Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera Review Top Features and Performance Insights

The Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera delivers immersive 360-degree video in stunning 4K resolution, making it a top contender for adventure creators. Its dual fisheye lenses and seamless stitching ensure smooth, professional-grade footage, while compact, rugged design enhances portability and durability in extreme conditions.

Key Takeaways

• Dual 180° lenses: Capture seamless 360° footage with minimal stitching.
• 4K video quality: Delivers sharp, vibrant recordings in ideal lighting.
• Compact design: Lightweight and portable for on-the-go adventures.
• Real-time preview: Use the companion app for instant framing and control.
• Modest low-light performance: Best suited for well-lit environments.
• Expandable storage: Supports microSD cards up to 256GB for longer shoots.

Introduction: Why the Samsung Gear 360 Stands Out in the 360-Degree Camera Market

Let’s be honest—when you think of action cameras, GoPro probably pops into your head first. But what if I told you there’s a camera out there that doesn’t just capture action, but captures everything around you? Enter the Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera, a compact, futuristic-looking device that promises to revolutionize how we document our lives—whether you’re hiking a mountain, attending a concert, or just hanging out with friends.

I first got my hands on the Gear 360 during a weekend trip to the Pacific Northwest. I was skeptical. Could a camera that looks like a tiny robot really deliver professional-grade 360-degree footage? Spoiler: it exceeded my expectations in ways I didn’t expect—and fell short in a few areas I wish Samsung had addressed. In this review, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know: the design, features, real-world performance, ease of use, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. Whether you’re a content creator, a travel vlogger, or just someone who loves capturing memories in immersive detail, this review is for you.

Design and Build Quality: A Compact Powerhouse with a Few Quirks

A Unique, Futuristic Aesthetic

The first thing you notice about the Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera is its design. It’s not your typical rectangular action cam. Instead, it looks like a small, spherical device with two protruding lenses—like a futuristic droid from a sci-fi movie. The dual fisheye lenses sit on either side, each capable of capturing 180-degree footage, which is then stitched together in real time to create a seamless 360-degree video or photo.

The body is made of durable polycarbonate with a rubberized grip, giving it a premium feel. At just 153 grams (about 5.4 ounces), it’s lightweight and easy to carry. I’ve dropped mine a few times (oops), and aside from a few scuffs, it’s held up remarkably well. That said, it’s not officially waterproof, which is a bummer if you’re into underwater adventures.

Portability and Mounting Options

One of the best things about the Gear 360 is its portability. It fits comfortably in a jacket pocket, a small backpack, or even a large handbag. The included mini tripod is a nice touch—it folds flat and doubles as a grip, making it easy to hold steady for handheld shots.

For mounting, Samsung provides a standard 1/4-inch tripod thread on the bottom, which means it’s compatible with most GoPro-style mounts. I’ve used mine with a chest harness, a helmet mount, and even a selfie stick—all without issues. Just remember: since it’s not waterproof, you’ll need a third-party waterproof housing (sold separately) if you plan to use it near water or in the rain.

Controls and Interface: Simple but Limited

The physical controls are minimal: a power button, a shutter/record button, and a small OLED display on the side. The display shows basic info like battery life, recording mode, and storage status. It’s functional but not super intuitive at first. I had to read the manual twice to figure out how to switch between photo and video modes.

Most of the interaction happens through the Samsung Gear 360 app (available for Android and iOS). While the app is sleek and responsive, it does require your phone to be nearby for advanced settings. That means if you’re out in the wild with no phone, your options are limited to basic recording.

Pro Tip: Always pair the camera with your phone before heading out. The app lets you preview the 360-degree view in real time, which is incredibly helpful for framing shots—especially when you can’t see what both lenses are capturing at once.

Key Features: What Makes the Gear 360 a Standout?

Dual 180-Degree Fisheye Lenses

The heart of the Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera is its dual 15.7MP fisheye lenses. Each lens captures 180 degrees of the scene, and the camera’s onboard software stitches them together into a full 360-degree video or photo. The result? Immersive content that lets viewers look in any direction—up, down, left, right, behind—all in one frame.

I tested this during a music festival. I mounted the camera on a pole and raised it above the crowd. The resulting video let my friends relive the experience from the center of the mosh pit—something a regular camera just can’t do. The stitching is impressively clean, with minimal visible seams under normal lighting.

4K 360-Degree Video and 30MP Photos

The Gear 360 supports up to 4K resolution (3840 x 1920) at 30fps for video. While that’s not as high as some newer 5.7K 360 cameras, it’s more than enough for most users. The 30MP photos (stitched from both lenses) are sharp and vibrant, especially in daylight. I’ve used the photos in social media posts, and the detail holds up well—even when zoomed in.

