Insta360
GO 3S
Thumb-sized 4K POV camera with magnetic mounting, Action Pod remote preview, FlowState stabilization, and 10m waterproof body.
$400
Launch priceReleased Jun 2024
Insta360
X4
8K 360 action camera with dual 1/2-inch sensors, 72MP photos, 4K60 single-lens mode, FlowState stabilization, and 10m waterproofing.
$499
Launch priceReleased Apr 2024
GO 3S is 2 months newer.
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Wins
GO 3S
Wins
X4
4 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BX4 has higher Battery capacity (2290 mAh vs 310 mAh)
- BX4 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 12 MP)
- BX4 has higher Battery runtime (135 min vs 38 min)
- BX4 has higher 1080p max frame rate (120 fps vs 50 fps)
- BX4 has higher ISO max (native) (6,400 vs 3,200)
Key specs at a glance
Size and weight, to scale
📸 Snap this size diff to share
GO 3S
54 × 25 × 26 mm
135.4 g (0.30 lb / 4.78 oz)
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
for scale
X4
46 × 124 × 38 mm
203 g (0.45 lb / 7.16 oz)
GO 3S is 99mm shorter and 12mm thinner than X4 but it is also 8mm wider.
GO 3S is 68 g lighter than X4.
Depth (front-to-back): 26mm GO 3S · 38mm X4
Back view, to scale
Width × Height — same proportions as the front of the body.
GO 3S
54 × 25 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X4
46 × 124 mm
Top view, to scale
Width × Depth (front-to-back) — see which body is chunkier on the table.
GO 3S
54 × 26 mm
Credit card
85.6 × 54 mm
X4
46 × 38 mm
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 3S
Codecs
Adds H.264/AVC
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 54.4, 24.8, 25.6
Stabilization modes
Adds Horizon Lock
Weight
135.4 g vs 203 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
X4
Codecs
Adds H.264, H.265
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 123.6, 37.6
Battery capacity
2290 mAh vs 310 mAh — higher is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 12 MP — higher is better
Battery runtime
135 min vs 38 min — higher is better
Stabilization modes
Adds 360° Horizon Lock, Active HDR
1080p max frame rate
120 fps vs 50 fps — higher is better
ISO max (native)
6,400 vs 3,200 — higher is better
Both cameras share
- ✓ISO min (native) — Both 100
- ✓Weather sealing — Both support weather sealing
- ✓Waterproof depth — Both 10 m
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓Touchscreen — Both support touchscreen
- ✓Wi-Fi — Both support wi-fi
Pros & cons at a glance
Editorially curated highlights and trade-offs.
GO 3S
Pros
- ✓4K30 in a 39g body
- ✓Action Pod with 2.2-inch flip screen
- ✓FlowState + Horizon Lock
- ✓10m waterproof (camera only)
- ✓140 min runtime with Action Pod
Cons
- –Tiny 1/2.3-inch sensor
- –Fixed 16mm lens
- –Action Pod not waterproof
- –Built-in storage only (64/128GB)
X4
Pros
- ✓8K 360 video
- ✓72MP 360 photos
- ✓4K60 single-lens mode
- ✓10m waterproof
Cons
- –360 workflow needs reframing
- –8K runtime ~75 min
- –Larger than Ace Pro
Decided which one is right for you?
Compare live prices for the GO 3S and X4 at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 GO 3S
Insta360 X4
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for video, GO 3S or X4?
X4 scores 6.5/10 versus 1.5/10 for GO 3S — 8K recording for future-proof footage.
What's the resolution difference between the GO 3S and X4?
GO 3S is 12 MP and X4 is 72 MP, so the X4 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the GO 3S and X4?
GO 3S does not have IBIS, while X4 uses FlowState + 360° Horizon Lock (electronic).
What's the weight difference between the GO 3S and X4?
GO 3S weighs 135.4 g and X4 weighs 203 g, so the GO 3S is 68 g lighter.
Do the GO 3S and X4 record 4K video?
GO 3S: 4K up to 30p. X4: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the GO 3S and X4 weather sealed?
GO 3S: Yes. X4: Yes.
Which has better battery runtime?
GO 3S is rated for about 38 minutes of continuous recording and X4 for about 135 minutes, giving the X4 the edge.
How much does each cost?
GO 3S launched at $400 and X4 at $499. The GO 3S is $99 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GO 3S vs X4 vs X comparison.
Specs sourced from manufacturer data. Use-case scores algorithmically derived. Last reviewed June 2026.
Product images courtesy of Insta360 press materials.