Insta360
GO 3
Thumb-sized magnetic POV camera with 2.7K30 video, 12MP photos, Action Pod flip-screen remote, FlowState stabilization, and 10m waterproof 35g body.
$399
Launch priceReleased Jun 2023
Insta360
X5
Flagship 360° action camera with dual 1/1.28-inch sensors, 8K 30fps 360° video, 4K 60fps single-lens mode, 15m waterproofing, and AI-powered PureVideo.
$550
Launch priceReleased Apr 2025
X5 is 1.8 years newer.
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Wins
GO 3
Wins
X5
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BX5 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 12 MP)
- AGO 3 has higher ISO max (native) (25,600 vs 6,400)
- BX5 has lower Weight (200 g vs 580 g)
- AGO 3 has higher Card slots (2 vs 1)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to shareGO 3
134 × 91 × 72 mm
580 g (1.28 lb / 20.46 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
X5
46 × 125 × 38 mm
200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz)
GO 3 is 34mm shorter than X5 but it is also 88mm wider and 34mm thicker.
GO 3 is 380 g heavier than X5.
Depth (front-to-back): 72mm GO 3 · 38mm X5
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
GO 3
134 × 91 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X5
46 × 125 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
GO 3
134 × 72 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X5
46 × 38 mm
Sensor size, to scale
GO 3
17.3 × 13 mm · Micro Four Thirds
225 mm² area
Use-case scoring
Which one for what?
Algorithmic scores from verified specs · 10 = best in class
Why pick one over the other
Reasons to choose
GO 3
Subject recognition
Adds Human, Animal, Bird…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 134, 91, 72
Card types
Adds SD UHS-II
ISO max (native)
25,600 vs 6,400 — higher is better
AA filter
Only GO 3 supports it
Eye AF
Only GO 3 supports it
Animal / bird AF
Only GO 3 supports it
Pre-Capture / Pre-Release
Only GO 3 supports it
Reasons to choose
X5
Stabilization modes
Adds FlowState, Horizon Lock 360°, Active HDR…
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 124.5, 38.2
Card types
Adds microSD
Resolution
72 MP vs 12 MP — higher is better
Weight
200 g vs 580 g — lower is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓4K max frame rate — Both 60 fps
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
- ✓Bluetooth — Both support bluetooth
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
GO 3
Pros
- ✓35g magnetic thumb camera
- ✓Action Pod with 2.2-inch flip screen
- ✓170 min runtime with Action Pod
- ✓FlowState + Horizon Lock
- ✓IPX8 waterproof (camera body)
Cons
- –Max 2.7K30 (no 4K vs GO 3S)
- –Built-in storage only (32/64/128GB)
- –Tiny sensor limits low light
- –Superseded by GO 3S / GO Ultra
X5
Pros
- ✓Dual 1/1.28-inch sensors (2× larger than X4)
- ✓8K 30fps 360° and 5.7K 60fps
- ✓4K 60fps single-lens action mode
- ✓15m waterproof without case
- ✓72MP 360° photos
Cons
- –Premium price vs X4
- –8K workflow is storage-heavy
- –Fixed lenses (not user-swappable in field)
- –Editing 360° footage takes time
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the GO 3 and X5 at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 GO 3
Insta360 X5
Affiliate disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, Cameraegg earns from qualifying purchases. Cameraegg may also earn commission from B&H links, at no extra cost to you.
Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for wildlife, GO 3 or X5?
GO 3 scores 8.0/10 versus 1.5/10 for X5 — Bird AF subject recognition.
What's the resolution difference between the GO 3 and X5?
GO 3 is 12 MP and X5 is 72 MP, so the X5 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
Do the GO 3 and X5 have in-body image stabilization?
GO 3 has 6-stop in-body image stabilization, while X5 uses FlowState 6-axis (electronic).
What's the weight difference between the GO 3 and X5?
GO 3 weighs 580 g and X5 weighs 200 g, so the X5 is 380 g lighter.
Do the GO 3 and X5 record 4K video?
GO 3: 4K up to 60p. X5: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the GO 3 and X5 weather sealed?
GO 3: Yes. X5: Yes.
How much does each cost?
GO 3 launched at $399 and X5 at $550. The GO 3 is $151 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GO 3 vs X5 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 press materials.