Selecting the right devices for your smart home setup can be an intricate process. The decisions become even more complex when the devices in question serve dual roles, such as the Aqara G3 and G4. These units not only function as security cameras but also as hubs for other smart devices. To help you decide which is best for your needs, we will delve into a detailed comparison of the Aqara G3 and G4.
What is the Aqara G4?
The Aqara G4 is a smart video doorbell, functioning with WiFi and HomeKit Secure Video. It can be powered through wired connections or batteries, providing flexibility for installation. It features a 162° wide-angle lens, 1080p resolution, a 95 dB chime-repeater, microSD storage of up to 512 GB, and free cloud storage for up to 7 days. Furthermore, it boasts on-device face recognition and alarms for face, loitering, and tampering.
What is the Aqara G3?
On the other hand, the Aqara G3 is a camera hub providing high-end features without a subscription. It supports HomeKit Secure Video and includes local facial and gesture recognition. Additionally, it's a powerful Zigbee 3.0 smart home hub and can control existing IR-enabled devices, enhancing its versatility within your smart home setup. It also features an alarm system.
What's the difference between Aqara G4 and G3?
While both the Aqara G4 and G3 offer excellent smart home features, there are notable differences. The G4 primarily functions as a smart video doorbell with a wide-angle lens and high-resolution video quality.
On the other hand, the G3 is a camera hub that includes gesture recognition and the ability to control IR-enabled devices, a feature the G4 lacks. Additionally, the G3 operates as a more potent smart home hub due to its Zigbee 3.0 compatibility.
Pros & Cons
Aqara G4:
Pros:
- Wide-angle lens and high-resolution video
- Flexible power options (wired or battery)
- On-device face recognition and alarms
Cons:
- Primarily functions as a doorbell, less flexibility as a hub
- Lacks gesture recognition
Aqara G3:
Pros:
- Functions as a high-end camera hub
- Local facial and gesture recognition
- Controls IR-enabled devices
Cons:
- Less optimized for doorbell usage
Aqara G4 vs G3 comparison table
| Aqara G4 | Aqara G3 | |
|---|---|---|
| Main Function | Smart Video Doorbell | Camera Hub |
| Resolution | 1080p | 2K (2304 x 1296) |
| Connectivity Protocols | WiFi, HomeKit Secure Video | WiFi, Zigbee 3.0, IR |
| Power Options | Wired or Battery-powered | Type-C Wired |
| Storage | MicroSD up to 512 GB | Not Specified |
| Cloud Storage | Free for up to 7 days | Subscription-Free |
| Recognition Features | Face Recognition and Logs | Local Facial and Gesture Recognition |
| Alarm Features | Face, Loitering and Tamper Alarm | Basic Alarm System |
| Hub Functionality | Limited | Zigbee 3.0 Smart Home Hub |
| IR Control | No | Yes |
How does the Aqara G4 compare to other brands?
Aqara G4 vs Ring
Ring is one of the most well-known smart doorbell brands with a wide array of models. The Aqara G4 offers a larger field of view at 162° compared to most Ring models, providing more coverage. The G4 also has on-device face recognition and logs, which are features not available on Ring. However, Ring provides optional subscription plans for extended video recording and sharing, while Aqara G4 offers free cloud storage up to 7 days.
Aqara G4 vs Nest
Nest Hello, Google's smart doorbell, has a unique feature in its continuous video recording, which Aqara G4 doesn't offer. However, Aqara G4 offers both wired and battery-powered options and has a larger field of view at 162° compared to Nest's 160°. Nest Hello offers familiar face alerts with a subscription, while Aqara provides on-device face recognition without a subscription.
Aqara G4 vs Eufy
Eufy offers a range of doorbells with a variety of features. Some models, like the Eufy 2K, offer higher resolution video than the Aqara G4. However, Aqara G4 supports on-device face recognition and logs, features not found in Eufy doorbells. Both brands offer local storage, but Aqara offers free cloud storage for up to 7 days.
Aqara G4 vs Wemo
Wemo does not currently have a smart video doorbell in its lineup, making it difficult to compare to the Aqara G4. The Aqara G4's features, such as the wide-angle lens, high-resolution video, face recognition, and HomeKit compatibility, put it among the leading smart doorbells on the market.
Please note that the quality of video, audio, and AI features, as well as the robustness of the associated apps, are also significant factors to consider while comparing these devices.
Conclusion
If you're seeking a device to enhance your home security and serve as a smart doorbell, the Aqara G4 would be the better choice due to its specific design and features and you can order it here.
However, if you need a powerful hub to control various smart devices in your home, especially IR-enabled ones, and prefer a high-end camera with gesture recognition, the Aqara G3 is the way to go, and you can order it here.
