If you’ve ever wished your 360-camera were lighter, smaller, and easier to use without sacrificing stunning quality, the Insta360 X4 Air may be the camera you’ve been waiting for. Positioned between the advanced X5 and the popular X4, the X4 Air is designed to make immersive content creation more accessible for beginners and travel-focused creators.

In this review, we’ll break down what’s new, what’s missing, and why this might be the smartest 360-camera choice for your next adventure.

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Compact Design That Fits Anywhere

The first thing you’ll notice about the X4 Air is its size — weighing just 165 grams, it’s noticeably lighter than both the X4 and X5. That smaller footprint makes it easy to carry, mount, or fly on a long selfie pole without worrying about balance or fatigue.

Insta360 also refined the camera body: it now features an integrated wind guard for cleaner audio and a single central record button that simplifies operation even when you’re wearing gloves. A customizable quick-access side button still lets you switch modes or trigger single-lens recording on the fly.

The new design is waterproof up to 15 meters (49 feet) without any housing, and the lenses are user-replaceable, though not interchangeable with those from the X5. The battery system is smaller, too — a necessary trade-off for portability — which means older chargers and dive cases aren’t backward-compatible.

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8K Performance in a Palm-Sized Body

Don’t let the compact size fool you. The Insta360 X4 Air captures 8K video at 30 fps, delivering the same flagship resolution as the larger X5. There’s also a new 6K mode at 50 fps, offering smoother motion and slightly sharper detail than the previous 5.7K standard. You can even shoot 4K at 50 fps for everyday use.

It’s important to remember that 360-resolution ratings apply to the entire spherical image around the camera. Once you reframe footage to a traditional flat view, the effective resolution drops. Still, thanks to its dual 1/1.8-inch sensors and AI image processing chip, footage looks crisp and dynamic for most daylight scenarios.

Audio quality has improved, too. The built-in wind shield, Bluetooth mic support, and gain control help you achieve clear, natural sound even in windy or noisy environments — ideal for vloggers and travelers.

For stabilization, the X4 Air retains FlowState Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock, giving you silky-smooth footage even when running, cycling, or skiing.

Learn more about the official specs on the Insta360 X4 Air product page.

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Smart Features for Effortless Shooting

Insta360 has simplified the shooting experience for newcomers. You still get handy options like gesture control, voice activation, Quick Capture, and Twist-to-Shoot, letting you start recording hands-free or with a quick flick of the wrist.

A standout addition is Adaptive Tone, a smart image-processing feature that automatically adjusts exposure and contrast to produce balanced, ready-to-share clips. It even locks out manual controls to prevent beginners from accidentally ruining a shot.

There’s also a Portrait Mode that enhances exposure on faces, perfect for vlogging or selfie-style videos. Combined, these features make the X4 Air one of the most beginner-friendly 360-cameras ever made.

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Missing Modes — But for a Reason

To achieve its smaller size and lower price, Insta360 streamlined some advanced modes. The X4 Air doesn’t include Pure Video Mode (for low-light scenes), Bullet Time, or Endurance Mode (battery-saving).

If you mainly shoot outdoors or in well-lit environments, these omissions won’t matter. But if your creative workflow relies on cinematic slow-motion effects or night footage, you might still prefer the Insta360 X5.

For everyone else, this stripped-down approach makes the X4 Air simpler, faster, and far less intimidating to use.

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Battery Life and Overheating Test

Despite using a smaller 2,010 mAh battery, the X4 Air performs impressively in real tests. Shooting continuously at 8K 30 fps, it lasted 1 hour 22 minutes and 30 seconds without overheating.

That’s excellent performance for such a compact 8K camera. The official lab data on the Insta360 website confirms similar endurance — up to around 88 minutes per charge.

If you plan to record long events, consider packing a spare battery or a USB-C power bank.

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Pricing and Value

At US $399, the X4 Air is significantly cheaper than the X5 ($549) while keeping the same 8K headline resolution. For creators looking for premium results at an accessible price, that’s a huge advantage.

This model isn’t trying to replace the X5 — it’s offering a different experience: lightweight, travel-ready, and approachable. For many users, especially those buying their first 360-camera, that’s exactly what matters most.

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Pros and Cons

Pros

• Ultra-light and portable (165 g)

• 8K 30 fps + 6K 50 fps video

• Excellent stabilization and audio upgrades

• Adaptive Tone and Portrait Mode simplify editing

• Long battery life with no overheating

Cons

• Missing Pure Video and Bullet Time modes

• Smaller battery and non-compatible accessories

• Limited low-light capability

• Slight resolution drop after reframing

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Final Thoughts

The Insta360 X4 Air proves that compact doesn’t have to mean compromised. With 8K clarity, clever usability tweaks, and a price that undercuts most competitors, it’s one of the most practical 360-cameras of 2025.

If you’re new to 360 content or want a light companion for travel and outdoor adventures, the X4 Air is a confident choice. Professionals who need every advanced mode can stick with the X5, but for everyone else, this is a powerful, portable tool that turns every moment into immersive storytelling.

👉 Explore full details and purchase options on the official Insta360 X4 Air page.