Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera Review Features and Performance

The Samsung Gear 360 redefines immersive action capture with its dual 180° lenses, delivering seamless 360° video and 30MP photos in a rugged, compact design. Performance excels in bright conditions with sharp stabilization, though low-light quality lags behind rivals—ideal for adventure seekers prioritizing versatility over night shooting.

Key Takeaways

• Compact 360° design: Captures immersive videos effortlessly in a pocket-friendly form.
• 4K video quality: Delivers sharp, detailed footage ideal for action and travel.
• Dual lenses required: Full 360° output needs both lenses unobstructed for best results.
• User-friendly app: Simplifies editing and sharing directly to social platforms.
• Battery life limitation: Carry spares for extended recording sessions.
• Weather-resistant build: Handles splashes but not deep-water submersion.

Is the Samsung Gear 360 Worth It? A Real-World Review

Let’s be honest: when it comes to action cameras, most of us think of GoPro. But what if there was a camera that didn’t just record your adventures—it surrounded you? Enter the Samsung Gear 360 action camera, a device that flips the script on traditional point-of-view recording by offering 360-degree immersive video. I’ve been using this little sphere-shaped powerhouse for over a year, capturing everything from mountain hikes to birthday parties, and I’m here to give you the unfiltered truth—no marketing fluff, just real experiences.

You might be wondering: who actually needs a 360 camera? And is the Samsung Gear 360 action camera the right one? Whether you’re a vlogger, a traveler, a parent documenting your kids’ first steps, or just someone who loves sharing unique perspectives online, this camera opens up a world of creative possibilities. But like every tech gadget, it has its quirks. In this review, we’ll dive deep into the features, performance, usability, and even the little frustrations that come with owning the Samsung Gear 360. By the end, you’ll know if it’s the right fit for your lifestyle—and your wallet.

Design and Build Quality: A Unique Form Factor

First Impressions: It’s a Sphere, Not a Brick

When I first unboxed the Samsung Gear 360 action camera, I was surprised. It’s not a sleek rectangle like most action cams—it’s a compact, dual-lens ball that looks more like a futuristic security drone than a camera. At just 153 grams, it’s lightweight and fits easily in a jacket pocket. The design is minimalist: two fisheye lenses on either side, a small monochrome OLED screen on top, and a single physical button to start/stop recording. The body is made of durable plastic with a rubberized grip, making it easy to hold with one hand.

One of my favorite things? The tripod mount is built right into the base. No extra accessories needed—just screw it onto any standard tripod or selfie stick. That said, the camera’s spherical shape can make it a bit tricky to place flat on a table without rolling away. A small stand or case helps, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re planning on doing quick setups.

Durability: Water, Drops, and Daily Use

The Samsung Gear 360 action camera is IP53-rated, which means it’s protected against dust and light splashes. I’ve used it in light rain during hikes and on sandy beaches without issues. However, it’s not waterproof like a GoPro. I wouldn’t take it snorkeling or submerge it—unless you’re using a third-party waterproof case (more on that later). I’ve dropped it a few times from waist height onto grass, and it survived with only minor scuffs. But I wouldn’t push my luck with concrete.

Tip: If you’re planning to use it outdoors frequently, invest in a protective silicone sleeve. They’re inexpensive and add an extra layer of shock absorption.

Portability and Storage

The camera uses a microSD card (up to 256GB), which is great because high-resolution 360 footage eats up space fast. I recommend a UHS-I card for smoother recording. The battery is built-in and lasts about 120 minutes of continuous recording at 1440p. That’s decent, but if you’re on a full-day adventure, pack a power bank. Charging is via USB-C, which is a win—no proprietary cables!

Video and Photo Quality: How Good Is the 360 Capture?

Resolution and Frame Rates

The Samsung Gear 360 action camera captures 360-degree video at up to 4K resolution (3840 x 1920) at 30fps, or 2880 x 1440 at 60fps. It also supports 1440p at 30fps for longer recording times. Photos are 15MP (5792 x 2896) when stitched together. Let’s break that down:

• 4K 30fps: Best for cinematic, high-detail shots. Great for YouTube or VR headsets.
• 2880 x 1440 60fps: Smoother motion, ideal for fast action like biking or skiing.
• 1440p 30fps: Lower file size, good for casual use or when storage is tight.

I’ve tested all three. The 4K mode is stunning in good light—colors pop, details are sharp, and the 360 effect really shines. But in low light? It gets grainy. The 60fps mode is a game-changer for action scenes. I filmed my friend skateboarding, and the motion was buttery smooth with no stutter.

