DJI has taken a huge leap forward with the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P. This really does feel like the next evolution of smartphone gimbals from them. Over the years, we have had quite a few Osmo Mobile releases from DJI and they have been fairly iterative, with little incremental improvements and upgrades. While it has been nice to see that evolution, the 8P genuinely feels like a leap forward rather than just another small step.
For full disclosure and transparency, the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P was sent to me by DJI for review purposes and this video has been sponsored by the D1 Store. However, all thoughts expressed throughout this review are my own, based on two weeks of hands-on testing with this gimbal.
Table of Contents
Build Quality and Design
The DJI Osmo Mobile 8P does have a similar build quality overall to its predecessor. It still features the selfie pole that extends out and the legs that fold out, which feel really nice this time around with the 8P. There is also a quarter-inch screw on the base, allowing you to mount it onto another tripod, and that feels very solid.
One detail worth highlighting is the ring light built around the motor, which adds a polished look to the unit. On top, there is an NFC point, so if you tap your Apple device, Apple Dock Kit works natively through the camera application for tracking without needing any additional tracking module.
That said, DJI has also included a redesigned tracking module with a built-in fill light. It connects via USB-C on top with two small clips, and you can adjust which direction it faces. Unlike previous versions, this time it is all built into one individual piece that simply plugs in, and it definitely feels a lot more premium.
The Biggest Upgrade
Without a doubt, the biggest upgrade in the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P is the detachable remote controller called the Frame Tap. This is the feature that truly separates the 8P from everything that came before it.
The Frame Tap has its own built-in software, allowing you to customize a wide range of settings and modes, including camera orientation and shooting parameters, all from this compact little controller.
It also features a simple one-touch tracking system. The controller recognizes a trackable subject, whether that is a person or an animal, and you simply tap on that subject to begin tracking automatically. This really does feel like a significant step forward from DJI.
The Frame Tap allows you to get a direct video feed from the multifunctional module, and you can also mirror the display of your phone onto the controller itself, which is genuinely impressive. Beyond that, you can set up tracking waypoints, activate spin shot mode, adjust all parameters, and manage virtually every function through this system. It is remarkably easy to use for everything it offers.
The way the Frame Tap slots into place works really well too. It clicks straight in nice and easily, and when you disconnect it, there is no loading time or change to the interface. The experience remains exactly the same, simply switching to a wireless setup. That seamless transition is a small but meaningful design detail that makes daily use much more enjoyable.
Tracking Performance and ActiveTrack 8.0
The DJI Osmo Mobile 8P comes with ActiveTrack 8.0, and tracking performance during testing was genuinely impressive. The tap-to-track system automatically frames a subject with a detection box, locks focus, and begins tracking with a single tap. It is as straightforward as it sounds and works reliably in practice.
The new multifunctional module, which DJI calls Module Two, expands tracking beyond just people. It can now track cats, dogs, and even general objects. You can literally draw a box around something on screen and it will begin tracking that object. This opens up a much wider range of creative possibilities for content creators.
Apple Dock Kit integration also works really nicely, as we saw with the Osmo Mobile 8, allowing native tracking directly through the iPhone camera application without any additional hardware required.
Stabilization and Real-World Performance
Stabilization is obviously the primary purpose of a gimbal, and the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P delivers on that front. Testing it across a variety of environments revealed consistently smooth footage.
One particularly impressive test took place while walking along a pier in extremely windy conditions while zoomed right in. By holding the trigger to lock the gimbal, the footage remained remarkably smooth with virtually no movement, even at a zoom level where you would normally expect significant shake.
Calibration is also refreshingly straightforward. When the gimbal was initially set up with a slight angle, it provided on-screen prompts, guided the setup process, and was perfectly calibrated within moments.
Unlimited 360 Degree Horizontal Rotation
One of the most satisfying features of the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P is the unlimited 360-degree horizontal rotation. If you have used a previous Osmo Mobile, you will know that there is normally a locking point where the gimbal stops spinning. With the 8P, that limitation is completely gone.
It can spin continuously without any locking point, which not only removes a frustrating restriction but also opens up creative 360-degree shooting modes that were not previously possible.
Battery Life and Charging
DJI states that the Osmo Mobile 8P offers up to 10 hours of operating time, which is a solid figure for a smartphone gimbal. In practice, it never once struggled or ran low during testing sessions.
Realistically, you are unlikely to use 10 continuous hours in a single outing, but having that capacity means you have plenty of power to also charge your phone through the gimbal when needed. When the Frame Tap is connected, it charges from the gimbal as well, giving you a well thought out battery management ecosystem across the entire setup.
Who Is the DJI Osmo Mobile 8P For?
The DJI Osmo Mobile 8P is genuinely a content creator’s dream for smartphone videography. Whether you are a travel creator taking your phone on an international trip, a social media creator who needs reliable tracking and stabilization, or a professional who wants a compact and capable smartphone gimbal solution, the 8P covers all of those needs.
It is especially impressive for travel use cases where you want to get the most out of your phone camera without carrying heavy equipment.
For anyone currently using the Osmo Mobile 8, this represents a meaningful upgrade, particularly with the Frame Tap, the improved module, and the unlimited rotation. For anyone on an older Osmo Mobile, the gap in features and capability is even larger, making this an even more compelling reason to upgrade.
Specification Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Product Name | DJI Osmo Mobile 8P |
| Gimbal Type | Three-Axis Smartphone Gimbal |
| Tracking Technology | ActiveTrack 8.0 |
| Tracking Subjects | People, Animals, General Objects |
| Remote Controller | Frame Tap (Detachable Wireless Controller) |
| Controller Display | Built-in Responsive Touchscreen |
| Controller Input | Joystick and Physical Buttons |
| Rotation | Unlimited 360 Degree Horizontal Rotation |
| Battery Life | Up to 10 Hours Operating Time |
| Phone Charging | Yes, via Built-in Charging Port |
| Multifunctional Module | Module Two with Fill Light and Tracking Camera |
| Module Connection | USB-C |
| Apple Integration | Apple Dock Kit Supported |
| NFC | Yes, for Apple Dock Kit Tap Activation |
| Microphone Support | Wireless Microphone System Compatible |
| Tripod Mount | Quarter-Inch Screw on Base |
| Selfie Pole | Yes, Extendable |
| Foldable Legs | Yes |
| Fill Light | Built into Multifunctional Module Two |
| Video Feed | Direct Feed and Phone Display Mirroring via Frame Tap |
| Spin Shot Mode | Yes |
| Waypoint Tracking | Yes, via Frame Tap |
| Calibration | Guided On-Screen Calibration System |
| Intended Use | Smartphone Content Creation and Travel Videography |
Final Verdict
The DJI Osmo Mobile 8P is not just another incremental release. It is a professional upgrade that earns its P designation. With the Frame Tap remote controller, ActiveTrack 8.0, Module Two with expanded tracking, unlimited horizontal rotation, Apple Dock Kit support, and a refined build quality throughout, DJI has genuinely redefined what a smartphone gimbal should look like in 2026 and beyond.
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