Insta360 X4 Air vs X5: Comparison
Hey there! Today I'm diving into two compelling cameras from Insta360's latest lineup: the brand-new X4 Air and the flagship X5. Both cameras deliver impressive 8K 360° capture and share many of the same groundbreaking features, but they're built for distinctly different types of creators.
I've been shooting extensively with the X5 over the past six months across everything from mountain trails to urban night scenes, so when the X4 Air landed on my doorstep just days ago, I knew exactly where to push it and what to watch for. In this detailed comparison, I'll show you which camera deserves a spot in your gear bag based on your priorities and budget. Let's see how these 360° shooters measure up!
Insta360 X4 Air vs X5: Quick Overview
Here's what you need to know upfront: The Insta360 X4 Air and Insta360 X5 both feature 8K 360° recording at 30fps, replaceable lenses, built-in wind guards, and waterproof construction to 15 meters. The X5 emphasizes professional-grade imaging with larger 1/1.28-inch sensors, Triple AI Chip processing, dedicated PureVideo low-light mode, and extended 185-minute battery life. The X4 Air prioritizes portability with its ultralight 165-gram body, 1/1.8-inch sensors with AdaptiveTone processing, and a wallet-friendly price point that undercuts the flagship by $150.
For most everyday creators, I recommend the Insta360 X4 Air. Its remarkable portability, excellent 8K quality in good lighting, and significantly lower price make it the smart choice for travel vlogging, family adventures, and casual content creation. However, choose the Insta360 X5 if you regularly shoot in challenging low-light conditions, need the absolute best image quality for professional work, or require the extended battery life for all-day filming sessions.
Table of Contents:
- Insta360 X4 Air vs X5: Full Comparison
- Insta360 X5 vs X4 Air: Design
- Insta360 X4 Air or X5: Owner Reviews
- Insta360 X4 Air and X5 Alternatives
Insta360 X4 Air vs X5: Full Comparison
| Specification | Insta360 X4 Air | Insta360 X5 |
| Image | ||
| 360° Video Resolution | 8K/30fps, 6K/50fps, 4K/60fps | 8K/30fps, 5.7K/60fps, 4K/120fps |
| Single-Lens Video | 4K/60fps, 2.7K/120fps | 4K/120fps, 2.7K/240fps |
| Photo Resolution | 29MP (360°), 18MP (single) | 72MP (360°), 29MP (single) |
| Sensor Size | Dual 1/1.8" CMOS | Dual 1/1.28" CMOS (144% larger) |
| Processing | 5nm AI Chip + AdaptiveTone | Triple AI Chip (5nm + 2 Imaging) |
| Low-Light Mode | Enhanced night algorithms | PureVideo Mode with AI |
| Active HDR | 8K/30fps | 5.7K/60fps |
| Stabilization | FlowState + 360° Horizon Lock | FlowState + 360° Horizon Lock |
| Waterproof Rating | IPX8 to 15m (49ft) | IP68 to 15m (49ft) |
| Battery Capacity | 2,010mAh (88 min @ 8K) | 2,400mAh (185 min @ 5.7K eco) |
| Display | 2.0" touchscreen | 2.5" touchscreen |
| Wind Guard | Built-in multi-layer | Built-in steel mesh |
| Lens Protection | Replaceable (2x drop resistant) | Replaceable (ultra-hard coating) |
| InstaFrame Mode | Yes (flat + 360°) | Yes (flat + 360°) |
| Weight | 165g (5.8oz) | 200g (7.0oz) |
| Dimensions | 46×113.8×37mm | 46.2×123.6×38.4mm |
| Price (Standard Bundle) | $399 | $549 |
Sensor technology reveals the core performance difference between these cameras. The X5's dual 1/1.28-inch sensors are 144% larger than the X4 Air's 1/1.8-inch chips, translating directly into light-gathering capability. During my evening shoots through city streets, this advantage became immediately obvious. The X5's footage retained clean detail and natural colors well into twilight, while the X4 Air started showing noise artifacts as the sun dipped below the horizon. For daytime shooting, however, the gap narrows considerably - both cameras delivered crisp 8K footage with excellent color reproduction during my afternoon hikes.
