Insta360 has launched a new selfie monitor for use with smartphones. With the Insta360 Snap monitor, you can use your phone’s rear cameras for higher quality selfies. However, currently the monitor is only available in Japan.
Design
The Insta360 Snap selfie monitor features a 3.5-inch high-resolution touchscreen. You can choose between Snap monitor with a built-in fill light or one without. The version with the light measures only 4 inches (103 mm) by 2.7 inches (67.5 mm) by 0.3 inches (8.2 mm) and weighs only 3.1 ounces (88.6g). If you opt for the Snap without the light, it is even smaller and lighter.
In addition, Snap has a cover which protects the screen from scratches and accidental touches when not in use.
Attaching the Snap
The Insta360 Snap selfie monitor attaches securely to your smartphone with a strong magnet. You can use the Snap monitor straight out of the box with an iPhone with MagSafe. The monitor also comes with a magnetic ring which makes it compatible with a wide range of Android devices. You need to connect the Snap to your smartphone via USB-C. This ensures stable smooth video transmission and delivers power to the monitor.
Using the Snap
The Insta360 Snap selfie monitor uses your smartphone’s screen mirroring feature. This means you can compose your shots and control your camera just as if you were using the main screen. If you opt for the Snap with a light you can switch between three color balance options: warm, neutral and cool. The light also offers five brightness levels. Additionally, you can quickly flip the display on the Snap to mirror the on-screen image using a button on the side of the monitor.
What we think
The Insta360 Snap selfie monitor is a neat way to be able to use the highest quality cameras on your smartphone. It’s compact and lightweight so it doesn’t add much to the size and weight of your phone. Also, the wired connection means you don’t need to worry about connecting via Bluetooth or remembering to keep the Snap charged. The fill light option is also a nice touch, ensuring you can get good exposure on your face even in darker locations. Hopefully Insta360 will bring the Snap selfie monitor to the U.S. and the rest of the world soon.
Pricing and availability
The Insta360 Snap selfie monitor is available to order in Japan now. It costs 14,000 yen for the basic model and 15,800 yen for the version with the built-in fill light. Those prices equate to around $88 and $99 respectively at the current exchange rates.
