Insta360 has officially launched 'Snap,' an innovative accessory designed to solve the age-old problem of using a smartphone's superior rear camera for selfies. The device is essentially a miniature magnetic touchscreen that attaches to the back of your phone, providing a real-time preview of your shot.
Snap is available in two versions: a standard model priced at $79.99 and an upgraded version for $89.99. The latter features an integrated ring light around the screen, offering better illumination for low-light environments. The product is available for purchase now via the official Insta360 website.
Ditching Wireless Latency for a Physical Connection
To bypass the latency and pairing headaches associated with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi, Snap utilizes a wired USB-C connection. According to testing by The Verge, the device supports video output; once plugged in, the 3.5-inch touchscreen powers on and connects instantly, eliminating the need to fumble through settings menus.
In terms of compatibility, the accessory works with any Android or iOS device that supports USB-C video output. Notably, iPhone users need to manually enable the 'Zoom' accessibility feature to activate touch controls, while Android users can simply grant mirroring permissions to get started.
Snap does not have its own battery, drawing power directly from the phone. Insta360 warns that consistent use may drain your phone’s battery by 15% to 20%. However, for many, this plug-and-play convenience outweighs the extra power consumption.
Regarding functionality, Snap isn't just a viewfinder—it allows for direct control of your camera app. Users can toggle between display modes using physical side buttons, switching between a full-screen zoom and a full-aspect ratio mode with black bars. It also includes a mirror-flip button, making it easy to adjust composition on the fly while shooting in landscape.
For those opting for the upgraded version, the ring light offers five brightness levels and three color temperature settings, outperforming most standard built-in LED flashes for portraits and general photography.
While Snap excels at improving the selfie experience, it isn't without its quirks. Because the device occupies space on the back of the phone, users may find themselves accidentally touching the main screen while gripping the device. Currently, the system does not support turning off the main display while Snap is connected, which can make handling the phone slightly awkward during complex shots.
Despite the occasional accidental touch, Snap remains one of the most polished selfie-enhancing solutions on the market. By providing direct screen interaction, it allows users to adjust settings and frame shots without having to flip their phone around, making it significantly easier to capture high-quality selfies with a rear-facing camera.