Recording videos by yourself can be quite a hassle, especially when it comes to stabilizing your phones. Most YouTubers utilize gimbals to stabilize their phones while recording videos—hand holding a device while recording may lead to shakiness, unexpected jumps, and video movements. A gimbal stabilizer for phones will prevent this from happening.
We tried and tested out two gimbal stabilizers popular in the market: the Zhiyun Smooth-Q and the Zhiyun Smooth 4. Here we will highlight and describe the features of Zhiyun Smooth-Q vs Smooth 4 in detail, but this comparison will also includes a pros and cons section, which gives off a more accurate view of what it would be like to use these Zhiyun stabilizers.
Dimensions12.6 x 4.72 x 4.72 inches4.84 x 4.13 x 12.91 inches
| Zhiyun Smooth-Q | Zhiyun Smooth 4 | |
|---|---|---|
| Image |  |
 |
| Weight | 0.98 pounds | 2.2 pounds |
| Number of axes | 3 | 3 |
| Rotation range | Yaw (Pan): 360°
Roll: 320° Pitch (Tilt): 320° (-135 to 185°) |
Yaw (Pan): 300°
Pitch (Tilt): 240° Roll: 240° |
| Ports | 1 USB | 1 USB Type C |
| Battery | 3400 mAh | 2000 mAh |
| Battery Runtime | 12 hours | 12 hours |
| Features | External add on capability, 5th Gen, Object Tracking, Rechargeable battery | Integrated control panel design, more prolonged runtime two-way charging, focus pull & zoom capability, object tracking, time-lapse expert, powerful motor |
| Price | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
Zhiyun Smooth-Q vs Smooth 4 – Similarities
Let’s look at the similarities between Zhiyun Smooth-Q 3 Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer for Mobile and Zhiyun Smooth 4 3-Axis Handheld Gimbal Stabilizer.
Axes
These gimbal handheld stabilizers have three axes, offering complete support to the device—three-axis feature allowed my phone to stay independent and could rotate as required during the filming process.
Battery Runtime
A total of 12 hours can be used for both of these stabilizers. This period was decent enough and worked well for most videos, as recording videos can take quite some time.
Differences between Zhiyun Smooth-Q and Zhiyun Smooth 4
When you find out the differences between these Zhiyun Smooth gimbal stabilizers for mobile it will be easier for you to buy a stabilizer that is a better choice for you. So let’s look at their differences.
Design and Size
Zhiyun Smooth-Q
The Zhiyun Smooth-Q has dimensions of 12.6 x 4.72 x 4.72 inches and a weight of 0.98 pounds. The device itself is black and has multiple rotational features. It has a pan rotational range of 360 degrees, a roll of 320 degrees, and 320 degrees tilting.
Zhiyun Smooth 4
This device has dimensions of 4.84 x 4.13 x 12.91 inches and weighs around 2.2 pounds. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is black and also has multiple rotational features. It can pan tilt to 300 degrees, roll to a maximum of 240 degrees, and have a pitch tilt to 240 degrees.
Winner: The Zhiyun Smooth-Q is the clear winner, as it has better rotational features on it.
Ports and Battery
Zhiyun Smooth-Q
One USB port is available in the Zhiyun Smooth-Q, which was pretty handy when it came to plugging in external devices such as lenses, microphones, etc. if required. It has a high powered battery of 3400 mAh, which is more than the general standard for gimbal stabilizers.
Zhiyun Smooth 4
The Zhiyun Smooth 4 is equipped with one USB C port and has a battery of 2000 mAh.
Winner: The Zhiyun Smooth-Q, as it has a more powerful battery.
Features
Zhiyun Smooth-Q
The Zhiyun Smooth-Q comes with a wide array of features that I could access and use. First and foremost, it can be connected through Bluetooth and has an instant zooming feature, which allowed me to focus and record videos freely. The stabilizer is large and sturdy enough to work for plus-sized phones as well. 5th Generation algorithm gives this stabilizer an electronic stabilizing system, with a maximum payload of 200g. The Object Tracking function feature helped my device focus automatically, which worked well for live video sessions. I could be creative and experiment using the time-lapse, long exposure, and slow-motion feature.
Zhiyun Smooth 4
With a sleek control panel design, the buttons on the stabilizer’s back can easily recognize different modes. Multiple switches are available such as the Vertigo shot or the Roll angle timelapse button. The Zhiyun Smooth 4 can be charged two ways and run for a more extended period. The FN switch button allows the phone to focus and zoom in automatically, which gave me more creative shots. There are multiple Timelapse settings on this stabilizer, such as the motion lapse, hyper-lapse, and slow motion. Object tracking helped in tracking objects and movements while recording shots.
Winner: The Zhiyun Smooth 4, as it has better features.
Value for Money
The Zhiyun Smooth Q has a lower price with decent features and will give you a better value for money, all the while being affordable. If you want to have a stabilizer for your phone with the features that Zhiyun Smooth 4 has, by purchasing this stabilizer you will again get a great price-money ratio.
Pros and Cons
The pros and cons of these gimbal stabilizers will help us to determine which one is a better choice.
Zhiyun Smooth-Q
Pros
- Very smooth and stable footage
- Easy to configure
- Battery lasts for a long time
Cons
- Does not support sleep mode
Zhiyun Smooth 4
Pros
- Easy to use
- App is quite helpful in answering queries
- Only gimbal offering focus pull and zoom feature
- Strong
Cons
- User handbook is not as helpful when it comes to guidance
- May not be controllable and compatible with specific phone models
Which Zhiyun Smooth Stabilizer is Better?
We would recommend buying the Zhiyun Smooth-Q as it works smoothly with little to no complaints and has better rotational settings, and supporting multiple plus-sized phones. It is also a cheaper model than the Zhiyun Smooth 4 and will give you a great value for money. If you have a tight budget buy Zhiyun Smooth-Q, if you want better features and one of the best stabilizers, then buy Zhiyun Smooth 4, you will surely be delighted with this stabilizer.