GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera vs Insta360 X4 360-Degree Action Camera (2026)

✍️ By the 247Verdict Editorial Team📅 Updated 05 October 2026

Which is better? We compared both on score, owner ratings, pros and cons.

GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera

9.1/10 Excellent

4.5★ (8,400 owners)

5.3K video, HyperSmooth 6.0, 10m waterproof, Max Lens Mod, 8:7 capture. The action camera standard.

Full Review

Insta360 X4 360-Degree Action Camera

9.2/10 Excellent

4.6★ (4,200 owners)

8K 360° video, 72MP 360° photos, FlowState stabilisation, 135-min battery, IPX4. The 360 standard.

Full Review

At a Glance

	GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera	Insta360 X4 360-Degree Action Camera
247Verdict Score	9.1/10	9.2/10
Owner Rating	4.5★ (8,400)	4.6★ (4,200)
Verdict	Excellent	Excellent
Stabilisation	HyperSmooth 6.0	FlowState
Waterproof	10m native	IPX4 (splash only)

Quick Verdict

This is a genuine draw — both score within 0.15 points of each other. GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera: 5.3K video, HyperSmooth 6.0, 10m waterproof, Max Lens Mod, 8:7 capture. The action camera standard. Insta360 X4 360-Degree Action Camera: 8K 360° video, 72MP 360° photos, FlowState stabilisation, 135-min battery, IPX4. The 360 standard. Choose based on your specific needs. Check the current price on Amazon →

Pros & Cons Side by Side

GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera

5.3K video captures enough resolution for 4K crops in editing with movement freedom
HyperSmooth 6.0 electronic stabilisation rivals gimbal-smoothness for most activities
10m waterproof without housing — the standard for water sports and rain exposure
8:7 aspect ratio captures full frame that can be reframed to 4:3, 16:9 or vertical in editing
GoPro's 20-year action camera heritage: the most accessories, mounts and cases available globally

Limited low-light capability vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3's 1-inch sensor
GoPro subscription required for full cloud backup and editing features
Battery life limited to approximately 90 minutes at 5.3K

Insta360 X4 360-Degree Action Camera

8K 360° video captures everything around the camera simultaneously — invisible selfie stick effect
72MP 360° photos have enough resolution for wide-angle or portrait crops from a single capture
FlowState stabilisation converts 360° footage to smooth stabilised standard video in the app
135-minute battery is the longest of any 360 camera reviewed
IPX4 splash-proof for rain and light water — submersion requires dive case

360° workflow requires the Insta360 app for editing and reframing — not plug-and-play
8K 360° files are extremely large — storage and processing requirements are significant
IPX4 is not waterproof — diving and swimming require the separate £80 dive case

FAQ

Which is better, GoPro HERO12 Black Action or Insta360 X4 360-Degree?

Is the GoPro HERO12 Black Action worth the extra cost?

The Insta360 X4 360-Degree Action Camera matches or exceeds it at a potentially lower price point.

Who is the GoPro HERO12 Black Action best suited to?

5.3K video, HyperSmooth 6.0, 10m waterproof, Max Lens Mod, 8:7 capture. The action camera standard.

Who is the Insta360 X4 360-Degree best suited to?

8K 360° video, 72MP 360° photos, FlowState stabilisation, 135-min battery, IPX4. The 360 standard.

What are the main downsides of each?

GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera: Limited low-light capability vs DJI Osmo Pocket 3's 1-inch sensor; GoPro subscription required for full cloud backup and editing features. Insta360 X4 360-Degree Action Camera: 360° workflow requires the Insta360 app for editing and reframing — not plug-and-play; 8K 360° files are extremely large — storage and processing requirements are significant.

Do owner ratings agree with our verdict?

Largely, yes — GoPro HERO12 Black Action Camera sits at 4.5★ from 8,400 verified Amazon owners, and Insta360 X4 360-Degree Action Camera at 4.6★ from 4,200.

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