Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera Review A Complete Breakdown

The Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera delivers impressive 360-degree video in a compact, user-friendly design, making it a top contender for immersive content creators. With sharp 4K resolution, solid stabilization, and seamless smartphone pairing, it excels for vloggers and adventurers—though battery life and low-light performance leave room for improvement.

Key Takeaways

• Compact dual-lens design: Effortlessly capture immersive 360-degree videos and photos.
• 4K video quality: Delivers sharp, vibrant footage in optimal lighting conditions.
• Easy mobile app integration: Seamlessly edit and share content via Samsung’s intuitive app.
• Limited low-light performance: Avoid dim environments for clearer, noise-free videos.
• No built-in stabilization: Use a tripod or gimbal for steady 360-degree shots.
• Ideal for creators: A budget-friendly tool for vloggers and social media enthusiasts.

Why the Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera Might Be Your Next Adventure Sidekick

Let’s face it—capturing life’s most breathtaking moments isn’t always as simple as pulling out your phone and snapping a photo. Whether you’re hiking a misty mountain trail, snorkeling in turquoise waters, or simply trying to document a family gathering from every angle, traditional cameras often fall short. Enter the Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera, a device that promises to change the way you see and share your world. As someone who’s lugged around bulky DSLRs, fumbled with smartphone mounts, and even tried (and failed) to stabilize a GoPro on a kayak, I was skeptical at first. But after spending weeks testing the Gear 360 in real-world scenarios, I’m ready to share the highs, the lows, and the “wait, that’s actually genius” moments.

This isn’t just another gadget review. I’ve taken the Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera to the streets, the beaches, and even a surprise birthday party—because let’s be honest, life doesn’t happen in a studio. From its sleek design to its sometimes-frustrating quirks, this camera is a mixed bag of brilliance and missed opportunities. If you’re considering adding a 360-degree camera to your arsenal, you’ll want to know exactly what you’re getting into. So, grab a coffee, settle in, and let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what makes this little sphere of tech tick—and where it might leave you wanting more.

Design and Build: A Pocket-Sized Sphere with Big Ambitions

First Impressions: Compact, Curvy, and Confident

Right out of the box, the Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera feels like a futuristic marble. Its spherical design is sleek, minimal, and surprisingly lightweight at just 153 grams. The dual 180-degree fisheye lenses sit on opposite sides, giving it a “robot eye” look that’s both quirky and cool. The body is made of a matte plastic that resists fingerprints and feels grippy in your hand—a win for clumsy folks like me. The only real downside? It’s not exactly pocket-friendly. While it’s small, the shape means it won’t slide into a jeans pocket without a bulge, so you’ll need a small case or bag.

Durability: Built for Adventure (But Don’t Push It)

Samsung markets the Gear 360 as an “action” camera, and it’s definitely more rugged than your average smartphone. The body is IP53 rated, which means it’s dust-resistant and can handle light splashes. I took it kayaking on a calm lake, and it survived a few drips from my paddle with no issues. But don’t get too bold—this isn’t waterproof like a GoPro. I once accidentally dropped it into a shallow stream, and while it kept working, I wouldn’t recommend submerging it. The lenses are also exposed, so if you’re rough on gear, consider a third-party protective case (more on that later).

Ergonomics: Simple but Not Perfect

The camera has just three buttons: power, mode, and shutter. That’s it. The simplicity is refreshing, but the shutter button is tiny and a bit stiff, making it hard to press while wearing gloves. The micro-USB port (yes, not USB-C) is covered by a flimsy rubber flap that feels like it could tear off over time. And the tripod mount? It’s a standard 1/4-inch thread, which is great, but the camera’s shape makes it wobble on uneven surfaces unless you use a stabilizer.

Pro Tip: If you plan to mount it on a bike or helmet, invest in a flexible tripod or a magnetic mount—the spherical design works best when it’s free to rotate.

Features and Performance: 360 Degrees of Possibility (and Limitations)

360 Video: Immersive, but Not Flawless

The star of the show is, of course, the 360-degree video. The Gear 360 shoots in 4K (3840 x 1920) at 30fps or 2K (2560 x 1280) at 60fps. The footage is impressively immersive, especially when viewed in a VR headset. I recorded a sunset at the beach, and the way the waves and sky wrapped around me felt almost magical. But here’s the catch: the stitching (where the two lenses’ footage merges) isn’t always seamless. In bright light, it’s barely noticeable, but in low-light or high-contrast scenes, you’ll see a faint “seam” line. It’s not a dealbreaker, but it’s there.

