Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera Review Features and Performance

The Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera delivers immersive 360-degree video in a compact, user-friendly design, ideal for adventure seekers and content creators. With 4K video resolution, seamless smartphone pairing, and robust image stabilization, it captures smooth, high-quality footage in any environment—making it a standout in the mid-range action cam market.

Key Takeaways

• 360-degree capture: Shoot immersive videos with dual 180-degree lenses.
• Compact design: Lightweight and portable for on-the-go adventures.
• Real-time preview: Monitor footage instantly via smartphone app.
• 4K video quality: Delivers sharp, high-resolution 360-degree content.
• Easy sharing: Directly upload to social platforms from the app.
• Strong battery life: Records up to 130 minutes on one charge.

First Impressions: A Glimpse into the World of 360°

Remember the first time you saw a panoramic photo? It felt like magic, didn’t it? Now imagine that magic in video form, capturing not just the scene in front of you but everything around you—above, below, behind, and in every direction. That’s the promise of 360° cameras, and the Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera is one of the early pioneers that brought this tech to the mainstream.

I remember unboxing my Gear 360 for the first time. It was sleek, compact, and oddly cute—like a futuristic robot eye. I was immediately drawn in by its dual fisheye lenses and the promise of immersive storytelling. As someone who loves documenting travel, adventures, and even everyday moments, I was eager to test whether this little device could truly replace my traditional action cam and even my smartphone for certain types of content. Over the past few weeks, I’ve taken it hiking, biking, to family gatherings, and even on a rainy city walk. Here’s what I found—no fluff, just honest, real-world insights.

Design and Build: Compact, Cute, and Surprisingly Tough

Size, Shape, and First Glance

The Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera is small—about the size of a golf ball with a slightly flattened top and bottom. It’s designed to be held in one hand or mounted on a tripod, and its rounded, minimalist aesthetic feels modern and approachable. The dual 180° lenses sit on opposite sides, giving it that signature “eyeball” look. While it’s not as rugged as a GoPro or DJI Osmo Action out of the box, it’s built with a sturdy plastic body that survived a few accidental drops onto carpet and concrete during my testing.

One thing I loved right away: the built-in tripod mount on the bottom. No need to carry an extra adapter. Just screw it onto a standard tripod, selfie stick, or even a bike mount. It’s a small detail, but one that makes setup quick and frustration-free.

Durability and Weather Resistance

Samsung doesn’t market the Gear 360 as waterproof, but it does come with an IP53 rating—meaning it’s protected against light rain and dust. I tested this by using it during a drizzly walk through a botanical garden. No issues. But I wouldn’t dunk it in a pool or use it in heavy rain. For underwater adventures, you’ll need a separate waterproof housing (sold separately), which adds bulk and cost.

During a mountain bike ride, I mounted it on my helmet using a third-party clip. It survived bumps, vibrations, and even a minor fall. The rubberized grip around the lenses helps absorb shock, and the lens covers (which flip open) stayed intact. Still, I’d recommend a protective case for high-impact sports.

Controls and Interface

The interface is refreshingly simple. There’s a small OLED screen on the front that shows battery life, recording status, and basic settings. Two physical buttons—one for power/mode, one for shutter—make operation intuitive. No touchscreen, but that’s not a dealbreaker. In fact, I found it easier to use with gloves on compared to touch-based cameras.

Pairing with the Samsung Gear 360 app (available on Android and iOS) unlocks more features, like live preview, remote control, and settings adjustment. The app connects via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. Initial pairing was quick, though I had to re-pair it once after a firmware update.

Video and Image Quality: The Heart of the 360 Experience

Resolution and Stitching Performance

The Gear 360 captures 360° video in up to 4K (3840 x 1920) at 30fps, and 30MP still images. That sounds impressive on paper, but how does it hold up in real life?

Indoors, under good lighting, the video is sharp and vibrant. Colors are accurate, and the dynamic range handles backlit scenes better than I expected. I filmed a birthday party in my living room—lights on, kids running around, and a cake in the background. The camera captured it all, and when I played it back in the app, I could drag the view to see the kid who was hiding behind the couch. That’s the magic of 360.

But here’s the catch: stitching. The software that joins the two lens feeds into a seamless 360° video isn’t perfect. In high-contrast scenes (like a bright window behind a dark room), I noticed slight warping or “ghosting” near the stitch line. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s noticeable if you’re editing professionally.

Outdoors, especially in bright sunlight, the camera shines. I filmed a sunrise hike, and the golden light spilling over the hills looked stunning. The wide dynamic range preserved both shadow and highlight details. But in low light—like a dimly lit restaurant or a nighttime walk—the video gets noisy. The 4K resolution doesn’t help much here; it’s more about sensor sensitivity than megapixels.

