Insta360 GO Ultra Unlocks Big Possibilities in Small Form

In a world where action cameras are as common as smartphones, Insta360 has carved out a niche with its GO series, which are small enough to fit in a pocket but capable of capturing life’s most exciting moments. The latest addition to this line, the Insta360 GO Ultra, is a reimagining of what a small camera can do, with portability and performance to rival larger cameras.

Measuring just 1.8 inches on each side, the GO Ultra ditches the pill-shaped design of its predecessors for a rounded square. It’s a small change but it allows for a bigger 500mAh battery, up to 70 minutes of recording on its own or 200 minutes with the Action Pod. That’s a big jump from the GO 3S’s 38 minute standalone runtime. The extra space also fits a microSD card slot, up to 2TB of storage. No more wrestling with internal memory or clunky file transfers, just swap in a new card and keep shooting. The camera is 53 grams, still featherlight but 14 grams heavier than the Go 3S, a small price to pay for the upgrades.

The ability to capture stunning images in a device smaller than a smartwatch is what makes the GO Ultra so cool. With a 5nm AI chip and a 1/1.28-inch sensor 221% bigger than the GO 3S, it can shoot 4K at 60fps, double the frame rate of the previous model. The bigger sensor also improves low light performance; Insta360’s PureVideo mode uses AI to brighten and denoise in low light. In tough lighting conditions, an Active HDR mode at 4K/30fps balances highlights and shadows for beautiful images. For slow motion fans, switch to 1080p and you get 240fps, perfect for dramatic replays. The camera is a photography and video tool because its 50-megapixel stills (8192×6144) far surpass the Go 3S’s 12-megapixel images.


Mounting choices are where the GO Ultra shines, with creative freedom that bigger cameras can’t match. Its magnetic back sticks to metal objects without needing extra tools and attachments like the improved Magnet Pendant, Magnetic Easy Clip and cute Toddler Titan Hat Clip let you record unusual angles. Attach it to a helmet, a pet harness or even a child’s headgear for point of view shots. The camera is IPX8 waterproof so it’s as comfortable underwater as it is on a dusty walk. The Action Pod with its 2.5 inch flip screen is a remote control and extra battery, so you can frame shots and monitor footage in real time over Bluetooth.


Editing is usually the Achilles heel of action cameras but the Insta360 software makes it easy. It’s available for iOS and Android and has simple controls and AI powered tools to turn raw clips into polished videos. Auto Edit can detect highlights and combine them with transitions, effects and music at the right time. Athletes will love the ability to overlay GPS, heart rate and speed data from devices like Strava or an Apple Watch, creating a dynamic layer in their video. The app’s AI Family Moments tool even organizes recordings of loved ones into virtual albums, which is a nice touch for family focused creators. Unlike other competitors the Go Ultra allows you to transfer files directly to your phone without an app, which is a time saver.


Battery life and storage aren’t an afterthought here. The GO Ultra’s fast charging can get to 80% in 12 minutes, so you can get back to shooting sooner. The microSD slot removes the storage limits of the GO 3S’s 64GB or 128GB options, so you can carry extra cards for longer trips. This attention to function extends to the camera’s durability, it’s IPX8 rated so it’s protected against water, dust and the occasional drop. It’s designed for real world use, whether you’re filming a marathon or spending the day at the beach.




The GO Ultra isn’t cheap, it’s $449.99 for the Standard Bundle which is $50 more than the Go 3S and on par with premium cameras like the GoPro Hero 13 Black or DJI Osmo Action 5 Pro. The kit includes the camera, Action Pod, Magnetic Easy Clip, Magnet Pendant, USB-C cable and a midnight black or arctic white lens protection. A Creator Bundle is $499.99 and includes a tiny tripod, quick-release mount and pivot stand for extra flexibility. You’ll need to factor in the cost of a microSD card as none is included but the ability to swap out storage makes this a minor annoyance worth it. Apple Find My support gives iPhone owners peace of mind by allowing them to track their camera if it’s lost.