On April 22, 2025, Insta360 launched its newest panoramic camera, the Insta360 X5, and in this review, I'll share in-depth information about the differences between the X5 and its predecessors, the X4 and X3, including image quality comparisons, design changes, and live-action videos, as well as discussing whether or not the older X4 and X3 are still a good buy. At the same time, I will also discuss whether the older X4 and X3 models are still worth buying.
In this article, we'll highlight the following key points to help you choose the best Insta
360-degree panoramic camera~
- Since which generation of Insta360 panoramic cameras has the image quality been significantly improved?
- What are the differences and influences of the Ace series (Ace Pro, Ace Pro 2) compared to the X series (X3, X4, X5) of wide-angle sports cameras?
- How are photoreceptors and wafers upgraded?
- X3 to X5, how does a panoramic camera get updated?
The release of the X5 demonstrates Insta360's focus on panoramic cameras.Picture Quality ImprovementAt the same time, the product has achieved a significant breakthrough.ExperienceIt's also getting better with each generation. If you're thinking of getting a panoramic camera in 2025, but you're hesitant to evaluate which one is the best value in terms of specifications, practicality, and price/performance ratio, this review will give you the answer!
Insta360 X-Series Panoramic Camera Specs Comparison -- X5 vs X4 vs X3
A comparison of the specifications reveals that the X5 has been upgraded in every parameter.
PRODUCTS | X5 | X4 | X3 |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
sensor | 1/1.28 inches | 1/1.2 | 1/1.2 |
Picture Quality | 8K30fps 5.7K + 30fps 5.7K60fps | 8K30fps 5.7K + 30fps 5.7K60fps | 5.7K30fps 4K60fps |
PureVideo | 8K30fps | ||
HDR Recording | 5.7K60fps | 5.7K30fps | 5.7K30fps |
Single Lens Recording | 4K60fps | 4K60fps | 4K30fps |
pixels | 72 million pixels | 72 million pixels | 72 million pixels |
Recording Mode | Standard Motion HDR PureVideo InstaFrame Timelapse TimeShift Move Delay Bullet Time Loop Recording Vehicle Recorder Mode pre-record | Standard Motion HDR Timelapse TimeShift Move Delay Bullet Time Loop Recording Vehicle Recorder Mode pre-record | Standard Motion HDR Timelapse TimeShift Move Delay Bullet Time Loop Recording pre-record |
Battery Capacity | 2400mAh | 2290mAh | 1800mAh |
Runtime (5.7K/30fps) | 185 minutes (37% Up) | 135 minutes (67%Up) | 81 minutes. |
Charging Speed (0-80%) | 20 points. | ||
Heat Treatment | |||
waterproofing | 15m | 10m | 10m |
Built-in microphone windshield | |||
weights | 200g | 203g | 180g |
Lens Protector | |||
Lens Strength | +100% | ||
Self-aligning lenses | |||
brackets | support sth.Quick Release Mount 1/4 Nut Holder | 1/4 Nut Holder | 1/4 Nut Holder |
Setting | Cancel Recording Book a Recording AI Highlight Assistant Auto Dash Gesture Control Voice Control in a flash | Cancel Recording Book a Recording AI Highlight Assistant Auto Dash Gesture Control Voice Control | |
Prices | HK$4,099 NT$19,490 Estimated date of first discount is July 2025 | HK$3,069 NT$14,499 Discounted price from time to time | HK$2,299 NT$10,699 |
X5 | X4 | X3 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | ||
360 degreesPhotography | Normal Shooting | 8K30fps | 8K30fps | 5.7K30fps |
5.7K60fps | 5.7K60fps | 4K60fps | ||
latency | 4K120fps | 4K100fps | 3K100fps | |
HDR | 5.7K60fps | 5.7K30fps | 5.7K30fps | |
PureVideo | resolution | 8K30fps | ||
Single Lens Mode | Single Lens | 4K60fps | 4K60fps | 4K30fps |
Me Mode | 4K | 4K | 1080p | |
2.7K120fps | 2.7K120fps | 1080p60fps | ||
Creative Perspectives | Time-lapse photography | 11K | 11K | 8K |
Movement Delay | 8K | 8K | 5.7K | |
Bullet Time | 5.7K120 & 3K240 | 5.7K120 & 3K240 | 4K120 & 3K180 |
X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
![]() | ![]() | ![]() | |
360° panoramic movie | 8K30fps | 8K30fps | 5.7K30fps |
HDR Recording | 5.7K60fps | 5.7K30fps | 5.7K30fps |
PureVideo | 8K30fps | no-loading | no-loading |
Single Lens | 4K60fps | 4K60fps | 4K30fps |
Me Mode | 4K | 4K | 1080p |
Slow motion | 4K120fps | 4K100fps | 3K100fps |
Time-lapse photography | 11K | 11K | 8K |
Movement Delay | 8K | 8K | 5.7K |
Bullet Time | 5.7K120 & 3K240 | 5.7K120 & 3K240 | 4K120 & 3K180 |
X5/X4/X3 - Quality Comparison
Maximum resolution (8K/5.7K)
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My impression of X5/X4/X3's straight-out color is mainly the following 2 points ↓
- X5 is more colorful than X4, X3 is a bit reddish.
- X5's colors are the most vibrant to reproduce the actual picture.
I'm going to do a detailed model comparison, but it's hard to compare three cameras at once, so I'll prioritize the X5 vs X4 and X5 vs X3.
You can swipe left and right to see the difference in picture quality.
Left/Right: X5/X4 (X3)
First up, the X5 vs X4 ↓