Frame Rate and Slow Motion

The Gear 360 maxes out at 30fps for 4K. If you drop to 2.5K (2560 x 1280), you can shoot at 60fps. That’s great for smoother motion, but it’s not ideal for slow-motion effects. For comparison, many action cams now offer 1080p at 120fps or 240fps. If you’re into extreme sports or want to slow down a skateboard trick, the Gear 360 won’t deliver that cinematic slow-mo.

I tested the 60fps mode on a bike ride. The motion was fluid, and the 360° view made it feel like I was right back on the trail. But when I tried to reframe the footage in post (more on that later), the lower resolution became apparent. It’s a trade-off: smoother motion vs. higher detail.

Audio Quality

There’s a built-in stereo mic, but don’t expect broadcast-quality sound. It’s fine for casual use—like narrating a travel vlog—but it struggles with wind noise. During a windy beach walk, the audio was muffled and crackly. I recommend using an external mic if audio is important. The camera doesn’t have a mic input, though, so you’ll need a wireless solution or record audio separately and sync in post.

Software and Editing: The Gear 360 App and Beyond

App Experience: Simple but Limited

The Samsung Gear 360 app is the main hub for controlling the camera, transferring files, and basic editing. It’s user-friendly, with a clean layout and intuitive controls. You can:

• Preview the 360° feed in real-time (great for framing)
• Start/stop recording remotely
• Adjust resolution, white balance, and exposure
• Trim clips and apply basic filters

One standout feature: Live View. You can stream the 360° feed to your phone, which is perfect for setting up shots or checking if the camera is level. I used this while mounting the camera on a tripod in a crowded market—no more guesswork.

But the app has limitations. You can’t do advanced editing like stabilization, color grading, or adding music. For that, you need to export the footage and use third-party software.

Reframing and Post-Production

This is where 360° cameras really shine. Since you capture everything, you can “reframe” your footage in post to create traditional flat videos. Think of it as shooting a wide-angle movie and then choosing your favorite scenes later.

I used Adobe Premiere Pro and Insta360 Studio (free) to edit my 360° clips. The process is straightforward:

1. Import the 360° video
2. Use the 360° viewer to pan and zoom to your desired angle
3. Export as a standard 1080p or 4K video

For example, I filmed a family picnic with the Gear 360 on a tripod in the center. In post, I created a “flat” video that started with a wide shot of the park, then zoomed in on my niece blowing out her birthday candles, then panned to show the food table. It felt like a professionally directed short film—all from a single take.

Tip: Use keyframes to create smooth camera movements. A slow zoom or pan adds drama and guides the viewer’s attention.

Stitching and Export Options

The Gear 360 saves videos in a proprietary format (MP4 with 360° metadata). When you export from the app or third-party software, you can choose between:

• Equirectangular (the full 360° view, looks like a stretched globe)
• Rectilinear (a flat “normal” view after reframing)
• Dual Fisheye (raw footage from both lenses, for advanced editors)

For social media, I recommend exporting in rectilinear mode with a 16:9 aspect ratio. This avoids the “globe effect” and looks familiar to viewers. YouTube and Facebook support 360° videos natively, but Instagram and TikTok don’t—so reframing is essential.

Performance in the Real World: From Adventures to Everyday Life

Outdoor Adventures: Hiking, Biking, and Travel

The Gear 360 excels in open, well-lit environments. I took it on a 10-mile hike through a national park. The camera was mounted on my backpack, facing forward. The resulting video captured the trail, the sky, and even my feet on the ground. When I edited it, I could create a “point-of-view” video that felt immersive—like you were walking with me.

For biking, I used a helmet mount. The 60fps mode handled the motion well, and the 360° view let me show not just the road ahead but the trees, birds, and occasional squirrel crossing. One tip: use the app to set a timer or voice command (“Start recording”) to avoid fumbling with buttons while riding.

Travel vlogging is another strong use case. Instead of holding a phone or camera, I placed the Gear 360 on a small tripod in a café, park, or museum. I could talk to the camera while still showing the environment around me. No more awkward “look at this cool thing” gestures—the camera already sees it all.

Indoor and Social Use: Events, Parties, and Family

At a friend’s birthday party, I set the Gear 360 in the center of the table. It captured the whole room—conversations, laughter, dancing, and even the cake being brought out. In post, I created a highlight reel that started with a wide shot, then focused on key moments. It felt more authentic than a traditional video because it included the full context.

For family gatherings, the Gear 360 is a game-changer. You don’t have to choose between filming the kids and the grandparents. You get both—and everything in between. One downside: in crowded spaces, the camera can get bumped, leading to shaky footage. A tripod or stable surface helps.

