The Short Answer
The V3 Ultra adds a 1.22-inch touchscreen remote with live view, a 400 g payload (vs 300 g), longer tracking range and iSteady 9.0 stabilization. The V3 (₱4,949) has a non-screen detachable remote and app-free tracking for about half the price.
Two boxes, nearly the same shape, a ₱4,762 price gap. The V3 and the V3 Ultra look like twins on the shelf, and the product names do not explain what the extra money buys. If you are going to spend the difference on a mic or a power bank instead, you should know exactly what you are giving up.
Here is the honest breakdown of the Hohem iSteady V3 against the V3 Ultra, spec by spec, using Hohem's published figures.
What Is the Same
- Both fold small and take phones 58 to 98 mm wide and up to 12.5 mm thick.
- Both have a detachable remote and a built-in AI tracker that works without the app, using gestures.
- Both have a front fill light rated at 110 lux.
- Both weigh about the same: V3 about 420 g, V3 Ultra 428 g.
What Is Different
| Spec | iSteady V3 | iSteady V3 Ultra |
|---|---|---|
| Price (VMI Direct) | ₱4,949 | ₱9,711 |
| Remote | Detachable panel, no screen | Detachable 1.22-inch touchscreen, live view, 10 m range |
| Payload | 300 g | 400 g |
| Stabilization | iSteady 8.0 | iSteady 9.0 |
| Tracking range | Not published | 0.5 to 7 m (gestures 0.5 to 5 m) |
| Battery | up to 13 hrs; 4 to 5 with tracking + light | about 9 hrs; about 4 with tracking + light |
| Fill light color temps | Not published | 2700 K, 5000 K, 6500 K |
| Known phone exclusions | Not compatible with Xiaomi 11 Ultra, 12S Ultra, 13 Ultra, 14 Ultra | Check width, thickness and 400 g limit |
Specs from Hohem's published specifications. Battery figures are Hohem lab estimates.
Who Should Save With the V3
- Your phone plus case weighs under about 250 g.
- You track yourself sometimes, mostly at close to medium range.
- You rarely need to see the frame from far away.
- You would rather put ₱4,762 toward a clip-on mic and accessories.
Who Should Pay for the Ultra
- You film yourself on a tripod from across a room or street and want to see the frame on the remote.
- Your phone and case are heavy, around 280 to 350 g.
- You track pets or objects, not just faces. Hohem lists face, pet and object tracking for the Ultra.
- You want Hohem's newer stabilization for walking shots.
Digital Camera World put the Ultra's premium at about US$50 over the V3 in its market; in our store the gap is larger, so the decision deserves a moment. If the touchscreen remote is the only feature you want, try framing with the V3's remote for a week first; many creators find the phone screen is enough.
Our Take
The V3 is the better value for most first-time buyers. The V3 Ultra is the better tool for creators who film themselves from a distance every week. Neither is the wrong choice; they serve different habits. For the full review roundup, see our V3 Ultra review.
Three Buyers, Three Picks
The student vlogger
Mid-range Android in a slim case, films campus vlogs handheld, occasionally tracks on a tripod at a study table. The V3 does everything needed, and the savings buy a mic. V3.
The solo travel creator
Films walk-and-talks, then sets the gimbal on its tripod on a beach in Siargao and walks into the frame from 5 m away, checking framing on the remote. That is exactly what the Ultra's touchscreen and 7 m tracking range are for. V3 Ultra.
The small business owner
Records product demos at a desk with a heavy phone in a rugged case. Payload matters more than the screen. At around 300 g with case, the Ultra's 400 g limit is the safer fit. V3 Ultra.
Close the Gap With Accessories
If you choose the V3, two add-ons get you closer to the Ultra experience: a clip-on mic for clean audio, and a small LED panel on a cold shoe bracket for night shoots. Watch the 300 g payload when you add them.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the regular V3 have AI tracking?
Yes. It has a built-in AI tracker with gesture control and does not need the app for basic tracking.
Can the V3 hold an iPhone Pro Max?
Bare, a 233 g Pro Max fits the 300 g limit. With a heavy case and accessories, the V3 Ultra's 400 g is safer.
Is the V3 Ultra's remote worth ₱4,762 more?
Only if you often frame shots from a distance. Otherwise the V3's non-screen remote handles start, stop and mode changes.
More in this series: Hohem vs DJI vs Insta360.
Questions? Contact our team. VMI Direct is an authorized Hohem distributor in the Philippines.
Written by Johannes Yu, VMI Direct. Specs from Hohem's published product specifications.