At first glance, the colors of the X5 and X4 are beautiful, but a closer comparison reveals significant differences. For example, the blue of the sky, the yellow of the clothes, and the color of the cherry blossoms are all more vivid in the X5. By vivid, I don't mean that the saturation is deliberately increased to make the colors look unnatural, but rather that the colors are more vivid.Very natural and colorful vividness.
The main reason for this difference is the size of the sensors.
A larger sensor is like a human eye; a larger sensor means that it can capture light more accurately and richly from a variety of images, resulting in a richer color palette, a wider dynamic range, and ultimately, an expressive, vibrant image.
Next is a comparison between the X5 and the X3.


Obviously you can see that compared to the X5, the X3's image is a bit reddish. the X3 is a panoramic camera released in 2022, if you look at it in 2022, it was already the top of the line at that time, but now 3 years later I would recommend getting the X4 for the entry level, if you value the price/performance ratio, and the X5 for the top of the line flagship model.
If you have a friend who prefers this kind of reddish-purple color, you can use X4 or X5 to shoot and then edit it later to get the same effect. AndThe X3 no longer produces the same color tones as the X5.
Next, compare the color tones of the trees and the sky.
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As you can see, the X5 is able to restore the color tones better without any redness.
If you give the X5 a score of 100, the X4 is about 90, and the X3 is about 60-70 or so.
If you zoom in a little bit, the comparison will be clearer, and I will compare the X5 with the X4 next.


- Does the X4 color look whiter than the X5?
- The X5 display looks like the sun is smaller?
- The X5 display is indeed more colorful and saturated!
In comparison, I found the above 4 key points. When you zoom in more closely, you can really see more clearly that"Difference in Sensor Size"The
Cameras do have their challenges when dealing with extreme brightness or low light conditions. When the subject is too bright, it's easy to overexpose, losing all details and making the image a "blank slate", while in low light, the camera is prone to noise, blurred details, or blurred images due to slow shutter speeds.In particularSports Camera, Too Much Light & Night ShotsPicture QualityPerformance is a common industry problemThe
The human eye, on the other hand, has a very high dynamic range that automatically adjusts to extreme lighting conditions, which is why we can see clearly in bright sunlight while recognizing details in dimly lit environments.
Due to their small size, sports cameras like the GoPro usually perform poorly in low-light conditions or are susceptible to strong sunlight like the X4. If the sensor size is larger, the camera's fault tolerance can be improved, as in the case of the X5.Captures rich colors without overexposure under strong sunlight, resulting in a more detailed picture.
In conclusion.The X5's sensor size has been enlarged to 1/1.28, which has a very significant impact on image quality.
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The X3 and X4 have the same sensor size, why is there such a significant difference in image quality? I'll answer that at the end of this review!
HDR Recording (5.7K)
X5 supports "Motion HDR Recording".TheWith this mode, bright and dim videos are composited inside the camera, so theVideo resolution will be slightly compromised.
However, it gives priority to color vibrancy.
HDR technology suppresses overly bright areas, and over-exposure to sunlight is much better with the X5 than with the X3/4. A side-by-side comparison of the X5, X4, and X3 looks roughly like this.