Stitching and Image Quality

One of the biggest concerns with 360 cameras is stitching—how seamlessly the two lenses merge the footage. The Samsung Gear 360 action camera does a solid job here. In bright conditions, the stitch line is barely noticeable. But in mixed lighting (like a dimly lit room with a bright window), you might see a slight color shift or blur at the seam. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to be aware of.

Tip: For the cleanest stitch, avoid having objects (like a tree or person) too close to the camera. The closer they are, the more distortion you’ll see at the merge point.

Real-World Examples

I used the camera during a family picnic. With the camera on a tripod in the middle of the blanket, I captured everyone laughing, kids running, and even a squirrel stealing a sandwich. Later, I edited the video and could choose which part of the scene to focus on—like panning from the cake to the kids playing. That’s the magic of 360: you’re not just recording, you’re curating.

Another test: I mounted it on a bike helmet during a trail ride. The 60fps mode handled the bumps and quick turns well. The footage was immersive—you could feel the wind, see the trail ahead, and even glance at my hands on the handlebars. But the audio was windy (more on audio later).

Software and App Experience: The Good, the Bad, and the Glitchy

Samsung Gear 360 App: Setup and Controls

The camera pairs with your phone via the Samsung Gear 360 app (available on Android and iOS). Setup is straightforward: turn on the camera, open the app, and follow the prompts. Once connected, you can:

• Start/stop recording remotely
• Adjust settings (resolution, white balance, etc.)
• Preview the 360 view in real time
• Transfer files to your phone

The app is clean and intuitive. I love being able to preview the shot before hitting record—it’s like having a wireless viewfinder. But it’s not perfect. The connection can be finicky. Sometimes it drops after 10 minutes, forcing me to restart the app. And if you’re in a crowded area with lots of Wi-Fi signals, the 2.4GHz connection struggles.

Editing and Sharing

Here’s where things get interesting. The Samsung Gear 360 action camera doesn’t come with built-in editing tools—you need to use the app or third-party software. The app lets you:

• Trim clips
• Add music
• Stabilize footage (decent, but not GoPro-level smooth)
• Convert 360 videos to standard 16:9 (great for Instagram or YouTube)

I’ve used the stabilization feature on shaky bike footage, and it helps—but don’t expect miracles. For serious editing, I use Adobe Premiere Pro with the GoPro VR plugin. The camera’s footage imports easily, and the 360 editing tools let me reframe, add text, and even create tiny planet effects (yes, I’ve made a few of those).

Tip: If you’re not into heavy editing, the app’s “Auto Reframe” feature is a lifesaver. It tracks motion and automatically creates a 16:9 cut from your 360 video. I used it for a hiking vlog, and it worked surprisingly well.

Compatibility and VR

The camera is fully compatible with Samsung VR headsets (like the Gear VR), which is a big plus if you own one. I watched a 360 concert video in VR, and it felt like I was there. But for non-Samsung users, the options are limited. You can still watch 360 videos on YouTube or Facebook, but the VR experience isn’t as polished.

Battery Life and Practical Use: What to Expect

Real-World Battery Performance

Samsung claims up to 120 minutes of recording time. In my experience, it’s closer to 90–100 minutes in 4K mode. Using the app for preview cuts that to about 70 minutes. If you’re using Wi-Fi and the screen on your phone, expect even less. For a full-day trip, I carry two power banks. The USB-C port charges quickly—about 2 hours for a full charge.

Tip: Turn off Wi-Fi and Bluetooth when not using the app. It’s a small change, but it adds 10–15 minutes of life.

Mounting and Accessories

The built-in tripod mount is a blessing, but the Samsung Gear 360 action camera doesn’t have a standard GoPro-style mount. That means you can’t use most third-party accessories unless you buy an adapter (sold separately). I picked up a 360-degree tripod adapter on Amazon for $15, which lets me use it with my GoPro mounts, suction cups, and even a chest harness.

For underwater use, I tested a third-party waterproof case rated to 60 meters. It works, but the audio is muffled, and the touchscreen doesn’t respond. Not ideal for diving, but okay for kayaking or light swimming.

Audio Quality: The Weak Link

The camera has two built-in mics, but the audio is… underwhelming. It’s fine for ambient noise (wind, waves, chatter), but for clear voice recording, it’s not great. Wind noise is a constant issue, and in busy environments, voices get drowned out. If you’re planning to vlog or interview people, consider an external mic (though there’s no mic input, so you’d need to sync audio in post).