Processing power separates good from exceptional low-light performance. The X5's Triple AI Chip system combines a 5nm AI processor with two dedicated imaging chips, delivering 140% more computing power than previous models. This translates into the X5's standout feature: PureVideo mode. When I switched to PureVideo during a late-night motorcycle ride, the difference was dramatic - footage that would've been unusable murk on the X4 Air came out surprisingly clean with maintained color and detail. The X4 Air's enhanced night algorithms and AdaptiveTone processing handle moderate low-light situations admirably, but they can't match the X5's dedicated AI noise reduction when darkness really falls.
Battery life fundamentally changes how you approach filming. The X5's 2,400mAh battery lasted an incredible 185 minutes in eco mode during my full-day ski trip, eliminating the constant battery anxiety that plagues action camera users. When shooting 8K, it still delivered a solid 88 minutes - matching the X4 Air's entire 8K runtime. The X4 Air's smaller 2,010mAh battery reflects its compact design philosophy, providing 88 minutes at 8K or 100 minutes at 6K. For quick sessions and casual shooting, this proves adequate. For professional shoots or all-day adventures, the X5's extended endurance becomes essential.
Photo capabilities showcase another clear advantage for the X5 with its massive 72MP 360° images compared to the X4 Air's 29MP. The difference becomes apparent when viewing on large displays or creating high-resolution prints. During my landscape photography session in the mountains, the X5 captured intricate texture details in distant rock formations that the X4 Air simply couldn't resolve. For social media sharing and standard viewing, the X4 Air's 29MP proves perfectly sufficient. For professional applications requiring maximum detail, the X5's higher resolution provides critical headroom.
Video frame rate options reveal the X5's professional orientation. While both cameras shoot 8K at 30fps, the X5 extends to 5.7K at 60fps and 4K at an impressive 120fps for smooth slow-motion. The X4 Air tops out at 6K/50fps and 4K/60fps - excellent for most creative needs but lacking the high frame rate flexibility professionals demand. When I filmed mountain biking action, the X5's 4K/120fps option produced buttery smooth slow-motion that elevated the final edit significantly beyond what the X4 Air's standard frame rates could deliver.
Active HDR implementation differs strategically between models. The X4 Air achieves 8K resolution at 30fps with Active HDR, maintaining maximum detail while expanding dynamic range. The X5 limits Active HDR to 5.7K but pushes to 60fps, prioritizing smooth motion over absolute resolution. During my high-contrast coastal shooting, both approaches proved effective - the X4 Air preserved more fine detail in bright and shadow areas, while the X5's 60fps HDR footage felt more fluid and cinematic. Your preference depends on whether you value resolution or motion smoothness in challenging lighting.
Weight difference impacts real-world usability more than the 35-gram gap suggests. At 165 grams, the X4 Air virtually disappears when helmet-mounted or attached to a selfie stick during extended use. After four hours of mountain hiking with the X4 Air on my backpack strap, I barely noticed it. The X5 at 200 grams remains impressively light but becomes more noticeable during marathon shooting sessions. For activities where every gram matters - like long-distance cycling or extended travel - the X4 Air's ultralight design provides tangible comfort advantages.
Insta360 X5 vs X4 Air: Design & Build
Both cameras embrace Insta360's signature bar-shaped form factor while implementing distinct design philosophies for their target audiences.
Insta360 X4 Air Design:
Insta360 X5 Design:
The X4 Air presents a sleeker, more compact profile at 46×113.8×37mm, measuring about 10mm shorter than the X5. The smooth matte finish feels secure in hand, though the smaller 2.0-inch touchscreen requires precise finger navigation - something I noticed particularly when wearing gloves during cold-weather shooting. The reduced display size keeps the overall dimensions minimal but demands more careful menu interaction. The lighter body makes mounting on narrow handlebars or tight helmet positions easier, and I found it less intrusive during active sports where camera awareness matters.
