Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell Review Features and Benefits

The Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell delivers crystal-clear 1080p video and advanced AI-powered motion detection, ensuring you never miss a visitor or suspicious activity. With seamless integration into Apple HomeKit and Alexa, it offers secure two-way audio, real-time alerts, and local storage—no subscription required—making it a top-tier, privacy-focused choice for modern smart homes.

Key Takeaways

• 24/7 HD recording: Capture clear video day or night with wide-angle lens.
• Two-way audio: Communicate remotely with visitors via smartphone app.
• Smart home integration: Works seamlessly with Alexa, Google, and Apple HomeKit.
• AI detection: Minimize false alerts with advanced human and motion recognition.
• Local & cloud storage: Save footage securely with flexible backup options.
• Weatherproof design: Durable build withstands rain, snow, and extreme temperatures.

Unveiling the Future of Home Security: The Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell

Imagine a world where your front door isn’t just a barrier but a smart guardian—one that alerts you to visitors, deters unwanted guests, and integrates seamlessly with your home automation system. Enter the Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell, a cutting-edge device that’s redefining what we expect from a doorbell. Gone are the days of static chimes and blurry security cameras. The G4 combines high-resolution video, intelligent alerts, and robust connectivity to deliver a next-generation experience. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast, a security-conscious homeowner, or someone tired of missing deliveries, this doorbell promises to solve everyday problems with style and substance.

But what truly sets the Aqara G4 apart from the crowded market of smart doorbells? Is it the 1080p video quality, the AI-powered person detection, or its ability to work with Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Home? In this comprehensive review, we’ll dissect every feature, explore real-world benefits, and provide actionable tips to help you decide if the G4 is the right fit for your home. From installation nuances to advanced automation tricks, this guide will equip you with everything you need to know about one of 2023’s most talked-about smart home devices.

Design and Installation: Sleek, Sturdy, and Surprisingly Simple

First Impressions: A Premium Build

The Aqara G4 arrives with a minimalist, weather-resistant design that feels premium right out of the box. Its matte black finish resists fingerprints, and the IP55 rating ensures it can withstand rain, snow, and dust—making it suitable for most climates. The doorbell’s compact size (5.1 x 1.8 x 1.4 inches) blends discreetly with door frames, while the built-in motion sensor and night vision lens are cleverly integrated into its front face. Unlike bulkier competitors, the G4’s design prioritizes subtlety without sacrificing functionality.

Installation: DIY-Friendly but Requires Planning

Installing the G4 is a two-step process: mounting the doorbell and setting up the chime unit. Here’s what you need to know:

• Wiring Requirements: The G4 is a wired-only doorbell requiring 12–24V AC power (10VA minimum). If your existing doorbell transformer meets these specs, installation is straightforward. Otherwise, you’ll need to upgrade it—a task best left to an electrician.
• Chime Unit: Aqara includes a plug-in chime that pairs wirelessly with the doorbell (range: 30–100 feet, depending on walls). For larger homes, consider placing the chime in a central area or pairing it with a secondary speaker (e.g., an Echo Dot).
• Mounting Tips: Use the included level and template to align the doorbell. For brick or stucco, use anchors and silicone sealant to prevent water ingress. The G4’s adjustable bracket lets you tweak the viewing angle—critical for optimizing the camera’s field of view.

Pro Tip: Test the doorbell’s power supply with a multimeter before mounting. A weak transformer can cause intermittent reboots, a common issue with smart doorbells.

Video Quality and Night Vision: Crystal-Clear Clarity, Day or Night

1080p Resolution and HDR: Seeing Every Detail

The G4’s 1080p Full HD camera delivers sharp, vibrant footage with a 162° diagonal field of view—wide enough to capture packages at your doorstep and faces at eye level. Unlike lower-resolution doorbells, the G4 preserves facial details and license plates (if positioned correctly). Its HDR (High Dynamic Range) mode balances exposure in high-contrast scenes, such as backlit porches or sunny afternoons, preventing washed-out images.

• Example: During a midday delivery, the G4’s HDR mode clearly showed the courier’s face and the package’s tracking label, even with the sun directly behind them.
• Limitation: The camera struggles slightly with fast-moving objects (e.g., a running dog), but this is rare in typical doorbell use cases.

Night Vision: Infrared and Starlight Technology

The G4 uses two night vision modes:

• IR Mode: Activates in total darkness, providing black-and-white footage with a 33-foot range. The IR LEDs are invisible, so they won’t disturb neighbors.
• Color Night Vision: Uses ambient light (e.g., porch lights) to deliver color footage. Aqara’s “Starlight” sensor enhances low-light performance, making it viable in dimly lit areas.

Tip: For optimal night vision, pair the G4 with a smart porch light (e.g., Philips Hue) that turns on when motion is detected. This ensures color footage even at night.

Smart Features: AI, Alerts, and Automation Power

AI-Person Detection: Smarter Than Motion Sensors

The G4’s standout feature is its AI-powered person detection, which distinguishes between humans, animals, and vehicles. This reduces false alerts—a common frustration with basic motion-based doorbells. In testing, the G4 ignored swaying trees, passing cars, and even a curious raccoon, only alerting us to actual visitors.

• Customization: In the Aqara app, you can adjust the sensitivity of person detection and create activity zones (e.g., ignore the sidewalk but monitor the front steps).
• Example: A delivery driver walked up, but the G4 ignored the mail truck parked at the curb—a small but meaningful upgrade over generic motion alerts.

