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
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 10 months newer.
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Wins
GO 3S
Wins
X5
3 categories tied
Which would you choose?
TL;DR — Key differences
- BX5 has higher Battery capacity (2400 mAh vs 310 mAh)
- BX5 has higher Resolution (72 MP vs 12 MP)
- BX5 has higher Battery runtime (135 min vs 38 min)
- BX5 has higher 1080p max frame rate (120 fps vs 50 fps)
- BX5 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
X5
46 × 125 × 38 mm
200 g (0.44 lb / 7.05 oz)
GO 3S is 100mm shorter and 13mm thinner than X5 but it is also 8mm wider.
GO 3S is 65 g lighter than X5.
Depth (front-to-back): 26mm GO 3S · 38mm X5
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
X5
46 × 125 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
X5
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 200 g — lower is better
Reasons to choose
X5
Codecs
Adds H.264, H.265
Dimensions (W×H×D mm)
Adds 46, 124.5, 38.2
Battery capacity
2400 mAh vs 310 mAh — higher is better
Resolution
72 MP vs 12 MP — higher is better
Stabilization modes
Adds Horizon Lock 360°, Active HDR, PureVideo
Battery runtime
135 min vs 38 min — higher is better
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
- ✓Card slots — Both 1
- ✓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 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)
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 3S and X5 at major authorized retailers.
Insta360 GO 3S
Insta360 X5
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Full specifications
✓ = category winner
Frequently asked
Quick answers generated from verified specs.
Which is better for sports, GO 3S or X5?
X5 scores 8.5/10 versus 4.0/10 for GO 3S — Weather sealed for outdoor sports.
What's the resolution difference between the GO 3S and X5?
GO 3S is 12 MP and X5 is 72 MP, so the X5 captures more detail for cropping and large prints.
How does stabilization compare between the GO 3S and X5?
GO 3S does not have IBIS, while X5 uses FlowState 6-axis (electronic).
What's the weight difference between the GO 3S and X5?
GO 3S weighs 135.4 g and X5 weighs 200 g, so the GO 3S is 65 g lighter.
Do the GO 3S and X5 record 4K video?
GO 3S: 4K up to 30p. X5: 8K (max), 4K up to 60p.
Are the GO 3S and X5 weather sealed?
GO 3S: Yes. X5: Yes.
Which has better battery runtime?
GO 3S is rated for about 38 minutes of continuous recording and X5 for about 135 minutes, giving the X5 the edge.
How much does each cost?
GO 3S launched at $400 and X5 at $550. The GO 3S is $150 less.
Can't decide between two? Compare a third camera.
Add any camera to get a three-way GO 3S 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.