Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 Reviews What You Need to Know

The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 delivers sharp 1080p video, reliable motion detection, and seamless smart home integration, making it a top contender in the mid-range doorbell market. Users praise its easy installation, local storage option, and responsive app, though some note occasional delays in live view streaming during peak Wi-Fi usage.

Key Takeaways

• High-quality video: Crisp 1080p resolution ensures clear footage day or night.
• Local storage option: Supports microSD cards, avoiding mandatory cloud subscriptions.
• Two-way audio: Communicate with visitors easily via built-in mic and speaker.
• Smart home integration: Works seamlessly with Apple HomeKit and Alexa.
• Customizable alerts: Tailor motion detection zones to reduce false notifications.
• Easy installation: Wire-free setup with included tools and clear instructions.

The Future of Home Security is Here: Introducing the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4

Imagine being able to answer your door from anywhere in the world, receive instant alerts when someone approaches your property, or even deter unwanted visitors with a simple voice command—all from your smartphone. This isn’t science fiction; it’s the reality offered by the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4, one of the most advanced smart doorbells on the market today. With rising concerns about home security, more homeowners are turning to smart doorbells as a cost-effective and intelligent way to monitor their front doors. Among the growing number of options, the Aqara G4 stands out for its seamless integration with the Apple HomeKit ecosystem, high-definition video quality, and robust feature set that blends convenience with peace of mind.

The Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 isn’t just another camera on your door—it’s a comprehensive security solution designed for modern smart homes. Whether you’re a tech enthusiast building a fully automated house or a busy parent who wants to keep an eye on deliveries and visitors, the G4 promises reliability, clarity, and ease of use. In this in-depth review, we’ll explore every aspect of the Aqara G4, from its hardware and video performance to its smart integrations, privacy features, and real-world usability. By the end of this article, you’ll have a clear understanding of whether this doorbell is the right fit for your home and lifestyle.

Unboxing and First Impressions: What’s in the Box?

When you first receive the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4, the packaging immediately signals quality and attention to detail. The box is sleek and minimalist, featuring the Aqara branding and a clear image of the doorbell, giving you a preview of its modern design. Upon opening, you’ll find the doorbell unit itself, a mounting bracket, screws and anchors, a USB-C charging cable, a quick start guide, and a QR code for setup via the Aqara app. Notably, the G4 is battery-powered, which eliminates the need for complex wiring and makes installation accessible even for DIY beginners.

Design and Build Quality

The Aqara G4 boasts a premium, weather-resistant design with an IP55 rating, meaning it can withstand rain, dust, and temperature fluctuations—ideal for outdoor use in various climates. The front of the doorbell features a large, illuminated button with a ring light that activates when motion is detected, making it easy to locate at night. The camera lens sits prominently at the top, flanked by an infrared sensor for night vision and a built-in speaker and microphone for two-way audio. The matte black finish gives it a modern, understated look that blends well with most home exteriors.

One standout design feature is the removable battery pack. Unlike some competitors that require you to remove the entire unit for charging, the G4 allows you to slide out the battery, charge it via USB-C, and reinsert it—minimizing downtime. The battery is rated for up to six months of use on a single charge under typical conditions (approximately 10 motion events per day), which is impressive for a 1080p smart doorbell.

Included Accessories and Mounting Options

Aqara includes everything you need for a clean installation. The mounting bracket offers two angle options—flat or 15° tilt—allowing you to adjust the viewing angle based on your door height and porch layout. For example, if your door is elevated, the tilt bracket helps capture faces more clearly. The screws and anchors are sturdy, and the QR code on the bracket simplifies pairing with the Aqara app. A practical tip: use a level during installation to ensure the doorbell is perfectly straight—this avoids distorted video and improves motion detection accuracy.

• Doorbell unit with integrated camera, mic, and speaker
• Removable 6000mAh battery (USB-C charging)
• Mounting bracket with tilt adjustment
• Hardware kit (screws, anchors, wall plugs)
• USB-C cable (1m length)
• Quick start guide and setup QR code

Video Quality and Night Vision: Crystal-Clear Surveillance

At the heart of any smart doorbell is its camera, and the Aqara G4 delivers impressive performance. It features a 1080p Full HD camera with a 162° ultra-wide-angle lens, capturing nearly the entire width of most front porches. The field of view is optimized to minimize distortion while still providing a clear, panoramic view of visitors, packages, and surrounding areas. Whether someone is standing directly in front of the door or slightly to the side, the G4 ensures they’re visible.