The X5 embraces a slightly larger footprint at 46.2×123.6×38.4mm with a distinctive geometric pattern on the rear panel. The 2.5-inch touchscreen provides noticeably easier menu navigation and better preview visibility - crucial during quick setup adjustments. Build quality feels marginally more robust with subtle reinforcements around stress points. The extra 35 grams translates into a more substantial feel that inspires confidence during aggressive mounting scenarios. When attached to my motorcycle helmet at highway speeds, the X5's slightly heavier construction felt more planted and secure.
Both cameras now feature replaceable lenses - a game-changing improvement inherited from the X5's original design. The X4 Air's lenses use ultra-hard optical coating that doubles drop resistance compared to older models, while the X5's coating provides even greater scratch resistance. During my testing, I deliberately subjected both cameras to rough handling - the X4 Air survived multiple drops onto gravel without lens damage, while the X5 showed even more resilience. Both replacement processes take literally seconds with no tools required, transforming what used to be camera-ending incidents into minor inconveniences.
Waterproofing reaches 15 meters on both models without additional housing, though the X5's IP68 rating adds dust protection over the X4 Air's IPX8 designation. I've dunked both cameras repeatedly during beach sessions and rainy trail rides with zero concerns. The X5's dust sealing proved valuable during a particularly sandy desert shoot where fine particles invaded every piece of gear - the X5 emerged unscathed while my other electronics required thorough cleaning. For most water activities, both ratings provide identical practical protection.
Wind guard implementation differs in refinement. The X4 Air features a built-in multi-layer design that effectively suppresses wind noise during moderate speeds. The X5 employs a more sophisticated steel mesh system combined with enhanced audio algorithms that dramatically reduce wind roar even at highway speeds. When I filmed motorcycle footage at 70 mph, the X5's audio remained remarkably clear while the X4 Air's soundtrack included noticeable wind interference. For activities below 40 mph or in protected environments, the X4 Air's wind guard performs admirably.
Both cameras integrate seamlessly with Insta360's extensive accessory ecosystem, sharing compatibility with invisible selfie sticks, quick-release mounts, and the excellent Mic Air wireless microphone. Batteries aren't interchangeable between models, so existing X5 users adding an X4 Air will need to manage separate battery stocks. The shared mounting system means my collection of X5 accessories transferred directly to the X4 Air, making it easy to add the lighter camera as a backup or secondary angle.
Insta360 X4 Air or X5: Owner Reviews
Real-world feedback from actual users provides valuable perspective on how these 360° cameras perform across diverse shooting scenarios:
Insta360 X4 Air Owner Reviews:
Praises: "The price-to-performance ratio is outstanding. I'm getting 8K 360° video for $400, which seemed impossible just a year ago. Perfect for learning 360° filming without breaking the bank."
"So incredibly light that I forget it's mounted on my helmet during long rides. The reduced weight makes it comfortable for all-day shooting where my old X4 would cause neck fatigue."
"AdaptiveTone processing delivers surprisingly balanced footage right out of the camera. I spend far less time color grading compared to my previous 360° camera, especially in mixed lighting conditions."
***
Drawbacks: "Low-light performance falls off noticeably after sunset. Footage from evening city walks shows more noise than I'd like, requiring significant post-processing to clean up."
"The smaller touchscreen can be frustrating when trying to navigate menus quickly, especially with cold fingers or gloves. Wish they'd kept the larger display from the X5."
"Battery life is adequate but not generous. I find myself carrying three batteries for full-day shoots, which somewhat negates the weight savings of the smaller body."
Insta360 X5 Owner Reviews:
Praises: "PureVideo mode is absolutely game-changing for night shooting. I'm capturing usable footage in lighting conditions where every other 360° camera I've tried produces unusable noise."
"The battery life is phenomenal - I filmed an entire day of skiing without a battery change. Finally, a 360° camera that matches the runtime of traditional action cameras."
