The best upgrades are the ones you feel immediately. Insta360’s new GO Ultra is still tiny and wearable, but now it shoots true 4K60, takes 50MP photos, lasts way longer, and—finally—uses microSD. It’s the GO series growing up without losing the magic of hands‑free POV.
Specifications
• Sensor: 1/1.28” CMOS, with Ambient Light Sensor for real‑time color calibration and flicker prevention
• Processor: 5nm AI chip (vs 14nm on GO 3S, per comparison table)
• Lens & FOV: F2.85, 14.27mm equivalent, up to 156° max field of view
• Photo: Up to 50MP stills (8192×6144 max), JPG/DNG; Photo, HDR Photo, Live, Interval, Starlapse, Burst
• Video (Core modes): Video, PureVideo, FreeFrame, Toddler Titan, TimeShift, Timelapse, Loop, Slow Motion
Video resolutions & frame rates:
– 4K (16:9): up to 60/50/48/30/25/24 fps
– 4K (4:3): up to 30/25/24 fps
– 2.7K (16:9): up to 60/50/48/30/25/24 fps
– 2.7K (4:3): up to 30/25/24 fps
– 1080p (16:9): up to 60/50/48/30/25/24 fps
– 1080p Slow‑mo: up to 240/200/120/100 fps
– 2.7K Slow‑mo (16:9): up to 120/100 fps
– Active HDR available up to 4K30
• Special imaging: 4K Active HDR, PureVideo (AI low‑light), 4K 2× Clarity Zoom, MegaView FOV distortion correction
• Stabilization: FlowState electronic stabilization + 360° Horizon Lock
• Storage: microSD card required, up to 2TB (no internal storage)
• Battery & charging: Camera 500mAh; Action Pod 1450mAh; 0–80% in 12 min (cam) / 18 min (Pod); 0–100% in 20 min (cam) / 40 min (Pod)
• Run time (lab test at 1080p24, Endurance on): 70 min (camera), 200 min (camera + Pod)
• Durability: IPX8 waterproof camera to 10 m (33 ft); Action Pod IPX4 splashproof
• Connectivity: BLE 5.4; Wi‑Fi 2.4/5 GHz (ax on both); USB‑C 2.0
• Audio: Dual mics; Auto Wind Noise Reduction (two strengths), Voice Enhancement, Stereo; 48 kHz, 32‑bit AAC
• White balance: Auto, 2000–10000K
• Weight & dimensions: Camera 52.9±0.5 g; 46 × 45.7 × 18.3 mm (22.4 mm with Lens Guard). Action Pod 108.5±0.5 g
Why These Upgrades Matter
A bigger 1/1.28” sensor with an Ambient Light Sensor means cleaner images and fewer flicker issues in artificial light. Pair that with PureVideo’s AI noise reduction and Active HDR (up to 4K30) and you’re getting usable footage in tricky scenes—sunset walks, neon‑lit streets, firelit camping—where earlier thumb cams struggled.
4K60 finally arrives on a truly wearable camera, crucial for fast action and silky motion cadence. And when you want reach without mush, 4K 2× Clarity Zoom preserves detail at a tight crop, while MegaView FOV straightens edges so POV shots look cinematic instead of fish‑eye.
Removable microSD up to 2TB changes workflows: swap cards on the spot, offload with a reader, and stop worrying about filling fixed internal storage. For creators, that’s flexibility and peace of mind.
Battery life leaps from “cute clips” to “all‑day capture”. Official tests show 70 minutes on the camera and 200 minutes when using the Action Pod; fast charge hits 80% in 12 minutes (cam) and 18 minutes (Pod). Translation: less waiting, more shooting.
Pocket‑Square Design, Big‑Camera Intent
The GO Ultra’s rounded‑square body makes space for the bigger battery and card slot, while the Action Pod adds a brighter 2.5” flip touchscreen for framing and playback. It’s still magnetic, still effortless to mount, and the box includes the Lens Guard, Magnet Pendant, Magnetic Easy Clip, Quick Release Safety Cord, USB‑C cable, and the Action Pod itself.
For durability, the standalone camera is IPX8 to 10 m, while the Pod is IPX4 for rain and splashes—so swim with the camera, not the Pod.
Real‑World Use Cases (No Hype, Just Scenarios)
Think of the GO Ultra as a POV machine: clip it to a shirt pendant for human‑eye perspective, twist to switch portrait/landscape instantly, or stick it to appliances, dashboards, and rails for creative timelapses or b‑roll. If you shoot reels and shorts, record in 4:3 or 2.35:1 and reframe later; if you chase speed, go straight for 4K60 or 1080p240.
At night or indoors, PureVideo and the bigger sensor keep noise at bay, while Active HDR handles harsh contrast. Stabilization and 360° Horizon Lock take care of shakes and tilts so you don’t need a gimbal for everyday footage.
Price & Availability
• Price: $449.99 (base configuration)
• Where to buy:
• Insta360 Official Store (ships now)
• Amazon (availability at launch)
• Optional: custom skins and FlexiCare extended coverage are available from Insta360.
How It Stacks Up
• Versus Insta360 GO 3S (direct predecessor)
The Ultra adds a larger 1/1.28” sensor (vs 1/2.3”), doubles the top video rate to 4K60 (vs 4K30), brings an Ambient Light Sensor, PureVideo, Active HDR, wider max FOV (156° vs 150°), longer run time (70/200 vs 38/140 min), faster 0–80% charges (12/18 vs 23/47 min), a bigger 2.5” flip screen, and removable SD storage instead of fixed internal. It’s a comprehensive generational jump.
• Versus DJI Action 2 (tiny modular rival)
DJI’s Action 2 popularized a magnetic, modular cube and records up to 4K120 with a super‑wide 155° FOV; the GO Ultra counters with true wearability, 4K60, a 2.5” flip screen via the Pod, and native microSD. Choose Action 2 if you want DJI’s modular system; choose GO Ultra for hands‑free POV and swappable storage.
What Others Say
“Insta360 redesigned its compact action cam with a bigger battery and swappable storage… square‑shaped instead of pill‑shaped and twice the framerate.” — The Verge
“In virtually every way, it’s a very substantial and solid upgrade.” — DC Rainmaker
Cons
• Premium price for a thumb‑size camera (it’s a flagship in cost and capability).
• Action Pod isn’t waterproof beyond IPX4—no underwater Pod use.
• Official run time is rated at 1080p24, higher resolutions/frame rates reduce endurance.
FAQ
• Is the GO Ultra waterproof?
Yes. The camera is IPX8 to 10 m/33 ft. The Action Pod is IPX4 splashproof only.
• Does it have internal storage?
No. A microSD card (up to 2TB) is required.
• How long does the battery last?
Official lab tests: 70 minutes on the camera, 200 minutes with the Pod (1080p24, Endurance mode, screen/Wi‑Fi off).
• What’s in the box?
Action Pod, Standalone Camera (with Lens Guard), Magnet Pendant, Magnetic Easy Clip, Quick Release Safety Cord, USB‑C cable.
Who Should Buy This
Creators who live in vertical/horizontal video worlds, parents who love candid POV, travelers who value pocket gear, and anyone who needs stabilized 4K60 without a bulky rig. If you need full underwater monitoring or hours‑long single takes on 4K60, this isn’t that tool—use a larger action cam or external power.
Final Verdict
Score: 4.5/5.
Insta360 GO Ultra turns a fun wearable into a serious everyday camera. With 4K60, a bigger sensor, microSD, longer battery life, and a smarter accessory ecosystem, it’s the first GO that truly replaces your “big” action cam for a lot of shoots—while staying tiny enough to wear.
