Insta360 X2 vs X4: Worth Upgrading?
By Naila Syifa
Updated May 2024
Insta360 X4 was released in April 2024, joining the company's lineup of 360-degree action cameras. If you already own an Insta360 ONE X2, you may be wondering if it's worth upgrading to the newer model.
Is the 2020-released Insta360 ONE X2 model still competitive, or does the X4 offer significant improvements worth shelling out for? Let's zoom in on the key differences between the X2 and X4.
Key Takeaways
Insta360 X4 boasts a large 2.5" screen compared to X2's very small 1" screen. Insta360 X4 comes with an improved lens guard design, which is easier to install compared to X2's sticky lens guard. Video quality is also upgraded to 8K for 360 videos, 4K to single-lens videos, and with a larger 1/2" sensor for better low-light performance. X4's battery life is also 70% longer than the X2's. X4 also adds new features like gesture control and Auto Dash.
Insta360 ONE X2
2020 Model
✓ 1” Touchscreen
✓ 5.7K/30 fps 360 Footage
✓ 1440/50 fps Single-lens Footage
✓ 80 min Runtime
Insta360 X4
2024 Model
✓ 2.5” Touchscreen
✓ 8K/30 fps 360 Footage
✓ 4K/60 fps Single-lens Footage
✓ 135 min Runtime
#1 Price
Insta360 X4
Insta360 X4 is currently priced at US$499.99. It is not a really big price hike from its predecessor the X2 model, which retails for US$429.99 when it was first released in 2020.
However, the Insta360 ONE X2 is now available at a discounted price as low as US$299.99. If you're a new buyer, the X2 offers a more budget-friendly option that allows you to save $200 compared to the X4.
#2 Design, Display, & Durability
Insta360 ONE X2
In this aspect, the main advantage you get with the Insta360 X4 is a large, 2.5" touchscreen display made of scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass for added durability.
The 1" touchscreen of the Insta360 ONE X2 is unfortunately too small. It is difficult to preview your shots or change settings on the tiny display. So, an upgrade to the X4's larger screen is a significant improvement worth investing.
However, with a bigger lens comes heavier weight and larger dimensions. While the X2 weighs 149 g, the X4 weighs 203 g, making it slightly heavier to carry around. You also need to consider the fact that you may as well carry a selfie stick or tripod while filming, which can add to the overall weight. So, if you're looking for a more lightweight camera, the X2 may be a better choice.
Insta360 X4
Another thing to consider concerns durability, as you may want to use your 360 action camera in challenging outdoor conditions without worrying about potential damage. Though both models are tough, durable, and waterproof to 10m, the Insta360 X4 has an advantage with its Standard Lens Guard.
The Standard Lens Guard for the X4 is included in the package, and it has an improved design that makes removing and re-installing very easy with just a twist. This is because the lens of the X4 now features a quick-release mechanism for hassle-free lens guard application and removal.
Insta360 ONE X2, on the other hand, uses a Sticky Lens Guard. As the name suggests, it relies on adhesive to attach, making it more cumbersome to remove and re-apply Furthermore, the adhesive tends to wear off over time. Imagine you're out shooting in harsh outdoor environments and the lens guard suddenly falls off without you noticing, that's a recipe for disaster.
#3 Video & Photo Quality
Insta360 X4
Insta360 X4 also boasts significant upgrades in video and photo quality compared to the X2. The X4 now can capture 360 video at 8K, which is a substantial improvement over the X2's 5.7K resolution.
You may think that an ultra-high 8K resolution is unnecessary, as most devices today still can't display 8K content natively. However, take note that for 360 videos, the resolution is spread across the entire 360-degree field of view, resulting in a lower effective resolution when exported as a flat video or when zooming in on specific parts of the frame. Thus, the 8K resolution that the X4 delivers is a welcome upgrade for achieving sharper and more detailed footage.