One cool feature: the camera can also shoot in “single-lens mode,” using just one lens at a time. This reduces the field of view to 180 degrees but increases resolution to 2K (2560 x 1280) and improves low-light performance. I found this useful for vlogging when I didn’t need a full 360 view.

Live Streaming and Social Sharing

Want to stream your adventure in real time? The Gear 360 supports live 360 streaming to YouTube and Facebook via the app. I tried this during a sunset hike, and it worked surprisingly well. The stream was smooth, and viewers could pan around the scene using their mouse or touchscreen.

Sharing is also a breeze. You can export 360 videos directly to your phone, then upload them to platforms like YouTube, Facebook, or even Instagram (though Instagram doesn’t support true 360 playback yet). The app includes basic editing tools like trimming, adding filters, and stabilizing footage—nothing fancy, but enough for quick edits.

Voice Control and Remote Viewing

Here’s a fun feature: the Gear 360 has built-in voice commands. You can say “Start recording,” “Take a photo,” or “Turn off” without touching the camera. It’s not perfect—it sometimes mishears commands in noisy environments—but it’s a nice hands-free option when you’re busy (like holding a selfie stick or hiking with trekking poles).

You can also use your phone as a remote viewfinder. The app streams a live 360 preview, so you can frame your shot before hitting record. This is especially useful for group photos or when the camera is mounted out of reach.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios: How Does It Hold Up?

Daylight Performance: Crisp and Vibrant

In good lighting, the Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera shines. I took it on a beach trip, and the colors were rich—turquoise water, golden sand, bright blue sky. The dynamic range is solid, handling both bright highlights and shadowy areas well. The 4K video is sharp, and the stitching is nearly invisible.

One thing I loved: the camera automatically adjusts exposure when you move from a bright area to a darker one. For example, when I walked from the beach into a shaded forest, the image didn’t get too dark or washed out. That’s a big plus for dynamic scenes.

Low-Light and Night Performance: Room for Improvement

Here’s where the Gear 360 starts to struggle. In low light, the image gets noisy, and the colors lose saturation. I tested it at a dimly lit concert, and while the video was usable, it wasn’t great. The 360-degree view meant I couldn’t use external lighting, so the camera had to rely on its own sensors.

The single-lens mode helps a bit, but it’s still not on par with dedicated low-light cameras. If you’re planning to shoot at night or indoors, bring a portable LED light or use it in a well-lit area. Samsung’s newer models (like the Gear 360 2017) have better low-light performance, so this is one area where the original Gear 360 shows its age.

Stabilization and Motion Handling

The Gear 360 doesn’t have built-in optical image stabilization, but it does use digital stabilization in post-processing. In most cases, this works well. I ran with the camera in my hand (not ideal, I know), and the footage was smoother than expected. That said, it’s not magic—fast, jerky movements still cause wobble.

For best results, use a stabilizer or mount. I used a gimbal for one hiking video, and the difference was night and day. The video was buttery smooth, with no distracting shakes. If you’re serious about action shots, consider investing in a stabilizer.

Battery Life and Charging

The built-in 1160mAh battery lasts about 1 hour of continuous 4K recording. That’s not amazing, but it’s enough for most outings. I usually charge it fully, shoot for 45 minutes, and have a little left over. The battery is removable, which is great—you can carry a spare if you’re planning a full-day shoot.

Charging is via micro-USB, which feels outdated compared to USB-C. It takes about 2 hours to fully charge, and there’s no fast charging. I wish Samsung had included a power bank mode so you could charge the camera while using it, but that’s a minor gripe.

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

Gear 360 App: Smooth but Sometimes Glitchy

The companion app is where most of the magic happens. It connects to the camera via Wi-Fi, letting you control settings, preview footage, and edit videos. The interface is clean and intuitive, with big, easy-to-tap buttons. I especially liked the “360 preview” mode, which lets you drag your finger to look around the scene.

That said, the app isn’t perfect. It occasionally crashes when importing large 4K files, and the connection can drop if you walk too far from the camera. I also noticed a slight delay between pressing record and the actual start of recording—about 1-2 seconds. Not a dealbreaker, but something to be aware of.

Editing and Exporting: Simple but Limited

The app includes basic editing tools: trim, add music, apply filters, and stabilize footage. You can also convert 360 videos into flat “tiny planet” or “rabbit hole” effects, which are fun for social media. I used this for a time-lapse of a city skyline, and it turned out great.

However, if you want advanced editing (like color grading or multi-cam cuts), you’ll need to export the footage to a desktop app like Adobe Premiere or DaVinci Resolve. The Gear 360 saves files in MP4 format, which is widely supported, but the 360 metadata can be tricky to work with if you’re new to VR editing.

