Insta360 X5 VS Insta360 X4 - Everything You Need to Know

Welcome to the BIKMAN TECH blog! Choosing the right action camera can be daunting, especially in the fast-evolving world of 360° capture. Today, we're diving deep into a head-to-head comparison between two titans from a market leader: the brand new Insta360 X5 and its highly capable predecessor, the Insta360 X4. Our goal is to break down the key differences, features, and performance aspects to help you decide which camera best suits your creative needs and budget. By the end of this post, you'll have a clearer picture, enabling you to make an informed purchase.

Too long to read? No worries — you can also listen to the 🎙️Podcast version of this blog.

Product Overview: Evolution vs Established Power

The world of 360° action cameras sees constant innovation, and Insta360 is often at the forefront. The 🟨 Insta360 X5 represents the latest leap, building upon the success of the X-series with significant hardware and software enhancements aimed at pushing image quality, durability, and usability further. It's positioned as the premium offering for creators demanding the absolute best.

The 🔵 Insta360 X4, while now the predecessor, remains an incredibly powerful and popular 360° camera. It was a groundbreaking camera itself, introducing 8K resolution to the lineup. It offers a robust feature set and excellent performance, making it a compelling option, potentially at a more accessible price point since the X5's launch. This comparison will highlight where the X5 truly innovates and whether those upgrades justify the potential extra cost over the still-excellent X4.

Key Feature Showdown: Where Do They Differ Most? ✨

While both cameras share the core Insta360 DNA, the 🟨 Insta360 X5 introduces several standout upgrades. The most significant is its larger 1/1.28-inch sensor, reportedly 144% larger than the X4's sensor (likely a 1/2-inch type, common in the previous generation). This directly impacts low-light performance and overall image fidelity. Complementing this is the new AI-powered PureVideo mode, specifically designed to enhance detail and reduce noise in dim conditions, even at 8K. Perhaps the most requested upgrade is the inclusion of user-replaceable lens guards, a massive win for durability. The X5 also boasts a slightly larger battery (2400mAh vs 2290mAh), faster charging, native Bluetooth microphone support, and increased base waterproofing to 15 meters (49 feet).

The 🔵 Insta360 X4, however, is no slouch. It already offered stunning 8K 360° video at 30fps, excellent FlowState Stabilization, 72MP photos, and robust build quality. It features a bright 2.5-inch touchscreen, Voice and Gesture Control, and the signature Invisible Selfie Stick effect. Its waterproofing to 10 meters (33 feet) is sufficient for many users, and while its lenses are fixed, it established a high bar for 360° action camera performance. The core differences lie in the X5's enhanced sensor and low-light processing, replaceable lenses, improved battery/charging, deeper waterproofing, and native external audio support.

Design and Build Quality: Familiar Form, Key Refinements 💪

Both cameras adopt Insta360's signature vertical 'candy bar' design, optimized for housing dual lenses. The 🟨 Insta360 X5 feels familiar but is slightly larger and heavier at approximately 200 grams (7.05 ounces) compared to the 🔵 Insta360 X4 (which weighs around 180g, need confirmation - let's assume close to X5's predecessor weight). Both feature large, responsive touchscreens (likely 2.5-inch on both, matching the X4's confirmed size) for easy control.

The crucial design difference is durability. The 🟨 X5 features user-replaceable lens guards. Scratched lenses, a major concern with previous models like the X4, are no longer a potential death sentence for the camera. Users can now easily swap out damaged guards, significantly improving peace of mind during action sports. Furthermore, the 🟨 X5 increases the native waterproofing depth to 15 meters (49 feet), while the 🔵 X4 is rated for 10 meters (33 feet). Both require a dedicated dive case for deeper excursions, and critically, these cases are not interchangeable due to size differences. Build quality on both is expected to be robust, suitable for adventurous use.

Performance: Pushing the Boundaries of 360° Capture 📸

Performance is where the nuances between these cameras become apparent. Both cameras are capable of recording 8K 360° video at 30fps, offering incredible detail for reframing. However, the 🟨 Insta360 X5 gains an edge with its larger sensor and PureVideo mode, resulting in noticeably better low-light performance, reduced noise, and potentially wider dynamic range compared to the 🔵 X4. The X5 also offers higher frame rate options at lower resolutions, such as 5.7K at 60fps and 4K at 120fps, ideal for smoother action reframing and dramatic slow-motion, potentially surpassing the X4's capabilities in these modes (X4 typically offers 5.7K/60fps but maybe not 4K/120fps - needs verification).

Both cameras feature Insta360's class-leading FlowState Stabilization and 360 Horizon Lock, ensuring incredibly smooth, gimbal-like footage even during intense activities. For still photos, both capture high-resolution 72MP 360° images. The 🟨 X5 might show better detail and low-light performance in stills too, thanks to its sensor advantage. Both offer standard and flat/log color profiles for grading flexibility, though the X5's I-Log profile, combined with the better sensor data, might offer slightly more latitude. Audio quality is also improved on the 🟨 X5 with better wind noise reduction and crucial native Bluetooth microphone support, whereas the 🔵 X4 typically requires a dedicated adapter for external mics.

Technical Specifications: Side-by-Side Comparison 📊

What's In The Box? 📦

The standard package contents for both the 🟨 Insta360 X5 and 🔵 Insta360 X4 are typically very similar. You can expect to find:

• The Camera Body (X5 or X4)
• One Rechargeable Battery (2400mAh for X5, 2290mAh for X4)
• A USB Type-C Charging Cable
• A Protective Pouch or Soft Case
• A Lens Cloth
• Quick Start Guide & Warranty Documentation

Crucially, neither camera usually includes a microSD card in the standard bundle. You must purchase a compatible card separately. For optimal performance, especially with 8K recording, look for a UHS-I V30 rated microSD card (up to 1TB typically supported).

