Insta360 X5 is Currently the Best Consumer 360 Flagship Camera

Insta360 X5 is finally here!

The Insta360 X5 has officially arrived in the Philippines! This flagship camera sets a new benchmark for 360-degree action cameras in 2025. Building on the legacy of its predecessors, the X5 is designed for creators, adventurers, and anyone who wants to capture immersive, all-angle content with ease.

With headline features like 8K 360° HDR video, a larger sensor, triple AI chip, user-replaceable lenses, and dramatically improved low-light performance, the X5 is not just an incremental upgrade—it’s a leap forward for the Insta360 ecosystem. In this article, we’ll dive deep into the X5’s specifications, how it stacks up against the X4, its relationship with the Insta360 Go 3, and my initial impressions as a longtime Insta360 user like the Insta360 X3 and the Insta360 Go 3!

Insta360 X5 Specifications

Here’s a comprehensive look at the key specifications of the Insta360 X5:

How is the Insta360 X5 Different from Its Predecessor?

The Insta360 X5 stands out from the X4 in several significant ways. First and foremost, the X5 introduces a larger 1/1.28″ sensor, which brings a noticeable improvement in image quality, especially in challenging lighting conditions. This is paired with a new triple AI chip, which is 140% more powerful than the X4’s single AI chip, enabling advanced features like PureVideo for low-light shooting and overall smoother performance.

Another game-changer is the user-replaceable lens system. Unlike the X4, where lens damage could mean expensive repairs (a pain point for many X3/X4 users), the X5 allows users to swap out lenses themselves, making maintenance more affordable and less stressful.

The X5 also boasts improved durability with scratch-resistant lens glass and enhanced waterproofing, now rated up to 15 meters without a case. Battery life gets a boost as well, with a larger 2400 mAh battery and up to 88 minutes of 8K recording, plus a new endurance mode for ultra-long shoots.

On the creative front, InstaFrame Mode is a standout addition. This feature lets users simultaneously capture a ready-to-share flat video (with a fixed or auto-follow perspective) and a 360° video for reframing later. It’s a huge time-saver for content creators who want both instant sharing and maximum editing flexibility.

Active HDR is now available at 5.7K60fps, making the X5 ideal for scenic landscapes and action-packed moments. Audio also sees an upgrade, with hardware wind guards and improved voice enhancement for clearer sound in challenging environments.

In short, the X5 is more robust, more versatile, and more creator-friendly than the X4, addressing many of the pain points from previous generations while pushing the envelope on image quality and usability.

Is It a Good Alternative to the Insta360 Go 3 or a Partner to It?

The Insta360 X5 and Insta360 Go 3 serve different purposes, but they can complement each other beautifully depending on your workflow. I personally own an Insta360 Go 3, and personally, I find the X5 to be a worthy “partner” to my Go 3.

Here are the differences between the two.

Insta360 X5:

• Designed for high-resolution, immersive 360° content.
  
• Larger sensor, triple AI chip, and advanced low-light capabilities.
  
• User-replaceable lenses and rugged, waterproof build.
  
• Ideal for action, travel, vlogging, and professional content creation.
  
• Heavier and larger than the Go 3.
  

Insta360 Go 3:

• Ultra-compact, wearable, and lightweight.
  
• Limited to standard wide-angle footage (not 360°).
  
• Best for POV shots, quick clips, and situations where minimal gear is essential.
  
• Lower resolution and less advanced stabilization compared to the X5.
  
• Not designed for deep water or extreme environments without accessories.
  

The X5 is not a direct replacement for the Go 3 but rather a more advanced, versatile tool for those who want maximum creative control and the highest quality. However, for quick, on-the-go moments, the Go 3 remains unbeatable for its size and simplicity. Many creators will find that using both together covers all their shooting needs—use the Go 3 for lightweight, wearable shots and the X5 for everything else.

What Do I Initially Think About the Insta360 X5?

As a big fan of the Insta360 X3 (which is now with my sister), I have a soft spot for the brand’s approach to innovation. One of the biggest frustrations with my X3 was the cost and hassle of lens repairs. A dent on the lens would set you back around PhP9,000 per lens—a significant expense, in my opinion. The X5’s user-replaceable lens system is a game-changer for me. While I don’t yet know the exact cost per replacement lens, the ability to handle repairs myself is a huge relief and a practical improvement for any serious user.

At first glance, the sensor upgrade from the X4 to the X5 might seem minor, but the real value comes from how the new sensor works in tandem with the triple AI chip and PureVideo mode. Low-light performance is vastly improved, and the X5 offers more frame rate and resolution options, making it a better all-around 360 camera.

The triple AI chip is a star feature. Compared to the X4’s single chip, this upgrade means faster processing, better stabilization, and more advanced shooting modes. Combined with the new sensor, the X5 feels genuinely future-proof.

InstaFrame Mode is another highlight. Most of my videos end up as flat (non-360) clips, so being able to shoot both a ready-to-share flat video and a 360° version simultaneously is incredibly useful. It saves time and gives me more creative options in post-production.

Active HDR at 5.7K 60fps is a welcome addition, especially for travel and landscape shots where dynamic range matters. The new hardware wind guard for audio, plus the inclusion of extra Mic Windshields in the box, shows Insta360’s commitment to real-world usability.

Waterproofing up to 15 meters without a case is another practical upgrade, making the X5 even more versatile for outdoor and underwater adventures.

Pricing and Availability

The Insta360 X5 has a launch price of PhP32,990. It’s a little pricier than its predecessor, but for good reasons that I mentioned above. I still believe that it’s fair, and definitely worth every penny. I have some upcoming trips planned where I’ll be putting the X5 through its paces, so stay tuned for a full hands-on review and a direct comparison with the Insta360 Go 3.

Should you get it? The Insta360 X5 is shaping up to be the most compelling 360-degree camera in its class, offering meaningful upgrades that address real user needs. Whether you’re upgrading from an older model or looking to expand your creative toolkit, the X5 is well worth a close look.

Stay tuned for our full review and video coverage, where we’ll explore its performance in the real world and see how it stacks up against the Insta360 Go 3 and other contenders.

Giancarlo Viterbo

Founder, Chief Editor, and Sales Lead at Gadget Pilipinas | Website

Giancarlo Viterbo is a Filipino Technology Journalist, blogger and Editor of gadgetpilipinas.net, He is also a Geek, Dad and a Husband. He knows a lot about washing the dishes, doing some errands and following instructions from his boss on his day job. Follow him on twitter: @gianviterbo and @gadgetpilipinas.