I’ve used a couple 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 inexpensive worth and is suitable with HKSV, Google, and Alexa. There’s rather a lot on provide, so let’s get proper to it!
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Worth and availability
The Video Doorbell G4 is accessible solely by way of Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m penning this there may be an immediate $22 low cost coupon you’ll be able to clip to use to your buy. It’s at present out there 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 couple of {dollars} in comparison with competing merchandise. It’s vital to notice that for a couple of further {dollars}, some competing merchandise provide a vertically wider area 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 could be customary 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 out there. The video is 1080p with a 162-degree area of view, however in my testing, I discovered that I’d prefer it to have a higher vertical area 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’ 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 approach my entrance porch is about 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 digicam. You received’t doubtless 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 Dwelling app, you’ll be able to reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other helpful privateness characteristic is the power to masks areas of the picture which will comprise delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ residences or properties.
The repeater and doorbell items 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 assist you to arrange 24/7 recording with no need 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’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, 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 doubtless evoke sturdy feelings from totally different customers for its seems to be. 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 digicam 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 out there in two colours, each darkish tones solely. When you’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 good match by way of the face of the Boa as a result of massive buttons on the face of the G4, however it works with minimal problem.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Ease of use
Establishing 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 own home 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 all the things up in Aqara Dwelling first, after which connecting to Apple Dwelling as a result of there are numerous 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 by way of Apple’s Dwelling app.
One side 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 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 speak straight by way of the watch to anybody on the door.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Competitors
There’s some strong competitors within the linked doorbell area, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get numerous options for much less cash than you’ll with rivals.
When you want a wider entrance porch view, you’ll be able to have 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 Digicam, which does help HomeKit, although I’ve not but had the prospect to check it out. It comes with a bigger area of view and price ticket, nearly double the associated fee.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Do you have to purchase it?
You can purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You need an excellent doorbell at a good worth
- You need a battery-operated doorbell cam
- You need numerous customization choices
You should not purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
- You want a wider area of view
- You don’t need 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 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. When 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 worth
With the correct quantity 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 side ratio could also be too slender vertically for some.
