Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 Action Camera 2026 4K HD Review

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017) delivers true 4K 360-degree video in a compact, user-friendly design, making it a standout choice for immersive content creators. With dual 8.4MP fisheye lenses, real-time stitching, and seamless smartphone integration, it excels in capturing high-quality action footage without the bulk of traditional rigs.

Key Takeaways

• 4K video quality: Delivers crisp, immersive 360-degree footage for professional-grade content.
• Compact design: Lightweight and portable, perfect for on-the-go action and travel.
• Dual-lens capture: Simultaneously records front and back views for seamless 360° videos.
• Live streaming: Stream directly to social platforms with compatible smartphone apps.
• Battery life: Moderate usage time; carry a spare for extended shoots.
• App integration: Seamless editing and sharing via Samsung’s Gear 360 Action app.

Meet the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017): A 4K HD Action Camera That Wants to Capture It All

Remember that moment you stood on a mountain peak, the wind in your hair, the world stretching out beneath you—only to realize your phone’s camera couldn’t possibly do justice to the 360-degree view? Or that time you tried to record a birthday party, but half the guests ended up just out of frame? If you’ve ever felt the limitations of traditional cameras, the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017) might just be the gadget you’ve been waiting for. This compact, dual-lens action camera is designed to capture everything—literally. With 4K HD video, 360-degree coverage, and seamless smartphone integration, it promises to revolutionize how we document life’s biggest (and smallest) moments.

Released in 2017 as an upgrade to its predecessor, the Gear 360 (2017) was Samsung’s bold step into the growing world of immersive content. Whether you’re an aspiring vlogger, an adrenaline junkie, or just someone who loves sharing experiences with family and friends, this little orb-shaped camera aims to make every moment feel like you’re right back in it. But does it live up to the hype? In this hands-on review, I’ll take you through everything you need to know—from setup and usability to real-world performance, video quality, and whether it’s worth your hard-earned cash. No fluff, no marketing speak—just honest insights from someone who’s used it on hikes, at parties, and even in a downpour.

Design and Build: Compact, Durable, and Surprisingly Cute

First Impressions: It Looks Like a Tiny UFO

The first thing you notice about the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017 4K HD) is its design. It’s small—about the size of a tennis ball—and shaped like a smooth, matte-white orb with two protruding lenses on opposite sides. It’s not what you’d call “traditional,” but that’s part of its charm. The body is made of durable polycarbonate, and it feels solid in your hand. At just 130 grams, it’s lightweight enough to toss in your bag without a second thought. The rubberized grip around the middle makes it easy to hold, even with wet or sweaty hands—a big plus for action shots.

Unlike bulkier 360 cameras, the Gear 360 (2017) is designed for portability. It has a built-in tripod mount on the bottom (compatible with standard 1/4-inch threads), so you can set it on a table, a rock, or even a selfie stick. The power button is on one side, the micro-USB port (for charging and data transfer) on the other, and there’s a small status LED to let you know it’s on, recording, or low on battery. It’s simple, intuitive, and refreshingly uncluttered.

Weather Resistance and Durability

The Gear 360 is IP53-rated, which means it’s dust-resistant and can handle light splashes of water. I tested this during a rainy hike—not submerging it, but letting it sit in a drizzle for about 20 minutes. It worked fine afterward, with no fogging or malfunctions. That said, don’t take it snorkeling or use it in heavy rain without a protective case. It’s not a GoPro Hero in terms of ruggedness, but for casual outdoor use—hiking, biking, beach days—it holds up well. Just avoid extreme conditions unless you’re okay with risking it.

Smartphone Integration: The Key to Control

Here’s the catch: the Gear 360 (2017) doesn’t have a screen. You control it entirely through the Gear 360 app, which is available for Android (Samsung devices only) and iOS. Pairing is straightforward—turn on the camera, enable Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on your phone, open the app, and follow the prompts. Once connected, you can preview the feed, start/stop recording, adjust settings, and even use your phone as a remote viewfinder. It’s seamless, though there’s a slight delay (about 0.5–1 second) in the live preview. Not a dealbreaker, but noticeable if you’re trying to frame a fast-moving shot.

One tip: always keep your phone charged. The camera draws power from your phone via Wi-Fi, so if your battery dies, you lose control. I learned this the hard way during a long bike ride—my phone hit 10%, and the app froze mid-recording. Not ideal, but a reminder to pack a power bank if you’re out all day.

Video and Photo Quality: 4K HD, But With a Learning Curve

4K 360-Degree Video: Stunning When It Works

The headline feature of the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017 4K HD) is its ability to shoot 360-degree video in up to 4K resolution (3840 x 1920 at 30fps). In ideal lighting—bright daylight, clear skies—the footage is impressive. Colors are vibrant, details are sharp, and the 360 effect is immersive. I recorded a sunset at the beach, and when I played it back in VR mode (using a Gear VR headset), it felt like I was back there. The dynamic range isn’t as good as a DSLR, but for an action camera, it’s solid.

