Trying to capture buttery-smooth video with your smartphone often feels like trying to balance a teacup on a tightrope – nearly impossible without the right gear. That’s where phone gimbals come in! These nifty devices transform your shaky smartphone footage into cinematic masterpieces. But with so many options out there, how do you pick the best one?
Two major players dominate the market: Hohem and DJI. While the DJI Osmo Mobile 3 was a groundbreaking device, both brands have continually evolved, offering newer, more advanced models. In this article, we’re diving deep into a comparison, pitting the versatile Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus vs DJI Osmo Mobile 3 (and its successors, along with other Hohem powerhouses) to help you decide which stabilizer is perfect for your content creation journey. We’ll break down their features, pros, cons, and what real users think, so you can make an informed choice. Let’s get started!
1. Hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus Gimbal Stabilizer
The Hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus is designed with the solo content creator in mind, offering an excellent blend of portability and innovative features. What truly makes it stand out is its detachable remote controller, giving you the freedom to capture shots from up to 32 feet away without needing an assistant. Coupled with its built-in extendable rod, this gimbal lets you experiment with unique angles, from low-angle pet shots to high, drone-like perspectives, making it incredibly versatile for vloggers and influencers.
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Key Features:
- Detachable Remote Controller for remote shooting up to 32 feet.
- Advanced iSteady 8.0 Technology for ultra-smooth stabilization.
- Built-in 8-inch Extendable Selfie Stick for diverse shot angles.
- Compact and Foldable design, weighing only 0.85 lbs.
- Hohem Joy App with AI tracking and gesture control.
- 11-Hour Long Battery Life, charging fully in about 2 hours.
- Beginner-Friendly with one-hand operation and easy landscape/portrait switching.
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Pros:
- Excellent portability and lightweight design.
- Detachable remote offers great flexibility for solo creators.
- Extendable rod adds versatility for various shots.
- Good battery life for extended shooting sessions.
- AI tracking and gesture control are convenient.
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Cons:
- Payload limit (0.66 lbs) might not support all larger phones with heavy cases.
- Extension rod may deform with prolonged stretching.
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User Impressions: Users love how easy this gimbal is to use, especially for beginners. The remote control is a big hit for those who film themselves frequently, and its compact size makes it an ideal travel companion. The stabilization is generally praised for creating smooth, professional-looking video.
2. Hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit Gimbal Stabilizer
The Hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit takes mobile videography up a notch with its focus on advanced features for discerning creators. Its standout innovation is the Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode, which intelligently prevents motor blockages from appearing in your frame – a common headache for wide-angle shooters. Add to that a magnetic adjustable fill light with multiple settings, and you have a powerhouse designed to illuminate your story, whether it’s for beauty vlogging or cinematic night scenes. This clearly steps up the game from older models like the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus standard.
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Key Features:
- Ultra-Wide-Angle Mode to avoid motor blockages in shots.
- Magnetic Adjustable Fill Light with cold, warm, and natural settings (10 levels).
- Upgraded iSteady 7.0 Anti-shake for cinema-quality, smooth footage with 20% more motor torque.
- 600° Inception & Sport Mode for creative panoramic and fast-paced shots.
- Extended 13-Hour Battery Life, doubles as a power bank.
- Wide device compatibility for most iPhones and Android flagship phones.
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Pros:
- Dedicated ultra-wide-angle mode is a significant advantage.
- Built-in magnetic fill light is incredibly useful for varying lighting conditions.
- Robust stabilization handles even larger smartphones effectively.
- Long battery life and power bank function are excellent for long shoots.
- Creative shooting modes add versatility.
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Cons:
- The “Kit” might mean a slightly higher price point.
- Learning curve for advanced features for absolute beginners.
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User Impressions: Customers rave about the improved stabilization and the built-in fill light, calling it a game-changer for low-light or professional-looking shots. The ultra-wide-angle mode is highly appreciated by users who felt limited by other gimbals. Its ability to charge phones on the go is also a frequently praised feature.
