Insta360 X5 vs X4: Is the Upgrade Worth It for Creators in 2025?
- gear4greatness
- Jul 17, 2025
- 4 min read
Updated: Nov 6, 2025
Insta360 X5 vs X4: Is the Upgrade Worth It for Creators in 2025?
Every few years, there’s a moment in the creator world where an upgrade doesn’t just feel new — it feels personal. The Insta360 X4 had that effect when it dropped in 2024. Suddenly, 8K 360° video wasn’t just a talking point; it was a creative revolution.
Fast forward to mid-2025, and here we are again — the Insta360 X5 has arrived, smarter, sharper, and built to keep up with creators who never stop moving. I’ve shot with both, edited with both, and lived through the difference.
So here’s the real question: should you stick with your trusty X4, or is it finally time to move up? Let’s break it down — creator to creator. 🎬
🎥 Experience & Emotion — When You Feel the Difference
The first time I filmed with the Insta360 X4, I remember thinking, “This is the future.” That invisible selfie stick, that seamless 360° control, that feeling of being able to relive a moment from every angle. It was more than footage — it was presence.
Then came the X5, and everything suddenly felt faster, smoother, more intuitive. The first clip I shot in 8K60 looked so fluid it almost didn’t seem real. The motion felt cinematic — wind-blown bike rides, shifting light, flowing traffic — every element played like a film scene instead of raw capture.
What I noticed most wasn’t just resolution — it was rhythm. The X5’s new processor reads movement differently. Instead of fighting with exposure or sharpening in post, I could finally focus on storytelling again.
It’s subtle until it’s not — and then you can’t unsee it. 🌄
⚙️ Insight & Usability — X5 vs X4 in the Field
Let’s get into the real-world breakdown — not marketing fluff, just hands-on differences that actually change how you shoot.
🎬 Video Quality — Still 8K, But the X5 Breathes Better
X4: Delivers gorgeous 8K30 video that still holds up beautifully. For creators who film travel or lifestyle content, it’s more than enough.
X5: Keeps that same 8K sharpness but doubles the frame rate — 8K60fps — and that extra smoothness changes everything. Textures pop, transitions flow, and slow-motion reframes finally look natural.
📸 Verdict: If your content moves — cycling, hiking, hyperlapses — the X5’s smoother frame rate and refined processing are worth it.
🌙 Low-Light Performance — X5 Takes the Night
The X4 always handled daylight beautifully. But once the sun dipped, noise started creeping in. The X5, though — it’s a different story.
I took both cameras out on an evening shoot downtown. Streetlights reflected off the wet pavement, and the X5 held detail everywhere the X4 lost it. Shadows felt cinematic, not crushed. Color temperature stayed consistent.
📷 Verdict: For creators filming at night — think city rides, concerts, or neon scenes — the X5 wins hands down.
🎙️ Audio & Mic Integration — The Future Is Voice
X4: Solid built-in mics, plus support for the original Insta360 Mic.
X5: Better onboard pickup, richer tone, and full support for the new Mic Air — a wireless system designed for crisp sound and, soon, voice control integration.
🎤 Verdict: The X5’s ecosystem feels future-ready. Voice commands during shoots could become game-changing for solo creators.
🔋 Battery & Heat — More Efficiency, Less Stress
X4: Great battery life overall, but long 8K sessions meant watching for heat warnings.
X5: Refined thermal design and power management — it stays cooler, longer, even while shooting at 8K60.
🔥 Verdict: For long shoots, the X5’s stability and endurance are big wins.
⚙️ Editing Workflow & AI Tools — Faster Everything
This is where I noticed the biggest lifestyle change.
X4: Classic Insta360 Studio and mobile app workflow — effective, but manual reframing could take time.
X5: The new AI Smart Cut and HyperFrame 2.0 do the heavy lifting. The system identifies subjects, auto-punches keyframes, and adds cinematic reframes intelligently.
What used to take me 30 minutes of tweaking now takes 5. The reframing feels human, not mechanical. For creators editing daily, that’s time you can spend filming instead of fixing.
💡 (Internal G4G link: Read my Insta360 X5 Review – Next-Level 360° Video for Creators)
🎯 Verdict: The X5 is built for momentum. If your workflow is fast-paced, it’ll keep up.
🧩 Accessory Compatibility — The Catch
Here’s the one drawback.
The X5’s new form factor means not everything from the X4 fits — battery bases, ND filters, and some lens guards need replacements. It’s a small price to pay for the upgrade, but it’s worth noting if you’re heavily invested in X4 gear.
💡 Who Should Upgrade?
👉 Upgrade to the X5 if:
You shoot action, biking, or hyperlapse content regularly
You film often at night or in mixed lighting
You want smoother 8K60 footage and faster editing
You rely on audio or plan to use voice integration
👉 Stick with the X4 if:
You’re happy with 8K30 and primarily film in daylight
You already own a full X4 accessory setup
You’re focused on value and not chasing every upgrade cycle
Insta360 X5 vs X4: Is the Upgrade Worth It for Creators in 2025?
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🌄 Final Thoughts — Emotion, Insight, Reflection, Takeaway
Upgrading gear always tempts us — that pull between “what I have works” and “what’s next might unlock more.” 🎥
💡 What I’ve learned after months of using both is that the Insta360 X5 isn’t just an upgrade — it’s an evolution in feel. The footage is smoother, the editing faster, the process more intuitive. But most importantly, it brings confidence. When your camera keeps up with your vision, creation flows again.
💭 I still love my X4. It was the camera that made me fall in love with 360° storytelling. But the X5 feels like the one that understands how I shoot now — faster, freer, more fluid. It’s less about chasing specs and more about matching pace with your creativity.
🔥 So is it worth it? For creators who live in motion — absolutely. The X5 isn’t just sharper; it’s smarter. And that’s where the future of content is heading.
That’s Pete. That’s Gear4Greatness. 🎬🌄💭📸
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