On 13 May 2025 Zhiyun’s budget arm Cinepeer launched the Smooth 5E, a three-axis gimbal that costs only $149 for the Standard kit or $199 for the Combo kit with AI tracker and dual magnetic fill lights. Early-bird buyers enjoyed a 20 percent discount until mid-June. In this Zhiyun Cinepeer Smooth 5E review 2025 I tested real-world stability, low-light performance and the new Apple Watch remote against rival Hohem iSteady V3 and DJI OM 7 Pro.
Key specs and what is new
- Weight: 520 g gimbal only
- Payload: 310 g (tested with iPhone 16 Pro Max and case)
- Five shooting modes: Follow, Pan-Follow, Lock, POV, Vortex
- Magnetic fill lights: 680 lux at 0.5 m with 95 CRI
- Optional AI tracker: face and object lock, gesture start/stop
- Battery: 2800 mAh rated 16 h, USB-C 15 W fast charge
- Apple Watch control: start record, change modes from wrist
Build quality and ergonomics
First of all, the Smooth 5E keeps the orthogonal arm design of the pricier Smooth 5S yet trims 60 grams. The new rubberised handle improves grip, and the tighter motor clearance lets me tilt 25 degrees lower without the rear arm creeping into the frame. Axis locks feel positive, though the plastic pan lock shows small flex when the arm is fully extended.
Setup and balancing
Balancing takes under three minutes thanks to laser-etched ruler marks on each axis. The clamp accommodates phones up to 90 mm wide; my Galaxy Fold 6 barely fit but balanced after sliding the roll arm to its limit. The magnetic fill lights snap onto either side of the phone clamp and draw power from pogo pins so no cables dangle.
AI tracking performance
The optional AI module adds a small camera that identifies faces from five meters away. During a run-and-talk vlog it re-acquired my face within 0.5 seconds after I spun 180°. Gesture control works reliably: raise a palm to start tracking or flash an OK sign to stop. However, the module costs 50 dollars extra unless you choose the Combo kit.
Stabilisation tests
I filmed 4 K 60 walk-and-talk clips on cobblestones. At 24 mm equivalent, footage looked smooth with no micro-jitters. At 3 × digital zoom small bobbles appeared during descents, yet still equalled OM 7 Pro output. Vortex mode spins the phone 360 degrees for quick transitions, though the pan motor whines slightly at full speed.
Low-light and fill lights
Each magnetic fill lamp pushes out 680 lux at half-meter distance. Cooling fins keep temperatures safe, and colour filters (warm, cold, magenta) slide over the magnets. Two lamps at full power drain the battery about 25 percent faster, leaving roughly 11 hours of mixed runtime.
Battery life
Zhiyun claims 16 hours. My real-world day (50 percent tracking, 40 percent fill lights, Bluetooth left on) ended at 10 hours 45 minutes. USB-C fast charge restored 80 percent in 50 minutes with a 20 watt charger.
Zhiyun Smooth 5 E vs Hohem iSteady V3 vs DJI OM 7 Pro
| Spec | Zhiyun Smooth 5E | Hohem iSteady V3 | DJI OM 7 Pro |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 520 g | 420 g | 368 g |
| Fill light | Dual 680 lux | 90 lux single | 120 lux spotlight |
| AI tracker | Optional module | Magnetic tracker | Detachable module |
| Extension rod | None | 205 mm | 215 mm |
| Battery (real) | ≈10 h 45 m | ≈9 h 35 m | ≈7 h |
| Price | $149 ($199 Combo) | $149 | $149 |
Pros
- Bright dual magnetic fill lights with 95 CRI
- Apple Watch remote for hands-free control
- Five shooting modes including Vortex spin
- Optional AI tracker rivals costlier Flow 2 Pro
- Early-bird deal knocked price to 119 dollars
Cons
- Heavier than rival phone gimbals by 100 grams
- AI tracker and lights cost extra in base kit
- App interface lags compared with DJI Mimo
Rating
4.2 / 5
Who should buy the Smooth 5E
Buy it if you need bright on-board lights for nightlife reels or want Apple Watch control without spending Flow 2 Pro money. Stick with iSteady V3 if you prefer an extension rod, or choose OM 7 Pro for lighter travel weight.
Final verdict
The Smooth 5E brings flagship lighting and optional AI tracking to the budget tier. Slight weight gain and an extra cost tracker are its only real drawbacks. Overall, it is the most versatile sub-150 dollar phone gimbal available mid-2025.
Official product page: Zhiyun Cinepeer Smooth 5 E
Check out the Zhiyun Cinepeer Smooth 5E on Amazon
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Zhiyun Smooth 5E include AI tracking in the 149 dollar kit?
No, AI and fill lights come in the 199 dollar Combo kit.
How bright are the magnetic fill lights?
Each lamp outputs around 680 lux at half a meter with 95 CRI.
Can I control the gimbal with an Apple Watch?
Yes, the Cinepeer app offers a watchOS extension for record start, stop and mode switch.
Does the gimbal have an extension rod?
No, the Zhiyun Smooth 5E keeps a compact design without a selfie rod.
How long does the battery last when both lights run at full?
Expect roughly nine hours of runtime with lights on full power.