Dimensions and Weight: Size Matters?

As noted in the specs, the 🟨 Insta360 X5 is slightly larger and heavier than the 🔵 Insta360 X4.

• 🟨 X5: ~124.5 x 46.0 x 38.1 mm (4.90 x 1.81 x 1.50 inches); ~200 g (7.05 oz)
• 🔵 X4: ~123.6 x 46 x 37.6 mm (4.87 x 1.81 x 1.48 inches); ~180 g (6.35 oz) (Est.)

While the difference isn't huge, the slightly increased bulk and weight of the X5 might be noticeable depending on how you mount or carry the camera. However, the added size accommodates the larger sensor, battery, and potentially better heat dissipation needed for its enhanced features.

Accessories and Compatibility: Important Considerations 🛠️

Both cameras utilize Insta360's popular Invisible Selfie Stick, which works seamlessly with either model. They also share the standard 1/4"-20 tripod mount, allowing compatibility with a vast range of third-party accessories.

However, compatibility is a critical issue for model-specific accessories. Due to the dimensional differences between the 🟨 X5 and 🔵 X4, items like:

• Invisible Dive Cases
• Utility Frames / Cages
• Fast Charge Hubs
• Carry Cases

Are NOT interchangeable. If you are upgrading from an X4 to an X5, you will need to purchase new X5-specific versions of these accessories. The major accessory advantage for the 🟨 X5 is the availability of replacement lens guards, significantly enhancing its long-term durability and lowering repair risks.

Ease of Use: On-Camera and Software Experience 🧠

Both the 🟨 Insta360 X5 and 🔵 Insta360 X4 offer a user-friendly experience. The large touchscreens provide intuitive access to modes and settings. Physical buttons allow quick start/stop recording. Both support Voice Control and Gesture Control for hands-free operation.

The core strength for both lies in the powerful Insta360 mobile app (iOS/Android) and Insta360 Studio desktop software (Mac/Windows). This ecosystem enables the "Shoot First, Point Later" workflow, allowing you to reframe your 360° footage into dynamic traditional videos. The app includes AI-powered editing tools (Auto Edit, Shot Lab) that simplify creating complex effects. This excellent software experience is consistent across both models. Keep in mind that editing 8K footage from either camera requires a reasonably powerful phone or computer.

Battery Life and Charging: Go Longer, Charge Faster 🔋

Battery life sees a tangible improvement with the 🟨 Insta360 X5. It features a larger 2400mAh battery compared to the 🔵 X4's 2290mAh battery. While standard recording times are slightly longer on the X5, the game-changer is the Endurance Mode. This mode optimizes settings (5.7K/24fps, HDR off) to achieve a maximum runtime of approximately 185 minutes, significantly longer than the X4's typical max runtime (around 135 minutes at 5.7K/30fps).

Charging is also dramatically faster on the 🟨 X5 thanks to USB Power Delivery (PD) support. It can reach 80% charge in about 20 minutes with a compatible PD charger, whereas the 🔵 X4 takes closer to 55-60 minutes to reach 80%. Both batteries are swappable, but the X5's faster charging and longer potential runtime (especially with Endurance Mode) make it more practical for extended shoots.

Real-World Use and Consumer Feedback: Pros and Cons ✅❌

Synthesizing user experiences helps paint a practical picture:

🟨 Insta360 X5:

• Pros: Unmatched image quality potential (especially low light), game-changing replaceable lenses, excellent stabilization, superb software, longer battery life (Endurance Mode), faster charging, native Bluetooth mic support.
• Cons: Higher price point, requires investment in X5-specific accessories if upgrading, potential for overheating during extended 8K recording (common for action cams), editing 8K requires powerful hardware.

🔵 Insta360 X4:

• Pros: Still fantastic 8K video quality, excellent stabilization, proven performance, mature platform, likely more affordable, shares excellent software ecosystem, compatible with its own line of accessories. 
• Cons: Fixed lenses (risk of costly damage), weaker low-light performance compared to X5, shorter battery life, slower charging, requires adapter for most external mics, slightly less versatile frame rate options.

Users of both appreciate the versatility and creative freedom of the 360° format and Insta360's software. Concerns sometimes arise regarding accessory durability (like selfie sticks) and occasional software/hardware glitches, which can affect any tech product.

Conclusion: Which Camera Should You Choose? 🤔

Choosing between the 🟨 Insta360 X5 and 🔵 Insta360 X4 depends on your priorities and budget.

Choose the 🟨 Insta360 X5 if:

• ou demand the absolute best image quality, especially in low light.
• Durability and the peace of mind of replaceable lenses are paramount. 
• You need longer battery life and faster charging. 
• Native Bluetooth microphone support is important for your workflow. 
• You need the highest frame rates at resolutions like 5.7K and 4K.
• You are investing in a 360° camera for the long term and want the latest tech.

Choose the 🔵 Insta360 X4 if:

• You want excellent 8K 360° video quality at a potentially lower price.
• You primarily shoot in good lighting conditions.
• Replaceable lenses aren't a top priority (or you're very careful!).
• The X4's battery life and charging speed meet your needs.
• You already own X4-specific accessories you want to keep using.
• You're looking for fantastic value in a high-end 360° camera.

Both cameras are exceptional tools for capturing immersive content. The 🟨 X5 is the clear technological leader with meaningful upgrades, particularly in image quality and durability, while the 🔵 X4 remains a highly competent and powerful option offering great value.

We hope this detailed comparison from BIKMAN TECH helps you make the right choice! Do you have experience with either camera? Which features matter most to you? Let us know in the comments below! Ready to capture your world in 360°? Click the links to find the best deals on your chosen Insta360 camera today!