Insta360 X Series Review: Comparing X3, X4, X5 and Should You Wait for X6?

Creating visual content today doesn't just stop at taking a beautiful photo. TikTok, Reels, or YouTube Shorts channels require you to have Behind-the-scenes (BTS) videos or surreal camera angles to retain viewers. For someone who often carries a camera to shoot in complex terrains or makes travel vlogs (like taking a boat through low-ceiling caves in Trang An or wandering around crowded city streets in Kuala Lumpur), the question is: How to get high-quality video without hiring an extra person to run after you holding a camera?

The answer in recent years is usually encapsulated in one name: Insta360 X Series.

This article is synthesized and analyzed based on official technical specs from the manufacturer, real-world tests from the community, and the most reputable leaked data about the upcoming X6 generation, aiming to give you the most comprehensive overview before you decide to spend your money.

Why Did the Insta360 X Series Become the "No. 1 Assistant" for Photographers?

Insta360 Invisible Stick(CLICK TO EXPAND)

EDITORIAL ARCHIVE // SOURCE: INTERNET ARCHIVE

The core value of Insta360 does not lie in resolution, but in the philosophy: "Shoot first, point later".

By recording the entire 360-degree space around you combined with the Invisible Selfie Stick algorithm, this device creates the effect as if you have a drone flying closely behind you or a professional cameraman walking backwards in front of you. For the workflow of a solo photographer, this completely frees up concentration. You just need to mount the camera on your backpack, hit record, and pour 100% of your attention into the viewfinder of your main camera. The video framing is taken care of by the app in post-production.

Comparing the Evolution: From X3, X4 to X5

Insta360 Evolution(CLICK TO EXPAND)

EDITORIAL ARCHIVE // SOURCE: INTERNET ARCHIVE

To understand how Insta360 has improved our workflow, let's look back at the major milestones of the last 3 generations.

1. Insta360 X3 (Launched 09/2022): The National Trailblazer

With a 1/2-inch sensor and 5.7K recording capability, the X3 was the camera that brought the 360 concept to the masses. It features a large, easy-to-use 2.29-inch touchscreen. However, the X3's limitations become apparent when you crop (reframe) the video into a 9:16 vertical frame for Reels/TikTok. The 5.7K for a full 360-degree panorama, when cropped down, is only equivalent to about 1080p, making the sharpness decrease significantly.

Insta360 X3(CLICK TO EXPAND)

EDITORIAL ARCHIVE // SOURCE: INTERNET ARCHIVE

2. Insta360 X4 (Launched 04/2024): The First 8K Era

Insta360 solved the sharpness issue by releasing the X4 with 8K/30fps recording capability. When you crop video from an 8K file, the resulting quality is completely sufficient to meet the most stringent standards of current social media.

• Pros: Added removable Lens Guards. This is extremely important because the convex lenses of 360 cameras are very easy to scratch when accidentally knocking over a tripod.
• Cons: The camera's weight increased significantly (over 200g), making mounting it on a helmet or using a long selfie stick for extended periods more tiring for the hands.
  

  Insta360 X4(CLICK TO EXPAND)

  EDITORIAL ARCHIVE // SOURCE: INTERNET ARCHIVE

3. Insta360 X5 (Launched 04/2025): Perfecting the Experience & Post-Production Savior

Launched in April 2025, the X5 didn't race further on resolution numbers (still keeping 8K/30fps), but heavily upgraded what professional users need most: Lighting and Post-production time.

• Larger Sensor: The 1/1.28-inch sensor (144% larger than the X4) combined with a Triple AI Chip system and PureVideo mode. This salvaged the inherent weakness of 360 cameras: terrible low-light shooting. Now, night city walks or studio lighting setups have significantly less noise.
• InstaFrame - The Time Killer: The X5 introduced a feature called InstaFrame. When you hit record, the camera saves simultaneously 1 flat video file (automatically tracking a fixed angle or the shooter's face) and 1 360-degree file. This means if you are too lazy to edit, you immediately have a flat file to upload to TikTok, but still have a 360 backup if you want to switch to a cooler angle.
• Durability: IP68 waterproofing up to 15m (no case needed) and a magnetic quick-release mount system making changing accessories extremely fast.
  

  Insta360 X5(CLICK TO EXPAND)

  EDITORIAL ARCHIVE // SOURCE: INTERNET ARCHIVE

What to Expect from the Insta360 X6? (Latest Leaks Update 08/2026)

As of now (August 2026), the tech community is focusing its attention on the X6 generation, expected to be launched globally soon. Based on leaked sources from Notebookcheck and PhotoRumors, here are the most formidable upgrades:

1. 8K Power at 50fps: This is a leap forward. If the X4 and X5 only stopped at 30fps for 8K video, the 50fps on the X6 allows you to do smooth slow-motion even at the highest resolution. Action shots or camera tosses will now have a much more cinematic effect.
2. Completely New Form Factor: Leaked images show the X6 will be shorter and wider, moving away from the familiar long "candy bar" shape. This design could help reduce the distance between the two lenses, thereby improving the stitching algorithm at the seams to be smoother.
3. Xtreme 2600mAh Battery: With a leaked battery capacity of up to 2600mAh (compared to the X5's 2400mAh), shooting time will be significantly extended, a vital factor when traveling all day.
4. Replaceable Lenses 2.0: The lens replacement system is rumored to be redesigned for faster and safer operation.

Buying Advice: Buy the X5 Now or Wait for the X6?

Insta360 Advice(CLICK TO EXPAND)

EDITORIAL ARCHIVE // SOURCE: INTERNET ARCHIVE

The decision depends on your project timeline and content creation style:

• Buy the Insta360 X5 right now if: You need a battle-ready device immediately. The X5's InstaFrame feature is a true "game changer" for multi-platform creative workflows. Its good low-light capabilities and stability are more than enough for 90% of a vlogger's/photographer's needs. Furthermore, with the X6 gearing up for launch, the price of the X5 is currently at a very good level.
• Be patient and wait for the Insta360 X6 if: You are a devotee of high-quality Slow-motion (need 8K 50fps) and don't mind paying the premium launch price. The new form factor of the X6 also promises to solve minor stitching errors that previous X series often encountered.

Regardless of which device you choose, a 360 camera will completely change your composition mindset, making the journey of creating beautiful frames much more interesting and intuitive.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Can Insta360 cameras shoot at night? Generations from the X4 and earlier are quite noisy when shooting at night. However, from the Insta360 X5 onwards with its 1/1.28" sensor and PureVideo mode, low-light shooting quality has been vastly improved, enough to use for vlogs or nighttime city environments.

How heavy is an Insta360 8K file, can an old computer edit it? 8K files are very heavy. However, the Insta360 app on your phone or Insta360 Studio software on your computer will use proxies allowing you to preview and reframe smoothly, only rendering out the final resolution (usually 4K or 1080p) afterwards.

The glass of a 360 camera is very easy to scratch, is there a fix? Starting from the X4 and X5 generations, Insta360 has provided a removable and easily replaceable Lens Guards system. Leaks suggest the X6 will continue to upgrade this system to version 2.0.