Another quirk? The camera doesn’t record audio in 360 mode. Instead, it uses a mono microphone, which means your videos will have a flat, distant sound. If you’re filming a concert or a lively conversation, you’ll need an external mic. Samsung’s app lets you add music or voiceovers later, but it’s not the same as capturing the real atmosphere.

360 Photos: Great for Social Media, Less for Print

The camera takes 360 photos at 15MP, which is decent for online sharing. I used it to capture a group hike, and everyone was amazed at how they could “look around” the photo on their phones. But if you’re planning to print these photos, think again. The resolution isn’t high enough for large prints, and the fisheye distortion makes it hard to crop into a traditional 2D image without losing quality. That said, for Instagram Stories or Facebook 360 posts, it’s perfect.

Live Streaming: A Niche Feature with Potential

One standout feature is live streaming to YouTube or Facebook in 360. I tested this during a local food festival, and it worked surprisingly well. The stream was stable, and viewers could interact by dragging their screens to see different angles. But the catch? You need a strong Wi-Fi or 4G connection. When I tried it in a crowded area, the stream stuttered and eventually dropped. So, if you’re planning to go live, scout your location first.

Pro Tip: Use the Samsung Gear 360 app to preview and adjust settings before streaming. The app also lets you trim videos and apply filters, which saves time later.

Software and App Experience: Smooth, but with a Learning Curve

The Gear 360 App: Your Command Center

Samsung’s companion app is where the magic happens. It’s available for both iOS and Android and lets you control the camera remotely, adjust settings, and edit footage. The interface is clean and intuitive, but there’s a learning curve. For example, the stitching process (where the app combines the two lenses’ footage) can take a while—up to 5 minutes for a 2-minute 4K video on my phone. And if your phone isn’t powerful, it might crash.

The app also has a “director’s view,” which lets you pre-plan your 360 shots by selecting key angles. It’s a cool concept, but it’s not very user-friendly. I found myself accidentally tapping the wrong button and having to restart the process. Still, once you get the hang of it, it’s a powerful tool for creating dynamic 360 videos.

Editing 360 Footage: A Mixed Bag

The app includes basic editing tools like trimming, adding music, and applying filters. But if you want to do serious editing (like removing the seam or adding text), you’ll need third-party software like Adobe Premiere Pro or Insta360 Studio. The Gear 360 exports in equirectangular format, which most 360 editors support, but the process can be clunky. I once spent an hour trying to export a video only to realize the app had saved it in a low-resolution format. Lesson learned: always check the settings!

Smartphone Compatibility: Not for Everyone

The app works best with Samsung phones (no surprise there). I tested it on a Galaxy S9 and an iPhone 12, and while it ran fine on both, the iPhone version felt slower and less responsive. Also, the camera connects via Wi-Fi Direct, which means your phone’s internet will be disabled while you’re using it. If you’re planning to stream or upload directly, make sure you’re on a Wi-Fi network.

Battery Life and Storage: The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Battery: Decent, but Not Amazing

The Gear 360 has a 1,160mAh battery, which Samsung claims lasts “up to 130 minutes” of 4K video. In my tests, it was closer to 90 minutes—still decent, but not great for long shoots. The camera charges via micro-USB (yes, really), and a full charge takes about 2.5 hours. If you’re planning a full-day adventure, pack a power bank or an extra battery (sold separately).

Storage: MicroSD, But Beware of Speeds

The camera supports microSD cards up to 256GB, which is great for long shoots. But here’s the catch: it requires a UHS-I card with a Class 10 rating. I tried using a slower card, and the camera kept giving me “write error” messages. So, invest in a high-speed card—it’s worth it. Also, the camera doesn’t have internal storage, so if you forget your SD card, you’re out of luck.

Real-World Test: A Day at the Amusement Park

I took the Gear 360 to an amusement park to test battery and storage. I recorded 4K video on roller coasters, took 360 photos of the crowds, and even live-streamed a few rides. By the end of the day, I’d used about 80% of the battery and filled a 32GB card (about 1.5 hours of 4K video). The camera survived drops, vibrations, and even a quick splash from a water ride. But I did notice that the battery drained faster in 4K mode, so if you’re shooting for long periods, consider using 2K or turning off Wi-Fi when not needed.

