The Insta360 ONE X was a real game-changer when it first launched. Featuring 5.7K 360-degree video, FlowState stabilisation and the invisible selfie stick, it allowed everyday users to capture content that previously required a professional crew. Many years on, however, plenty of ONE X cameras sit idle in drawers with degraded batteries. The question now is straightforward: is it worth keeping yours running, or is it time to move on?
Battery replacement: the most cost-effective fix
The ONE X uses a removable 1200 mAh battery. While Insta360 has discontinued official replacement batteries, third-party options meeting the original specifications are inexpensive and readily available. Swapping them over is as simple as taking out the old battery and popping in a new one. Provided the rest of the camera is working fine, a couple of spare batteries can restore the original recording time of roughly 60 minutes in 5.7K or 4K. This is by far the cheapest and most practical way to get it back in action.
Insta360 still accepts the ONE X through its service portal, but out-of-warranty repairs incur costs for parts, labour and shipping. If the battery is the only issue, replacing it yourself offers far better value than sending the camera off for service. Repair costs for scratched lenses, water damage or motherboard failures will be significantly higher, which brings up an important question: is paying for major repairs really worth it for a 2018 sensor and resolution?
Software support: dedicated app discontinued
The dedicated ONE X app stopped receiving updates in early 2026 and has been removed from app stores. Fortunately, the main Insta360 app still lists the ONE X as a compatible device, so you can still connect, transfer files and edit footage. The camera’s firmware was last updated back in 2020. While the camera remains operational, its software experience is essentially frozen in time.
How it compares with current X-series models
A quick look at current models highlights just how far things have moved on. The X6, released this year, supports 8K video at 50 fps, features a larger sensor, delivers around 140 minutes of battery life in 8K30 mode, offers 20-metre waterproof protection without a case, includes replaceable lens guards and comes packed with modern AI tools. Even the previous-generation X5 remains a solid alternative. Image quality, low-light performance, battery life and software features have all advanced significantly, leaving the ONE X far behind.
Verdict: when is a new battery worth it?
If your ONE X is in good working order, buying a budget replacement battery to get it running again makes good sense, allowing it to serve as a handy everyday camera. For quick casual clips and social media videos, it can still get the job done.
However, if you require longer recording times, better low-light capability, 8K reframing or more up-to-date features, putting your budget towards a newer X-series model is a much wiser investment. The ONE X has truly served its purpose.