Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 Action Camera 2026 Review and Features

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017) redefines immersive content creation with its dual 180° lenses, capturing seamless 4K 360-degree videos and 15MP photos in a rugged, portable design. Perfect for adventurers and vloggers, it offers real-time stitching, live streaming, and smartphone app control—all in a weather-resistant body built for action. With improved low-light performance and intuitive editing tools, it’s a powerhouse for next-gen storytelling.

Key Takeaways

• Compact 360° design: Easily capture immersive videos in 4K resolution.
• Dual lenses: Seamlessly stitch 180° front and rear footage.
• Live streaming: Broadcast 360° content directly to YouTube or Facebook.
• Mobile app control: Use Samsung’s app for remote preview and editing.
• Expandable storage: Supports microSD cards up to 256GB for longer shoots.
• Water-resistant build: Shoot in rain or splashes with IP53 rating.

First Impressions: A Glimpse Into the World of 360

Remember the first time you saw a 360-degree photo or video? It felt like magic, didn’t it? Suddenly, you weren’t just watching a moment—you were stepping inside it. That’s the kind of excitement the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 Action Camera 2017 aims to deliver. When Samsung released this little powerhouse in 2017, it wasn’t just another camera. It was an invitation to see the world from every angle—literally.

I remember unboxing mine for the first time. The compact, spherical design felt futuristic, like something out of a sci-fi movie. I took it to a friend’s beach party, set it on a rock, and walked around it while recording. When I later played the video, I could look up, down, behind, and even peek at the sky—all from that single moment. It was a game-changer for how I thought about capturing memories. But as cool as it looked, I wondered: Is this just a gimmick, or can it really deliver on its promise? After weeks of testing, I’ve got answers—and some honest thoughts on whether this 360 camera is worth your time.

Design and Build: Small, Sturdy, and Ready for Adventure

Compact and Travel-Friendly

The Gear 360 2017 model is small—about the size of a tennis ball—and fits perfectly in your palm. Its rounded shape makes it easy to carry in a pocket or toss into a backpack. Unlike bulkier action cameras, this one doesn’t scream “I’m expensive, please don’t steal me.” Instead, it blends in, making it ideal for travel, hiking, or even a night out.

I took mine on a weekend trip to the mountains. It survived light rain, a few bumps against rocks, and even a drop onto a wooden bench (my fault, not the camera’s). The rubberized grip kept it secure in my hand, even when my fingers were slightly sweaty from climbing.

Dual Lenses and Stitching

The camera features two 180-degree fisheye lenses on opposite sides. When both record simultaneously, they create a seamless 360-degree view. The lenses are protected by scratch-resistant glass, and the housing feels solid. But here’s the catch: the stitching (where the two halves meet) isn’t always perfect.

For example, if someone walks directly behind the camera, their head might get cut off at the seam. I noticed this during a group dinner when my friend’s head disappeared for a split second as they leaned in to grab a plate. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s something to keep in mind if you’re filming crowded scenes.

Weather Resistance and Ports

The Gear 360 has an IP53 rating, meaning it’s dust-resistant and can handle light splashes. Don’t submerge it, though—this isn’t a waterproof camera. The micro-USB port and microSD card slot are covered by a flap, but it’s not airtight. I’d recommend using a protective case if you’re near water or heavy rain.

• Pro tip: Use a microfiber cloth to wipe down the lenses after outdoor use. Dust and smudges are more noticeable in 360 videos.
• Storage: The camera supports up to 256GB microSD cards. For 4K 360 videos, a 64GB card gives you about 45 minutes of footage.

Image and Video Quality: What You See Is (Almost) What You Get

Resolution and Frame Rates

The Gear 360 2017 can record in several modes:

• 4K (3840 x 1920) at 30fps: Best for smooth, high-quality videos. Ideal for landscapes or slow-moving scenes.
• 2K (2560 x 1280) at 60fps: Great for action shots with less motion blur.
• 1080p (1920 x 1080) at 120fps: Perfect for slow-motion clips. I used this mode to capture my dog chasing a ball—the details were crisp, and the motion looked natural.

Photos top out at 30MP (5472 x 2736), which is impressive for a 360 camera. The images are sharp in daylight, but low-light performance is where things get tricky.

Low Light Performance: The Achilles’ Heel

In dim environments, the camera struggles. Noise creeps in, and colors look washed out. I tested it at a candlelit dinner, and while the 360 view was cool, the image quality wasn’t great. Faces were grainy, and the background was a blur of shadows.

Here’s a tip: Use external lighting if possible. I brought a small LED panel to a nighttime event, and the difference was night and day. Even a smartphone flashlight can help in a pinch.

Stitching and Distortion

The stitching algorithm does a decent job, but it’s not flawless. Straight lines near the edges of the frame can curve slightly. For example, a brick wall might look wavy in the final video. This is common in most 360 cameras, but it’s worth noting.

Also, the fisheye effect can be disorienting if you’re not used to it. I showed a friend a 360 video of a rollercoaster ride, and they said it felt “like being inside a bubble.” That’s the trade-off for immersive viewing.

Smartphone App and Connectivity: Seamless or Frustrating?

Pairing with Samsung Devices

The Gear 360 pairs with smartphones via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. If you’re using a Samsung Galaxy device (like the S7, S8, or Note 8), the process is smooth. The app launches automatically, and the camera connects in seconds.

But if you’re on a non-Samsung phone? Good luck. I tried pairing it with an iPhone, and it took three tries and a restart. Even then, some features (like live preview) didn’t work reliably. Samsung clearly designed this for their ecosystem.

