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 filled with options at an affordable value and is appropriate with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s loads on provide, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Worth and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is offered solely by means 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 at the moment obtainable 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 essential to notice that for a number of further {dollars}, some competing merchandise provide a vertically wider subject of view, and barely increased video decision.
The G4 is offered 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 normal 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 subject of view, however in my testing, I discovered that I’d prefer it to have a larger vertical subject 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 degree, 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 manner my entrance porch is ready up. It’s fairly slender, so when you have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the particular person in view as they strategy the digicam. You gained’t doubtless 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 Residence app, you’ll be able to reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other helpful privateness function is the power to masks areas of the picture that 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 may be powered by batteries or wired, with batteries used as a backup, the repeater have to be related to an exterior energy provide through USB-C connection. The repeater additionally helps native storage as much as 512GB through microSD card, which can will let you arrange 24/7 recording while not having an web connection or the cloud.
The repeater/chime is definitely fairly full-featured. It contains 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 based mostly on who’s on the door. It can be arrange with different automation to behave as an alarm. Say, when you 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 doubtless evoke sturdy feelings from totally different customers for its seems to be. 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 through LEDs, and its digicam module are massive 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 matches into one in every of my favourite short-term mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a decent match by means of the face of the Boa because of the massive buttons on the face of the G4, but it surely works with minimal trouble.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Ease of use
Organising the Video Doorbell G4 was a breeze. There are QR codes for downloading the Aqara Residence app and for binding to HomeKit. The repeater is the half that connects to your house router, whereas the precise doorbell unit connects to it. So, you’ll arrange the repeater first by including it to the Aqara Residence app, and following the prompts.
I like to recommend setting every thing up in Aqara Residence first, after which connecting to Apple Residence as a result of there are a number 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 means of Apple’s Residence app.
One side that doesn’t get sufficient consideration is how simple it’s to make use of most of those HKSV-supported cameras together with your Apple Watch. The oldsters in Cupertino, CA, deserve their flowers for creating units whose connectedness is fairly strong throughout {hardware}. I really like being out and about and searching on the Residence app on my Apple Watch to see who’s on the door. I may even management speaker quantity and discuss instantly by means of the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There may be some strong competitors within the related doorbell area, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get a number of options for much less cash than you’d with opponents.
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 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 assist HomeKit. Belkin’s Wemo model has its compact Sensible Doorbell Digital camera, which does assist HomeKit, although I’ve not but had the possibility to try it out. It comes with a bigger subject of view and price ticket, nearly double the associated fee.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Do you have to purchase it?
You can purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You need a terrific doorbell at a good value
- You need a battery-operated doorbell cam
- You need a number of customization choices
You should not purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You want a wider subject of view
- You don’t wish to cope with a two-piece unit
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Verdict
Like I stated earlier, I haven’t examined the Wemo providing but, however of these I’ve examined, that is within the operating 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. When you’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, you might wish to go all in on Aqara, and it’s video doorbell.
Nice options, nice value
With the correct quantity 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 slender vertically for some.