However, there’s a caveat: 4K 360 video requires post-processing. The raw footage comes out as two distorted circular images (one per lens). You need to stitch them together using the Gear 360 app or third-party software like Adobe Premiere or Kolor Autopano. The app does a decent job automatically, but it takes time (up to 5 minutes for a 1-minute clip on my Galaxy S8). For quick sharing, I often shot in 2K (2560 x 1280), which stitches faster and still looks great on social media.

Low-Light Performance: A Weak Spot

Here’s where the camera struggles. In dim lighting—indoors, at dusk, or under streetlights—the video gets grainy, and colors fade. I tried recording a dinner party in a softly lit room, and the footage looked noisy, with motion blur when people moved. The dual lenses have f/2.0 apertures, which help, but they’re no match for dedicated low-light cameras. If you’re planning to shoot at night, stick to well-lit areas or use external lighting. The camera also lacks image stabilization, so handheld shots in low light can be shaky.

Photo Quality: 30MP Stitched Images

The Gear 360 can shoot 360-degree photos at up to 30MP (after stitching). For landscapes and group shots, this is fantastic. I took one at a family picnic, and when I zoomed in, I could see individual leaves on trees and facial expressions clearly. But again, lighting matters. In low light, photos get soft and lose detail. The camera also takes about 3–4 seconds to process each shot, so it’s not great for rapid-fire action. Tip: use the app’s “timer” feature (2, 5, or 10 seconds) to avoid camera shake when pressing the shutter.

Practical Example: A Day in the Life

To test the camera’s versatility, I used it for a full day: a morning hike (bright light), a lunch at a café (mixed lighting), and an evening bike ride (low light). The hike footage was crisp and colorful, perfect for VR playback. The café shots were usable but needed color correction in post. The bike ride? Mostly a grainy mess—though the 360 perspective made it fun to rewatch. Lesson: this camera shines in daylight, but bring a light source if you’re shooting after dark.

Software and Editing: The Gear 360 App Experience

App Features: User-Friendly but Limited

The Gear 360 app is your command center. It’s clean, intuitive, and packed with features:

• Live preview with adjustable field of view
• Manual controls for ISO, shutter speed, and white balance (great for pros)
• Timelapse and loop recording modes
• Direct sharing to YouTube, Facebook, and Samsung VR
• Stitching and editing tools (crop, rotate, adjust horizon)

The app handles basic edits well. I used it to crop a 360 video to a “flat” 16:9 perspective for Instagram, and it worked smoothly. But if you want advanced effects (like adding music, transitions, or 360 text), you’ll need third-party software. The app also lacks cloud storage, so all footage lives on your phone or the microSD card—manage your space wisely.

Stitching and Export: Patience Required

Stitching is the biggest hurdle. The app does it automatically, but it’s slow. For a 2-minute 4K clip, it took about 8 minutes on my Galaxy S8. Exporting to 360-friendly formats (like YouTube’s 360) works, but the process isn’t instant. I once tried to share a clip during a live event, and by the time it stitched, the moment was over. For quick sharing, I recommend:

• Shoot in 2K for faster processing
• Pre-stitch clips when you have Wi-Fi
• Use the app’s “fast preview” mode (lower resolution) to check framing before final export

Third-Party Editing: Unlocking the Potential

If you’re serious about 360 content, invest in editing tools. I used Adobe Premiere Pro with the GoPro VR plugin, and it made a huge difference. I could stabilize shaky footage, add music, and even create “tiny planet” effects. Free options like Kolor Autopano also work well. Just remember: 360 editing is resource-intensive. A fast computer with 16GB+ RAM and a decent GPU is a must.

Battery Life and Storage: Real-World Performance

Battery: 110 Minutes of 4K Recording

The Gear 360 (2017) has a 1,160mAh battery, which Samsung claims lasts up to 110 minutes when recording 4K video. In my tests, it was closer to 80–90 minutes with Wi-Fi on and the app running. That’s enough for a hike or a party, but not a full-day adventure. Here’s what drained the battery fastest:

• Using the app’s live preview (keeps the camera’s Wi-Fi active)
• Shooting in 4K with high ISO settings
• Frequent stitching and exporting

Pro tip: turn off the camera’s Wi-Fi when not in use, and keep it in airplane mode if you’re not actively recording. I also used a portable power bank (plugged into the micro-USB port) to extend battery life during long shoots.

Storage: microSD Required

The camera has no internal storage—you must use a microSD card (up to 256GB). A 64GB card holds about 40 minutes of 4K video or 200 30MP photos. For frequent use, I recommend a 128GB or 256GB card (Class 10 or UHS-I for smooth recording). Format the card in the camera first—this optimizes it for 360 footage and reduces the risk of errors.

