Smart home enthusiasts often struggle choosing between different hub approaches, especially when deciding between centralised control panels and security-focused camera hubs as their automation command centre. This fundamental choice shapes your entire home automation experience, from daily device management to security monitoring capabilities.
This comparison will help you determine which Aqara hub solution fits your home automation priorities, whether you need dashboard-driven control or AI-powered security integration. We'll examine both the Panel Hub S1 Plus and Camera Hub G3 to reveal which approach best serves your connected home vision.
As a leading smart home retailer, Vesternet has extensive experience with both Aqara ecosystems and understands the practical differences that matter most to homeowners seeking reliable automation solutions.
Understanding the Panel Hub S1 Plus: Your Smart Home Command Centre
The Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus represents a revolutionary approach to smart home control, combining a customisable dashboard system with comprehensive Zigbee hub functionality. This wall-mounted device features a 1440 x 720 resolution screen that transforms traditional switch plates into intelligent control centres for your entire connected home.
Core Dashboard Features
- Create and manage up to 10 personalised dashboards
- Switch between different room views instantly
- Copy setups directly from the Aqara Home app
- Control up to 60 compatible devices per dashboard
The device functions as both a Matter bridge and Zigbee 3.0 hub, supporting dual-band Wi-Fi connectivity whilst eliminating the need for additional hardware. Its integrated design includes 2 electrical and 6 wireless switches, enabling seamless control of lights, curtains, sensors, cameras, and thermostats through customisable CCT, RGB, and temperature adjustments.
Understanding the Camera Hub G3: AI-Powered Security and Automation
The Aqara Camera Hub G3 takes a fundamentally different approach by combining advanced surveillance capabilities with robust hub functionality. This wifi home security camera system delivers 2K resolution recording while serving as a comprehensive Zigbee automation centre that supports up to 128 connected devices.
AI Recognition Capabilities
- Facial recognition for personalised automation triggers
- Pet detection and monitoring features
- Five-gesture recognition for hands-free control
- Automatic privacy mode with visual indicators
The G3's pan-and-tilt functionality provides 340° rotation coverage with a 110° wide-angle lens, eliminating blind spots throughout your home. As a HomeKit Secure Video certified device, it maintains the highest privacy standards whilst integrating seamlessly with Alexa, Google Assistant, and IFTTT platforms for comprehensive automation scenarios.
Control Interface vs Camera-First Design: Core Functionality Differences
The fundamental difference between these devices lies in their primary interaction methods and intended use cases. The Panel Hub S1 Plus prioritises immediate, tactile control through its touchscreen interface, whilst the G3 emphasises intelligent automation triggered by visual recognition and surveillance data.
Dashboard Control Philosophy
The S1 Plus transforms wall switches into sophisticated command centres where users actively manage their smart home environment. Its proximity screen activation feature automatically illuminates the display when you approach, providing instant access to lighting controls, climate settings, and security management. This approach suits households that prefer hands-on device management with visual feedback for every connected component.
Camera-Centric Automation
Conversely, the G3 operates as a wireless surveillance system that learns and responds to household patterns. Its facial recognition capabilities enable automatic scene activation when family members return home, whilst stranger detection triggers security protocols. The device's IR control functionality extends automation beyond Zigbee devices to include traditional appliances and entertainment systems.
- S1 Plus: Direct touchscreen control with customisable dashboards
- G3: AI-driven automation with visual recognition triggers
- S1 Plus: Maximum 60 devices per dashboard across 10 configurations
- G3: Support for up to 128 Zigbee devices plus IR-controlled equipment
- S1 Plus: Matter bridge functionality for cross-platform compatibility
Real-World Performance: Dashboard Responsiveness vs Camera Intelligence
Performance evaluation reveals distinct strengths in each device's core functionality. The Panel Hub S1 Plus excels in immediate response times, with dashboard switching occurring within milliseconds and device control commands executing without noticeable delay. Its dual-band Wi-Fi support ensures stable connectivity even in congested network environments.
Dashboard Performance Characteristics
- Instant screen activation through proximity sensors
- Seamless switching between 10 customisable dashboards
- Real-time status updates for all connected devices
- Consistent performance across 60-device configurations
The Camera Hub G3 demonstrates superior intelligence in automated responses, with facial recognition accuracy improving through machine learning algorithms. Its 2304 x 1296 pixel sensor delivers exceptional image quality for security monitoring, whilst the pan-tilt mechanism operates smoothly during automatic cruising sequences. However, HomeKit Secure Video mode limits recording to 1080p resolution due to platform constraints.
