【Comparison Review】Insta360 GO Ultra vs GO 3S | Best Vlog Camera Recommendation | 4K Pocket-Sized Mini Camera Upgrade

On August 21, 2025, Insta360 officially released its flagship mini pocket camera, the “GO Ultra.” Unlike the previously anticipated “GO 4,” this new model is not simply a continuation of the GO series. While it retains the magnetic mounting design, it introduces a redesigned body and a complete upgrade in recording specifications. The name “GO Ultra” itself suggests that its positioning is no longer just an extension of the previous “GO 3S” thumb camera, but rather the beginning of a brand-new product category.

In this review, I'll take you on an in-depth look at the Differences and Upgrades between GO Ultra and GO 3SIt will help you determine if it's worth getting. Main Includes:

  • Specification Comparison
  • Set
  • Design
  • Picture Quality
  • Night Shot Capability
Category

GO Ultra vs GO 3S Specification Comparison

GO UltraGO 3S

Release PriceNT $13,980
HK $2,999

USD $449.99
NT$14,999
HK$3,149
USD $399.99
Sensor size1/1.281/2.3
microchip5nm AI chips14nm Chip
Top Movie Specification 4K@60fps 4K@30fps
quantitative (science)New microSD memory card slotBuilt-in Capacity
FOV 156°150°
Running TimeCamera unit: 70 minutes
Camera + ActionPod: 200 points
Camera unit: 38 points
Camera + ActionPod: 140 points
80%Quick ChargeCamera unit: 12 minutes
Camera + ActionPod: 18 minutes
 Camera unit: 23 minutes
Camera + ActionPod: 47 min.
screen size 2.5" Flip Touch Screen 2.2" Flip Touch Screen
weightsCamera unit: 53g
Camera + ActionPod: 161g
Camera unit: 39g
Camera + ActionPod: 135g
waterproofing Camera unit: 10m waterproof Camera unit: 10m waterproof
Ambient Light Sensor
Pure Video
4K HDR
4K Clear Zoom

GO Ultra Set

The GO Ultra has changes in package options compared to the GO 3S.Currently, there are five packages: Standard, Creator, Running, Cycling, and Family. There are fewer choices than the GO 3S, but the addition of the Running package shows that the GO series has gained a lot of attention among the running community.

Below is a list of the additional accessories that are included in each set compared to the "Standard Set". It is worth noting thatAll GO Ultra packages except the Standard Package come with the Quick Release MountThis is an accessory that I personally recommend. The dual magnets with the carabiner locking system ensure that the GO Ultra is secure and safe to install.

Set NamePackage IncludesUsage Scenarios
Standard Set
GO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic LanyardDaily Simple Vlog
Creator's KitGO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard

+ Quick Release Bracket, Mini Tripod Selfie Stick, Horizontal Bracket
In-depth Vlog, Multi-angle Recording
Walking and Running Kit GO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard

+ Quick release bracket, screen protector, easy headband, backpack clip
Running 🏃, hiking ⛰️
Bike SetGO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard

+ Quick Release Bracket, Screen Protector, Flexi Strap Bracket, Sports Bracket
Cycling 🚴
Family PackGO Ultra, Quick Release Safety Lanyard, Easy Clip, Magnetic Lanyard

+Quick release bracket, mini tripod selfie stick remote control set, big head baby hat clip
Recorded PoPo Perspectives

GO Ultra vs GO 3S exterior design

From Thumb Camera to Cube Camera

Compared to GO 3S, GO Ultra has 3 major changes in its design.

  • 25% heavier than GO 3S, no longer a thumb camera but a square camera
  • Thinner and shorter than GO 3S
  • Increased number of specialized accessories

The GO 3S has a horizontal thumb-size design, while the GO Ultra has a square appearance with rounded corners.
Although the camera body seems to be 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 optimized feel and peace of mind.

Measuring 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.

Thickness change

The design of the GO Ultra Quick Release Bracket has also changed.The brackets between GO Ultra and GO 3S are not compatible.

It looks like the GO 3S has a larger lens, but itsMeasurements show that the GO Ultra's lens is slightly larger.Like the GO 3S, the GO Ultra comes with a removable lens cap.

The GO Ultra and GO 3 S both use the same magnetic design to wirelessly charge the camera body via the Action Pod. Since the GO Ultra has a larger magnetic contact area, it not only compensates for the increased weight, but also provides more stability than ever before. In addition, theGO Ultra allows you to view playback movies remotely without putting the camera into an 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.

External SD memory card

The new GO Ultra supports microSD memory cards up to 2TB.Compared to the previous GO 3S, which could only rely on the built-in storage, this upgrade dramatically improves the flexibility of long-duration shooting.

The capacity of the memory card varies from person to person, and I 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. Meanwhile, 256GB is also the most cost-effective capacity on Insta360's website, so it's worth it for 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.