HDR video varies between 5.7K 60fps and 5.7K 30fps, but here we're focusing on picture quality first, so we're comparing it by taking still images from the movie. First, here's a comparison between the X4 and X5.


Personally, I think that instead of comparing 8K, the difference in picture quality would be more noticeable if you compare X5 and X4 in Motion HDR mode. Because the X5's sensor is bigger, the HDR shots become silkier and smoother.
Next is the X5 vs X3.


Starting with the X3, the panoramic camera has been effective in suppressing overexposure, but it still has a slight color cast. The overall image is slightly darker due to the effect of shadows.X3's HDR video is more suitable for shooting in clear daylight, presenting an effect similar to that of direct sunlight.
If you prefer the color tones of X3, it's perfectly possible to adjust them to a similar effect on X5 or X4 (but not from X3 to X4 or X5, on the other hand).
Comparing the X5, X4 and X3 during daytime shooting, we can see that there is a significant difference in color vividness and overexposure between the three panoramic cameras, roughly in the order of X5 → X4 → X3. Incidentally, this is a comparison of the resolution of the X5 and X4 ↓.


If one does not take into account the differences in color and shading, theThere doesn't seem to be much difference between the X4 and X5 in terms of 8K resolution.(It may be easier to notice from the details of the mountain or grass.)
The X4 is also capable of shooting in 8K, which is highly recommended for those who want to get started with panoramic cameras!
Here's a comparison between the X4 and X5.
Use this link to get a free gift, while stocks last.
Night Shot (PureVideo)
The X series focuses on upgrading the night shots of the X5 and X4, so the X3 has a lower level of night shots. In particular, the X5 has been upgraded with a new PureVideo mode, which allows it to take better night shots than the X4.
The X4 is also able to handle night photography because of the addition of PureVideo shooting.
This is a sample of my night photography on the streets of Tokyo.


5.7K is recommended for night photography.
As you can see, the X5's night shots are much sharper and capable of capturing high contrast night scenes, theThe X4, on the other hand, is a bit more blurry.




When walking through darker areas, the X4 suffers from tremor-like flickering due to the "vibration" created by the pace, while the X5 suppresses this effectively for a more stable performance.


The X5 not only performs well in low-light situations, but also handles dark light very well. The video below clearly shows the difference between the two.
Here's a comparison of the X5, X4 and X3 in dark light.
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As you can see, the X5's dark light performance is significantly better than that of the X4 and X3.
Here's a comparison image from a stationary situation. For the X3, it may be more difficult to shoot in a low-light environment if you're walking around while recording.
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With the X5, you can harvest interesting wide-angle stills even when you capture a portion of the scene from a night video.


Use this link to get a free gift, while stocks last.
Next, I'll focus on the design and operation of the X-Series.
In addition to the quality of the paintings.Designrespond in singingCamera operation experienceIt's also a good idea to buy a panoramic camera.
Exterior design (X5/X4/X3)

First of all, the exterior design, you can see that compared to the X3, the X4 and X5 are bigger in size. If lightness is the most important thing, X3 is still the lightest and most portable panoramic camera on the market.
weights



X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Actual Measurement | 200.6g | 203.3g | 178.0g |
Measurements show that the X4 is the heaviest, while the X3 is only 178g and twice the size of the X4 and X5. Although the X4 and X5 appear to be the same size, when you actually get your hands on the X5, you can see that the X4 is the heaviest and the X3 is only 178g.It's actually slightly lighter than the X4.
The ability to keep the camera at a certain level of lightness is also a great feature of the Insta360👍.
Microphone.