If you still insist that an 8K resolution is overkill, you'll still be able to take advantage of the higher frame rates that the X4 offers. Insta360 X4 supports up to 60fps for 5.7K resolution, while the X2 only supports up to 30fps for 5.7K 360 videos. A higher frame rate means smoother and more fluid motion in your videos, perfect for capturing fast-paced action or creating slow-motion effects in post-production.
Insta360 X2 vs X4
Insta360 X4 also adds a significant upgrade to its single lens mode, allowing you to shoot flat videos in 4K/60 fps, while the X2 only supports a low maximum resolution of 1440p/50 fps in single lens mode. This makes the X4 more versatile, as it can also serve as a capable traditional action camera when you don't need 360-degree footage.
In addition, the Insta360 X4 features a larger 1/2" 48MP sensor, compared to the 1/2.3" 18.4MP sensor in the X2. A larger sensor performs better in low-light conditions, giving the X4 an edge in capturing clearer and less noisy images in dimly lit environments.
Photo resolution also sees a boost from 18MP in the X2 to 72MP in the X4. This means you can capture more detail and have more flexibility to crop and reframe your 360 photos without losing quality.
#4 Features
Insta360 Studio
Insta360 X4 retains most of the features that made the X2 great, such as AI-powered editing tools via the Insta360 App and Insta360 Studio, which allow you to easily reframe your 360 footage, add creative effects, and create compelling edits with just a few taps or clicks.
Both cameras feature FlowState Stabilization with 360° Horizon Lock, resulting in buttery-smooth, gimbal-like footage without the need for additional equipment. Both models also support the Invisible Selfie Stick accessory, allowing you to capture immersive third-person shots without the selfie stick appearing in the frame.
Both Insta360 X2 and X4 also have voice control for hands-free operation, but the X4 goes further by adding gesture control, allowing you to start/stop recording or take photos with simple hand gestures.
Insta360 X4
Another new feature that the X4 introduces is Auto Dash. This feature transforms the camera into a motorcycle's dashcam, automatically recording when you start your engine and stopping when you switch it off. This makes the X4 an attractive option for motorcyclists who want to capture their rides effortlessly.
It is unfortunate, however, that the X4 currently doesn't support webcam and live streaming features as the X2 does. If those two features are valuable to you, these can be drawbacks to consider before upgrading.
#5 Battery Life
Insta360 ONE X2
Insta360 X4 also introduces an upgrade to its battery capacity. The large 2290 mAh battery allows the X4 to last for up to 135 minutes at 5.7K/30 fps, which is almost 70% longer than the X2
Insta360 ONE X2, on the other hand, has a smaller 1630 mAh battery that can last for up to 80 minutes at 5.7K/30 fps.
The increased battery life is a game-changer for those who frequently find themselves on long shoots or outdoor adventures where charging opportunities may be limited. With the X4, you can capture more of your experiences without worrying about running out of power.
In addition, charging time gets faster with the X4, allowing you to reach 80% in just 38 minutes and a full 100% in 55 minutes. Insta360 ONE X2, on the other hand, takes a long 85 minutes to fully charge.
Insta360 ONE X2 vs Insta360 X4
Final Thoughts
Insta360 X4
The Insta360 X4 is a significant upgrade over its predecessor, the X2, offering improved video and photo quality, enhanced durability, a more powerful battery, and a range of new useful features. All of these improvements justify the higher cost, but the question of whether it's worth upgrading depends on your specific needs and budget.
If you're satisfied with the performance of your Insta360 ONE X2 and don't require the advanced features and improvements offered by the X4, then sticking with your current camera may be the most cost-effective option.
However, if you're looking for the best possible 360 video and photo quality, longer battery life, and the convenience of a larger touchscreen display and quick-release lens guard, then upgrading to the Insta360 X4 is definitely worth considering.
If you like to read more about Action Camera, check out our other relevant guides here:
Insta360 X3 vs X4
Insta360 X4 vs Ace Pro
Insta360 X4 vs ONE RS 1-inch 360 Edition
Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Hero 12
Insta360 X4 vs GoPro Max
Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Action 4
Insta360 X4 vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3
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