I’ve used just a few 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 suitable with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s so much on supply, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Worth and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is out there solely by means of Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m penning this there’s an instantaneous $22 low cost coupon you may clip to use to your buy. It’s at present out there solely within the U.S.
The G4 is priced beneath 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 just a few {dollars} in comparison with competing merchandise. It’s essential to notice that for just a few further {dollars}, some competing merchandise supply a vertically wider discipline of view, and barely greater 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 typically exercise is triggered. The G4 will also be wired to an AC/DC transformer like a number of the greatest video doorbells out there. 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 better 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 because of the method my entrance porch is about up. It’s fairly slim, so in case you have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the particular person in view as they strategy the digital camera. You gained’t probably see a bundle 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 helpful privateness characteristic is the power to masks areas of the picture that will comprise delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ flats or houses.
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 mean you can 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 may arrange with it. You should use facial recognition to set off these customized tones based mostly on who’s on the door. It will also be arrange with different automation to behave as an alarm. Say, in case 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 probably evoke robust feelings from completely different customers for its appears to be like. 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 out there in two colours, each darkish tones solely. If you happen to’re in an condominium and might’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit suits into considered one of my favourite momentary mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a decent match by means of the face of the Boa because of the giant buttons on the face of the G4, but it surely works with minimal problem.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Ease of use
Organising 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 property 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 may entry and use the G4 by means 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 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 Dwelling 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 linked doorbell area, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get a variety of options for much less cash than you’d with opponents.
If you happen to want a wider entrance porch view, you may have a look at the Nest doorbell cam. I’ve used it, and the view is great. As tight because the area is in entrance of my door, I can see a complete 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 check it out. It comes with a bigger discipline of view and price ticket, virtually double the price.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Do you have to purchase it?
You can purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You need an important doorbell at a good value
- You desire 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 stated earlier, I haven’t examined the Wemo providing but, however of these I’ve examined, that is within the working for the very best 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. If you happen to’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, you might need 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 house merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video side ratio could also be too slim vertically for some.
