Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 Action Camera Review Best Features and Performance

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 delivers immersive 360-degree video in a compact, user-friendly design, making it a standout for content creators on the move. With dual 180-degree lenses and 4K video support, it captures crisp, dynamic footage ideal for social media and VR platforms—all controlled seamlessly via smartphone. Its rugged build and real-time stitching set a high bar for mid-range action cameras.

Key Takeaways

• Compact dual-lens design: Effortlessly capture immersive 360° photos and videos in one shot.
• 4K video quality: Delivers sharp, vibrant footage ideal for professional-grade content creation.
• Real-time preview: Use the companion app to frame shots remotely via smartphone.
• Built-in stabilization: Smooths out motion for steady footage without extra accessories.
• Easy sharing: Directly upload 360° content to social platforms or YouTube with minimal editing.
• Durable and portable: Lightweight build withstands travel and outdoor adventures with ease.

Is the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 the Ultimate 360-Degree Action Camera?

Remember the first time you saw a 360-degree video? Maybe it was a concert from every angle, or a friend’s vacation where you could look up, down, and all around—just by moving your phone. That immersive magic is exactly what Samsung promised with the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 action camera, a compact, dual-lens device designed to capture life in full spherical view. I’ve had my hands on this little gadget for a while now, and I’ve used it in everything from backyard barbecues to mountain hikes. It’s not perfect, but it’s certainly one of the more accessible ways to step into the world of 360-degree video.

Released back in 2016, the Gear 360 isn’t the newest kid on the block, but it still holds a unique place in the action camera market. Unlike GoPro’s Hero series or DJI’s Osmo Action, it doesn’t focus on traditional wide-angle footage. Instead, it aims to capture everything—front, back, above, below—using two 180-degree fisheye lenses. For vloggers, travelers, and anyone who wants to share experiences in a more interactive way, this can be a game-changer. But does it deliver on its promise? And more importantly, is it worth your money today? Let’s dive in.

Design and Build: Compact, Curvy, and Surprisingly Sturdy

First Impressions: Looks Like a Futuristic Golf Ball

When you first unbox the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360, you might chuckle. It looks like a white, egg-shaped orb with two bulging camera lenses on opposite sides—almost like a sci-fi golf ball with a mission. It’s small (about 50mm in diameter), lightweight (just 153 grams), and has a soft-touch matte finish that feels pleasant in the hand. The design is minimalist: two lenses, a power button, a tiny status LED, and a micro-USB port on the base. There’s no screen, which might be a dealbreaker for some, but it makes the device compact and easy to pack.

The build quality is solid. The polycarbonate shell feels durable, and the rubberized base gives it good grip on flat surfaces. I’ve dropped it a couple of times (accidentally, of course), and it survived with only minor scuffs. It’s not waterproof on its own, but it does come with a small plastic housing that makes it splash-resistant—perfect for light rain or poolside use. Just don’t take it diving.

Ergonomics and Portability: Built for On-the-Go Use

The Gear 360 is designed to be used in one of three ways:

• Handheld: Hold it like a tennis ball. It’s comfortable for short bursts, but your fingers might cramp after 20 minutes.
• Tripod-mounted: There’s a standard 1/4-inch thread on the bottom, so you can attach it to any tripod, selfie stick, or even a bike mount.
• Worn with a strap: Samsung offers a wrist strap accessory (sold separately), which helps during active use like hiking or biking.

I found the tripod mount the most practical. I used it on a mini tripod during a family picnic, and it stayed steady even when kids bumped into the table. For hiking, I strapped it to my backpack using a third-party mount. It didn’t bounce too much, though wind noise was an issue at higher speeds.

Missing Features: No Screen, No Audio Controls

One of the biggest drawbacks? No built-in screen. You have to use your smartphone via the Gear 360 app to frame shots, adjust settings, or review footage. This works fine if your phone is nearby, but it’s a hassle when you’re on a mountain trail and don’t want to keep pulling out your device. Also, there are no physical controls for audio—volume, wind reduction, etc.—so everything must be done through the app. It’s a bit clunky, but not a dealbreaker if you’re patient.

Image and Video Quality: Stitching, Resolution, and Real-World Performance

Dual Lenses and Stitching: How It Works

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 uses two 180-degree fisheye lenses to capture a full 360-degree sphere. Each lens shoots 3.5K resolution (3584 x 1792 pixels), and the camera combines both feeds in real time using onboard processing. The result is a single 360-degree video file that can be viewed on YouTube, Facebook, or specialized VR headsets.

The stitching—where the two hemispheres meet—is surprisingly smooth in good lighting. I tested it in a park with dappled sunlight, and the seam was barely visible. But in low light or high-contrast scenes (like a bright sky against a dark forest), the stitching becomes more noticeable, with slight ghosting or color shifts.