The X5's rear microphone is covered with a dust mesh so that it can beEffectively reduces wind noise for better reception.
X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Windproof Microphone | |||
Microphone Performance |
I made a very simple comparison between the sound effects of X3, X4 and X5 by collecting the chirps of birds.
Since the bird's voice is very small, it's not easy to record, but you can still feel it intuitively. The X5 has the clearest reception with the least amount of noise. We recommend using the "Automatic wind shear suppression mode".
Lens protection cover (for X4/X5 only)

X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Removable Protective Lens | Shop Alone | Standard Set | Shop Alone |
Since the X4, there have been screw holes on the body for attaching the lens cap.The lens cover becomes removable.The X3 uses an adhesive lens cap, while the X5 does not come with a lens cap like the X4, so you'll need to buy it separately.
This is probably due to the fact that the X5's lens strength has been increased by 100% and the camera lens has become replaceable, so the need for a lens protector is relatively low.
Can the lens be replaced (for X5 only)

X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Change Lens |
The only Insta360 panoramic camera that you can change lenses for is the X5. UseX5 Removal Lens KitInsta360 is also the first company to introduce interchangeable lenses that can be easily changed in less than a minute.Removable Lens KitThe selling price isHK$239/NT$1,069, which is more cost-effective than purchasing a separate camera peace of mind insurance policy.
Fully replaceable lenses mean no more worrying about accidental damage and no waiting for repairs.
Battery・Charging

X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Battery Capacity | 2400mAh | 2290mAh | 1800mAh |
Runtime (5.7K/30fps) | 185 minutes (37% Up) | 135 minutes (67%Up) | 81 minutes. |
fast charge | 20 minutes filled with 80% | ||
Cooling | Enhancement |
Regarding the battery section, there is also the most significant improvement from X4 to X5.The X5 has more than twice the battery life of the X3, and can record up to 184 minutes in 5.7K recording mode.TheConsidering the fact that the size of the camera battery has not increased dramatically, it means that Insta360 has also made a lot of efforts in improving the camera battery.
Regarding the charging speed, X5 is equipped with fast charging function, which can charge up to 80% in 20 minutes, and in terms of heat dissipation, I feel that X5 has significantly improved compared to X4 and X3, according to Insta360's official data, X5 will only heat up after 2 hours and 56 minutes of continuous shooting.
X5 | X4 | |
---|---|---|
Charging + 8K Recording | 2 hours 56 minutes | 1 hour, 22 minutes. |
With 8K recording while charging, the X5 was able to record for almost 3 hours.
Ordinary VCRs don't heat up significantly.

Perhaps the reason for using the X-Series panoramic cameras as aIn-Car CameraThe number of users is also increasing, so the functions in this area have been further enhanced.

Also.The X5, X4 and X3 batteries are not compatible.But Insta360 users don't seem to care about battery compatibility as much as GoPro HERO series users.
The X5 supports fast charging, so one or two batteries are perfectly adequate.
Bracket (X5 only supports quick release bracket)

X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
1/4 inch screw port | |||
Quick Release Mount |
The X series has a 1/4-inch threaded port for mounting a selfie stick, which is a common specification in the industry. On the X5, the extra space on the left and right sides also allows forQuick Release MountThe connection interface.

Quick release mounts have been around since the Ace Pro, this mount allows you to attach your camera to a 1/4" tripod, selfie stick in seconds. Designed for Insta360 cameras, it stays invisible in 360° shots.
Comparison of exterior design specifications
X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Battery Capacity | 2400mAh | 2290mAh | 1800mAh |
Continuity (5.7K/30fps) | 185 points (37% Up) | 135 points (67%Up) | 81 points. |
Fast charging (0-80%) | 20 points. | ||
Cooling | Upwards | ||
waterproofing | 15m | 10m | 10m |
Windproof Microphone | |||
weights | 200.6g | 203.3g | 178g |
Lens Protection Cover | |||
Interchangeable lenses | |||
brackets | Fast charging bracket 1/4" screw port | 1/4" screw port | 1/4" screw port |
From the appearance and specifications alone, there is already a clear difference between the X5, X4 and X3. As for the waterproof performance, since it is not clearly visible from the outside, I will add a few words here:The X5 is waterproof to a depth of 15 meters.This should be the result of improved sealing strips and various ports.