Who Should Buy the Samsung Gear 360?

Best Use Cases

The Samsung Gear 360 action camera shines in specific scenarios:

• Travel vlogging: Capture entire scenes, not just what’s in front of you. I used it in Kyoto, Japan, and loved being able to pan from the temple to the cherry blossoms behind me.
• Events and parties: Set it in the center of a room and let it capture everything. No need to point and shoot—just press record.
• Creative content: 360 videos are still niche, so they stand out on social media. I’ve gotten more engagement on 360 posts than regular ones.
• VR content: If you’re into VR or have a Gear VR headset, this camera is a natural fit.

Who Might Want to Look Elsewhere?

This isn’t the camera for everyone:

• Extreme sports: If you’re doing hardcore skiing, diving, or motocross, a GoPro Hero with better stabilization and ruggedness might be better.
• Low-light filming: The sensor struggles in dim lighting. For night events, I use my phone instead.
• Professional filmmakers: The stitching and audio limitations make it less ideal for high-end productions.

Price and Value

When it launched, the Samsung Gear 360 action camera was priced at around $350. Now, you can find it for $200–$250 (used or refurbished). At that price, it’s a solid value if you’re into 360 content. But if you’re just dabbling, consider renting one first. There are newer models (like the Insta360 ONE X3), but they’re more expensive. The Gear 360 is a great entry point.

Final Verdict: The Samsung Gear 360 in 2024

After a year of use, here’s my take: the Samsung Gear 360 action camera is a niche but powerful tool. It’s not perfect—the app can be glitchy, the audio is mediocre, and the battery life won’t win any awards. But it delivers on its core promise: immersive, 360-degree storytelling. The video quality is excellent in good light, the design is portable and fun, and the creative potential is huge.

I’ve used it for family memories, travel adventures, and even a few YouTube videos. The reactions I get—“Wait, I can look around in this video?!”—make it worth it. It’s not for everyone, but if you’re someone who values unique perspectives, wants to experiment with VR, or just loves capturing life from every angle, this camera deserves a spot in your gear bag.

Just remember: it’s a tool, not a magic wand. You’ll need to work with its limitations—like managing battery, avoiding close-up stitching issues, and dealing with the app quirks. But if you’re patient and creative, the Samsung Gear 360 action camera can open up a whole new way of seeing the world. And honestly? That’s pretty cool.

Key Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Details
Video Resolution	Up to 4K (3840 x 1920) at 30fps; 2880 x 1440 at 60fps
Photo Resolution	15MP (5792 x 2896)
Field of View	360° (dual fisheye lenses)
Battery Life	Up to 120 mins (real-world: 90–100 mins)
Storage	microSD (up to 256GB, UHS-I recommended)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, USB-C
Durability	IP53 (dust and splash resistant)
App Compatibility	Android, iOS (Samsung Gear 360 app)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Samsung Gear 360 distinguishes itself with true 360-degree video capture, dual fisheye lenses, and 4K resolution, making it ideal for immersive content creation. Unlike traditional action cameras, it offers seamless stitching and real-time preview via its companion app.

Can the Samsung Gear 360 perform well in low-light conditions?

The Gear 360 struggles slightly in low light compared to standard action cameras, as its dual lenses prioritize wide-angle capture over low-light sensitivity. However, its f/2.0 aperture helps maintain usable footage in dim environments when stabilized.

Is the Samsung Gear 360 compatible with non-Samsung smartphones?

While optimized for Samsung Galaxy devices, the Gear 360 works with select Android phones (Android 6.0+) and iPhones (iOS 10+). Some features like live streaming may be limited on non-Samsung devices.

How durable is the Samsung Gear 360 for outdoor action use?

The Gear 360 lacks full waterproofing or rugged housing, requiring a separate case for submersion or extreme conditions. Its compact design is best suited for casual adventures rather than high-impact sports.

Does the Samsung Gear 360 support live streaming?

Yes, the Samsung Gear 360 supports real-time 360-degree live streaming to platforms like Facebook and YouTube via its app. This feature works best when connected to a compatible Samsung smartphone.

What accessories are essential for maximizing the Gear 360’s performance?

A mini tripod or selfie stick is highly recommended for stable 360 shots, while an external battery pack helps extend its 1,160mAh capacity. For action use, invest in the official waterproof case.