3. DJI Osmo Mobile 7P Gimbal Stabilizer
The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is a premium offering from DJI, focusing on intelligent integration and seamless professional capture. Its defining feature is the Multifunctional Module, which cleverly combines intelligent tracking, DJI Mic 2/DJI Mic Mini reception, and lighting features into one compact unit. This design philosophy aims to streamline your content creation, allowing you to snap spectacular shots with less fuss. For anyone considering an upgrade from an older DJI Osmo Mobile 3, the 7P brings significant advancements in convenience and capability.
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Key Features:
- Multifunctional Module with intelligent tracking, mic reception, and lighting.
- Robust 3-axis gimbal stabilization for lossless, cinema-quality footage.
- ShotGuides and One-Tap Edit via DJI Mimo app for easy professional editing.
- Quick and easy setup: unfold to power on, magnetic mount, auto-app pop-up.
- Built-in extension rod and tripod for wide selfies and steady vlogs.
- 10 hours max operating time, with the module providing extra phone power.
- Dual-Lens Enhanced Tracking for smarter, steadier subject focus.
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Pros:
- Integrated module simplifies setup for advanced audio/lighting.
- Exceptional stabilization quality, a hallmark of DJI.
- Magnetic phone clamp and quick power-on for rapid shooting.
- Built-in extension rod and tripod enhance versatility.
- Dual-lens tracking offers superior subject tracking.
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Cons:
- Premium price point may not suit all budgets.
- Reliance on the DJI Mimo app, which needs to be downloaded directly from DJI for Android users.
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User Impressions: Reviewers are consistently impressed by the Osmo Mobile 7P’s stabilization and the convenience of the magnetic mount. The integrated microphone support and advanced tracking are frequently highlighted as reasons to choose this model, making it a favorite for serious vloggers and filmmakers who value an all-in-one solution.
4. DJI Osmo Mobile SE, 3-Axis Phone Gimbal
The DJI Osmo Mobile SE offers a compelling blend of portability, user-friendliness, and advanced tracking, making it a superb choice for everyday content creators. Its key advantage lies in its upgraded ActiveTrack 6.0, which sticks to your subject like glue, whether it’s an energetic kid or a playful pet. Coupled with its portable, foldable design and magnetic quick-snap clamp, the OM SE ensures you can capture spontaneous moments with ease and incredible stability, without the need for extensive setup that might have been present in older models like the DJI Osmo Mobile 3.
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Key Features:
- Portable, Foldable, and Magnetically Quick for easy setup and transport.
- ActiveTrack 6.0 for enhanced, precise subject tracking.
- Remote Control With Watch via DJI Mimo app on Apple Watch.
- Effortless Editing with ShotGuides and LightCut templates.
- Smooth Footage with 3-axis stabilization and next-gen control algorithm.
- Effortless Landscape and Portrait mode switching.
- New Status Panel for quick checking of battery, status, and gimbal mode.
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Pros:
- Highly portable and quick to deploy.
- ActiveTrack 6.0 is incredibly effective for dynamic shots.
- Apple Watch remote control is a unique and convenient feature.
- User-friendly editing tools streamline post-production.
- Excellent stabilization for its price point.
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Cons:
- No built-in extension rod or tripod.
- Battery life is good but not as extensive as some competitors.
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User Impressions: Users frequently praise the Osmo Mobile SE for its compact design and the effectiveness of ActiveTrack. Many appreciate how quickly they can start shooting thanks to the magnetic clamp. It’s often recommended for casual users and travelers who want reliable stabilization without a complicated setup.
5. Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus Gimbal Stabilizer
The Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus is an earlier, but still highly capable, version in Hohem’s lineup, focusing on making professional-grade video accessible to everyone. It boasts the iSteady 6.0 Anti-shake technology, ensuring that shaky, blurry videos become a thing of the past. What truly sets it apart is its deep integration with the Hohem Joy App, offering a plethora of one-click “Moment” video templates like Inception, CloneMe, and Dolly Zoom. This makes cinematic effects surprisingly easy to achieve, perfect for storytellers who want to add pizazz to their shots without complex editing.