Here are the main points that stood out to me from X4 to X5 ↓
- Lens can be changed
- Faster charging
- Battery performance is further improved
- The microphone has been converted to a mesh windproof design.
- equipped withQuick Release Mount
Picture quality and other extras aside, I would also recommend opting to go straight to the X5.
Use this link to get a free gift, while stocks last.
Startup and Ease of Use (X5/X4/X3)
Boot-up speed
From X3 to X5Boot speedThere's also a noticeable improvement, with faster boot-up speeds meaning you can capture every important shot with greater precision.

X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Boot speed | 1 second | 3.5 seconds | Seven seconds. |
The X5 boots up in just 1 second, making it the fastest panoramic camera on the market.When I was using the X4, I thought 3.5 seconds was fast enough, but after I switched to the X5, I have a better sense of how fast it is.
You can see how fast the X5 starts up in this video.
Touch Sensitivity

X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
Touch Sensitivity |
Starting with the X4, the touch sensitivity of panoramic cameras has improved significantly, not only in terms of smooth operation with bare hands, but also with wet hands or gloves. Response speeds are close to those of an iPhone or Android, so it's safe to say that the X4 and above have reached the peak of the touch experience.
The X3's touch performance isn't bad - it's roughly on par with the GoPro HERO - but once you get used to the X4's smoothness, you'll notice the difference when you go back to using the X3.
Camera Screen

As for the screen, from X3 to X4, it was upgraded to high-strength Corning Gorilla Glass, and in X5, it feels like a slight upgrade in terms of viewability. Although this is not a major upgrade for the X5, it's still worth mentioning.
New Shooting Features - What settings have been added from X3 to X5?
X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
New Settings | - Cancel Recording - Book a Recording - AI Highlight Assistant - Auto Dash Video - Gesture control - Voice Control - Vehicle Logger - Turn and shoot. - InstaFrame Dynamic Follow Mode | - Cancel Recording - Book a Recording - AI Highlight Assistant - Auto Dash Video - Gesture control - Voice Control - Vehicle Logger |
As you can see from the X3 to X4 camera settings, the X5 is a big upgrade from the X4, with the addition of Twist to open andInstaFrame Dynamic Follow ModeThis mode allows you to save both a panoramic movie and a flat movie with pre-set viewing angles. This mode allows you to save a panoramic movie and a flat movie with the viewing angle pre-set at the same time.
Cancel recording (new since X4)
Press and hold the Record button while recording to cancel recording. This prevents the creation of extra movie files when you think you are taking a picture, but it turns out that you are actually recording, or when you don't get the picture you want.
It's a very simple function, but it's very useful.
Reservation Recording (new from X4)
Like an alarm clock function, the X4 and X5 can automatically start recording at a specified time.
AI Highlight Assistant (new from X4)
By turning on this feature in the settings, the AI assistant will automatically select "highlights" from the videos. In addition, these clips will be linked together to automatically create a "Highlight Video".
Auto Dash (new since X4)
With Auto Dash turned on, the camera will start charging when the power is turned off and will automatically start recording. A practical scenario would be to leave the cable plugged into the vehicle's cigarette lighter socket for an extended period of time, and as the engine is started, the camera will automatically begin recording.
Suitable for use with CarLog mode for better recording effect~.
Trip Logger Mode (new from X4)

The Vehicle Recorder mode is set to continuously overwrite and save videos in 30-minute or 1-hour increments. This keeps the SD memory card from filling up and allows you to keep recording movies.
Pair the Type-C charging cable with this model to create a complete 360° car recorder.
Multi-language voice control
X3, X4, and X5 all support Chinese voice control.
Gesture control (new from X4)

With the face clearly visible.Extend your palm towards the camera to start recording.TheThe camera automatically takes a picture when you make a "victory sign" (V).This feature is very convenient and useful for me. The ability to take a picture with the Victory Gesture even on the way to shooting a movie, and the ability to switch to recording mode in photo mode, is a very convenient and useful feature for me.
I use it more often than the voice control.
These are all convenient features that come with the X4 and X5, and without them, the X3 experience would be much less easy to use.
One Twist Snap (new from X5)

With two clean rotations along the straight axis of the selfie stick (the camera's vertical axis), X5 can quickly start and stop recording. This feature is faster and more convenient than gesture control, and has a very low false positive rate. This is an easy-to-use feature for people who don't often press buttons and gesture controls.
Check out the video below to learn more about the X5 One-Twist Snap feature.
InstaFrame Dynamic Follow Mode

X5 also adds the "InstaFrame Dynamic Follow ModeThe "Motion Picture Mode". Recording in this mode records both 360° Panorama movies and movies that have been processed in flat format.


