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Insta360 X6 vs X3: Is It Worth The Upgrade?
The Insta360 X3 came out in 2022, and the X6 is a different class of camera: 8K at 50fps instead of 5.7K, sensors roughly three times the size, 10-bit colour and replaceable lenses. Here's everything that's changed, and whether to upgrade.
The Insta360 X3 launched in September 2022, and it's still in a lot of camera bags. It's one of the cameras I made my cheat sheets for, and for social media in good light it does a solid job.
But the Insta360 X6, launched on 12 August 2026, is three generations newer, and the gap between them is huge. If you're still filming on an X3, here's exactly what you'd gain.
The short answer: if you're on an X3, the X6 is a massive upgrade in every way that matters: resolution, low light, colour, battery and durability. The X3 only makes sense now as a cheap way into 360 video.
Insta360 X6 vs X3: Specs Side By Side
| Insta360 X6 | Insta360 X3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Launched | August 2026 | September 2022 |
| UK launch price | £619 | £459 |
| Sensors | Dual 1/1.1-inch square | Dual 1/2-inch |
| Max 360 video | 8K at 50fps | 5.7K at 30fps |
| Single-lens video | 5K at 60fps | 4K at 30fps |
| 360 photos | 120MP | 72MP |
| Colour | 10-bit, i-Log, Dolby Vision | 8-bit |
| PureVideo low-light mode | Yes | No |
| Battery (rated) | About 140 minutes at 8K30 | About 81 minutes at 5.7K30 |
| Built-in storage | 47GB usable | None |
| Waterproof without a case | 20m | 10m |
| Weight | 196g | 180g |
| Height | 100mm | 114mm |
| Screen | 2.32-inch OLED | 2.29-inch touchscreen |
| Lenses | Replaceable | Fixed, with removable lens guards |
What The X6 Does Better
From 5.7K To 8K At 50fps
The X3 records 360 video at 5.7K and 30fps. The X6 records 8K at up to 50fps. On a phone screen the jump is noticeable; on a TV, a monitor or a VR headset, it's huge. And because you reframe 360 footage by zooming into part of the picture, the extra resolution means far more detail in the final video. Photos jump from 72MP to 120MP too.
Roughly Three Times The Sensor Area
The X3 uses 1/2-inch sensors; the X6's 1/1.1-inch square sensors have roughly three times the area. That's the difference between noisy, smeary footage at dusk and clean footage at night, helped by the X6's PureVideo low-light mode, which the X3 doesn't have.
10-Bit Colour, i-Log And Dolby Vision
The X3 records 8-bit footage, so there's very little room to grade. The X6 records 10-bit colour in every mode with the i-Log profile, and it's the first 360 camera with native Dolby Vision, so footage looks cinematic even if you never edit it.
Replaceable Lenses
A scratched X3 lens means a repair. The X6's Replaceable Lenses 2.0 clip in and out in a couple of minutes, so you can carry a spare and swap it yourself, wherever you are.
Longer Battery Life At A Much Higher Resolution
The X3 is rated for about 81 minutes at 5.7K30. The X6 is rated for about 140 minutes at 8K30, while recording far more detail, and it fast charges to 80% in 24 minutes.
Tougher, More Waterproof, With Built-In Storage
The X6 is waterproof to 20m without a case, double the X3's 10m. It's shorter too, at 100mm against 114mm, and it adds 47GB of built-in storage as a backup for when you forget your microSD card, plus an OLED screen that stays readable in bright sunlight.
Four Years Of Smarter Software
The X6's 4nm triple AI chip powers features the X3 simply doesn't have: InstaFrame 2.0, which records a ready-to-post flat video alongside your 360 file, better AI tracking and editing, windproof microphones, direct Bluetooth pairing with Insta360's Mic Pro and Mic Air, and recording by pressing anywhere on the screen, even with gloves on.
Where The X3 Still Makes Sense
- It's the cheapest way into 360. If you can find an X3 at a big discount, it's still a fun first camera for social media in good light.
- It's lighter. At 180g, the X3 is 16g lighter than the X6.
But it's a 2022 camera. If you're buying new and want to spend less than the X6, Insta360's newer X4 Air shoots 8K, has replaceable lenses and launched at £359.
Should You Upgrade From The X3?
Upgrade to the X6 if:
- You want sharper footage, especially on a big screen or when you reframe
- You film in low light, at night or indoors
- You want to colour grade, or footage that looks cinematic straight out of the camera
- You're tired of the X3's battery running out
Keep your X3 if:
- You only post to social media in good light, and you're happy with how it looks
Price
| UK launch price | US launch price | |
|---|---|---|
| Insta360 X6 | £619 | $699.99 |
| Insta360 X3 | £459 | $449.99 |
The X3 is often discounted now, so check the store for the latest price. If you buy through the links on this page, Insta360 adds a free accessory to your order at no extra cost. See my Insta360 promo codes page for the current offer.
Verdict: Which Should You Buy?
Buy the Insta360 X3 only if you're on a very tight budget and want a cheap first 360 camera for social media in good light.
Buy the Insta360 X6 if you want the best 360 camera you can buy today. Coming from an X3, it's a completely different experience: 8K at 50fps, sensors roughly three times the size, 10-bit colour, replaceable lenses and longer battery life at a far higher resolution. It's the biggest upgrade an X3 owner can make.
Want the full story on the X6? Read my Insta360 X6 review, or see how it compares with DJI in my Insta360 X6 vs DJI Osmo 360 II comparison.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Insta360 X6 worth upgrading from the X3?
Yes. The X6 shoots 8K at 50fps instead of 5.7K at 30fps, has sensors roughly three times the size, 10-bit colour, replaceable lenses, longer battery life and twice the waterproofing. It's a huge upgrade.
Does the Insta360 X3 shoot 8K?
No. The X3 records 360 video at up to 5.7K at 30fps. The X6 records 8K at up to 50fps.
Do Insta360 X3 accessories work with the X6?
Anything with a standard 1/4-20 screw thread, like selfie sticks and tripods, works on both. X3 batteries, dive cases and other camera-specific accessories don't fit the X6.
Is the Insta360 X3 still worth buying in 2026?
Only as a cheap first 360 camera, if you find it at a big discount. If you're buying new, the X4 Air or the X6 are much better choices.
Some links in this article are affiliate links: if you buy through them, I may earn a small commission, at no extra cost to you.
