Why Smart Buyers Choose Homes With Investment Potential
Read more about Why Smart Buyers Choose Homes With Investment Potential
Creating a smart home entryway that blends security, convenience, and seamless integration can be challenging, especially when selecting the right video doorbell. Aqara’s new G410 Doorbell Camera Hub offers a compelling solution that goes beyond traditional doorbells. Packed with advanced features like 2K video resolution, millimeter wave presence detection, and broad smart home compatibility, this device is designed to elevate both the security and automation of any home. This article explores the key features, installation options, and smart home integrations of the Aqara G410, helping homeowners and renters alike decide if it fits their lifestyle and home setup.
What’s New with the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera?
The Aqara G410 is the successor to the popular G4 video doorbell, retaining a similar physical design but introducing significant internal upgrades. Notably, the video resolution has been boosted from 1080p to a crisp 2K, offering clearer and more detailed footage. The camera lens now has a wider 175-degree field of view compared to the previous 162 degrees, capturing a broader area at the doorstep.
One of the standout features is the addition of millimeter wave presence detection technology. This advanced sensor significantly reduces false alerts triggered by shadows, passing cars, or moving trees, providing more accurate motion notifications. Connectivity has also been enhanced with support for Thread, ZigBee, and dual-band WiFi, allowing the G410 to function as a Matter controller and a ZigBee hub for other Aqara accessories.
These improvements make the G410 not just a video doorbell but a versatile smart home hub that supports multiple device protocols and offers various storage options, including cloud, local microSD, NAS syncing, and RTSP streaming for advanced users.
Unboxing and Setup
The package includes the video doorbell itself, a chime box, a USB Type-A to Type-C charging cable for the chime, mounting screws, an optional angled bracket for better camera positioning, and six AA batteries for battery-powered installation. The doorbell features a security screw on the side to deter tampering, a reset button on the back, and terminals for hardwiring to existing doorbell wiring.
The chime box includes a microSD card slot supporting up to 512GB for local storage, which is housed inside the home to prevent tampering. Setup is straightforward through the Aqara app by scanning a QR code and selecting the Matter controller if one is already configured. The app guides users through installation height recommendations—ideally 1.4 to 1.5 meters from the ground—and advises that the chime box should be within 32 feet horizontally from the doorbell for optimal performance.
Installation Options: Wired or Wireless
The Aqara G410 supports both wired and wireless installation. When powered by the included six AA batteries, it can last up to five months, making it ideal for renters or those seeking a no-drill, clean setup. Alternatively, it can be hardwired to existing 12 to 24-volt doorbell wiring, enabling continuous 24/7 recording when paired with a microSD card.
Installation with the optional angled bracket helps achieve the best camera angle, especially in tight spaces. The doorbell slides onto the bracket and secures with the provided security screw for added protection.
Video Quality and Performance
The G410 delivers good video quality, offering 2K resolution for recordings viewed locally or through the Aqara app. However, when integrated with Apple HomeKit, the video quality is limited to 1080p due to current HomeKit constraints. The camera lens captures a wider and more natural field of view with a 4:3 aspect ratio, reducing head cut-offs common in the previous G4 model and improving visibility of people at the door.
Explore Utah Real Estate
One caveat is the camera’s contrast handling: under shaded porches with bright backgrounds, subjects can appear darker because of limited HDR capabilities. Unfortunately, the app does not allow manual adjustments to brightness or color settings.
Night vision is effective in complete darkness using infrared illumination, though it lacks color night vision found in some higher-end models like Aqara’s G5 Pro. This can be offset by automating porch lights for better nighttime visibility.
Feature-Rich Camera Capabilities
The Aqara app offers a comprehensive interface to control the doorbell camera. Users can view live streams, take snapshots, start manual recordings, and engage in two-way talk. Voice disguise options are available, adding a layer of privacy or security by altering the speaker’s voice during communication—a unique feature that could be useful in certain situations.
Integrated event timelines enable the camera to display and respond to other Aqara accessories, such as door sensors triggering video recording. However, this requires the Aqara Home Guardian subscription. Users can toggle between cloud and local recordings, customize ringtones (including uploading custom MP3s for seasonal themes), and set privacy masks and detection sensitivity to tailor alerts.
Facial recognition can be managed within the app, allowing users to add known faces or review unidentified ones.
Smart Home Hub Features: Matter, Thread, and ZigBee Support
Beyond its role as a doorbell camera, the G410 acts as a powerful smart home hub. It supports Matter, Thread, and ZigBee protocols, enabling connection and control of a wide range of smart devices. As a ZigBee hub, it can directly connect other Aqara sensors like door and water sensors without requiring additional hubs.