With this mode, a 360 panoramic movie and a flat movie can be saved at the same time. After recording, the system will immediately produce two versions, allowing users to select the flat video for immediate mobilization, while the panoramic video can be left to be edited at home to add different perspective changes and transitions.
Flat movies can be set to specific viewing angles. You can choose to output a flat movie with five viewing angles: "Front", "Rear", "Self-timer", "Bottom", and "Top", and you can also choose from four directions and self-timer tracking.


This feature is great for airport or bicycle recording (front or rear view) and for people who want to take selfies.
Use this link to get a free gift, while stocks last.
Resolution and Frame Rate

For people who shoot sports scenes, the frame rate (FPS) is very important. 30fps is just right for the human eye, and is suitable for normal speed or even accelerated playback.If you want to record slow motion playback, it is recommended to set the frame rate above 60fps.The
When shooting in slow motion at 30fps, the picture appears jerky and choppy.
X5 | X4 | X3 | |
---|---|---|---|
360° Panorama Mode | 8K30fps 5.7K60fps 4K120fps | 8K30fps 5.7K60fps 4K100fps | 5.7K30fps 4K60fps 3K100fps |
PureVideo Night Shot | 8K30fps | ||
HDR Recording | 5.7K60fps | 5.7K30fps | 5.7K30fps |
Single Lens Mode | 4K60fps | 4K60fps | 4K30fps |
photographic resolution | 72 million pixels | 72 million pixels | 72 million pixels |
Timelapse | 11K | 11K | 8K |
TimeShift Motion time-lapse camera | 8K | 8K | 5.7K |
Bullet Time Bullet Time Photography | 5.7K120 3K240 | 5.7K120 3K240 | 4K120 3K180 |
I personally think than the picture quality of the movie frame rate is also worth noting, X5 frame rate compared to the X4 also has a significant increase in the following two points in particular:
- HDR recording up to 60fps (X5)
- 4K 60fps supported in single-lens mode (X4/X5)
Frame rates are generally 30fps (30 frames per second) for normal playback and 60fps (60 frames per second) for 2x slow motion movies.
HDR movies now support 60fps (new since X5)
HDR footage has the advantage of vivid colors and is usually used for sunny daytime scenes. On the X4, HDR footage is at 30fps, and on the X4, HDR footage is at 30fps. X5 is upgraded to 60fps.

With 60fps support, the image remains smooth and natural even in 2x slow motion.Ideal for shooting sports scenes on sunny days.
Single lens support for 4K 60fps (X4/X5)
Single-lens mode is more suitable for recording travel vlogs than sports scenes.

However, it is recommended to use a single-lens 60fps frame rate when shooting action scenes.If you want to use a 360° camera and a sports camera for multiple purposes, it's safer to choose a model above the X4.
The X4 and X5 have an ultra-wide 180° FOV, even in single-lens mode.
Use this link to get a free gift, while stocks last.
Conclusion
In conclusion.The X5 is the most recommended panoramic camera for me to get.Not only is the image quality excellent, but the X5 also performs very well in low-light nightscape and indoor photography, making it a panoramic camera that can truly fulfill a wide range of uses such as daily life recordings, travel photography, and sports recordings. Although the previous generation of X4 is also very good, but there are still obvious shortcomings in low-light night photography.
In addition, the X5's interchangeable lenses are also very attractive. In the past, with the X4 and previous models, many users opted to include warranty services such as Insta360 Care, but with the X5, the ongoing costs associated with the warranty will be reduced, as you can just buy replacement lenses when they break.

