64GB or 128GB? | Insta360 GO 3S Storage Capacity Guide

Many users feel unsure about which memory capacity best suits their needs when purchasing a GO 3S. This guide breaks down the pros and cons of each storage option to help you quickly find your ideal match and make a confident purchase decision. 👍

Why Most Users Choose 128GB

The 128GB version is currently the most popular choice for the GO 3S.

The previous GO 3 offered 32GB/64GB/128GB options. Official data shows most users preferred 128GB even for 2.7K recording. With the new 4K-capable GO 3S, 128GB remains the most practical choice for most users.

DJI's Action series will introduce a 128GB version in 2024, confirming industry-wide recognition of high-capacity storage importance for action cameras.

Insta360 GO 3S Product Information

Before discussing storage options, let's quickly understand the GO 3S:• Ultra-compact thumb-sized action camera • 4K video with FlowState stabilization • Magnetic mounting for creative angles • IPX8 waterproof (without case)

4K Quality

Compared to the previous GO 3, the GO 3S has upgraded its resolution from 2.7K to 4K. Simply put, it's the GO 3 with 4K quality.

However, the maximum frame rate of 4K is only supported up to 30fps, compared to the recently launched sports cameras (Ace Pro 2, Hero 12).Memory consumption is actually lowerThe

For reference, both the GoPro HERO 12 and Insta360 Ace Pro 2 can shoot 4K footage at 120fps. The 4K120fps mode alone can consume up to four times the memory space. In comparison, the memory capacity of the GO 3S can be smaller and still be sufficient.

Ideal camera for everyone to enjoy vlogging

GO 3S features a unique thumb camera shape and easy magnetic mounting, making it a great camera for vlogging.

When it comes to action cameras, many people might think that you can only capture cool videos during extreme sports. However, the GO 3S has the advantage of being convenient and compact, allowing it to easily record moments during your travels. Even if you're not a fan of extreme sports, the GO 3S is still an ideal camera for everyone to enjoy vlogging.

Reasons to recommend it over a sports camera

For many people, GO 3S actually has more usage scenarios than a regular sports camera.

For someone like me, who isn't a professional and doesn't often engage in extreme sports, a camera like the GoPro, with its powerful sports capabilities, feels a bit "too much." So when I was deciding between the 64GB or 128GB GO 3S, I was hesitant and couldn't help but ask myself: will I really use this camera for long-term recording? But in the end, I chose to go for the largest capacity of 128GB, mainly because I couldn't expand the capacity of the camera via an SD memory card after getting the GO 3S.

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GO 3S cannot expand its storage capacity

The GO 3S emphasizes ease of use, and therefore comes equipped with built-in memory. Specifically, considering the camera's waterproof and durable design, built-in memory is more suitable

Since there is no need to insert an additional SD memory card, transferring videos taken with the GO 3S through the Insta360 APP software is very easy and smooth. Personally, I don't find the built-in memory inconvenient.

If you want to expand the storage of your GO 3S with an external SD card or manage and transfer video files more conveniently, it's recommended to use or prepare the "GO 3S Quick Reader." You can simply connect it to your phone or computer, allowing you to transfer materials without needing to connect to Wi-Fi.

Differences between 64GB and 128GB

The GO 3 offered a 32GB capacity, but in the 4K-capable GO 3S, this option has been removed, indicating that not many people actually chose the smaller capacity.

The price difference between the 64GB and 128GB versions of the GO 3S is NT$2000, whereas the previous generation GO 3 had a price difference of NT$3000. Considering this, choosing the 128GB version of the GO 3S is more cost-effective than the GO 3.

The memory capacity of the GO 3S is 64GB/128GB. Since part of the space is used for system files, the remaining space available for file saving is approximately 59.6GB/119.2GB.

Insta360 Official Service Support

According to Insta360's official website, although the GO 3S has a labeled capacity of 64GB and 128GB, the actual available space is 59.6GB and 119.2GB, respectively, due to the space occupied by system files. So even if you choose the 64GB version, the actual usable capacity is only 59GB. Therefore, the 128GB version is more recommendable due to its larger usable capacity.

4K Recording Capacity Consumption

128GB, 4K30fps recording time is 2 hours and 54 minutes.

My 128GB GO 3S can record continuously for about 3 hours at 4K30fps settings.

Whether this 3 hours of shooting time is considered long or short depends on the individual's perspective. I used it on a 10-day trip, and I'll share my experience with the GO 3S from that journey.

How much footage can I record while traveling with my GO 3S for 10 days?

I traveled to Okinawa with my GO 3S for 10 days and took these photos.

Photos: 12
Timelapse videos: 5
Videos ranging from a few seconds to 30 minutes: 80

After shooting this footage, my GO 3S was able to record about 38 minutes at 4K30fps.TheThe 128GB capacity was used to shoot dozens of videos in 10 days, using about 4/5ths of the capacity.So for me. The 128GB capacity falls under the "just enough" category.

I have more than a dozen sports cameras and I have some experience in video editing, so I was able to select the shots I needed and I consciously avoided wasting the capacity by taking repeated shots. That's why I couldn't use up all the capacity of the GO 3S even after 10 days of traveling. With this in mind, I've beenFor those less familiar with vlogging, 128GB may be full in a short 2 to 3 day trip!The

With this in mind, I personally would also recommend the 128GB capacity over the 64GB.

Photos like the one above ⬆️ were also randomly cropped from the GO 3S videos. If you are someone who tends to extract photos from videos, I recommend considering whether you will use the GO 3S to store some photos before purchasing it. Based on this need, I would suggest opting for the 128GB version of the GO 3S. I hope this review helps you before purchasing the GO 3S.

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