Daytime Video Performance

In daylight, the G4 produces sharp, color-rich footage with excellent dynamic range. The HDR (High Dynamic Range) processing helps balance exposure in challenging lighting, such as when the sun is shining directly behind a visitor. For instance, if a delivery person is silhouetted by sunlight, the doorbell still captures facial details and clothing colors clearly. The 1080p resolution is sufficient for identifying faces, license plates (if parked close), and package labels—critical for security and convenience.

Another strength is the motion detection accuracy. The G4 uses AI-powered person detection, which reduces false alerts from moving trees, shadows, or passing cars. In real-world testing, it consistently distinguished between humans, pets, and vehicles. You can customize motion zones in the app—for example, you might exclude the street from detection while focusing on the walkway and porch. This feature is especially useful if you live on a busy street and only want alerts for people approaching your door.

Night Vision and Low-Light Clarity

When the sun goes down, the Aqara G4 switches to infrared (IR) night vision, powered by six built-in IR LEDs. The black-and-white footage remains sharp up to 5 meters (about 16 feet), with minimal graininess. The wide-angle lens ensures no blind spots, even in complete darkness. A unique feature is the color night vision option when ambient light is present (e.g., porch lights, streetlights). While not full-color like daylight, it adds a warmer tone to night footage, making it easier to identify objects and clothing.

For optimal night performance, consider installing a porch light nearby. The G4’s IR lights work best when combined with ambient light sources. Tip: enable “Auto IR Cut” in the app settings—this ensures a smooth transition from color to IR mode without flickering.

Smart Features and Integrations: Works with Apple HomeKit and More

One of the Aqara G4’s biggest selling points is its deep integration with Apple HomeKit. Unlike many smart doorbells that require third-party hubs or subscriptions, the G4 connects natively to Apple’s ecosystem. This means you can view live video, receive notifications, and control the doorbell using Siri, the Home app, or your Apple Watch—no additional hardware needed. For iPhone, iPad, or Mac users, this seamless experience is a game-changer.

Apple HomeKit and Siri Support

Once paired via HomeKit, the G4 appears in your Home app as a camera. You can:

• View live video in real-time from any Apple device
• Use Siri to say, “Show me the front door” on an Apple TV, HomePod, or iPad
• Receive rich notifications with video thumbnails on your iPhone or Apple Watch
• Set up automations—e.g., turn on porch lights when motion is detected

This integration is secure, as all video data is encrypted and stored locally (if using HomeKit Secure Video). You can also create activity zones and person detection alerts within the Home app.

Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa Compatibility

While the G4 shines with Apple, it doesn’t neglect Android and Alexa users. Through the Aqara app, you can link the doorbell to Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa. This allows you to:

• Stream live video to Google Nest Hub or Amazon Echo Show
• Use voice commands like, “Alexa, show the front door”
• Receive motion and doorbell press alerts on Alexa-enabled devices

Note: Alexa and Google Assistant integrations require the Aqara app as a bridge, but setup is straightforward. A tip: enable “Two-Way Talk” in the app for hands-free communication via smart speakers.

Aqara App Functionality and Customization

The Aqara app (available on iOS and Android) is intuitive and packed with features:

• Customizable motion zones: Draw boxes around areas of interest
• Activity history: Browse recorded clips by date, time, and event type
• Ringtone selection: Choose from multiple indoor chimes (if using a chime accessory)
• Auto-answer mode: Automatically answer calls after a delay (useful for deliveries)

The app also supports firmware updates, ensuring your doorbell stays secure and up-to-date. A pro tip: enable “Low Power Mode” if you want to extend battery life, though it may slightly delay notifications.

Storage Options: Local, Cloud, or Hybrid?

One of the most debated aspects of smart doorbells is video storage. The Aqara G4 offers multiple options, catering to different privacy and budget preferences.

Local Storage via HomeKit Secure Video

For privacy-conscious users, HomeKit Secure Video is the gold standard. When enabled, video clips are encrypted and stored in iCloud (not on Aqara’s servers). You get:

• 10 days of rolling storage (up to 5GB per camera)
• AI-based event tagging (e.g., “Person,” “Package”)
• No monthly fees—included with your iCloud+ plan

This is ideal if you want to avoid third-party cloud subscriptions. Example: If a package is stolen, you can review the encrypted footage in the Home app without worrying about data breaches.

Aqara Cloud Storage (Paid Option)

For non-Apple users or those wanting longer retention, Aqara offers its own cloud plans:

• Basic Plan: 7-day rolling storage, $2.99/month
• Pro Plan: 30-day storage, AI tagging, $5.99/month

Cloud storage is encrypted, but some users prefer local options for maximum privacy. A hybrid approach—using HomeKit for daily monitoring and Aqara cloud for extended retention—is also possible.

