Choosing between the Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4 comes down to what you shoot and how much you want to spend. The X5 brings a larger sensor, better low light performance, and longer battery life, while the X4 remains a capable 360 camera at a lower price point.
Our team has tested both cameras extensively to help you decide which one fits your needs. Whether you are a first-time 360 camera buyer or considering an upgrade, this comparison breaks down the real differences that matter.
The quick verdict? If you shoot in low light often or need maximum battery life, the X5 is worth the extra cost. If you primarily shoot daylight content and want to save money, the X4 still delivers excellent results.
Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4: Quick Comparison
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Insta360 X5
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Insta360 X4
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The table above shows the key differences at a glance. The X5 features larger 1/1.28-inch sensors compared to the X4’s 1/2-inch sensors, which translates to significantly better light gathering ability. Battery life jumps from 135 minutes on the X4 to 185 minutes on the X5, and waterproof depth increases from 33 feet to 49 feet without a case.
Insta360 X5 Deep Dive
Pros
- Exceptional 8K video quality
- Excellent low light performance
- 185 minute battery life
- Replaceable lenses
- 4-mic array with wind guard
- InstaFrame Mode
- Waterproof to 49ft without case
Cons
- 8K files require high-capacity cards
- Selfie stick sold separately
- Learning curve for beginners
I have been shooting with the Insta360 X5 for several months now, and the most noticeable improvement over previous models is the low light performance. The dual 1/1.28-inch sensors combined with the Triple AI chip design make a real difference when shooting indoors or at dusk.
The PureVideo mode is genuinely useful. It uses AI noise reduction to clean up footage shot in dim conditions. In my testing, the X5 produces noticeably cleaner footage than the X4 when light levels drop. This is roughly a 2-stop improvement in practical terms, which means you can shoot in situations where the X4 would produce grainy results.
Battery life is another major upgrade. The 185-minute rating held up well in my real-world testing. I was able to shoot a full day of travel content without needing to swap batteries. The fast charging is also impressive, getting you to 80% in just 20 minutes.
The replaceable lenses on the X5 are a welcome durability feature. If you scratch a lens, you can swap it out yourself instead of sending the camera in for repair. This is particularly valuable for adventure shooters who expose their gear to rough conditions.
The built-in wind guard works well for reducing wind noise in the audio track. The 4-microphone array captures spatial audio that adds immersion to 360 content. InstaFrame mode lets you export flat video directly from the camera without editing, which is useful when you want to share content quickly.
Heat management is improved compared to the X4. In my extended recording tests, the X5 ran cooler and did not shut down due to overheating. This makes it more reliable for long shoots where you need continuous recording.
The stabilization remains excellent with FlowState technology and 360-degree horizon lock. Footage stays smooth even during fast movement. The invisible selfie stick effect works seamlessly when paired with a compatible stick, creating the floating camera perspective that makes 360 video unique.
Insta360 X4 Deep Dive
Pros
- Stunning 8K 360 video
- Active HDR for accurate colors
- 4K wide-angle mode
- FlowState Stabilization
- Waterproof to 33ft
- Cold resistant to -4F
- Lower price point
Cons
- Lower light performance than X5
- Shorter battery life
- App requires powerful device
- Some app stability issues
The Insta360 X4 remains a capable 360 camera that produces excellent results in daylight conditions. I have used it for travel vlogging and outdoor adventures, and the 8K video quality still impresses. The Active HDR feature helps maintain detail in high-contrast scenes.
What makes the X4 appealing is its versatility. You can shoot 8K 360-degree video, 5.7K at 60fps for smoother motion, or switch to 4K wide-angle mode for traditional action camera footage. The 170-degree MaxView mode at 4K30fps gives you an ultra-wide perspective.
The FlowState Stabilization delivers gimbal-like smoothness without needing additional hardware. The 360-degree horizon lock keeps your footage level regardless of camera orientation. These features work reliably across all shooting modes.
Battery life at 135 minutes is adequate for most shooting scenarios. I typically get through a half day of moderate use before needing to swap or recharge. The cold resistance down to -4 degrees Fahrenheit makes the X4 suitable for winter shooting.
The removable lens guards are a practical feature. They protect the lenses from scratches during rough use and can be replaced if damaged. While not as comprehensive as the X5’s fully replaceable lenses, they provide good protection for most users.