Simply put, the X5 not only starts up faster, but its battery life is extended and it becomes less susceptible to heat, making it a much better experience as an in-car camera. Even leaving aside picture quality and structure, the X5 is a great camera.With these ease-of-use improvements alone, the X5 has a clear advantage over the X4 and X3.
After all, the X5 is the newest generation of panoramic camera, so you can't buy the new one, you can't buy the old one," he said.
These are the major changes in the X5 from the X4↓.
- Enlarged sensor, improved picture quality
- Increased dynamic range
- Brighter colors
- 360° panoramic camera with low-light night shooting capability for the first time
- Shoot 8K video at night
- Excellent indoor shooting performance
- The microphone hood is constructed with a mesh structure to reduce wind noise.
- Especially suitable for motorcyclists
- Increased battery life
- 37% more recording time than X4
- Stronger resistance to fever
- Supports fast charging (20 minutes to 80%)
- Weight remains virtually unchanged
- Support Quick Release Bracket
- Ease of Use Convenience Enhancement
- Can be paired with a wider variety of accessories
- Replaceable lens (not the lens cap, but the entire lens body)
- One-minute replacement with lens exchange kit
- One-twist to open the camera and other convenient functions
- Simultaneous recording of 360° video and flat screen video
Who do you recommend X4 to?

If you're only thinking about shooting on a sunny day, the X4 is still a good choice.For those who don't use 60fps HDR and mainly record at 8K 30fps, the X4 is a very satisfying entry-level 360° camera.
Who is X3 for?
The best thing about the X3 is that it's lightweight.With a weight of only 180g, the X3's light weight will be an obvious advantage if you're filming with a helmet mounted on the X3 or filming sports such as snowboarding.

Learn about Insta360's brand history beyond 2022
Finally, let's take a look at the performance enhancements of Insta360 products from 2022 to 2025. By doing this, you can clearly see what features or performance upgrades have been made in each year ~ and why the X5 is my most recommended panoramic camera!
The Insta360's rapid evolution can be said to have started in 2022 when the X3 and ONE RS were released. With each new product release, you can see improved ease-of-use features such as faster boot times, brighter colors, and improved touch sensitivity on the screen.
particular year | PRODUCTS | Offer Date | night shot | resolution (of image, monitor etc) | coloration | user friendliness |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2025 | X5 | April 22 | 8K | |||
2024 | Ace Pro 2 | October 22 | 8K | |||
GO 3S | June 13 | 4K | ||||
X4 | April 16 | 8K | ||||
2023 | Ace Pro | November 21 | First time using PureVideo | 8K | ||
GO 3 | June 27 | 2.7K | ||||
2022 | X3 | September 8 | 5.7K | |||
ONE RS | March 22 | 5.7K | ||||
October 2023 - Release of Ace Pro
As you can see from this comparison reviewX3 is still lacking in boot-up speed and touch sensitivity.After the X3, Insta360 didn't rush to release the X4, but officially entered the wide-angle sports camera market with the Ace Pro.

Ace ProIt is the competitor of GoPro HERO series, and this product also breaks the stereotype of "sports camera = GoPro".Ace ProComparison of Picture QualityONE RSrespond in singingX3There has been a significant increase, and more and more people are starting to pay attention to the Insta360 brand.
I've written a number of in-depth reviews of the Ace Pro since its launch, and I can say that I've seen for myself how this product has reshaped the sports camera market. This sports camera has upgraded image quality andnight shotThe performance and therefore the recording quality of the sports camera has also been significantly improved.

Starting with the Ace Pro, Insta360's cameras have been packed with useful features that not only enhance the user experience, but also make video recording easier for sports camera users. The flip screen and gesture controls are small yet extremely useful features that reflect Insta360's design philosophy:"Create an easy-to-use operating system" and "Load convenience features".These features are becoming the core of the Insta360 camera after the release of the Ace Pro in 2023, making it easy for users to get to grips with it and take photos quickly.
From the X3 to the X4 to the X5, the ease of use and experience has become increasingly comfortable and smooth.
2024 - Release X4 with GO 3S
In April and June 2024, Insta360 launched two new products, X4 and GO 3S respectively. With the Ace Pro, Insta360 has significantly enhanced the quality of its existing product line.
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In the process of upgrading from GO 3 to GO 3S, one can indeed feel the similar difference between upgrading from X3 to X4. Although both cameras still use the same 1/2.3-inch sensor.However, the color performance and dynamic range of the GO 3S are significantly improved.This improvement is due to the significant increase in the performance of the chip (CPU processor).
The GO 3S demonstrates the true value of technological advances by handling image details with greater precision, resulting in fuller colors and a wider dynamic range that is more clearly rendered in both bright light and shadow detail.

