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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 affordable worth and is appropriate with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s rather a lot on provide, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Value and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is out there solely by way of Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m penning this there’s an prompt $22 low cost coupon you’ll be able to clip to use to your buy. It’s presently obtainable solely within the U.S.
The G4 is priced beneath rivals 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 essential to notice that for a number of additional {dollars}, some competing merchandise provide a vertically wider discipline of view, and barely increased video decision.
The G4 is out there 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 could be commonplace or rechargeable, however will last as long as 4 months relying on how usually exercise is triggered. The G4 can be wired to an AC/DC transformer like among the finest video doorbells obtainable. The video is 1080p with a 162-degree discipline of view, however in my testing, I discovered that I’d prefer it to have a larger vertical discipline of view. I’ve it positioned fairly low on my door, as you will see within the ultra-wide shot of my patio beneath. 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 as a result of means my entrance porch is about up. It’s fairly slim, so you probably have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the particular person in view as they method 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’ll be able to reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other useful privateness function is the flexibility to masks areas of the picture which will include delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ flats or properties.
The repeater and doorbell models are each single-band 2.4GHz b/g/n solely. Whereas the doorbell could be powered by batteries or wired, with batteries used as a backup, the repeater have to be linked to an exterior energy provide through USB-C connection. The repeater additionally helps native storage as much as 512GB through microSD card, which is able to permit you to arrange 24/7 recording while not having an web connection or the cloud.
The repeater/chime is definitely fairly full-featured. It includes a loud 95dB speaker, which is nice for the customized ringtones you’ll be able to arrange with it. You should utilize facial recognition to set off these customized tones primarily based on who’s on the door. It can 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 sturdy feelings from completely different customers for its appears. Whereas some of us 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 through 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 handbook recommends putting it on a porch or different shaded space. It’s obtainable in two colours, each darkish tones solely. When you’re in an condo and may’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit suits into one among my favourite non permanent mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a good match by way of the face of the Boa as a result of giant buttons on the face of the G4, nevertheless it works with minimal problem.
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 the whole lot up in Aqara Dwelling first, after which connecting to Apple Dwelling as a result of there are a variety of options price utilizing that aren’t uncovered to HomeKit. When you configure options like picture masking or customized ringtones, you’ll be able to entry and use the G4 by way of Apple’s Dwelling app.
One side that doesn’t get sufficient consideration is how straightforward it’s to make use of most of those HKSV-supported cameras together with your Apple Watch. The parents in Cupertino, CA, deserve their flowers for creating units whose connectedness is fairly stable 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 discuss instantly by way of the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There’s some stable competitors within the linked doorbell house, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get a variety of options for much less cash than you’d with rivals.
When you want a wider entrance porch view, you’ll be able to take a look at the Nest doorbell cam. I’ve used it, and the view is great. As tight because the house 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 assist HomeKit. Belkin’s Wemo model has its compact Sensible Doorbell Digicam, which does assist HomeKit, although I’ve not but had the prospect to try it out. It comes with a bigger discipline of view and price ticket, nearly double the 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 need a battery-operated doorbell cam
- You need a variety of customization choices
You should not purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You want a wider discipline of view
- You don’t need to take care of 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, stable video efficiency with well timed notifications. When you’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, you might need to go all in on Aqara, and it’s video doorbell.
Nice options, nice worth
With the correct amount of options to cost, Aqara continues to set the usual for good dwelling merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video side ratio could also be too slim vertically for some.
