Insta360 GO Ultra: Small Camera, Big Upgrades

Insta360 has built a reputation for pushing the boundaries of compact content creation tools. From 360° cameras and AI-powered webcams to 8K action cameras, the brand consistently experiments with innovative solutions.

The GO series has always had a simple mission: deliver powerful performance in the smallest possible form factor. With the Ultra, Insta360 seems determined to refine the formula.

The latest release, the Insta360 GO Ultra, promises to solve two long-standing challenges for tiny cameras: battery life and 4K quality.

When the Insta360 GO 3 debuted, it earned the title of the world’s smallest action camera at just 35g. The GO 3S raised the stakes with 4K vertical video in a 39g body. Now, the GO Ultra arrives as the largest and most powerful member of the family, weighing in at 53g. Although it may be almost twice as heavy as the original, the trade-off is clear: improved optics, extended runtime, and enhanced video quality.

4 Key Improvements That Stand Out: Insta360 Go Ultra

1. A Bigger Lens and Better Image Quality

The first thing you’ll notice is the larger lens, always a promising sign for sensor size and low-light capability. The Ultra features a 1/1.28” sensor paired with a 5nm AI chip, promising 200% more low-light detail compared to the GO 3S.

It shoots 4K video at up to 60fps, while the new Pure Video mode allows stabilized, clean footage up to 4K30fps. The Active HDR function also adds more depth in challenging lighting. On the stills side, there’s a major leap: the Ultra can capture images at 8,192 × 6,144 pixels, compared to the GO 3S’s 4,000 × 2,250 pixels.

2. Stronger Battery Life

Battery life has always been the GO series’ Achilles’ heel. The Ultra tackles this with a 500mAh cell that supports 70 minutes standalone recording, nearly double the GO 3S’s 38 minutes. With the Action Pod, the runtime extends to 200 minutes (versus 140 minutes on the GO 3S).

It also supports fast charging, which enables a 0% to 80% charge in just 12 minutes. That means you can shoot longer and stress less.

3. Removable Storage

Perhaps the most practical upgrade: the GO Ultra supports removable SD cards up to 2TB. Unlike the GO 3S, which relies on non-removable internal storage, this provides creators with flexibility and peace of mind. Although there’s no built-in memory, footage can be easily exported using the Insta360 app.

4. Accessories

Flexibility has always been a key strength of the GO series, and the Ultra builds on it. Out of the box, you get a magnet pendant, an upgraded easy clip, and a lens guard. Additional accessories, such as a ring remote, remote control tripod, and various mounts, are available separately, further expanding shooting possibilities.

The Insta360 GO Ultra is available in Midnight Black and White, priced at around R11,499. For comparison, the GO 3S retails locally at approximately R9,699 (currently on sale).

While the Insta360 GO Ultra is larger than its predecessors, the improvements in image quality, battery life, and storage make the trade-off worthwhile. By addressing the limitations of earlier models, Insta360 has positioned the Ultra as a serious compact camera for creators.