Where the X4 shows its age compared to the X5 is in low light situations. The 1/2-inch sensors are smaller, so footage gets grainy when light levels drop. If you primarily shoot during the day or in well-lit conditions, this may not be a significant issue.
The AI-powered app makes reframing 360 footage straightforward. You can choose your angles after shooting, which gives you creative flexibility. Some users report that the app requires a powerful phone and can cause devices to warm up during long editing sessions.
Insta360 X5 vs X4: Head-to-Head Comparison
Sensor and Image Quality
The sensor difference is the biggest technical upgrade from X4 to X5. The X5 uses dual 1/1.28-inch sensors, which are 144% larger than the X4’s 1/2-inch sensors. This directly impacts image quality in several ways.
Larger sensors capture more light, which means cleaner images with less noise. The X5 also benefits from the Triple AI chip design that processes 140% more data than the X4. This extra processing power enables features like PureVideo mode.
In daylight shooting, both cameras produce excellent results. The X5 has better glare control in direct sunlight, reducing the white haze that can appear in backlit situations. Colors and detail are comparable between the two in good lighting.
Low Light Performance
This is where the X5 pulls ahead significantly. The combination of larger sensors and the PureVideo mode gives the X5 approximately a 2-stop advantage in low light. In practical terms, this means cleaner footage at higher ISOs or in dimmer conditions.
The X4 produces usable footage in moderate low light, but grain becomes visible when you zoom in or when light levels drop further. For night photography or indoor shooting without good lighting, the X5 is the clear winner.
PureVideo mode on the X5 uses AI noise reduction to clean up footage in real-time. This is the first time this feature has appeared in a 360 camera, and it makes a genuine difference for low light videography.
Battery Life and Charging
Battery life is a practical concern for all-day shooting. The X5 offers 185 minutes of recording time compared to 135 minutes on the X4. That 50-minute difference can be significant when you are traveling or shooting events.
Both cameras support fast charging. The X5 can reach 80% charge in 20 minutes, while the X4 has similar fast charging capabilities. Having a power bank available extends shooting time for either camera.
The batteries are not interchangeable between models. If you are upgrading from X4 to X5, you will need new batteries and possibly new charging accessories.
Durability and Waterproofing
Both cameras are built tough, but the X5 has some durability advantages. It is waterproof to 49 feet (15 meters) without a case, compared to 33 feet (10 meters) for the X4. Both can go deeper with optional dive cases.
The X5 features replaceable lenses that you can swap yourself if scratched. The X4 uses removable lens guards that provide protection but are not the same as fully replaceable lens assemblies. For adventure shooters, this is a meaningful difference.
The X5 also has an ultra-hard coating on the body for better scratch resistance. Both cameras are designed to handle rough treatment, but the X5 is built to take more abuse over time.
Features Comparison
Both cameras share core features like FlowState Stabilization, 360-degree horizon lock, and the invisible selfie stick effect. They both shoot 8K 360 video and offer various frame rate options.
The X5 adds several features not found on the X4. PureVideo mode for low light is the headline addition. The built-in wind guard improves audio quality in windy conditions. InstaFrame mode lets you export flat video directly from the camera.
The X4 offers Active HDR, which the X5 also supports. The X4 includes cold resistance to -4 degrees Fahrenheit, making it suitable for winter sports. Both cameras work with the same AI-powered editing app.
Audio Quality
The X5 has a 4-microphone array with a built-in wind guard. This reduces wind noise and captures spatial audio with good directionality. Voice enhancement features help isolate speech from background noise.
The X4 also has a capable microphone system, but lacks the dedicated wind guard hardware. In calm conditions, audio quality is comparable between the two. In windy outdoor environments, the X5 has a clear advantage.
Thermal Performance
Overheating was a concern with some earlier 360 cameras. In my testing, both the X5 and X4 manage heat well, but the X5 runs noticeably cooler during extended recording sessions.
User reports from forums confirm that the X5 heats up less than the X4 and is less likely to shut down due to thermal limits. For long events or continuous recording, the X5 is the more reliable choice.
Who Should Buy the Insta360 X5?
The Insta360 X5 is the right choice if you fit into one of these categories:
Low light shooters will benefit most from the larger sensors and PureVideo mode. If you shoot indoors, at night, or in dimly lit venues, the X5 produces cleaner footage with less noise.