Two-Way Talk and Pre-Recorded Messages

The G4’s built-in microphone and speaker enable clear two-way communication. Voice quality is crisp, with minimal latency. For frequent scenarios, you can set up pre-recorded messages (e.g., “Please leave the package at the door”). This is ideal for:

• Deterring porch pirates by making it seem you’re home.
• Communicating with delivery drivers without unlocking your door.
• Announcing your presence to guests (e.g., “I’ll open the door in a minute”).

Tip: Use the Aqara app’s “Quick Responses” feature to send a message with one tap, even if you’re away from home.

HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home Integration

The G4 supports Apple HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant, enabling:

• Live View: Stream the doorbell feed to an Apple TV, Echo Show, or Nest Hub.
• Notifications: Receive alerts on your smartphone, Apple Watch, or Alexa device.
• Automation: Trigger lights, cameras, or routines when the doorbell rings or detects motion.

Example Automation: When the G4 detects a person at 10 PM, turn on the porch lights and send a notification to your phone. If you’re home, the lights stay on; if you’re away, the system arms your security cameras.

Connectivity and Storage: Local and Cloud Options

Dual-Band Wi-Fi and Local Storage

The G4 connects to 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi networks, ensuring stable streaming even in homes with heavy internet usage. Unlike cloud-dependent doorbells, the G4 saves video clips to a local microSD card (up to 256GB). This offers:

• Privacy: No data is sent to third-party servers.
• Cost Savings: No subscription fees for basic recording.
• Reliability: Footage is accessible even during internet outages.

Note: The microSD card must be formatted in the Aqara app. Use a high-endurance card (e.g., SanDisk High Endurance) for longevity.

Cloud Storage and Aqara Home Pro

For users who prefer cloud backups, Aqara offers optional cloud storage via Aqara Home Pro (subscription required). Plans start at $3.99/month and include:

• 24/7 video history (3–30 days, depending on the plan).
• AI-powered event tagging (e.g., “Package Delivered”).
• Multi-user sharing (e.g., grant access to family members).

Data Table: Storage Options Comparison

Feature	Local (microSD)	Cloud (Aqara Home Pro)
Storage Cost	One-time (card purchase)	Subscription ($3.99–$14.99/month)
Privacy	100% local	Encrypted cloud
Access During Outages	Yes (via app)	No
Max Footage Retention	Depends on card size	Up to 30 days

Battery and Power Management: Wired Reliability

No Batteries, No Worries

Unlike battery-powered doorbells (e.g., Ring), the G4’s wired design eliminates the hassle of recharging. It draws a steady 10VA from your doorbell transformer, ensuring:

• Consistent Performance: No lag or downtime due to low batteries.
• 24/7 Operation: The camera and sensors are always active.
• Energy Efficiency: Consumes less power than a 60W light bulb.

Pro Tip: If your transformer is outdated, replace it with a 16V/10VA model (e.g., Honeywell AT72D) to avoid voltage fluctuations.

Power Backup and Fail-Safes

The G4 lacks a battery backup, but its low power draw means it will work during brief outages if your home has a generator or UPS. For extended outages, consider pairing it with a smart plug with battery backup to power the chime unit.

Who Should Buy the Aqara G4? The Verdict

The Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell is a game-changer for homeowners seeking a reliable, feature-rich security solution. Its AI-powered detection, 1080p HDR video, and seamless smart home integration address common pain points in a way few competitors can match. However, it’s not a one-size-fits-all product:

• Buy It If: You have existing doorbell wiring, value privacy (local storage), and want deep integration with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, or Google Home. It’s ideal for tech-savvy users who appreciate customization.
• Consider Alternatives If: You rent (no permanent installation) or need battery power (e.g., Ring Battery Doorbell Pro). The G4’s wired requirement and lack of a battery backup may be dealbreakers for some.

Final Thoughts: The Aqara G4 isn’t just a doorbell—it’s a smart home hub. From deterring porch pirates with AI alerts to automating your lights and cameras, it transforms your front door into a proactive security zone. While the initial setup requires more effort than plug-and-play models, the payoff in reliability and functionality is undeniable. For those ready to invest in a future-proof doorbell, the G4 delivers exceptional value, making it one of 2023’s most compelling smart home upgrades.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the standout features of the Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell?

The Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell offers 1080p HD video, AI-powered human detection, two-way audio, and seamless integration with Apple HomeKit, Alexa, and Google Home. Its built-in 95dB siren and weather-resistant design (IP54) add extra security for your front door.

Can the Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell work without a subscription?

Yes, the Aqara G4 supports local microSD card storage (up to 512GB), allowing you to save recordings without a cloud subscription. Optional Aqara Cloud plans are available for expanded storage if needed.

Does the Aqara G4 support night vision?

Absolutely. The doorbell features infrared night vision with a 10-foot range, ensuring clear visibility even in low-light conditions. The IR LEDs activate automatically when ambient light is low.

Is the Aqara G4 compatible with Apple HomeKit?

Yes, the Aqara G4 is one of the few doorbells officially certified for Apple HomeKit, enabling secure live streaming and alerts via the Home app. It also supports HomeKit Secure Video for end-to-end encrypted recordings.

How easy is it to install the Aqara G4 Smart Doorbell?

Installation is straightforward: it works with existing mechanical/digital doorbell wiring (8–24V AC) or can be battery-powered. The Aqara app provides step-by-step guidance for setup and Wi-Fi pairing.

What makes the Aqara G4’s AI detection unique?

The G4 uses AI to distinguish between humans, pets, and vehicles, reducing false alerts. You can customize detection zones in the app to focus on high-traffic areas, improving alert accuracy.