Samsung Gear 360 Review

Samsung's 2017 Gear 360 refines the company's approach to accessible 360-degree capture with meaningful upgrades over its predecessor. The dual 15MP CMOS sensors and f/2.0 fisheye lenses deliver 4K-equivalent spherical video (3840 x 1920 at 30 fps) and 30MP stills, while the redesigned body trades the original's bowling ball aesthetic for a more ergonomic, pocketable form. The hardware package is solid for the $165 price point, with Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, NFC, and support for microSD cards up to 128GB.

Reviewers praise the capable companion software and improved user experience, noting it works with both Android and iOS devices (a key expansion from the first generation). The design earns consistent compliments for being comfortable to hold and use. At this price, it's positioned as a strong value play in the consumer 360 camera market. However, video quality falls short of expectations, with multiple reviewers flagging disappointing results despite the on-paper specs. Still images fare better, and the overall package delivers enough fun and functionality to justify the entry-level price for creators curious about 360 content without premium demands.