The Aqara Doorbell Camera G410 is an impressive upgrade from its predecessor, the G4, offering a range of improvements that make it a standout choice for smart home enthusiasts. Here’s my take on what makes the G410 special and where it could improve:
Design and Build Quality
The G410 maintains the sleek, minimalist design we’ve come to expect from Aqara. The doorbell itself is compact and blends seamlessly with most home exteriors. The chime unit, which serves as the hub, is equally well-designed and unobtrusive. The inclusion of an angled bracket ensures easy installation without the need for additional hardware.
Key Features
- Improved Video Quality: While the G410 offers 2K resolution, this feature is only unlocked when using the Aqara Home app exclusively. Within the Apple Home ecosystem, it caps at 1080p, which is still excellent but a bit disappointing for those expecting full resolution across platforms.
- Enhanced Field of View: The switch to a 4:3 aspect ratio provides better coverage, especially for detecting packages or visitors. Combined with a 175-degree viewing angle, it’s more practical for everyday use.
- Advanced Sensors: The G410 replaces the PIR sensor with an mmWave sensor, offering more reliable motion detection. However, this doesn’t integrate with Apple Home’s motion detection system, limiting its functionality within the ecosystem.
- Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi support is a significant upgrade, allowing users to choose between 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for optimal performance. The inclusion of a Thread Border Router and Matter support also makes it a versatile hub for other smart devices.
Performance in Apple Home
Adding the G410 to Apple Home is straightforward, and it integrates well with other HomeKit devices. The presence sensor, while functional, lacks the ability to trigger notifications directly, which is a minor inconvenience. The video feed and live view are crisp, and HomeKit Secure Video works seamlessly for recording and notifications.
Areas for Improvement
- Resolution Limitations: The inability to use 2K resolution outside of the Aqara Home app is a notable drawback. It would be great to see this feature extended to other platforms.
- Sensor Integration: The presence sensor’s limited functionality within Apple Home could be enhanced with more customization options and notification capabilities.
- Water Resistance: With an IPX3 rating, the G410 isn’t fully weatherproof. While it can handle light rain, it’s advisable to install it under some form of cover for optimal durability.
Conclusion
The Aqara Doorbell Camera G410 is a significant step forward, offering improved video quality, connectivity, and sensor technology. While it has a few limitations, particularly regarding resolution and sensor integration, it remains one of the best options for those looking to enhance their home security with a smart video doorbell. If you’re already invested in the Aqara ecosystem or Apple Home, the G410 is definitely worth considering.
Rating: 8.5/10
Pros:
- 2.4 or 5GHz Wi-Fi support
- Battery or wired connection options
- Better aspect ratio (4:3) for improved coverage
- Zigbee Hub, Matter Controller, and Thread Border Router capabilities
Cons:
- 2K resolution limited to Aqara Home app
- Presence sensor limitations in Apple Home
- Not fully waterproof (IPX3)
Would love to hear your thoughts or experiences with the G410 in the comments below!