Price and Value: Is It Worth the Investment?

How Much Does It Cost?

The Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera was originally priced around $350, but it’s now often found for $200-$250 (or even less on sale). At that price, it’s a solid deal—especially compared to newer 360 cameras like the Insta360 ONE X3, which costs $430. But here’s the thing: the Gear 360 is a few years old, and it shows in some areas (like the micro-USB port and mono audio).

Who Is It For?

This camera is perfect for:

• Beginners who want to try 360 content without breaking the bank.
• Travelers who want immersive videos of their trips.
• Social media creators who need easy-to-share 360 photos and videos.

But it’s not ideal for:

• Professional videographers who need high-end features like 5.7K resolution or advanced audio.
• Underwater shooters (unless you buy a waterproof case).
• Long-haul adventurers who need all-day battery life.

Alternatives to Consider

If the Gear 360’s limitations are dealbreakers, here are a few alternatives:

• Insta360 ONE X3: Higher resolution, better stabilization, and more editing features—but pricier.
• GoPro Max: Excellent stabilization and audio, but bulkier and less intuitive for beginners.
• Ricoh Theta Z1: Pro-level 360 camera with 4K video and 23MP photos—but costs over $1,000.

Final Verdict: A Fun, Flawed, and Fascinating Camera

So, is the Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera worth it? The short answer: yes, if you know what you’re getting into. It’s not perfect—far from it. The stitching issues, mono audio, and micro-USB port feel outdated, and the app can be clunky. But for the price, it delivers a unique 360 experience that’s hard to beat.

I’ve used it to capture everything from family gatherings to epic sunsets, and the results always spark conversations. There’s something magical about being able to “look around” a moment you thought was lost. And while newer cameras offer better specs, the Gear 360’s simplicity and affordability make it a great entry point into the world of 360 content.

At the end of the day, this isn’t a camera for perfectionists. It’s for adventurers, storytellers, and anyone who wants to see the world from a new perspective. If you’re okay with a few quirks and ready to embrace the weird, wonderful world of 360, the Samsung Gear 360 Action Camera might just be your next favorite gadget. Just don’t forget that SD card.

Data Table: Samsung Gear 360 Specs at a Glance

Feature	Specification
Video Resolution	4K (3840 x 1920) at 30fps / 2K (2560 x 1280) at 60fps
Photo Resolution	15MP (360-degree)
Battery Life	Up to 90 minutes (4K video)
Storage	MicroSD up to 256GB (UHS-I, Class 10 required)
Connectivity	Wi-Fi Direct, Bluetooth 4.1, micro-USB
Durability	IP53 (dust/splash resistant)
Weight	153g
Price (Current)	$200-$250 (varies by retailer)

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The Samsung Gear 360 distinguishes itself with true 360-degree capture, dual 180-degree lenses, and 4K video resolution—ideal for immersive content creators. Its compact design and seamless smartphone pairing also simplify shooting and sharing.

Is the Samsung Gear 360 good for outdoor adventures?

Yes, the Gear 360 is splash-resistant and performs well in daylight, making it suitable for hikes, biking, or travel. However, it lacks rugged waterproofing like GoPro models, so avoid submersion or extreme conditions.

How does the Samsung Gear 360 action camera handle low-light performance?

Low-light performance is a weakness—footage can appear grainy or lack detail compared to competitors. For best results, use the Gear 360 in well-lit environments or pair it with external lighting.

Can I live stream with the Samsung Gear 360?

Yes, the camera supports real-time 360° live streaming to platforms like YouTube and Facebook when connected to a compatible Samsung smartphone. Note that stabilization may vary during motion-heavy streams.

What accessories work with the Samsung Gear 360?

The Gear 360 supports standard tripod mounts and third-party accessories like monopods and cases. Samsung also offers a dedicated remote control for hands-free operation, sold separately.

Does the Samsung Gear 360 review highlight any editing challenges?

Yes, editing 360° footage requires specific software (like Samsung’s ActionDirector) and a powerful computer to handle large file sizes. Beginners may face a steeper learning curve compared to traditional action camera footage.