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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 inexpensive value and is suitable with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s lots on provide, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Value and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is accessible solely via Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m penning this there’s an on the spot $22 low cost coupon you’ll be able to clip to use to your buy. It’s at present 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 just a few {dollars} in comparison with competing merchandise. It’s necessary to notice that for just a few further {dollars}, some competing merchandise provide a vertically wider discipline of view, and barely greater video decision.
The G4 is accessible 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 will be commonplace or rechargeable, however will last as long as 4 months relying on how typically exercise is triggered. The G4 can be wired to an AC/DC transformer like a number of the finest video doorbells accessible. 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 under. At that stage, I can see as tall as a 6’ individual’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 about up. It’s fairly slim, so if in case you have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the individual in view as they method the digital camera. You gained’t seemingly 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 House app, you’ll be able to reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other helpful privateness characteristic is the flexibility to masks areas of the picture that will include 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 will 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 can 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’ll be able to arrange with it. You need to use 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, if 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 seemingly evoke sturdy 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 putting it on a porch or different shaded space. It’s accessible in two colours, each darkish tones solely. Should you’re in an residence and might’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit matches into one in all my favourite short-term mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a decent match via the face of the Boa as a result of massive buttons on the face of the G4, however it 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 House 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 House app, and following the prompts.
I like to recommend setting every little thing 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’ll be able to entry and use the G4 via Apple’s House app.
One facet that doesn’t get sufficient consideration is how straightforward it’s to make use of most of those HKSV-supported cameras along with your Apple Watch. The parents in Cupertino, CA, deserve their flowers for creating units whose connectedness is fairly stable 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 speak straight via the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There may be some stable competitors within the linked doorbell house, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get lots of options for much less cash than you’ll with rivals.
Should 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 individual and packages on the bottom. The catch, although, is that it doesn’t help HomeKit. Belkin’s Wemo model has its compact Sensible Doorbell Digicam, which does help 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: 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 lots of customization choices
You should not purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You want a wider discipline 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 very best of present! The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 offers you a wealth of customizations, some very cool privateness options, and most significantly, stable video efficiency with well timed notifications. Should 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 amount of options to cost, Aqara continues to set the usual for sensible house merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video facet ratio could also be too slim vertically for some.