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I’ve used a couple 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 value and is appropriate with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s quite a bit on supply, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Worth and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is obtainable solely by Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m penning this there’s an instantaneous $22 low cost coupon you possibly can clip to use to your buy. It’s presently out there 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 couple of {dollars} in comparison with competing merchandise. It’s essential to notice that for a couple of further {dollars}, some competing merchandise supply a vertically wider discipline 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 might be normal or rechargeable, however will last as long as 4 months relying on how typically exercise is triggered. The G4 may also be wired to an AC/DC transformer like a few 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 higher vertical discipline 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 means 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 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 House app, you possibly can 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 include delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ residences or houses.
The repeater and doorbell items are each single-band 2.4GHz b/g/n solely. Whereas the doorbell might be powered by batteries or wired, with batteries used as a backup, the repeater have to be related 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 is able to can help you arrange 24/7 recording without 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 possibly can arrange with it. You need to use facial recognition to set off these customized tones based mostly on who’s on the door. It may also 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 possible evoke sturdy feelings from completely different customers for its seems. 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 by way of LEDs, and its digicam module are giant and apparent, nothing discreet about it.
The G4 feels substantial and is IP-rated, although the instruction handbook recommends inserting it on a porch or different shaded space. It’s out there in two colours, each darkish tones solely. In case you’re in an condominium and might’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit matches into certainly one of my favourite short-term mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a good match by the face of the Boa because of the giant buttons on the face of the G4, but it surely 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 House app and for binding to HomeKit. The repeater is the half that connects to your private home router, whereas the precise doorbell unit connects to it. So, you’ll arrange the repeater first by including it to the Aqara House app, and following the prompts.
I like to recommend setting the whole lot up in Aqara House first, after which connecting to Apple House as a result of there are lots of options value utilizing that aren’t uncovered to HomeKit. When you configure options like picture masking or customized ringtones, you possibly can entry and use the G4 by Apple’s House 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 looking out on the House app on my Apple Watch to see who’s on the door. I may even management speaker quantity and discuss immediately by the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There may be some strong competitors within the related doorbell house, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get lots of options for much less cash than you’d with opponents.
In case you want a wider entrance porch view, you possibly can 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 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: Must you purchase it?
You can purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You need an ideal doorbell at a good value
- You need a battery-operated doorbell cam
- You need lots 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 operating for the most effective 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. In case you’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, you could 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 residence merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video side ratio could also be too slender vertically for some.
