We Tested This AI Smartphone Gimbal That Makes Mobile Filming Foolproof

Sep 19, 2025

Kate Garibaldi

Two handheld gimbals, one black and one white, are standing on a wooden table surrounded by green plants. Both have small screens and are branded "Hohem." "PetaPixel Showcase" text is displayed in the corner.

The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra is a compact smartphone gimbal that combines AI-powered tracking, smooth stabilization, and versatile creative features for mobile content creators. We put it to the test to see just how effective an AI-assisted gimbal can be.

Full disclosure: This story is sponsored by Hohem.

Hohem’s iSteady V3 Ultra is the latest iteration in the company’s line of smartphone stabilizers, designed to provide mobile creators with smooth, professional-quality footage while offering a suite of modern features for versatile shooting. Compact yet capable, the V3 Ultra combines AI-assisted tracking, a built-in fill light, and a detachable touchscreen remote to meet the needs of vloggers, fitness enthusiasts, travelers, and solo creators alike.

AI Tracking and Smart Motion Detection

At the heart of the iSteady V3 Ultra is its AI tracking module, which uses a built-in 2MP camera to follow subjects in real-time. The gimbal can track faces, bodies, pets, and other objects, keeping them centered or positioned off-center for more creative framing. Unlike software-only tracking systems, the module works independently of the camera app, meaning it functions seamlessly with Hohem’s Joy app as well as third-party applications, including TikTok, Instagram, and Zoom.

During testing, the tracking proved both reliable and versatile. Users can use the joystick to adjust the subject’s position in the frame while maintaining smooth tracking, allowing for compositional techniques like the rule of thirds. The tracking module can also double as a fill light, with adjustable brightness and color temperature options (cool, neutral, or warm) to enhance low-light scenes or quickly improve lighting on the go.

Two smartphone gimbals, one black and one white, each holding a phone and a small camera, are displayed on a wooden table with green leafy plants in the background.

Close-up of a white handheld device with a screen displaying orientation controls and various icons. The device has buttons and a dial, and the brand “hohem” is visible at the top of the screen.

Buy the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra new on B&H

Stabilization and Motion Control

The iSteady V3 Ultra employs Hohem’s iSteady 9.0 technology across its three-axis stabilization system. This ensures ultra-smooth footage, whether the user is walking, running, or capturing dynamic movements. The gimbal supports phones up to 14.11 ounces (400 grams) and provides up to nine hours of continuous operation on a single charge, making it suitable for long shooting sessions, outdoor adventures, or full-day vlogging.

The gimbal also features 360-degree motion capability when mounted on its built-in mini tripod. This allows it to track subjects even as they move around the gimbal completely, maintaining smooth framing during circular or complex movements.

A smartphone with a colorful floral case is mounted on a white handheld gimbal stabilizer, which is standing on a small tripod on a wooden surface. A small white microphone is attached to the phone.

Design and Portability

Compactness and portability are central to the iSteady V3 Ultra’s design. Folding down to just 6.3 inches and weighing 15.1 ounces, the stabilizer is easy to carry in a backpack or camera bag. The handle conceals an 8-inch extension rod that provides extra reach for wider or higher-angle shots, expanding creative possibilities without requiring additional equipment.

The built-in mini tripod is constructed from three sturdy metal rods, and a standard tripod mount on the base allows the gimbal to be attached to larger tripods or mounts for additional stability. The device’s folding design and integrated components make setup straightforward, ideal for both beginners and seasoned creators.

Two handheld gimbals, one white and one black, are placed on a brown textured surface. Next to each gimbal is a matching remote control labeled "hohem," one in white and one in black.

Two smartphone gimbals, one black and one white, stand on a wooden table between green plants. Each holds a smartphone and a small camera. Two additional small cameras are placed in front of the gimbals.

Remote Control Touchscreen

One of the V3 Ultra’s unique features is the removable 1.22-inch touchscreen remote. With a wireless range of up to 33 feet (10 meters), the remote allows users to adjust gimbal angles, start and stop recording, and preview shots without touching the gimbal itself. The live view from the AI tracker module’s camera provides real-time feedback, making it easy to frame shots or reposition subjects from a distance. This is particularly useful for solo creators, fitness instructors, and pet owners who want complete control while being in the frame themselves.

Close-up of a white Hohem device screen displaying menus for orientation, PTF mode, and plus and minus buttons, with control buttons below the display.

Close-up of a small device with a camera lens, LED lights, and a glowing green indicator, attached to a white plastic clip with orange and blue buttons.

A close-up of a small, rectangular, illuminated LED light with a translucent white cover and a red accent around the lens, clipped to the edge of a dark surface.

Lighting and Creative Options

The V3 Ultra’s integrated fill light provides a studio-quality lighting solution on the go. Users can remotely adjust brightness and color temperature, making it easier to shoot in challenging lighting conditions, whether indoors, at night, or during golden hour outdoors. Combined with the extension rod and adjustable tripod, this feature allows creators to experiment with low, high, or unusual angles to achieve cinematic perspectives without additional equipment.

Software and App Features

The iSteady V3 Ultra works seamlessly with the Hohem Joy app, which offers intelligent templates, creative modes, and video shooting assistance. While the app allows subjects to remain centered automatically, the hardware tracking module provides greater flexibility for framing and composition. The combination of software and hardware features ensures that both beginners and experienced creators can achieve professional results with minimal setup.

A smartphone mounted on a tripod takes a photo of green foliage in a dense forest, with the phone focused on a branch and surrounded by lush leaves and a large fallen log.

