Insta360 X5 vs X4: what’s the difference?

Insta360 continues to refine its formula with the release of the Insta360 X5, launched in April 2025, one year after an already highly accomplished X4. While the two cameras share a common base – vertical design, dual 360° sensor, touch screen and creative modes – several important evolutions differentiate these two generations. Larger sensors, better low-light management, enhanced autonomy, new capture modes… Is the X5 really worth the detour? And if you own the X4, should you switch? Insta360 X5 vs X4: we compare the two models point by point.

Insta360 X5 vs X4: What you need to know

No time to read it all? Here are the main differences between theInsta360 X5 and the X4:

• 📸 Larger sensors on the X5: two 1/1.28-inch sensors (compared to 1/2-inch on the X4), for better light management and cleaner rendering, especially at night.
• 🌙 Low-light image quality: the X5 outperforms the X4 thanks to the new PureVideo mode, which effectively reduces noise and improves exposure.
• 🎥 Improved resolutions: 4K increases to 120 fps (up from 100), and HDR is available up to 5.7K at 60 fps (up from 30 on the X4).
• 🆕 New modes: InstaFrame to capture two videos simultaneously (360° + classic ready to share) and PureVideo for dark scenes.
• 🔊 Better-controlled audio: redesigned microphones with integrated windscreens, less saturated and clearer sound.
• 🔋 Increased autonomy: up to 67 minutes of 8K recording, 36% more than the X4.
• 🔁 No battery backwards compatibility: the X5 uses a new battery that is incompatible with the X4.

📌 To remember: the X5 retains the strengths of the X4, but improves on the essentials for the most demanding creators, especially those who often shoot in low light.

Insta360 X5 vs X4: Design and robustness

	Insta360 X5	Insta360 X4
Dimensions (W x H x D)	46 × 124.5 × 38.2 mm	46 x 123.6 x 37.6 mm
Weight	200 g	203 g
Touch screen	2.5 inch	2.5 inch
Storage	MicroSD card	MicroSD card
Operating temperature	-20 ℃ à 40 ℃	-20 ℃ à 40 ℃
Waterproofing	15 meters	10 meters

Visually, the two cameras are very similar. Same compact format, same 2.5″ touch screen, well-placed buttons, compatibility with the invisible selfie pole… At first glance, nothing is obvious. And yet, there are a few details that deserve attention.

The X5 adopts a new geometric pattern at the rear, and above all a new quick-fit system at the base, compatible with the brand’s magnetic brackets. A real time-saver in everyday use. Another important new feature: the lenses are now replaceable, thanks to a simple screw system that’s handy in the event of scratches or a fall.

In terms of robustness, the X5 has the edge. It is IP68-certified, allowing it to be submerged up to 15 meters without housing, compared with 10 meters for the X4. The lenses are also more shock-resistant, thanks to a reinforced treatment. And all this without adding to the overall weight: 200 g for the X5, compared with 203 g for the X4.

📌 To remember: the X5 retains the practical format of the X4, but gains in sturdiness and practicality, with its replaceable lenses and magnetic mounting system.

Insta360 X5 vs X4: Battery and autonomy

	Insta360 X5	Insta360 X4
Battery	2400 mAh	2290 mAh
Autonomy	8K at 30 fps: 88 min 5.7K at 30 fps: 135 min 5.7K at 24 fps in endurance mode: 185 min	8K at 30 fps: 75 min 5.7K at 30 fps: 135 min
Charging time	80% in 20 minutes 100% in 35 minutes	80% in 38 minutes 100% in 55 minutes

Another notable improvement is autonomy. The X5’s battery is now 2400 mAh, compared with 2290 mAh for the X4. This enables up to 185 minutes of recording (at 5.7K 24 fps), compared with 135 minutes for the X4.

In addition to this increase in endurance, the X5 supports more efficient rapid charging: 80% battery charge in 20 minutes, provided a compatible charger (9V/3A) is used. The X4, on the other hand, takes around 38 minutes to reach the same threshold.

⚠️ Please note, however, that the batteries of the two models are not compatible with each other, despite their similar visual format.

📌 Remember: the X5 lasts longer and recharges faster – a real advantage when traveling or on long sessions.

Insta360 X5 vs X4: Features and interface

	Insta360 X5	Insta360 X4
Photo modes	Photo (optional HDR), Interval, Starlapse, Burst	Standard, HDR Photo, Interval, Starlapse, Burst
Video modes	360°: Video (Active HDR integrated), PureVideo, InstaFrame, Timelapse, TimeShift, Bullet Time, Loop recording, Road mode Single-lens: Video, FreeFrame video, Me mode, Loop recording	Standard, Active HDR, Timelapse, TimeShift, Bullet Time, Loop recording, Pre-recording

The X5 retains most of the features of the X4: Me mode, Bullet Time, TimeShift, loop recording and more. But it also introduces some striking new features.

PureVideo mode, specifically designed for low-light scenes, makes full use of the X5’s new sensors to capture crisp, clean images after sunset.

Another practical new feature is the Twist function, which lets you trigger a shot with a simple forward/backward movement of the selfie pole. Both cameras also feature gesture and voice control.

The X5 also introduces InstaFrame mode, which lets you simultaneously record a flat video (1080p)for direct use and a 360° video for further processing. This mode offers a choice of two angles: a selfie view or a still view. An excellent option for those who want to publish quickly, while retaining material for more elaborate editing.

