In recent weeks we have been testing the Aqara Smart Video Dorbell G4. A nice and affordable smart doorbell. As usual, Aqara delivers a stylish product in stylish colors and generally maintains a high build quality.
Easy installation
We feel that the installation of the Aqara G4 goes smoothly. Included in the package comes a small speaker that also acts as receiver and transmitter for the doorbell. This small speaker produces a whopping 95db and is powered by a USB-C port. You can also connect it to a power bank for a more flexible placement. It is still quite small and discreet so most people should be able to find a suitable place. For the Doorbell, you also get a mounting plate that gives the camera a slight angle of 20° if you need to point the camera more towards your entrance. The package also includes 6 AA batteries that power the outdoor unit itself with camera, you also have the option of providing it with constant power if you want to avoid changing batteries.
No subscription required
Many security cameras and similar products require you to subscribe to their cloud service to save videos in the long run. With the Aqara G4, you get 7 days of free storage with no hidden costs. Not only that, the indoor section with speakers also has a microSD card reader where you can save your movies locally, as well as support for Apple HSV (more on that below). However, no SD card is included. In the future, Aqara also plans to launch support for saving video clips on a NAS.
HomeKit Secure video
Aqara G4 supports Apple's framework for secure video transmission with end-to-end encryption, HomeKit Secure Video. This allows you to choose to save your videos in iCloud. The advantage of this is if you already pay for a lot of space at Apple then you can use this. Another advantage is that you can get notifications with live video on your Apple TV. But that's about as far as the benefits extend. The Apple HSV has received some criticism for not being very reliable when it comes to sensing motion and then recording. There is also a 1080p limit which means that if you have a camera that records in 2k, the videos will be reduced and compressed again before they are saved to iCloud. In this case, it doesn't do that much because the Aqara G4 records in 1080p.
AI function with facial recognition
The Aqara G4 features AI-powered facial recognition that takes place locally and can be used to trigger automations, the camera can keep track of 30 different people. Thus, you can start pre-programmed automations based on who comes home.
Voice distortion for two-way communication
With Aqara's voice distortion, you have the opportunity to talk to the caller on the door in a distorted voice. The voices available are “uncle voice, robot voice, and clown voice”.