Battery Life and Storage

The built-in 1350mAh battery lasts about 1 hour of continuous 4K recording. That’s not great, but it’s manageable. I carried a portable charger and swapped batteries during longer shoots. The camera uses microSD cards (up to 256GB). A 64GB card holds roughly 45 minutes of 4K video. Always carry a spare card!

Comparisons and Alternatives: Where Does the Gear 360 Fit?

vs. GoPro MAX and Insta360 ONE X

The GoPro MAX and Insta360 ONE X are the Gear 360’s closest competitors. Here’s how they stack up:

Feature	Samsung Gear 360	GoPro MAX	Insta360 ONE X
Max Video Resolution	4K @ 30fps	5.6K @ 30fps	5.7K @ 30fps
Stitching Quality	Good (minor warping in high contrast)	Excellent	Excellent
App Features	Basic editing, live preview	Advanced reframing, stabilization	AI-powered editing, flowstate stabilization
Durability	IP53 (light rain)	Waterproof (5m)	Waterproof (5m)
Price (Used)	$150–$200	$300–$350	$250–$300

The Gear 360 is the most affordable option, making it a great entry point for beginners. But the GoPro MAX and Insta360 ONE X offer better stabilization, higher resolution, and more advanced editing tools. If you’re serious about 360° content, they’re worth the extra cost.

Who Should Buy the Samsung Gear 360?

The Gear 360 is ideal if:

• You’re new to 360° video and want to experiment without spending a lot
• You value simplicity and ease of use over advanced features
• You mostly shoot in good lighting and don’t need slow motion
• You already own Samsung devices (better app integration)

But if you need:

• Waterproofing without extra housing
• Professional-grade stabilization
• AI-powered editing tools

Then consider the GoPro MAX or Insta360 ONE X.

Final Verdict: A Solid Starter, But Not a Long-Term Champion

After weeks of testing, I’ve grown fond of the Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera. It’s not perfect—the stitching could be better, the audio is average, and the battery life is short. But for the price (especially used), it delivers a surprisingly immersive 360° experience.

What I love most is how it changes the way I think about storytelling. Instead of framing a shot, I just hit record and let the camera capture the full scene. Later, I can explore the footage like a director, choosing the best angles and moments. It’s like having a time machine with a 360° view.

If you’re a content creator, traveler, or just someone who loves documenting life, the Gear 360 is a fun and affordable way to experiment with 360° video. It won’t replace your main camera, but it adds a new dimension—literally—to your creative toolkit.

Just remember: 360° video isn’t for every situation. It works best when the environment is part of the story. A quiet forest, a bustling market, a family reunion—these are the moments where the Gear 360 shines. For fast action or low-light scenes, stick to a traditional action cam.

In a world where everyone’s fighting for attention with flat, two-dimensional videos, the Samsung Gear 360 lets you stand out. It’s not the most powerful 360° camera on the market, but it’s one of the most accessible. And sometimes, that’s all you need to start creating something truly immersive.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Samsung Gear 360 stand out among action cameras?

The Samsung Gear 360 action camera distinguishes itself with true 360-degree video capture (4K resolution), dual 8.4MP fisheye lenses, and seamless smartphone integration via the Gear 360 app. Its compact spherical design also allows for immersive VR content creation, a rarity in traditional action cams.

Can the Samsung Gear 360 be used as a regular action camera?

Yes, the Gear 360 can function as a standard action camera by recording 180-degree footage with one lens. However, its 360-degree capabilities and stabilization excel in dynamic environments, making it ideal for adventure filming.

Is the Samsung Gear 360 waterproof?

The Gear 360 is splash-resistant but not fully waterproof. For underwater use, it requires the optional waterproof case (rated IP68), which enables diving up to 30 meters—perfect for snorkeling or shallow dives.

How does the Samsung Gear 360 perform in low-light conditions?

Low-light performance is decent but not exceptional. The f/2.0 aperture helps in dim settings, though 360-degree footage may show noise in very dark environments. Use the manual mode to adjust ISO/white balance for better results.

What devices are compatible with the Samsung Gear 360 action camera?

The Gear 360 pairs via Bluetooth/Wi-Fi with select Samsung smartphones (e.g., Galaxy S7/S8/Note 5 or newer). Third-party Android devices and iPhones (iOS 10+) have limited functionality, primarily for playback/editing.

Does the Samsung Gear 360 support live streaming?

No, the Gear 360 doesn’t offer live 360-degree streaming. However, you can share pre-recorded 360 videos directly to YouTube, Facebook, or VR platforms via the companion app after filming.