Finally, the Insta360mobile application has improved on the editing side on the X5, with faster, more efficient AI to automatically generate ready-to-share videos.

📌 To remember: PureVideo and InstaFrame make the X5 even more versatile, with an even more user-friendly interface.

Insta360 X5 vs X4 : Audio and sound recording

	Insta360 X5	Insta360 X4
Audio modes	Automatic wind noise reduction (two levels), Voice enhancement, Stereo, 360° audio	Automatic wind reduction, Active wind reduction, Stereo, Directional focus

As for sound, both cameras feature 4 microphones and several audio recording modes (stereo, spatial, wind reduction, etc.). But here again, the X5 stands out for its welcome adjustments.

It incorporates a physical windscreen directly into the chassis, so there’s no need to add foam or an external accessory. The result is cleaner sound, especially outdoors, and less frequent saturation. Audio processing has also been revised to better isolate the voice from ambient noise.

📌 To remember: sound is better on the X5 in all conditions, even if the difference isn’t as obvious as in video.

Insta360 X5 vs X4: Cameras and image quality

	Insta360 X5	Insta360 X4
Sensors	1/1.28 inch	1/2 inch
Objective	Aperture F2.0 6 mm equivalent	F1.9 aperture 6.7 mm equivalent
Photo resolution	72 MP (360°) 18 MP (single-lens)	72 MP (360°) 18 MP (single-lens)
Photo resolution (360°)	Normal video: 8K up to 30 fps / 5.7K+ up to 30 fps / 5.7K up to 60 fps / 4K up to 120 fps InstaFrame mode: 5.7K+ up to 30 fps / 5.7K up to 30 fps / 1080p up to 30 fps PureVideo mode: 8K up to 30 fps / 5.7K up to 30 fps / 4K up to 30 fps	8K up to 30 fps / 5.7K up to 60 fps / 4K up to 100 fps
Photo resolution (single-lens)	Normal video: 4K up to 60 fps / 2.7K up to 60 fps / 1080p up to 120 fps InstaFrame mode: 4K up to 30 fps / 2.7K up to 60 fps / 1080p up to 60 fps PureVideo mode: 4K up to 30 fps / 2.7K up to 120 fps / 1080p up to 120 fps	4K up to 60 fps / 2.7K up to 60 fps / 1080p up to 60 fps
Photo format	INSP DNG	INSP DNG
Video format	INSV (360°) MP4 (single-lens)	INSV (360°) MP4 (single-lens)
Color profiles	Bright Standard Flat	Bright Standard Flat
Maximum video bit rate	180 Mbps	200 Mbps
ISO range	100 à 6400	100 à 6400

Sensors and resolutions

This is undoubtedly the most important point of this new generation: the X5 incorporates two 1/1.28-inch sensors, 144% larger than those of the X4 (1/2 inch). This difference translates into better light management, more detail, less noise, and a dynamic range extended to 13.5 stops.

In terms of definition, both cameras offer shooting in 8K at 30 frames per second, with the same options in 5.7K or single-lens up to 4K. However, a few adjustments have been made to enhance the X5 experience. 4K resolution increases from 100 to 120 fps, ideal for even smoother slow-motion shots. Another welcome innovation: HDR mode is now available up to 5.7K at 60 fps on the X5, compared with 30 fps on the X4.

Image quality

In conventional lighting conditions, both cameras deliver a very satisfactory image. The X4 already produces well-defined, color-balanced 8K images. But it’s in low light that the X5 makes all the difference. Thanks to its PureVideo mode, it exploits its new sensors and a triple image processing chip to deliver a much cleaner, better-exposed image, with greatly reduced noise.

📌 Remember: in daylight, the differences are minimal. But as soon as the light fades, the X5 simply outclasses the X4.

Insta360 X5 vs X4: Prices and available packages

	Insta360 X5	Insta360 X4
Standard package	589,99 € See on Amazon	559,99€ See on Amazon
Packs with accessories	From €628 to €769	From €597 to €739

The X5 is priced at €589.99 as a standard package, compared with €559.99 for the X4 when it was first launched. The price difference is therefore contained, especially in view of the improvements.

As always, several packs with accessories are available, depending on your needs: diving, creation, endurance, etc. The X5’s most expensive pack reaches €769 (invisible diving), compared with €739 for the X4’s creator pack.

📌 Remember: for €30 more, the X5 offers concrete improvements, without breaking the bank.

Insta360 X5 vs X4 conclusion: should you upgrade to the X5?

The X4 remains an excellent 360 camera, still more than sufficient for classic use in good light. But the X5 takes a real step forward on several points: image quality in low light, autonomy, robustness and ergonomics.

💡 Choose the X5 if…

• You often shoot in low light
• You need more autonomy
• Save time with InstaFrame
• If you’re often outdoors and appreciate ruggedness

👌 Keep your X4 if…

• You mainly shoot in daylight
• You’re already satisfied with its performance
• You don’t need the new modes

📌 Read also: our full tests of the two cameras in this Insta360 X5 vs X4 comparison:
🔗 Insta360 X5, full test: the 360° that sees at night!
🔗 Insta360 X4, complete test: 360° with 8K power