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Aqara Video Doorbell G4: A Smart Doorbell with a Few Quirks

The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is a sleek and stylish doorbell that allows you to remotely monitor and communicate with visitors at your doorstep. With its HomeKit compatibility, you can easily integrate it with your existing smart home setup. But is it the right choice for you? Let’s dive in and find out.

What’s in the Box

The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 comes with a few accessories, including a power supply, a chime repeater, and a microSD card for local video storage. The power supply has a 1.5-meter cable, which may not be long enough for some users.

Performance

The doorbell itself is easy to use and has a sleek design. However, the video quality is only okay, and the field of view is noticeably inferior to some of the other video doorbells on the market. The object recognition feature is consistent, but it can be improved with more fine-tuning.

Features

The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 has a range of features, including customizable zones for motion detection, facial recognition, and the ability to store video footage locally or in the cloud. You can also use the doorbell with your existing smart home setup, including Alexa and Google Assistant.

Should You Buy It?

The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 is a solid choice for those looking for a smart doorbell with HomeKit compatibility. However, its high price and limited field of view may be drawbacks for some users. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

Buy It If:

• You’re looking for a smart doorbell with HomeKit compatibility
• You want a doorbell with customizable zones for motion detection
• You’re willing to pay a premium for a high-quality doorbell

Don’t Buy It If:

• You’re on a budget and can’t afford the high price
• You’re looking for a doorbell with a wider field of view
• You’re not interested in local video storage

Alternatives

If you’re not sold on the Aqara Video Doorbell G4, here are a few alternatives to consider:

• Ring Doorbell Pro: A more expensive option with a wider field of view and better video quality
• Nest Hello: A more affordable option with better video quality and a wider field of view

Conclusion

The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 is a solid choice for those looking for a smart doorbell with HomeKit compatibility. While it has some quirks, its customizable zones and facial recognition feature make it a great option for those looking for a more personalized experience. Just be aware of its limitations, including its high price and limited field of view.

How I Tested the Aqara Video Doorbell G4

I tested the Aqara Video Doorbell G4 in both battery-powered and mains-powered configurations, storing captured video in iCloud and locally, reviewing all video footage to assess accuracy, and comparing video output with a rival manufacturer.

Specifications

• Price: $119.99 / £119.99 (about AU$180)
• Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.5 x 0.5 inches
• Weight: 0.5 pounds
• Video resolution: 1280 x 720 pixels
• Field of view: 120 degrees
• Motion detection: Customizable zones
• Facial recognition: Yes
• Local video storage: Yes (microSD card)
• Cloud video storage: Yes (iCloud)
• Power supply: 1.5-meter cable

Rating

• Performance: 3/5
• Design: 4/5
• Features: 4/5
• Value: 3.5/5

Final Thoughts

The Aqara Video Doorbell G4 is a solid choice for those looking for a smart doorbell with HomeKit compatibility. While it has some quirks, its customizable zones and facial recognition feature make it a great option for those looking for a more personalized experience. Just be aware of its limitations, including its high price and limited field of view.