Aqara Video Doorbell G4 evaluation: quick notifications, wants extra peak

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 affordable worth and is appropriate 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 on the market solely by Amazon for $120. On the time that I’m penning this there may be an prompt $22 low cost coupon you possibly can clip to use to your buy. It’s at present obtainable solely within the U.S.

The G4 is priced under 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 necessary to notice that for a couple of additional {dollars}, some competing merchandise provide a vertically wider area of view, and barely increased 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 could be normal or rechargeable, however will last as long as 4 months relying on how usually exercise is triggered. The G4 may also be wired to an AC/DC transformer like a number of the greatest video doorbells obtainable. 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 better vertical area of view. I’ve it positioned fairly low on my door, as you may see within the ultra-wide shot of my patio under. At that degree, 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 means my entrance porch is ready up. It’s fairly slender, so when you’ve got a bigger entrance porch, you’ll get extra of the individual in view as they strategy the digicam. You gained’t doubtless 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 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 which will include delicate or undesirable views of neighbors’ flats 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 will let you arrange 24/7 recording with no need an web connection or the cloud. 

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 should utilize facial recognition to set off these customized tones based mostly on who’s on the door. It may also be arrange with different automation to behave as an alarm. Say, when you’ve got 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. 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 inserting 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 condominium and may’t completely alter your entrance door, or swap out the doorbell, this unit matches into certainly one of my favourite short-term mounts, the Doorbell Boa. It’s a good match by the face of the Boa because of the giant buttons on the face of the G4, however it works with minimal problem.

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 part up in Aqara House first, after which connecting to Apple House 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 possibly can entry and use the G4 by 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 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 House app on my Apple Watch to see who’s on the door. I may even management speaker quantity and discuss straight by 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 numerous options for much less cash than you’ll with opponents.

If you happen to 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 superb. 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 Sensible Doorbell Digicam, which does assist HomeKit, although I’ve not but had the possibility to try 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 should purchase the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 if…

• You need an excellent doorbell at a good worth
• You desire 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 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 operating for the perfect 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 might wish to go all in on Aqara, and it’s video doorbell.