Resolution and Frame Rates: What You Can Record

Here’s what the Gear 360 can do:

• 360 Video: Up to 3840 x 1920 (3.8K) at 30fps
• 180 Video (Single Lens): Up to 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) at 60fps
• Still Photos: Up to 30MP (7776 x 3888) in 360 mode

For 2016, 3.8K was impressive. Today, it’s still decent for casual use, but not as sharp as newer 5.7K or 8K 360 cameras. That said, for YouTube or social media, 3.8K is more than enough. I uploaded a 360 video of a beach sunset, and viewers could pan around to see the waves, the sky, and the horizon—all in good detail.

Low Light and Dynamic Range: The Achilles’ Heel

This is where the Gear 360 struggles. The small 1/2.8-inch sensors don’t handle low light well. In dim indoor lighting or at dusk, footage gets noisy, with visible grain and loss of detail. Dynamic range is also limited. In high-contrast scenes, you’ll see blown-out highlights (like the sun) or crushed shadows (like dark trees).

For example, I tried recording a campfire at night. The flames looked okay, but the surrounding forest was a black blob. I had to move the camera closer to the fire to balance the exposure. If you’re shooting in controlled lighting (like a well-lit room or bright daylight), you’ll be fine. But for night adventures or dimly lit events, you’ll need to manage expectations.

Real-World Test: A Hike, a Concert, and a Birthday Party

I tested the camera in three scenarios:

1. Morning Hike: Bright sunlight, clear skies. The video was sharp, with good color and minimal stitching artifacts. The 360 view made the forest feel immersive.
2. Indoor Birthday Party: Mixed lighting (overhead lights + candles). The footage was grainy, and colors looked a bit flat. But the wide view captured the whole room—kids running, cake cutting, and all.
3. Live Band Performance: Dark stage with colored lights. The camera struggled with exposure. The band was visible, but the crowd was a dark mass. Audio was decent (more on that later).

Bottom line: The Gear 360 shines in good light. In challenging conditions, you’ll need to work around its limitations.

Audio Quality and Microphones: Good, Not Great

Built-in Microphones: Omnidirectional but Noisy

The Gear 360 has two built-in microphones—one near each lens—designed to capture 360-degree audio. The idea is that when you view the video, the sound matches the direction you’re looking. In theory, it’s cool. In practice, it’s… okay.

The mics are omnidirectional, so they pick up sound from all around. But they’re also quite sensitive to wind and handling noise. During my hike, the wind made a constant hissing sound, even with the camera mounted on a tripod. Indoors, the audio was clearer, but there was a slight echo in large rooms.

Wind Noise: The Biggest Issue

Wind noise is the Gear 360’s nemesis. Even a light breeze can ruin a recording. Samsung doesn’t include a windscreen, and third-party options are rare. I tried using a small foam cover (from an old microphone), and it helped a bit, but not enough. If you’re shooting outdoors, especially in windy areas, consider:

• Using a windscreen (DIY or purchase one)
• Shooting in shorter bursts
• Editing out wind noise in post (using tools like Audacity)

Audio Sync and Post-Production

One nice feature: The audio is synced with the video in real time. You don’t have to manually align audio tracks when editing. But the quality is limited to 48kHz/16-bit, which is standard but not audiophile-grade. For casual vlogs or home videos, it’s fine. For professional music or interviews, you’ll want to use an external mic (more on that below).

Software and App Experience: Smooth, But Not Perfect

The Gear 360 App: Your Control Center

To use the camera, you need the Gear 360 app (available for Android and iOS). It connects via Wi-Fi Direct—no router needed. Pairing is simple: Turn on the camera, open the app, and follow the prompts. The connection is usually stable, though it can drop in crowded Wi-Fi areas.

The app lets you:

• Start/stop recording
• Adjust resolution, frame rate, and photo mode
• Preview the 360 view (with a virtual joystick to pan)
• Transfer files to your phone
• Edit basic stitching and color settings

I found the app intuitive. The virtual joystick is responsive, and the preview is helpful for framing shots. But there are a few quirks:

• Lag: There’s a slight delay (about 0.5 seconds) between the camera and the app preview. Not a big deal, but noticeable.
• Battery Drain: Using the app drains your phone’s battery quickly. I recommend keeping a power bank handy.
• No Live Streaming: You can’t stream 360 video in real time (unlike newer cameras like Insta360 One X2).

Editing and Sharing: From Phone to Social Media

Once you’ve recorded a video, the app can:

• Trim clips
• Adjust exposure and color
• Apply basic filters
• Export to standard 2D video (for non-360 viewers)

Exporting to 360 format works well. I uploaded a clip to YouTube, and it played smoothly in 360 mode. Facebook also supports 360, but the resolution is downscaled. For more advanced editing, you’ll need a computer. Samsung provides a desktop app (for Windows), but it’s basic. I prefer using Adobe Premiere Pro with the GoPro VR plugin, which gives better control over stitching and color grading.

