards. Although you need to prepare a separate memory card, you don't have to worry about choosing the capacity, and you can expand it at any time afterwards, which is very convenient.
Supports SD Memory Card Insertion
The new GO Ultra supports microSD memory cards up to 2TB. This upgrade provides greater flexibility for long duration shooting than the previous GO 3S, which could only rely on the built-in storage.
The capacity of the memory card varies from person to person, and I would recommend getting the 256GB - it can record about 9 hours and 47 minutes at 4K/30fps, which is more than enough to meet your daily shooting needs. 256GB is also the most cost-effective capacity available on the Insta360 website, so it's worth getting both capacity and price.
Weight Difference
The weight of the camera body is 52.9g for GO Ultra and 39.4g for GO 3S, a difference of 13.5g.
The camera itself weighs 52.9g (officially 53g).
With the addition of the Action Pod, the total measured weight is 160.9g. Although the first impression is that the camera is bigger and heavier, in reality the increase in weight of the camera alone is only about +25%.
For reference, the Ace Pro 2 weighs 180g, so the GO Ultra is still relatively lightweight for a sports camera.
With the magnetic area also increased, and a body that's about 10% thinner than the GO 3S, the centre of gravity is more stable.
Run Time
| GO Ultra | GO 3S | |
|---|---|---|
| 1080P | 70 minutes. 200 minutes | 38 minutes 140 minutes |
| 4K30fps | 60 minutes 170 minutes | / |
The GO Ultra's runtime has increased dramatically, especially with the camera almost tripling the runtime of a single shot. Even with 4K recording, it can record for almost an hour, which is more than enough for daily vlogging.
GO Ultra vs GO 3S
Image Quality Enhancement – Compared with the GO 3S
Daytime Quality
For daytime 4K shooting, I turned on the GO Ultra's HDR mode (suitable for most scenes, recommended for long-term use). Measurements show that the GO Ultra's images have a richer sense of light and shadow, whether it's the shadows of clouds or the vibrant colours of a rice paddy, thanks to the larger sensor that captures more light details.
Pure Video: Enhanced Low-Light Night Photography Quality
Thanks to the night-shooting mode Pure Video, the GO Ultra also handles light in low-light conditions significantly better than the GO 3S.
It's no match for the Ace Pro 2, the king of night photography.
Picture Quality Upgrade - Compare to Ace Pro 2
In my experience, the GO Ultra is almost on par with the Ace Pro 2 in terms of image quality. The image is full of vibrant colours and has the same wide-angle view as a sports camera, giving it a more immersive feel.
Unsurprisingly, the clouds still don't look as good as the Ace Pro 2's 8K image quality, but there's no difference in colour and dynamic range.
4K Resolution with 2x Clear Zoom
Surprisingly, the Ace Pro 2's big selling point, the Clarity Zoom, has been brought down to the GO Ultra, and now you can zoom in 2x while maintaining the 4K image quality, making the zoom image quality one of the best among sports cameras. Here's what the 2x zoom looks like in real life.
Even after cropping and zooming, GO Ultra's images remain crisp and clear, with no loss of readability.
But if you zoom in and crop further, it looks like this:
The ability to zoom while maintaining 4K image quality makes lossless zoom an active feature and improves the usability of the camera itself.
Field of View (FOV)
With a maximum viewing angle of 156°, the GO Ultra is now on par with the standard sports camera, the GoPro HERO 13. The following tests were conducted with the standard settings of Anti-Shock Standard Mode + 16:9 aspect ratio + Maximum Wide-Angle ↓
Free Frame Free Scale Recording Mode
This feature is also available on the Ace Pro 2, which can record at up to 4K 30fps on the GO Ultra.
With this recording mode, you can keep both vertical and horizontal frames intact during recording, without cropping the edges, so you can decide the final ratio freely during post-production. No more worrying about, "I should have shot straight! or "Horizontal is better! No more worrying about "I should have shot it straight!
As soon as you start recording in Free Frame Mode, you can keep all your options open. This is especially convenient for subjects like pets or children who are not in control of their movements, so that every moment can be captured in its entirety.
Selfie Filter
With the self-timer filter, the contrast is slightly reduced to give a softer texture for portraits. You can select different self-timer filters directly in the filter settings.
