{"id":402846,"date":"2026-04-29T06:55:23","date_gmt":"2026-04-29T06:55:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/402846\/"},"modified":"2026-04-29T06:55:23","modified_gmt":"2026-04-29T06:55:23","slug":"i-tried-the-insta360-snap-selfie-screen-on-my-iphone-17-pro-and-its-a-total-game-changer","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.newsbeep.com\/nz\/402846\/","title":{"rendered":"I tried the Insta360 Snap selfie screen on my iPhone 17 Pro \u2014 and it’s a total game changer"},"content":{"rendered":"

I\u2019m still waiting for the day the iPhone Fold<\/a> becomes a reality, but until then, the only effective way to shoot vlogs and better-looking selfies with my iPhone 17 Pro<\/a> is by using a selfie screen. Insta360, the action camera maker, recently launched the Snap Selfie Screen<\/a>, which adds a display to the back of your phone via MagSafe.<\/p>\n

As much as my iPhone 17 Pro\u2019s new Center Stage selfie camera works, it\u2019s still nowhere near as good as the results I get from the rear cameras\u2014and that\u2019s where the Insta360 Snap Selfie Screen saves the day. Having previously tested alternatives like the SYNCO XView M4 and the Dockcase Selfix case, I\u2019ve found Insta360\u2019s accessory might be the perfect blend.<\/p>\n

Use it when I need it<\/p>\n

\n

\"Insta360\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

Unlike the Dockcase Selfix, the Insta360 Snap is a removable MagSafe accessory, making it far more versatile. It\u2019s roughly the same size as a standard MagSafe wallet<\/a> and includes a folio cover that pulls double duty by preventing accidental touches when the screen is not in use.<\/p>\n

Article continues below <\/p>\n

You may like<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

Because it snaps onto the back via MagSafe and wires directly to the USB-C port, it doesn\u2019t suffer from the interference or lag issues I\u2019ve encountered with the wireless SYNCO XView M4. Furthermore, because it draws power directly from the iPhone, I never have to worry about recharging it. The best part is the modularity: I can keep it on the back of my phone for quick access or swap it out entirely for other MagSafe accessories.<\/p>\n

Vlogging made easy<\/p>\n

\n

\"Insta360\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

As a professional videographer, I much prefer using foldable phones<\/a> for vlogging. Devices like the Galaxy Z Fold 7<\/a> and Motorola Razr Ultra (2025)<\/a> allow me to use their superior rear cameras while using the cover displays for framing and previews.<\/p>\n

With standard slate phones, I\u2019m usually forced to shoot blind. The Insta360 Snap is a game-changer because it allows me to see myself while using the rear cameras, complete with touch controls for pinch-zooming, switching modes, and snapping photos. Once I enabled touchscreen support by activating the Zoom function within the accessibility settings, I had complete control over the camera app.<\/p>\n

This is a major advantage because I no longer need to see my iPhone\u2019s main display, as the Insta360 Snap effectively mirrors it. This means I can run third-party apps like Instagram<\/a> and TikTok, while maintaining full access to their specific camera settings and features. While the view can occasionally be inverted when shooting in landscape, a quick press of the orientation switch on the side of the Snap fixes it instantly.<\/p>\n

Get instant access to breaking news, the hottest reviews, great deals and helpful tips.<\/p>\n

Works flawlessly on Android, too<\/p>\n

\"Insta360<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

Finally, I connected the Insta360 Snap to my Galaxy S26<\/a> \u2014 and without any extra setup, it mirrored the interface with full touch support. This gives me even greater control over my workflow, as the Galaxy S26 and S26 Ultra<\/a> offer manual video modes that allow me to fine-tune settings to my exact preferences.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Insta360\n<\/p>\n

(Image credit: Tom’s Guide \/ John Velasco)<\/p>\n

There\u2019s certainly a lot to like about the Insta360 Snap, and I think its $89 price tag is well-justified. My only complaint is that the USB-C cable isn’t removable. Because it\u2019s fixed to the device, there isn’t much room to connect it to anything other than the phone itself. If it had a longer, detachable cable, I could use the Snap much like a standard external monitor during a video shoot.<\/p>\n

Despite this limitation, it\u2019s a versatile tool that stays stowed in my backpack, ready to be used at a moment\u2019s notice.<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

\n

\"Google\n<\/p>\n

<\/a><\/p>\n

Follow Tom’s Guide on Google News<\/a> and add us as a preferred source<\/a> to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Subscribe to Tom’s Guide on YouTube<\/a> and follow us on TikTok<\/a>.<\/p>\n

More from Tom’s Guide
\n