"Image quality in 72MP photo mode is stunning. The detail captured in landscapes and group shots rivals what I get from dedicated cameras, perfect for creating high-resolution prints."
***
Drawbacks: "The $549 price point is steep compared to competitors. While the image quality justifies it, the cost creates a significant barrier for casual users wanting to experiment with 360° content."
"Slightly heavier than the X4 Air, which becomes noticeable during marathon shooting sessions. The extra 35 grams adds up when the camera is helmet-mounted for hours."
"The learning curve for maximizing PureVideo and all the advanced features takes time. Beginners might feel overwhelmed by the professional-level options and settings."
Insta360 X4 Air and X5 Alternatives
If neither camera perfectly matches your requirements, these compelling alternatives deserve consideration:
- DJI Osmo 360: Competitive newcomer offering 8K/30fps recording, 10-meter waterproofing, 180-minute battery life, and aggressive pricing. Features a unique square form factor and intuitive DJI interface for users already in their ecosystem.
- Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition: Modular design with swappable 4K action lens and 360° lens, allowing one camera body to serve dual purposes. Offers flexibility for creators who want both shooting styles without carrying multiple cameras.
The DJI Osmo 360 targets users wanting strong performance at an aggressive price point. DJI's first 360° camera brings their proven stabilization technology and user-friendly interface to the immersive video space. The 180-minute battery life matches the X5's endurance while undercutting both Insta360 models on price. However, it lacks the mature app ecosystem and advanced editing features that make Insta360 cameras so compelling. The square design won't appeal to everyone, but it offers excellent stability when mounted. Best for DJI users wanting to add 360° capability to their existing workflow.
The Insta360 ONE RS Twin Edition appeals to creators wanting maximum versatility from a single investment. The modular design lets you swap between traditional 4K action shooting and 360° capture depending on your activity - perfect for users who want both capabilities without managing separate cameras. The interchangeable lens system provides future-proofing as Insta360 releases new modules. The trade-off is added complexity from managing multiple components and slightly less refined performance than dedicated models like the X5. Ideal for creators who regularly switch between traditional action footage and 360° content.
Should You Buy the Insta360 X4 Air or X5?
After extensive side-by-side testing across diverse shooting scenarios, both the Insta360 X4 Air and Insta360 X5 deliver exceptional 360° capture with distinct advantages for different creator profiles.
Choose the Insta360 X4 Air if budget and portability drive your priorities. At $399, it delivers remarkable value with legitimate 8K 360° recording, replaceable lenses, and excellent daytime image quality. The ultralight 165-gram body makes it perfect for extended shooting sessions where weight matters - long hikes, all-day travel, or helmet mounting during active sports. The AdaptiveTone processing produces well-balanced footage in good lighting without extensive color grading. For casual creators, travel vloggers, and anyone entering the 360° world, it provides professional capabilities at an accessible price point.
Choose the Insta360 X5 if image quality and low-light performance justify the premium. The larger sensors and Triple AI Chip processing deliver noticeably cleaner footage in challenging lighting, while PureVideo mode enables night shooting that's simply impossible on other 360° cameras. The 72MP photo resolution and extended 185-minute battery life make it genuinely professional-grade for commercial work and serious content creation. The 4K/120fps slow-motion capability adds creative flexibility that elevates production value. For professional creators, regular low-light shooters, and users demanding absolute best-in-class performance, the $549 investment delivers capabilities that justify the premium.
The Insta360 X4 Air represents the smart choice for most everyday creators. While the X5 offers superior specifications across the board, the X4 Air delivers 85% of the performance at 73% of the price in a notably lighter package. Unless you specifically need the X5's low-light prowess or extended battery life, the X4 Air provides exceptional value. The $150 savings could fund a complete accessory kit including extra batteries, the invisible selfie stick, and lens guards. Your decision ultimately hinges on whether you value maximum capability or optimal value in your 360° content creation journey.