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Key Features:
- Upgraded iSteady 6.0 Anti-shake for stable and smooth multi-scene shots.
- Hohem Joy App with “Moment” video templates (Inception, CloneMe, Dolly Zoom) and face/object tracking.
- 3D Fantasy Auto-rotation Mode (Inception) for spontaneous 360° phone rotation.
- Sport Mode for incredibly smooth shots during fast-moving actions.
- Basic zoom/focus control and pan/tilt tracking/locking modes.
- 13H Long Lasting Power, can double as a power bank.
- Universal Compatibility with most iPhone and Android flagship phones.
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Pros:
- Excellent value for its feature set.
- Hohem Joy App makes creative effects very easy for beginners.
- Long battery life and power bank function.
- Sport Mode handles challenging shooting scenarios well.
- Wide compatibility with various smartphones.
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Cons:
- iSteady 6.0 might not be as advanced as the newer 7.0 or 8.0 found in other Hohem models.
- No built-in fill light or ultra-wide-angle mode like the “Kit” version.
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User Impressions: Users frequently highlight the ease of use with the Hohem Joy app and its one-click cinematic features. The Inception mode is a particular favorite for adding creative flair. Its long battery life is also a major plus, making it reliable for extended shooting sessions. Many find it an excellent entry-level professional gimbal.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What is the main difference between Hohem and DJI gimbals?
A1: Generally, DJI gimbals (like the Osmo Mobile series) are known for their robust build quality, excellent software integration (especially ActiveTrack), and a more premium feel. Hohem gimbals (like the iSteady Mobile Plus) often offer more features for the price, innovative designs (e.g., extendable rods, detachable remotes), and tend to focus on user-friendly app features for creative effects.
Q2: Is a 3-axis gimbal really necessary for smooth footage?
A2: Yes, a 3-axis gimbal offers superior stabilization compared to 1-axis or 2-axis gimbals. It stabilizes your phone across all three axes (pan, tilt, and roll), effectively eliminating shaky footage from walking, running, or even panning movements, leading to truly cinematic results.
Q3: Can these gimbals charge my phone while I’m using them?
A3: Some Hohem models, specifically the Hohem iSteady Mobile+ Kit and the Hohem iSteady Mobile Plus, offer a power bank function, allowing you to charge your smartphone directly from the gimbal’s battery. This is a fantastic feature for long shooting sessions where your phone’s battery might drain quickly.
Q4: Do I need a special app to use these gimbals?
A4: Yes, both Hohem and DJI gimbals require their respective apps (Hohem Joy for Hohem, DJI Mimo for DJI) to unlock their full potential. These apps provide features like advanced tracking, creative shooting modes (e.g., timelapse, inception), panorama, and often, basic editing tools.
Q5: Are these gimbals compatible with all smartphones?
A5: Most modern smartphones are compatible with these gimbals, including various iPhone models and popular Android phones (Samsung Galaxy, Huawei, etc.). However, it’s always best to check the product’s specific compatibility list, as very large or heavy phones (especially with thick cases) might exceed the gimbal’s payload capacity or physical clamp size.
Q6: What is “ActiveTrack” or “AI Tracking” and how does it work?
A6: ActiveTrack (DJI) and AI Tracking (Hohem) are intelligent features that allow the gimbal to automatically follow a designated subject (person, pet, object) within the frame. Once activated in the app, the gimbal uses AI to keep the subject centered and in focus, even if they move, making it ideal for vlogging or action shots where you’re the subject.
Q7: Which gimbal is better for travel and portability?
A7: Both the Hohem iSteady X3 SE Plus and the DJI Osmo Mobile SE are excellent choices for portability due to their compact, foldable designs and lightweight nature. The iSteady X3 SE Plus has the added benefit of a built-in extendable rod for selfie shots.
Q8: How does the “Inception” mode work?
A8: The “Inception” mode (or 3D Fantasy Auto-rotation on Hohem) creates a spinning camera effect, as seen in the movie Inception. The gimbal rotates your phone 360 degrees along its roll axis while filming, producing a dynamic, disorienting, and highly cinematic shot.