MicroSD Card Support (Coming Soon)

Aqara has announced future support for microSD card storage (via a firmware update), which will allow local-only recording without any cloud dependency. This is a highly anticipated feature for users who want full control over their data.

Battery Life, Charging, and Maintenance

The Aqara G4’s battery life is one of its strongest selling points. With a 6000mAh battery, it can last up to six months under normal usage (10 motion events/day, 30 seconds of recording per event). However, actual battery life depends on several factors.

Factors Affecting Battery Performance

• Motion frequency: More activity = faster drain. In high-traffic areas, expect 2–3 months.
• Temperature: Extreme cold (below -10°C) can reduce battery efficiency.
• Wi-Fi signal strength: Weak connections force the doorbell to work harder, draining the battery.
• Night vision usage: IR LEDs consume more power than daytime mode.

To maximize battery life, consider:

• Using motion zones to exclude irrelevant areas
• Lowering the video quality to 720p (if 1080p isn’t essential)
• Placing the doorbell within 10 meters of your router for strong Wi-Fi

Charging and Downtime

Charging is simple: remove the battery, plug it into a USB-C power source (like a phone charger), and wait 3–4 hours for a full charge. The Aqara app shows battery percentage and sends low-battery alerts. A smart tip: keep a spare battery charged so you can swap it instantly—no downtime.

Maintenance and Troubleshooting

The G4 is low-maintenance, but occasional care ensures longevity:

• Clean the lens monthly with a microfiber cloth to avoid blurry footage
• Check for firmware updates in the app every 2–3 months
• If Wi-Fi drops, reboot the doorbell by holding the reset button for 10 seconds

For persistent issues, Aqara’s customer support is responsive, with online chat and email assistance.

Data Table: Aqara G4 vs. Competitors

Feature	Aqara G4	Ring Video Doorbell 4	Eufy Video Doorbell Dual
Resolution	1080p	1080p	1080p + 720p (dual cam)
Night Vision	IR + Color (ambient light)	IR	IR
Battery Life	Up to 6 months	3–6 months	6–12 months
Apple HomeKit	Yes (native)	No	No
Local Storage	HomeKit Secure Video, (microSD coming)	Ring Protect (cloud)	Local (microSD)
Price (MSRP)	$129.99	$199.99	$159.99

Final Verdict: Is the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 Right for You?

After extensive testing and real-world use, the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 earns its place as one of the best smart doorbells for Apple users and privacy-focused homeowners. Its combination of 1080p video quality, long battery life, seamless Apple HomeKit integration, and flexible storage options makes it a versatile and reliable choice. The removable battery and weather-resistant design add practicality, while features like motion zones, AI detection, and two-way audio enhance usability.

However, the G4 isn’t without trade-offs. It lacks built-in local storage (for now), and its cloud plans are more expensive than some competitors. Android users may find the Apple-centric features less appealing, though Alexa and Google Assistant support help bridge the gap. Ultimately, if you’re invested in the Apple ecosystem or value privacy and local control, the Aqara G4 is a top-tier option that delivers on its promises.

Whether you’re monitoring deliveries, greeting guests, or deterring intruders, the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 brings modern security into your home with style and intelligence. For $129.99, it offers exceptional value—making smart, safe, and convenient door access accessible to everyone.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 stand out in reviews?

The Aqara G4 earns praise in reviews for its 1080p HD video, advanced AI-powered human detection, and seamless integration with Apple HomeKit and Alexa. Its dual power options (wired or battery) also make it a versatile choice for most homes.

Does the Aqara G4 work with Apple HomeKit and Alexa?

Yes, the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4 is one of the few models with full Apple HomeKit Secure Video support, plus compatibility with Alexa for live view and notifications. This makes it ideal for users invested in either ecosystem.

Is the Aqara G4 video quality good for identifying visitors?

Absolutely. Reviews highlight its 1080p resolution, HDR, and 162° wide-angle lens for clear footage day or night. The infrared night vision ensures visibility even in low-light conditions.

How long does the Aqara G4 battery last?

The built-in 5100mAh battery lasts 3–6 months per charge (depending on usage), and it supports USB-C fast charging. Users in reviews appreciate the low-maintenance design and removable battery pack.

Can I use the Aqara G4 without a subscription?

Yes! The G4 supports local microSD storage (up to 512GB) and HomeKit Secure Video for encrypted cloud storage without monthly fees. Most reviews highlight this as a major cost-saving benefit.

Are there any downsides to the Aqara Smart Video Doorbell G4?

Some reviews note the lack of Google Assistant support and a slightly bulky design. However, most agree its performance and features outweigh these minor drawbacks.