Live View and Remote Control

The app lets you see what the camera sees in real time. This is handy for framing shots, especially when the camera is on a tripod or mounted somewhere hard to reach. I used it to film a time-lapse of a sunset from my balcony—no need to keep walking over to check the angle.

You can also start/stop recording, adjust settings, and even switch between photo and video modes remotely. The controls are intuitive, but the app can lag if the Wi-Fi connection is weak.

Editing and Sharing Made Easy

The app includes basic editing tools: trim clips, adjust exposure, and add music. You can also reframe videos to create traditional 16:9 clips. For example, I filmed a 360-degree concert and then extracted a front-facing video to share on Instagram.

Sharing to social media is straightforward. The app exports videos in standard formats, so they work on YouTube, Facebook, and even TikTok (though you’ll need to convert them first). Just don’t expect advanced color grading—this is a point-and-shoot camera, not a professional editing suite.

Performance and Battery Life: How Long Can It Keep Up?

Battery Capacity and Usage

The Gear 360 has a 1,350mAh battery. In my tests, it lasted about 90 minutes of continuous 4K recording. If you’re using lower resolutions or taking photos, you’ll get closer to 2 hours.

That’s not bad for a small camera, but it’s not great for all-day adventures. I brought a portable charger on a hiking trip, and it saved the day. The camera charges via micro-USB, which feels outdated in 2024 (most phones use USB-C now), but it works.

Overheating Issues

After 30-40 minutes of 4K recording, the camera gets warm. Not alarmingly hot, but enough to notice if you’re holding it. I didn’t experience shutdowns, but I wouldn’t push it for long sessions in direct sunlight.

Pro tip: Turn off Wi-Fi when not using live view. It drains the battery faster.

Storage and File Sizes

Here’s a quick breakdown of file sizes:

Resolution	Frame Rate	File Size (per minute)
4K	30fps	350-400MB
2K	60fps	250-300MB
1080p	120fps	200-250MB

As you can see, 360 videos take up a lot of space. Always carry extra memory cards and a laptop (or cloud storage) for backups.

Who Should Buy the Gear 360 2017? The Verdict

Best For: Creators, Travelers, and Samsung Fans

If you’re a content creator looking to experiment with 360 videos, this camera is a solid entry point. It’s affordable (especially now, as a used model), easy to use, and produces impressive results in good lighting.

Travelers will love its portability. I’ve used it to capture everything from mountain hikes to city tours. The 360 format lets you relive the experience later, which is priceless.

And if you’re already in the Samsung ecosystem, the seamless integration is a big plus. The app works like a charm, and you can edit videos directly on your phone.

Not So Great For: Low-Light Shooters and Non-Samsung Users

Don’t buy this if you plan to shoot a lot in dim environments. The low-light performance just isn’t there. Also, if you don’t have a Samsung phone, you’ll miss out on key features and face frustrating connectivity issues.

And while the camera is sturdy, it’s not as rugged as something like a GoPro. It can handle light rain and bumps, but I wouldn’t trust it for extreme sports or deep-sea diving.

Alternatives to Consider

• Insta360 ONE X2: Better stabilization, waterproof, and works with any smartphone. Slightly more expensive but more versatile.
• Ricoh Theta Z1: Superior image quality and low-light performance, but bulky and pricey.
• GoPro Max: A hybrid action camera with 360 mode. Great for vloggers who want both traditional and immersive footage.

Final Thoughts: A Camera That Makes You See Differently

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 Action Camera 2017 isn’t perfect. It has quirks—the stitching isn’t seamless, the app is Samsung-centric, and low-light shots are hit-or-miss. But it does one thing incredibly well: it opens up a new way to see the world.

I’ll never forget the first time I watched a 360 video of my niece’s birthday party. I could look around the room, hear laughter from every corner, and even spot the moment she blew out her candles—all from a single camera. It wasn’t just a video; it was a memory come to life.

Is it worth buying in 2024? If you can find it used at a good price, absolutely. It’s a fun tool for creators, travelers, and anyone who wants to try something new. But if you’re serious about 360 content, consider investing in a newer model with better stabilization and compatibility.

At the end of the day, the Gear 360 2017 is more than a camera. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best way to capture a moment is to step inside it. And that’s something no traditional camera can offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 Action Camera 2017 stand out?

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017) distinguishes itself with dual 180° fisheye lenses that capture true 360° video and photos, alongside 4K resolution support. Its compact, spherical design and seamless smartphone pairing via the Gear 360 app make it ideal for immersive content creators.

Is the Gear 360 2017 waterproof or rugged for action use?

While the camera isn’t fully waterproof, it includes a splash-resistant design (IP53 rating) for light rain or dust. For intense action scenarios, a separate waterproof case (sold separately) is required for submersion protection.

Can the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 record 4K video?

Yes, the Gear 360 2017 captures 360° video at 4K resolution (3840×1920) at 30fps, though stitching is done via the companion app. Lower resolutions like 2560×1280 at 60fps offer smoother playback for fast-paced action.

How does the Gear 360 connect to smartphones for editing?

The camera pairs with Android and iOS devices via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, using the Gear 360 app to transfer, stitch, and edit footage. Note: Full functionality requires a compatible Samsung Galaxy phone for advanced features.

What accessories are included with the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 2017?

The package includes a rechargeable battery, USB cable, wrist strap, and a foldable mini tripod for quick setups. A carrying case and extended mounts are available separately for adventure filming.

Does the Gear 360 2017 support live streaming in 360°?

Yes, the camera allows live streaming to Facebook, YouTube, and other platforms in 360° via the Gear 360 app. However, streaming quality depends on your network connection and platform compatibility.