Sports camera upgrades are similar to iPhone upgrades, and the iPhone still delivers great picture quality even with such a small lens.Mainly due to its excellent chip. Shooting performance is also dramatically improved through powerful image resolution and correction.
Whether it's an Insta360 or a GoPro sports camera, we can't really understand the details even if we take the machine apart to look at the chip.Even if the sensor size and resolution of the two generations of cameras were the same, the actual hard disk quality would still be substantially better.
surname Nian | Products | Date | nighttime | resolution | color | quick adaptation |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 | Ace Pro 2 | October 22 | 8K | |||
GO 3S | June 13 | 4K | ||||
X4 | April 16 | 8K | ||||
You can clearly feel that since the launch of Ace Pro at the end of 2023, the color performance of each new product has been significantly improved.
October 2024 - Release of Ace Pro 2
Late 2024 Insta360 also released a second generation model of the Ace ProAce Pro 2In addition to image quality, this generation of sports cameras also focuses on improving ease of use and night shooting performance. It was also at this time that I first officially heard from Insta360 about the"Chip.The Ace Pro 2 has a "dual-chip" design that is claimed to be on the side of the box.

This caught my attention because until now, I hadn't paid much attention to the advances in chips in sports cameras.It was only with the Ace Pro 2 that I began to realize how much the improvements in chipsets had affected sports cameras.The increase in chip performance directly brings about a significant increase in processing speed, which means the camera can reach a higher level of shooting, data processing and operational stability, maintaining smooth and efficient performance in both high-resolution shooting and complex image processing.
It's like switching from a low-spec, slow-running computer to a high-performance, fast-running one.
As a result of the increased processing speeds, not only has the picture quality in low-light environments been improved, the frame rate of images has been increased, and the data stored in the SD memory card has been made lighter. This means that the camera can compress and store data more efficiently when processing images, thereby reducing file size.
So it's somewhat understandable why the X5's screen is more sensitive and even faster to boot.
April 2025 - Release of the latest model X5
Less than six months after the release of the Ace Pro 2, Insta360 has released its latest model, the X5.

- Explosive startup
- PureVideo is 8K.
These two points alone show how much Insta360 has improved its products in the past six months. Why?Because PureVideo, which was still 4K on the Ace Pro 2, is now 8K 30fps on the X5.I was expecting to upgrade to 5.7K. I was expecting to upgrade to 5.7K, but it turned out to be 8K in one go, which was totally unexpected.
And it's an upgrade from the Panorama Camera.
The X4 was not as fast as the Ace Pro, but with the X5, it managed to achieve a 1-second boot-up that surpassed the Ace Pro 2 (which took 2 seconds to boot up), which is an amazing improvement.
360° cameras usually require a long startup time due to their complex startup process, but the The X5 has managed to outperform its own sports cameras in just six months.This breakthrough is truly amazing.
as ifTorsion Shootingmaybe InstaFrame ModeWith the addition of new features such as the Insta360, I am once again impressed with the strengths of the Insta360. They've added a lot of new features to theProduct Ease of UseThe X5's continued attention to detail is nothing to sneeze at. The X5's Triple Chip design makes for a smoother experience than the Ace Pro 2's dual chips, which isn't hard to understand ...... But even so, it's still too much to handle.
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Where to buy Insta360 panoramic camera cheap?
Insta360 official website is now launching a limited time sale on panoramic cameras, you can enjoy great discounts on selected models and extra free accessories. The newest model, Insta360 X5, is now on sale at 10% off, so it's a great opportunity to get your hands on it! The promotion ends on August 28th, go to Insta360 websiteDon't miss out on this rare opportunity to get more details and special offers!