All-day shooters need the extended battery life. The 185-minute runtime lets you capture full events or travel days without constantly worrying about battery swaps.
Adventure photographers will appreciate the deeper waterproofing, replaceable lenses, and better durability. If your camera takes a beating, the X5 is built to survive.
Professionals creating commercial content or real estate virtual tours will value the image quality improvements. The better glare control and low light performance produce more polished results.
Content creators who want the best available 360 camera should choose the X5. It represents the current state of the art in consumer 360 technology.
Who Should Buy the Insta360 X4?
The Insta360 X4 remains an excellent choice for many users:
Budget-conscious buyers get more value from the X4. The price difference of roughly $125 is significant, and the X4 still delivers excellent 8K video quality in good lighting.
Daylight shooters do not need the low light improvements of the X5. If you primarily shoot outdoors during the day, the X4 produces comparable results.
First-time 360 camera users can learn the basics on the X4 without spending extra. The core features and video quality are impressive, and the lower price reduces the risk if 360 photography turns out not to be your thing.
Casual users who shoot occasionally may not justify the extra cost of the X5. The X4 handles vacation videos, family events, and casual content creation very well.
Anyone with existing X4 accessories might prefer staying with the same generation. While many accessories are compatible, some mounting systems and cases are model-specific.
Is the Upgrade from X4 to X5 Worth It?
This is one of the most common questions in forums and Reddit discussions. The answer depends on how you use your camera.
If you frequently shoot in low light, the upgrade is worth considering. The 2-stop improvement in low light performance is meaningful and produces visibly better results.
If you find yourself running out of battery on the X4, the 50 extra minutes on the X5 could justify the upgrade. Combined with faster charging, the X5 is more practical for long shoots.
If you have scratched a lens on your X4 and been frustrated by the repair process, the replaceable lenses on the X5 are valuable. This alone can save money and downtime over the life of the camera.
If your X4 is still in good condition and you primarily shoot in daylight, the upgrade may not be necessary. The X4 remains a capable camera that produces excellent results in its element.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between Insta360 X4 and X5?
The Insta360 X5 features 144% larger sensors (1/1.28-inch vs 1/2-inch), a Triple AI chip system, PureVideo mode for low light, 185-minute battery life vs 135 minutes, 49-foot waterproof depth vs 33 feet, and replaceable lenses. The X5 also has a built-in wind guard and InstaFrame mode. The X4 remains capable with 8K video, Active HDR, and a lower price point.
Is the Insta360 X5 worth the upgrade?
The X5 is worth the upgrade if you shoot in low light frequently, need longer battery life, or want replaceable lenses for durability. The roughly 2-stop improvement in low light performance is significant. However, if you primarily shoot daylight content and your X4 is working well, the upgrade may not be necessary. The $125 price difference should factor into your decision.
What are the disadvantages of Insta360 X4?
The main disadvantages of the Insta360 X4 are smaller sensors that produce grainier footage in low light, shorter 135-minute battery life, shallower 33-foot waterproof depth, and removable lens guards rather than fully replaceable lenses. The app also requires a powerful mobile device and can cause phones to warm up during extended editing sessions.
Are the X4 and X5 batteries the same?
No, the X4 and X5 batteries are not interchangeable. The X5 battery provides 185 minutes of recording time while the X4 battery provides 135 minutes. They have different specifications and form factors. If you upgrade from X4 to X5, you will need to purchase new batteries and potentially new charging accessories.
Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4: Final Verdict
The Insta360 X5 vs Insta360 X4 comparison reveals two excellent cameras targeting slightly different users. The X5 is the better camera overall, with improved low light performance, longer battery life, better durability, and additional features. The X4 offers tremendous value at a lower price point.
For professionals, enthusiasts, and anyone who needs the best 360 camera available, the X5 is worth the investment. The improvements are real and meaningful in practical use. The low light performance alone makes it the superior choice for challenging shooting conditions.
For beginners, casual users, and budget-conscious buyers, the X4 remains an excellent option. It delivers the core 360 camera experience with 8K video quality and reliable stabilization. In good lighting, the results are very similar to the X5.
Both cameras are capable tools that will serve you well. Choose based on your shooting conditions, budget, and how much you value the incremental improvements the X5 offers.