File Management: Storage and Transfer

The Gear 360 uses microSD cards (up to 256GB, UHS-I). A 64GB card holds about 2 hours of 3.8K video. Transferring files to your phone is slow (about 1 minute per GB). For faster transfers, I recommend removing the card and using a USB reader. Also, the camera doesn’t compress files much, so 360 videos take up a lot of space. A 10-minute clip is about 1.5GB.

Performance and Battery Life: How Long Can It Last?

Battery Capacity and Real-World Usage

The Gear 360 has a 1350mAh battery. Samsung claims up to 130 minutes of video recording, but real-world performance is less. Here’s what I found:

• 3.8K Video: About 90 minutes (with Wi-Fi on for app control)
• 1080p Video: About 110 minutes
• Photo Mode: Up to 150 minutes (if you’re not using Wi-Fi)

The battery life is decent for short outings, but not great for all-day use. I recommend carrying a spare battery (sold separately) or a power bank. The micro-USB charging port is a bit outdated—most new devices use USB-C—but it works fine with most chargers.

Overheating and Continuous Recording

The camera can get warm during long recordings, especially in direct sunlight. I once recorded a 45-minute outdoor event, and the camera shut down with an overheating warning. After cooling for 10 minutes, it worked again. To avoid this:

• Take breaks between recordings
• Don’t leave it in direct sun
• Use lower resolution for longer sessions

Data Table: Key Specifications and Performance

Feature	Specification
Resolution (Video)	3840 x 1920 (3.8K) at 30fps
Resolution (Photo)	30MP (7776 x 3888)
Field of View	360° x 180° (dual 180° lenses)
Stitching	Onboard real-time processing
Audio	2 mics, 48kHz/16-bit
Battery Life	Up to 130 min (claimed), ~90 min (real-world)
Storage	microSD up to 256GB (UHS-I)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi Direct, micro-USB
Weight	153g

Who Should Buy the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360?

After months of testing, I can confidently say: The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 action camera is a solid entry-level 360-degree camera, but it’s not for everyone. It’s best suited for:

• Casual users: If you want to experiment with 360 video for family events, travel, or social media, it’s a fun and affordable option.
• Content creators on a budget: It’s much cheaper than newer 360 cameras, and the quality is good enough for YouTube or Instagram.
• Tech enthusiasts: If you enjoy tinkering with new formats and don’t mind the app quirks, you’ll find it rewarding.

But it’s not ideal for:

• Professional videographers: The low-light performance and lack of advanced features (like live streaming or HDR) make it unsuitable for pro work.
• Adventure sports: It’s not rugged enough for extreme conditions. GoPro or DJI are better for action shots.
• Users who hate apps: If you prefer physical controls and hate using your phone as a viewfinder, look elsewhere.

The Gear 360 isn’t perfect. The stitching has flaws, the audio is noisy, and the battery life could be better. But for what it is—a compact, easy-to-use 360 camera—it delivers. It opened my eyes to the possibilities of immersive video, and I’ve used it in ways I never imagined (like placing it in the middle of a dinner table to capture the whole conversation).

If you’re curious about 360-degree storytelling and want a low-risk way to start, the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 is still a great choice. It’s not the best, but it’s one of the most accessible. And sometimes, that’s exactly what you need.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 action camera excels with its dual 180° lenses, capturing seamless 360-degree videos and photos in 4K resolution. Its compact, user-friendly design and real-time stitching make it ideal for immersive content creation.

Can the Gear 360 handle outdoor adventures like other action cameras?

Yes, the Gear 360 is built for adventure with IP53 water and dust resistance, though it’s not fully waterproof like some rivals. It’s great for casual outdoor use but may need extra protection in harsh conditions.

How does the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 connect to smartphones?

The Gear 360 action camera pairs via Bluetooth and Wi-Fi with Samsung Galaxy devices, enabling live preview, remote control, and instant sharing through the dedicated app. Compatibility is limited to select Android and iOS models.

What is the battery life of the Gear 360 during 360-degree recording?

The Gear 360 offers about 130 minutes of continuous 360-degree recording per charge, though 4K video and Wi-Fi use can reduce this. Carrying a spare battery is recommended for extended shoots.

Does the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 support live streaming?

Yes, the Gear 360 action camera supports live streaming to YouTube and Facebook in 360 degrees, but only when connected to a compatible smartphone. Stream quality depends on your network connection.

What accessories are available for the Gear 360 action camera?

Samsung offers mounts, tripods, and protective cases tailored for the Gear 360, enhancing versatility for travel, sports, or vlogging. Third-party accessories are also widely available for added flexibility.