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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 loads on provide, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Value and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is on the market 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 accessible solely within the U.S.
The G4 is priced under 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 necessary to notice that for a number of further {dollars}, some competing merchandise provide a vertically wider subject of view, and barely greater video decision.
The G4 is on the market 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 customary 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 finest video doorbells accessible. 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 better vertical subject of view. I’ve it positioned fairly low on my door, as you will 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 as a result of manner 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 probably 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 possibly can reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other useful privateness characteristic is the flexibility to masks areas of the picture that will include delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ residences or houses.
The repeater and doorbell models 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 should 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 can help 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 possibly can arrange with it. You should use facial recognition to set off these customized tones primarily based on who’s on the door. It will 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 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 massive 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. If you happen to’re in an residence 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 good match by the face of the Boa as a result of massive 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 Residence 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 Residence app, and following the prompts.
I like to recommend setting all the things up in Aqara Residence first, after which connecting to Apple Residence as a result of there are loads of options price 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 Residence 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 stable 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 speak immediately by the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There’s some stable competitors within the related doorbell area, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get loads of options for much less cash than you’d with rivals.
If you happen to 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 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 Digital camera, which does help HomeKit, although I’ve not but had the prospect to try it out. It comes with a bigger subject of view and price ticket, nearly double the fee.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Do you have to purchase it?
You should purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You need an amazing doorbell at a good worth
- You need a battery-operated doorbell cam
- You need loads 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 mentioned earlier, I haven’t examined the Wemo providing but, however of these I’ve examined, that is within the operating 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, stable video efficiency with well timed notifications. If you happen to’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, you could wish 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 slender vertically for some.