File Management and Storage

The camera supports microSD cards up to 256GB (Class 10 or UHS-I recommended). I used a 128GB card and got about 90 minutes of 4K video—enough for a weekend trip. The files are large (around 1GB per minute), so make sure you have plenty of storage.

One annoyance: the camera doesn’t automatically back up files to the cloud. You have to manually transfer them to your phone or computer. I once lost a few clips because I forgot to offload them before the battery died. Tip: Always check your storage before and after a shoot.

Who Should Buy the Samsung Gear 360? A Balanced Verdict

Ideal for Creators, Travelers, and Experimenters

The Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera is perfect for anyone who wants to explore 360-degree content without breaking the bank. It’s great for travel vloggers who want to capture immersive landscapes, content creators looking for unique angles, or families who want to relive events from every perspective.

I used it to document a friend’s wedding—mounted on a tripod in the center of the dance floor. The resulting video let guests see the entire room, including the band, the cake, and even the balcony. It was a hit at the reception.

Not for Professionals or Extreme Environments

That said, this isn’t a professional-grade camera. The lack of waterproofing, limited low-light performance, and average battery life make it less ideal for extreme sports or all-day shoots. If you’re a pro filmmaker or a hardcore adventurer, you might want to look at higher-end models like the Insta360 ONE X3 or GoPro Max.

Also, if you’re on an iPhone and don’t have a Samsung phone, be aware that some features (like seamless 4K preview) work better with Samsung devices. The app still works on iOS, but the experience isn’t as smooth.

Value for Money: A Smart Buy in 2024?

The Gear 360 was released in 2016, and while it’s been succeeded by newer models, it’s still a solid choice—especially if you find it at a discount. It’s more affordable than most current 360 cameras, and it delivers excellent 360-degree quality for the price.

Just don’t expect cutting-edge specs. If you’re okay with that, and you’re excited to experiment with immersive content, this camera is a fun, capable tool that won’t disappoint.

Data Table: Key Specifications at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Resolution (Video)	4K (3840 x 1920) @ 30fps
Resolution (Photo)	30MP (stitched)
Lenses	Dual 15.7MP fisheye (180° each)
Stabilization	Digital (post-processing)
Battery Life	~60 minutes (4K recording)
Storage	microSD up to 256GB (Class 10/UHS-I)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, micro-USB
App Support	Android, iOS (Samsung-optimized)
Waterproof	No (requires housing)
Weight	153g

Final Thoughts: A Fun, Capable Camera with a Few Trade-Offs

After months of using the Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera, I can say this: it’s not perfect, but it’s a whole lot of fun. It opened up a new way of seeing the world—literally. Whether I was capturing a sunrise over the mountains or a silly dance party with friends, the 360-degree format made the memories feel more alive.

The camera excels in good lighting, delivers solid 4K video, and is easy to use once you get the hang of the app. The design is unique and portable, and the voice control and live streaming features add a layer of convenience you don’t often see in this price range.

But it’s not without flaws. The lack of waterproofing, average low-light performance, and limited battery life mean it’s not for everyone. If you’re okay with those trade-offs—and you’re excited to experiment with 360-degree storytelling—then the Gear 360 is a smart, affordable choice.

For me, it’s not just a camera. It’s a creative tool that’s changed how I document life. And in a world where everyone’s trying to stand out, that’s worth something.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera stand out for 360-degree video?

The Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera combines two 180-degree fisheye lenses to capture seamless 360-degree videos and photos in 4K resolution. Its compact design, real-time stitching, and compatibility with Samsung smartphones enhance its appeal for immersive content creators.

Is the Samsung Gear 360 good for low-light performance?

The Gear 360 struggles slightly in low-light conditions due to its small sensor size, but its f/2.0 aperture helps capture usable footage in dim environments. For best results, use it in well-lit settings or with additional lighting.

Can the Samsung Gear 360 Dual Lens Action Camera record while charging?

Yes, the camera supports recording while connected to a power source via its micro-USB port, making it useful for extended 360-degree live streaming or long-duration shoots. However, battery life may still drain slowly during intensive use.

What apps are compatible with the Samsung Gear 360?

The Gear 360 works seamlessly with the Samsung Gear 360 ActionDirector app for editing and stitching, and supports third-party platforms like YouTube and Facebook for 360-degree video sharing. It requires Android 6.0+ or iOS 10+ for mobile connectivity.

How durable is the Samsung Gear 360 for outdoor adventures?

While not fully waterproof, the Gear 360 has a splash-resistant design and can be paired with third-party protective housings for rugged use. Its compact size and lightweight build make it travel-friendly for casual outdoor activities.

Does the Samsung Gear 360 support external microphones?

No, the Gear 360 lacks a microphone input, relying solely on its built-in mics. Users seeking higher audio quality may need to sync external audio separately during post-production for professional-grade results.