AI Processing Capabilities
The G3's gesture recognition responds accurately to five distinct hand movements, enabling touchless automation control that's particularly valuable during cooking or cleaning activities. Privacy protection automatically engages through hardware switches, displaying the characteristic "sleepy face" indicator whilst maintaining hub functionality for connected devices.
Panel Hub S1 Plus Advantages and Limitations
The S1 Plus excels in providing immediate, visual control over your smart home environment through its intuitive dashboard system. Its Matter bridge functionality eliminates compatibility barriers, allowing seamless integration with Apple Home, Alexa, and Google platforms without requiring additional hardware investments.
Key Strengths
- Customisable dashboards adapt to different household preferences
- Integrated electrical switches replace traditional wall plates
- Power and energy monitoring for connected devices
- Camera streaming exclusively for Aqara devices
However, the device requires 3-wire installation with neutral connections, limiting compatibility with older electrical systems. Its 8A resistive load rating may restrict control of high-power appliances, whilst camera streaming functionality only supports Aqara-branded devices. The touchscreen interface, whilst responsive, may not suit users who prefer automated, hands-free smart home operation.
Camera Hub G3 Advantages and Limitations
The G3's greatest strength lies in its AI-powered recognition capabilities, which enable sophisticated automation scenarios impossible with traditional sensors alone. Its ability to distinguish between family members and strangers creates personalised automation experiences whilst maintaining robust security monitoring through this security camera system wireless wifi setup.
Core Benefits
- 128-device Zigbee capacity supports extensive smart home networks
- IR control extends automation to non-smart appliances
- HomeKit Secure Video certification ensures privacy compliance
- WPA3 encryption provides advanced network security
The device's limitations include restricted IR functionality within HomeKit environments, requiring users to leverage Aqara Home or Google platforms for full feature access. Whilst the 2K sensor delivers excellent image quality, HomeKit mode reduces recording resolution to 1080p. The pan-tilt mechanism, though comprehensive, may create noise during automatic movement cycles that could disturb light sleepers.
Choosing Your Smart Home Strategy: Control-Focused vs Security-Centred
Your choice between these devices should align with your primary smart home objectives and daily interaction preferences. The Panel Hub S1 Plus serves households that value direct control and visual management of their connected environment, making it ideal for families who enjoy actively managing their smart home settings.
Control-Focused Households
Choose the S1 Plus if you prioritise immediate dashboard access, frequently adjust device settings, or prefer centralised control panels for different household areas. Its customisable interface particularly benefits households with varying preferences, allowing each family member to create personalised control layouts. The device excels in homes where smart switches already exist and residents appreciate visual feedback for every automation action.
Security-Centred Automation
The Camera Hub G3 suits users who view security monitoring as central to their smart home strategy. Its facial recognition capabilities make it ideal for households seeking automated responses to specific individuals, whilst the comprehensive surveillance features appeal to security-conscious homeowners requiring visual monitoring capabilities.
- Best for business: G3's 128-device capacity and professional monitoring features
- Family homes: S1 Plus for intuitive control across multiple generations
- Security priority: G3's AI recognition and surveillance capabilities
- Convenience focus: S1 Plus for immediate dashboard access
- Tech enthusiasts: G3 for advanced automation and AI features
Consider the G3 if you frequently travel, value automated security responses, or want your smart home to learn and adapt to household patterns. Its gesture recognition particularly appeals to users seeking touchless control options, whilst the extensive device capacity supports complex automation scenarios across larger properties.
The Right Hub for Your Smart Home Vision
Both the Panel Hub S1 Plus and Camera Hub G3 excel as Zigbee automation centres, but serve distinctly different smart home philosophies and user needs. Each device represents a sophisticated approach to home automation, with unique strengths that cater to specific lifestyle preferences and automation goals.
The S1 Plus transforms wall control into an intuitive dashboard experience, perfect for households wanting immediate visual access to all connected devices through customisable interfaces. Its Matter bridge functionality and electrical switch integration make it ideal for users who value direct control and seamless platform compatibility.
The G3 prioritises intelligent security with its AI recognition capabilities whilst providing robust hub functionality, ideal for users who view cameras as central to their automation strategy. As one of the best security cameras for business applications, it combines professional monitoring features with comprehensive smart home control.
Your choice ultimately depends on whether you value hands-on dashboard control or prefer AI-driven automation triggered by facial recognition and surveillance features. Both devices offer exceptional build quality and reliable performance within their respective specialisations.
Consider your primary smart home goals and browse both products to determine which aligns with your vision for connected living.