Its Matter compatibility allows integration with third-party Matter-enabled devices over WiFi or Thread, controllable through the Aqara app. This makes the G410 an excellent starting point for building or expanding a smart home ecosystem.
When connecting to Apple Home via Matter, the doorbell hub exposes only the child accessories like door sensors, not the camera or security system. To use the camera with Apple HomeKit Secure Video, users must add it through the dedicated HomeKit integration. This dual approach allows flexibility but may result in duplicate accessories if both integrations are used simultaneously.
Apple HomeKit Secure Video Integration
For Apple Home users, the Aqara G410 supports HomeKit Secure Video, enabling features like facial recognition, and detection of people, animals, vehicles, and packages. Users can define motion zones and customize notification schedules to reduce unnecessary alerts.
When the doorbell is pressed, HomePods in the home can chime and announce the visitor’s identity, enhancing convenience and security. Video clips are securely stored in iCloud, requiring a compatible iCloud Plus plan and an Apple Home Hub device such as a HomePod or Apple TV.
Storage Options: Local, Cloud, and Advanced Streaming
The G410 offers multiple storage methods to suit different user preferences:
More Properties You Might Like
- Local Storage: Supports microSD cards up to 512GB installed in the chime box inside the home, allowing continuous 24/7 recording when hardwired.
- Network Attached Storage (NAS): Video can be synced to a local NAS device on the network for additional backup.
- Cloud Storage: Aqara’s Home Guardian subscription provides 90 days of rolling cloud storage at 2K resolution, motion event recording, and advanced features like alarm notifications and integrated events.
- HomeKit Secure Video: Utilizes iCloud for encrypted cloud storage without additional Aqara fees.
- RTSP Support: Enables streaming to third-party platforms like Home Assistant for advanced users seeking custom recording or monitoring solutions.
Battery-powered mode records only motion-triggered events, while hardwired setups unlock continuous recording capabilities.
Pros and Cons of the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera
- Pros:
- High-resolution 2K video with a wider, more useful camera angle and 4:3 aspect ratio
- Millimeter wave presence detection reduces false alerts
- Supports wired and battery-powered installation for versatile placement
- Acts as a Matter, Thread, and ZigBee smart home hub
- Multiple storage options including local microSD, NAS, cloud, and HomeKit Secure Video
- Native Apple HomeKit Secure Video support with rich integration features
- Includes a loud 95 dB chime repeater and customizable ringtones
- RTSP support for advanced third-party integrations
- Cons:
- Bulky design may not fit all doorbell mounting spaces
- Video contrast can struggle with high dynamic range scenes, leading to darkened subjects
- No color night vision; relies on infrared only
- Package detection may be limited depending on installation due to camera angle
- Additional subscription fees for Aqara cloud services, though not required
Final Thoughts on the Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera
The Aqara G410 Doorbell Camera Hub offers a robust set of features that elevate it far beyond a typical video doorbell. Its ability to serve as a smart home hub with Matter, Thread, and ZigBee support makes it an excellent choice for those starting or expanding a smart home ecosystem. The flexibility of wired or battery-powered installation, combined with multiple storage options, provides adaptability for a wide range of home setups.
While the video quality and night vision performance are solid, some users may find the bulky design and limited HDR handling less ideal depending on their entryway layout. The lack of native package detection and color night vision are minor drawbacks but do not overshadow the overall value of this device.
For Apple Home users, the seamless integration with HomeKit Secure Video offers advanced security features without mandatory subscription fees, making this doorbell an appealing choice for privacy-conscious homeowners.
Overall, the Aqara G410 checks many boxes for a smart doorbell camera, combining security, convenience, and smart home versatility into one device.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does the Aqara G410 support Apple HomeKit Secure Video?
Yes, the G410 supports HomeKit Secure Video, allowing facial recognition, person/animal/vehicle/package detection, and secure iCloud storage. An iCloud Plus subscription and an Apple Home Hub (HomePod or Apple TV) are required.
Can the Aqara G410 be installed wirelessly?
Yes, it can run on six AA batteries for up to five months, ideal for renters or no-drill setups. Wired installation is also available for continuous power and 24/7 recording.
What smart home protocols does the Aqara G410 support?
The doorbell acts as a hub supporting Matter, Thread, and ZigBee, enabling integration and control of a wide range of smart devices within the Aqara app.
Is local storage available on the Aqara G410?
Yes, the G410 supports local storage via a microSD card (up to 512GB) housed in the chime box inside the home, enabling continuous recording when hardwired.
Does the Aqara G410 offer color night vision?
No, it uses infrared night vision only. However, adding porch lighting or automations can improve nighttime visibility.
