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I’ve used a number of doorbell cameras and completely loved my time with Aqara’s Sensible Video Doorbell G4. Like many Aqara merchandise, the G4 is chock stuffed with options at an affordable value and is appropriate with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s loads on supply, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Worth and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is out there solely via Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m scripting this there’s an instantaneous $22 low cost coupon you may clip to use to your buy. It’s presently obtainable 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 a number of {dollars} in comparison with competing merchandise. It’s necessary to notice that for a number of additional {dollars}, some competing merchandise supply a vertically wider discipline of view, and barely larger 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 will be customary 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 a number of the finest video doorbells obtainable. 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 may see within the ultra-wide shot of my patio beneath. 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 because of the approach my entrance porch is ready 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 strategy the digicam. You received’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 may reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other helpful privateness function 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 items 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 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 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 incorporates a loud 95dB speaker, which is nice for the customized ringtones you may arrange with it. You need to use 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, 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 probably evoke sturdy feelings from completely 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 by way of 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. If you happen to’re in an house and may’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit matches into considered one of my favourite momentary mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a decent match via the face of the Boa because of the massive buttons on the face of the G4, nevertheless 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 Residence app and for binding to HomeKit. The repeater is the half that connects to your own home 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 a number 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 via Apple’s Residence app.
One facet that doesn’t get sufficient consideration is how simple 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 strong throughout {hardware}. I 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 straight via the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There may be some strong competitors within the linked doorbell house, 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.
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 house is in entrance of my door, I can see a complete 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 possibility to check it out. It comes with a bigger discipline of view and price ticket, nearly 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 desire 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 discipline 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 working 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. If you happen to’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 sensible residence merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video facet ratio could also be too slim vertically for some.
