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 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 greater video decision.
The G4 is on the market in both black, or shadow grey.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Specs and options
(Picture credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)
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 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 higher 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 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.
Daylight display screen seize (Picture credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)
Evening time display screen seize (Picture credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)
That is additionally because of the approach my entrance porch is about up. It’s fairly slim, so you probably have a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the individual in view as they method the digicam. You received’t doubtless see a package deal on the bottom if it’s positioned too near your door although.
(Picture credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)
The G4 has some nifty AI and privateness options, like on-device facial recognition. Utilizing the Aqara Dwelling app, you possibly can reply the doorbell utilizing an “Uncle”, robotic, or clown voice. One other useful privateness function is the flexibility to masks areas of the picture that will comprise delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ flats 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 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 permit you to arrange 24/7 recording without having an web connection or the cloud.
(Picture credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)
The repeater/chime is definitely fairly full-featured. It includes 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 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
(Picture credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)
The G4 will doubtless 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 digicam module are giant 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 accessible in two colours, each darkish tones solely. When you’re in an house 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 good match via the face of the Boa because of the giant buttons on the face of the G4, nevertheless it works with minimal trouble.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Ease of use
(Picture credit score: Tshaka Armstrong)
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 private 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 pieces up in Aqara Dwelling first, after which connecting to Apple Dwelling as a result of there are a variety 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 via Apple’s Dwelling app.
One side 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 oldsters in Cupertino, CA, deserve their flowers for creating units whose connectedness is fairly stable throughout {hardware}. I like being out and about and looking out on the Dwelling 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
(Picture credit score: Wemo)
There’s some stable competitors within the related doorbell house, however Aqara’s providing stands out due to its worth. You get a variety of options for much less cash than you’d with opponents.
When you want a wider entrance porch view, you possibly can 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 assist HomeKit. Belkin’s Wemo model has its compact Good Doorbell Digital camera, which does assist HomeKit, although I’ve not but had the possibility to check it out. It comes with a bigger discipline of view and price ticket, virtually double the associated fee.
Aqara Video Doorbell G4: Do you have to purchase it? You should purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…
You need an awesome doorbell at a good value
You desire a battery-operated doorbell cam
You need a variety 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 take care of 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 working 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. When you’re all in on the HomeKit ecosystem, it’s possible you’ll 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 dwelling merchandise that are dependable and wallet-friendly. Simply know that the video side ratio could also be too slim vertically for some.