Data Table: Battery and Storage at a Glance

Setting	Recording Time (per 64GB)	Battery Drain (approx.)	Stitching Time (on Galaxy S8)
4K 30fps	40 minutes	80–90 minutes	5–8 minutes per 1 min video
2K 30fps	60 minutes	100–110 minutes	2–3 minutes per 1 min video
30MP Photo	200 photos	3–4 seconds per photo	10–15 seconds per photo

Who Is This Camera For? (And Who Should Skip It)

The Perfect User: Adventurers, Families, and Creators

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017 4K HD) is ideal for:

• Outdoor enthusiasts who want to capture immersive landscapes
• Families and event planners looking to document gatherings from every angle
• Content creators experimenting with 360 video for social media or VR
• Samsung phone users who want seamless integration (the app works best with Galaxy devices)

I used it to record a friend’s wedding—placing it in the center of the dance floor. The result? A 360 video where I could “look around” and see every guest dancing. It was magical. For hikes, I mounted it on a tripod at scenic overlooks, and the VR playback made me feel like I was back there.

Who Should Think Twice: Pros, Low-Light Shooters, and Non-Samsung Users

This camera isn’t for everyone:

• Professional filmmakers will find the 4K quality limiting compared to high-end 360 rigs like the Insta360 Pro
• Low-light videographers should look elsewhere—the grainy footage is a dealbreaker for night scenes
• iPhone users (especially non-Samsung owners) face app limitations and compatibility issues
• Action sports fans might prefer a more rugged, stabilization-focused camera like the GoPro Max

If you’re on a budget, the original 2016 Gear 360 is cheaper but lacks 4K. If you need extreme durability, the GoPro Max is pricier but better for water and impact resistance.

Final Verdict: A Unique Tool With a Niche Appeal

After months of using the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017 4K HD), I’m torn. On one hand, it’s a joy to use. The 360-degree perspective is addictive—it makes even ordinary moments feel special. The 4K video, when shot in good light, is stunning, and the compact design means I never leave it at home. For capturing memories in a way that flat 2D video can’t, it’s unmatched.

But it’s not perfect. The stitching process is slow, the low-light performance is mediocre, and the reliance on a smartphone can be frustrating. The app, while functional, feels outdated compared to newer 360 cameras. And if you’re not a Samsung user, you’re missing out on key features.

So, is it worth buying? Yes—but only if you fit the right profile. If you’re a casual adventurer, a family documentarian, or a creative type who loves experimenting with new formats, the Gear 360 (2017) is a fantastic tool. It won’t replace your DSLR or action camera, but it’ll give you a new way to see the world. Just don’t expect it to be a one-size-fits-all solution. Use it for what it does best: capturing life in 360 degrees, with a sense of wonder that only Samsung’s little orb can deliver.

At the end of the day, the Gear 360 (2017) isn’t about specs or megapixels. It’s about perspective. And in that, it truly delivers.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 Action Camera 2017 4K HD stand out from other action cameras?

The Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 (2017) distinguishes itself with dual 180° fisheye lenses for seamless 360° 4K video, a compact design, and seamless smartphone integration via the Gear 360 app. Its ability to shoot both 360-degree and traditional 16:9 video in high resolution gives it an edge over single-lens competitors.

Can the Gear 360 2017 record in 4K resolution, and how does it perform in low light?

Yes, the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 Action Camera 2017 4K HD captures 360° video at 2880×2880 (4K equivalent) and 16:9 video at 3840×2160 (true 4K). However, low-light performance is mediocre due to small sensor size, with visible noise in dim environments.

Is the Samsung Gear 360 (2017) waterproof or weather-resistant?

The camera is IP53-rated for dust and splash resistance but isn’t fully waterproof. It can handle light rain or splashes, but you’ll need an optional housing for underwater use or extreme conditions.

How long does the battery last on the Gear 360 2017 4K camera?

The 1160mAh battery provides about 1.5–2 hours of continuous 4K recording, depending on usage. Spare batteries are recommended for extended shoots or travel.

Does the Samsung Gear 360 2017 work with non-Samsung smartphones?

Yes, it’s compatible with Android 5.0+ and iOS 10+ devices via the Gear 360 app, though some features (like live preview) are limited on non-Samsung devices. A Wi-Fi or Bluetooth connection is required for remote control.

What accessories are included with the Samsung Galaxy Gear 360 Action Camera 2017 4K HD?

The package includes a mini tripod, battery, USB cable, and carrying pouch. Additional mounts (e.g., helmet, adhesive) must be purchased separately, as the camera doesn’t ship with GoPro-style accessories.