Insta360 APP Auto Editing
Insta360 GO Ultra still works with the official Insta360 App. The App has a built-in auto-editing feature that's practical and easy to use, making the experience more intuitive and accessible. If you're sharing your daily recordings or travel videos, you can do the post-production editing right from the App. If you want to try higher bitrate output, you need to use the PC version Insta360 Studio for editing.
Let's put the auto editing video of GO 3S for your reference.
GO Ultra's travel video updates
Other Upgrades - Quick Charge & Remote Confirmation of Recorded Footage
In addition to improved picture quality and runtime, the GO Ultra also comes with quick charging and remote recording confirmation without having to put the camera in the Action Pod, enhancing the overall user experience.
Charging speed becomes much faster than GO 3S.
| GO Ultra Charging | GO 3S Charging | |
|---|---|---|
| camera unit | 12 points | 23 points |
| Camera + ActionPod | 18 points. | 47 points |
You can remotely check the recorded image without putting the camera into the Action Pod.
GO Ultra vs GO 3S Wearing Style
Magnetic Wear
The video below shows me wearing the GO Ultra in action, and you can see the magnetic hold of the GO Ultra in action.
Use with selfie stick
IfHandheld recordingThe requirement necessitates purchasing separately. GO Ultra dedicated tripodThis tripod is included. GO Ultra Family Pack 和 Creator Bundle You can own it directly by purchasing a set.
Headband Recording
If you have the need for head-mounted video recording, you will need to purchase the Simple Clip Head Mount separately to securely attach the GO Ultra to a hat. The Running Bundle already comes with this accessory, making it convenient for runners to use it in a head-mounted way.
Top Recommended Scenarios for Using GO Ultra
Running & Cycling
Ideal for riding, running, skiing and more, GO Ultra can be mounted on a helmet, car or selfie stick for first-person immersion.
I personally feel that GO Ultra has become more suitable for sports scenes than GO 3S. The main reason is that it has a wider field of view than the GO 3S and can capture more dynamic details. The GO Ultra is ideal for recording cycling and running, and is available on Insta360"s official website Bicycle Kit 🚴 or running sets 🏃 The kit comes with the must-have accessories for the right scene, so no need to worry extra about which one to choose.
A Must-Have for Vlogging & 2-Day 1-Night Trips
The GO Ultra is compact and portable, and with its expandable screen, it's perfect for travelling and daily vlogging.
If you're planning a trip of more than 2 days and 1 night, I'd recommend taking the GO Ultra over the GO 3S, as it has a longer runtime, fast charging, and can even do time-lapse videos of the stars.
For long term Vlog recording, it is recommended to go straight to Creator's Kit, which includes a tripod and a swivel bracket, supports first-person POV, handheld, or head-worn filming, and allows for more freedom of creativity without the hassle of having to buy a separate accessory. If you need an external microphone for vlogging, you can also consider getting the Vlogger Suite.
Baby POV
The lightweight design with magnetic lanyard or cap clip captures your child's first angle of view, and the AI function automatically generates a parent-child photo album. Recently, the GO Ultra has been very popular for capturing the perspective of big-headed babies.
Top Recommended Scenarios for Using GO 3S
Portability Is the Top Priority
The GO Ultra is not an upgrade of the GO 3S, but a parallel product line. If lightness is important to you, the GO 3S is still the way to go. As the lightest thumb camera, it's extremely portable and easier to carry around than the GO Ultra.
Budget-Friendly for Short Film Recording
If you only record short vlogs and are looking for an interesting perspective rather than picture quality, the GO 3S is still an ideal choice. When the GO Ultra is released, the GO 3S is now on permanent sale, and when you buy it from Insta360 via the dedicated link on this site, you'll also get a free screen protector and storage bag.
Insta360 Buying Guide Conclusion
In conclusion, the Insta360 GO Ultra not only inherits the portability and ease of use of the GO series, but also upgrades its image quality and functions. With a 1/1.28-inch sensor, a new design, support for 4K 60fps and PureVideo night shooting, a new running/hiking package, memory card expansion, fast charging, and longer battery life, as well as details such as Action Pod remote previewing, the Insta360 GO Ultra will find little competition in the newest vlog cameras of 2025.
GO Ultra combines day and night HD, lightweight convenience, and multi-angle creativity, making it a portable "wizard".
If you're looking for a mini vlog camera that you can take with you on the go, but also has the right combination of picture quality and creative angles, GO Ultra is definitely the right choice.
