I’ve used a number of doorbell cameras and totally loved my time with Aqara’s Sensible Video Doorbell G4. Like many Aqara merchandise, the G4 is chock stuffed with options at an inexpensive worth and is suitable with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s quite a bit on provide, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Value and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is obtainable solely via Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m scripting this there may be an prompt $22 low cost coupon you may clip to use to your buy. It’s presently accessible solely within the U.S.
The G4 is priced under opponents like Arlo, Ring, or Nest, and doesn’t require a subscription for video recording, because the repeater options expandable storage for native recording. So that you’ll save a number of {dollars} in comparison with competing merchandise. It’s necessary to notice that for a number of additional {dollars}, some competing merchandise provide a vertically wider area of view, and barely increased video decision.
The G4 is obtainable in both black, or shadow grey.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Specs and options
Aqara’s Video Doorbell G4 is powered by six AA batteries, which may be customary or rechargeable, however will last as long as 4 months relying on how usually exercise is triggered. The G4 may also be wired to an AC/DC transformer like a few of the best video doorbells available. The video is 1080p with a 162-degree area of view, however in my testing, I discovered that I’d prefer it to have a better vertical area of view. I’ve it positioned fairly low on my door, as you may see within the ultra-wide shot of my patio under. At that stage, I can see as tall as a 6’ particular person’s head, however I can’t see the bottom, so when packages are positioned at my door, they’re out of view.
That is additionally because of the approach my entrance porch is ready up. It’s fairly slender, so you probably have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the particular person in view as they strategy the digital camera. You gained’t possible see a package deal on the bottom if it’s positioned too near your door although.
The G4 has some nifty AI and privateness options, like on-device facial recognition. Utilizing the Aqara Dwelling app, you may reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other useful privateness function is the flexibility to masks areas of the picture that will comprise delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ flats or houses.
The repeater and doorbell items are each single-band 2.4GHz b/g/n solely. Whereas the doorbell may be powered by batteries or wired, with batteries used as a backup, the repeater have to be linked to an exterior energy provide by way of USB-C connection. The repeater additionally helps native storage as much as 512GB by way of microSD card, which can will let you arrange 24/7 recording with no need an web connection or the cloud.
The repeater/chime is definitely fairly full-featured. It encompasses a loud 95dB speaker, which is nice for the customized ringtones you may arrange with it. You need to use facial recognition to set off these customized tones primarily based on who’s on the door. It may also be arrange with different automation to behave as an alarm. Say, you probably have different Aqara merchandise just like the window sensors and somebody breaks into that window.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4:Construct and appears
The G4 will possible evoke robust feelings from completely different customers for its appears. Whereas some people just like the svelte styling of the Arlo video doorbell, the Aqara G4 is bigger and boxier just like the Ring doorbell. Its doorbell button which lights up by way of LEDs, and its digital camera module are giant and apparent, nothing discreet about it.
The G4 feels substantial and is IP-rated, although the instruction guide recommends inserting it on a porch or different shaded space. It’s accessible in two colours, each darkish tones solely. For those who’re in an house and may’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit matches into one in all my favourite momentary mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a good match via the face of the Boa because of the giant buttons on the face of the G4, nevertheless it works with minimal trouble.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Ease of use
Establishing the Video Doorbell G4 was a breeze. There are QR codes for downloading the Aqara Dwelling app and for binding to HomeKit. The repeater is the half that connects to your own home router, whereas the precise doorbell unit connects to it. So, you’ll arrange the repeater first by including it to the Aqara Dwelling app, and following the prompts.
I like to recommend setting every part up in Aqara Dwelling first, after which connecting to Apple Dwelling as a result of there are numerous options price utilizing that aren’t uncovered to HomeKit. When you configure options like picture masking or customized ringtones, you may entry and use the G4 via Apple’s Dwelling app.
One facet that doesn’t get sufficient consideration is how simple it’s to make use of most of those HKSV-supported cameras along with your Apple Watch. The oldsters in Cupertino, CA, deserve their flowers for creating units whose connectedness is fairly strong throughout {hardware}. I like being out and about and searching on the Dwelling app on my Apple Watch to see who’s on the door. I may even management speaker quantity and speak straight via the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There may be some strong competitors within the linked doorbell area, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get numerous options for much less cash than you’d with opponents.
For those who want a wider entrance porch view, you may take a look at the Nest doorbell cam. I’ve used it, and the view is superb. As tight because the area is in entrance of my door, I can see a whole particular person and packages on the bottom. The catch, although, is that it doesn’t help HomeKit. Belkin’s Wemo model has its compact Sensible Doorbell Digicam, which does help HomeKit, although I’ve not but had the possibility to try it out. It comes with a bigger area of view and price ticket, virtually double the associated fee.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Must you purchase it?
You should purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You need a fantastic doorbell at a good worth
- You desire a battery-operated doorbell cam
- You need numerous customization choices
You should not purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You want a wider area of view
- You don’t wish to cope with a two-piece unit
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Verdict
Like I mentioned earlier, I haven’t examined the Wemo providing but, however of these I’ve examined, that is within the working for the perfect of present! The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 provides you a wealth of customizations, some very cool privateness options, and most significantly, strong video efficiency with well timed notifications. For those who’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, you might wish to go all in on Aqara, and it’s video doorbell.
Nice options, nice worth
With the correct quantity of options to cost, Aqara continues to set the usual for sensible dwelling merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video facet ratio could also be too slender vertically for some.
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