In the Field

I took the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra out for real-world testing across a variety of shooting scenarios to see how it performs in practical conditions. On hikes and outdoor adventures, the gimbal handled walking and running movements smoothly, keeping my phone stable even over uneven terrain. Its AI tracking consistently kept subjects in frame, whether I was moving quickly through a forest trail or capturing scenic landscapes and portraits along the way.

Low-light performance was impressive as well. The built-in fill light helped illuminate subjects for clearer shots when natural light was limited, and the gimbal maintained accurate tracking even in dim or shifting lighting conditions. Indoors, the V3 Ultra remained just as responsive and precise, adjusting effortlessly to changes in movement and composition.

A woman with long brown hair and glasses, wearing a brown sweater, smiles while holding a smartphone on a selfie stick outdoors with fields and trees in the background.

A hand holds a camera gimbal showing a small screen with a smiling person and a black dog, both posing outdoors. The device displays the brand "hohem" and has a visible instruction to pull out the extension rod.

Using the gimbal handheld while moving, it delivered buttery-smooth footage with minimal shake, and the AI tracker kept subjects centered or off-center depending on my preferences. On its built-in mini tripod, the gimbal allowed for stationary shooting while still tracking subjects that moved around it, making it easy to capture dynamic angles and creative compositions without needing to hold the device.

The included removable remote adds another layer of control and convenience. Its 1.22-inch (31 millimeter) screen provides a live view of the tracked subject, while the joystick and touchscreen options let me adjust gimbal angles, start and stop recording, and fine-tune settings from up to 33 feet (10 meters) away. Gesture controls also work seamlessly, allowing me to trigger tracking or take a photo with a simple hand signal, making it particularly useful solo or when filming pets and active subjects.

Overall, the iSteady V3 Ultra proved versatile and reliable across multiple environments and lighting situations, demonstrating its adaptability for mobile content creators on the go.

A bright dance studio with exposed brick walls, large mirrors with gold frames, a ballet barre, hardwood floors, and two phone mounts positioned on stands near the mirrors. Sunlight streams through the windows.

Limitations

While the iSteady V3 Ultra performs admirably, it is not without drawbacks. The gimbal’s motor noise can be picked up by some smartphones’ internal microphones, though this can be mitigated with an external microphone. Additionally, the gimbal uses a standard phone grip rather than a quick-release magnetic mount, which may be less convenient for users accustomed to rapid swapping. Despite these minor issues, the stabilizer’s overall functionality and feature set remain strong.

The phone attachment clamp on the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra accommodates devices with a width ranging from 2.3–3.86 inches (5.8–9.8 cm) and a thickness up to 0.49 inches (1.25 cm). While this range suits most smartphones, users with larger devices or those in thick protective cases may find the fit tight. In such instances, Hohem advises removing the case to ensure a secure and stable mount. A snug fit is crucial, as any looseness can affect the gimbal’s stabilization performance and the accuracy of its AI tracking capabilities.

Two smartphones mounted on handheld gimbals stand on a wooden floor in front of a patterned glass window. One gimbal is black with a phone in landscape, and the other is white with a phone in portrait.

Are There Alternatives?

While the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra offers a compelling set of features, it’s essential to consider other options in the market to determine the best fit for your needs. Here’s how it compares to two notable alternatives: the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P and the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro.

Firstly, the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra carries a modest premium over competitors like the Insta360 Flow 2 Pro ($159.99) and DJI Osmo Mobile 7P ($149), but the added benefits of AI tracking, fill light, and remote control could justify the extra investment.

Each of these gimbals has its strengths and may appeal to different types of content creators. The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra excels in providing an all-in-one solution with its detachable remote control, AI-powered tracking module, and extended battery life. However, for users who prioritize seamless integration with a specific ecosystem or require features like a brighter fill light or additional accessories, the DJI Osmo Mobile 7P or Insta360 Flow 2 Pro might be more suitable. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your specific filming needs and preferences.

VS DJI Osmo Mobile 7P

The DJI Osmo Mobile 7P is renowned for its robust build quality and seamless integration with DJI’s ecosystem. It features a bright built-in fill light, which is particularly useful for low-light conditions. The gimbal’s ActiveTrack 4.0 technology allows for precise subject tracking, even in third-party apps. However, it lacks the detachable remote control and AI-powered tracking module that the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra offers. Additionally, its battery life is slightly shorter, lasting up to six hours when using the fill light at 50% brightness.

VS Insta360 Flow 2 Pro

The Insta360 Flow 2 Pro stands out with its lightweight design and portability, making it an excellent choice for travel vloggers. It includes the Deep Track 4.0 subject tracking technology, which can track multiple people and objects. The gimbal also features a built-in selfie stick and tripod legs for versatile shooting angles. However, to use the AI tracking feature with third-party apps, users need to purchase an additional $39.99 accessory, which adds to the overall cost.

Two smartphone gimbals, one black and one white, stand beside their matching boxes on a wooden surface outdoors, with grass in the background and autumn leaves nearby.

Should You Try It?

Overall, the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra is a versatile, compact, and capable gimbal that brings AI tracking and creative flexibility to smartphone content creators. Its combination of smooth stabilization, integrated lighting, remote control, and expandable design makes it one of the most capable small stabilizers currently available, whether for vlogging, livestreaming, fitness content, or general video creation. For creators seeking a portable yet feature-rich gimbal, the V3 Ultra offers a compelling solution.

Pricing and Availability

The Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra has an MSRP of $169 / £169. It is currently available online through Amazon, the Hohem online store, and select retailers. Furthermore, the V3 Ultra is now available in North American Best Buy retail stores. In-store hands-on experience events are coming in late October, and everyone is welcome to visit their local store to try it out then.

Buy the Hohem iSteady V3 Ultra new on B&H

Full disclosure: This story was sponsored by Hohem.

Image credits: Hohem, Kate Garibaldi