Running Time

GO UltraGO 3S
1080P70 minutes.
200
minutes
38 minutes
140 minutes
4K30fps60 minutes
170
minutes
/

Overall runtime is much improved, but especially the cameraAlmost 2x increase in mono shooting runtimeIt's a great way to record for almost an hour. Even with 4K recording, the camera can record continuously for nearly an hour, which is quite enough. This seems to be a clear benefit of the larger size of the camera.

GO Ultra vs GO 3S

Upgraded image quality - compared to GO 3S

Daylighting

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 are richer in light and shadow, and more three-dimensional, whether it's the shadows of clouds or the vibrant colors of a rice paddy, thanks to the larger sensor that captures more light details.

Before imageGO 3s photo
Before imageAfter image
Before imageAfter image

Low Light Quality Pure Video

Thanks to the Night Mode Pure Video, the GO Ultra also handles light in low-light conditions significantly better than the GO 3S.

Before imageAfter image
Before imageAfter image

Upgraded image quality - Compare to Ace Pro 2

In my actual experience.The picture quality of GO Ultra is almost as good as that of Ace Pro 2.The image is full of vibrant colors and has the same features as a sports camera.Wide Angle ViewThis is a great way to give your pictures a more realistic feel.

Unsurprisingly, the clouds are still not as detailed as the Ace Pro 2's 8K quality;However, the difference in color and dynamic range is no longer noticeable.

4K 2x sharp zoom

Surprisingly, Clarity Zoom, the big selling point of the Ace Pro 2, is now downgraded to the GO Ultra, and is now available on the GO Ultra.2x sharp zoom with 4K image quality maintainedThe image quality after zoom is one of the best among sports cameras. Here are the results of the 2x zoom ↓

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:

able to do sth. withinMaintains 4K image qualityThis makes lossless zoom an active feature and enhances the usability of the camera itself.

Other Upgrades

In addition to the improved quality and runtime, GO Ultra also brings Quick Charge and You don't need to put the camera in the Action Pod.Remote Confirmation of Recorded PicturesThe newest upgrade will enhance the overall user experience.

In particular, the charging speed has become much faster than the GO 3S.

GO Ultra ChargingGO 3S Charging
camera unit12 points.23 points
Camera + ActionPod18 points.47 points.

GO Ultra vs GO 3S Wearing Style

Magnetic Wear

The following movie shows me wearing GO Ultra See GO Ultra in action. Magnetic holding capacityThe

With selfie stick

If there is Handheld Recordings needs, you will need to get your hands on a separate GO Ultra Specialty TripodThis tripod is included in the GO Ultra Family Pack respond in singing Creator's Kit You can purchase the package and own it directly.

matching hat

If there is Head-mounted video The need to purchase additional Simple clip-on headbandThis is the only way to securely attach the GO Ultra to the hat.Running Set This accessory has been included for easy headwear use by runners.

What are the recommended scenarios to use GO Ultra ?

Campaign Use

GO Ultra has become more suitable for sports scenes than GO 3S. The main reason for this is that it has a wider viewing angle than the GO 3S, allowing it to capture more dynamic details. Ideal for Cycling and Running RecordingsStraight to the point. Bike Set 🚴 or Running Set 🏃All in one step, the set comes with the must-have accessories for the scene, eliminating the extra hassle of figuring out which ones to buy.

Essentials for a two-day/one-night trip

If the plan is to Traveling for more than two days and one nightI recommend it over the GO 3S. GO Ultra -It has longer runtime and fast charging, and it's even good for taking pictures of the stars. For long hours Vlog RecordingI would suggest that we go directly to the Creator's KitIncludes tripod and swivel bracket, supportsFirst person POV, handheld or headsetYou can take pictures in many ways, so you can create more freely.

What are the most recommended scenarios to use GO 3S?

Pursuit of lightness

The GO Ultra is not an upgrade of the GO 3S, but a parallel product line.If portability is important to you, the GO 3S is still the way to go.The GO Ultra is the lightest thumb camera available. Being the lightest thumb camera, it is very portable and easier to carry around than the GO Ultra.

Record a video and look at the price

If you're just shooting a short vlog and are looking for an interesting perspective rather than picture quality, the GO 3S is still an ideal choice.After the launch of GO Ultra, GO 3S is now on long-term discount, and you can get a free screen protector and storage bag when you buy it on Insta360 website through the dedicated link on this site.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Insta360 GO Ultra is not just a continuation of the GO series, but a "full upgrade and evolution".
From the 1/1.28-inch sensor, square design, and support for 4K 60fps and PureVideo night shooting, to the addition of a new Running & Hiking package, support for memory card storage, fast charging and improved battery life, and detailed optimizations such as Action Pod remote previews, this mini camera is virtually unbeatable in the year 2025, and it's the most powerful vlogging camera on the planet.

The GO Ultra is a "little elf" with a lot of magic, combining high quality day and night, lightness and convenience, and creative angles. If you're looking for a mini vlog camera that you can carry around with you, that combines high quality and creative angles, the GO Ultra is the perfect choice.

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