Today, I’m excited to bring you an in-depth review of the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro. This is Aqara’s first outdoor camera (excluding video doorbells), and I’ve had the privilege of testing it for the past month.
You can watch my YouTube review here
In this blog post, I’ll cover everything you need to know about this camera, from its specs and design to its performance and setup. Let’s dive in!
Key Features of the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro
The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is packed with features that make it a standout choice for outdoor security. Here’s a quick overview:
- 4 Megapixel Camera: Delivers crisp, clear video quality with True Color Night Vision.
- Built-in AI: Recognizes faces, vehicles, animals, and noises, thanks to its integrated microphone and speaker.
- End-to-End Encryption: Ensures your live and recorded video is secure.
- Storage Options: Syncs to the cloud, your device, or network-attached storage (NAS).
- Matter Compatibility: Works seamlessly with Apple Home, Google Home, Alexa, SmartThings, and more.
- Hub Functionality: Acts as a Matter controller, Thread border router, and Zigbee bridge, eliminating the need for a separate hub.
- Weatherproof Design: IP65 rated and operates in temperatures from -30°C to 50°C.
- 13.3° Diagonal Field of View: Captures a wide area, perfect for outdoor surveillance.
Design and Build Quality
The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro boasts a sleek, modern design with an all-gray body, black front, and rounded edges. It features an adjustable stand for flexible positioning and can be either freestanding or wall-mounted. The camera’s compact and stylish design makes it one of the best-looking outdoor cameras I’ve seen.
Setup and Installation
Setting up the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is straightforward, especially since it acts as its own hub. Here’s how to get started:
- Pair with the Aqara App: Plug in the camera and use the Aqara app to pair it. The app will guide you through the process, including scanning the Matter QR code on the device.
- Mount the Camera: Use the included screws and wall plugs to mount the camera. Alternatively, you can place it on a flat surface.
- Connect to Power: The camera is powered via USB-C, so you’ll need to route a cable to it. I found it easy to trail the cable through a window.
Overall, the setup process is user-friendly and hassle-free, which is what I’ve come to expect from Aqara products.
Performance and Usability
After a month of use, here’s what I’ve observed:
- Video Quality: The 4MP camera delivers excellent video quality, both during the day and at night. The True Color Night Vision is particularly impressive, making nighttime footage look almost like daytime.
- AI Recognition: The camera’s AI accurately recognizes faces, vehicles, and animals, though it occasionally misidentifies cats as humans in night mode.
- Notifications: Notifications from both the Aqara app and Apple Home are timely and accurate. You can customize sensitivity and activity zones to reduce false alerts.
- Spotlight: The built-in spotlight is bright and can be integrated into automations, such as turning on when motion is detected.
- Loading Speed: The camera loads quickly on the same Wi-Fi network, and scrolling through recorded footage is smooth. Performance is slightly slower when accessing the camera remotely, but it’s still impressive.
Pros and Cons
Here’s a quick summary of the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro’s strengths and weaknesses:
Pros:
- Excellent video quality with True Color Night Vision.
- Built-in AI for accurate object and noise recognition.
- Matter and Thread compatibility for seamless integration with smart home ecosystems.
- Acts as a hub, eliminating the need for additional devices.
- Customizable notifications and activity zones.
Cons:
- AI recognition can be less accurate in night mode.
- Requires a wired power connection, which may be tricky for some installations.
Final Verdict
The Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is an outstanding outdoor security camera that combines top-notch video quality, advanced AI features, and seamless smart home integration. Its ability to act as a hub for Matter and Thread devices is a game-changer, and the design is both stylish and functional. While the wired power requirement and occasional AI hiccups are minor drawbacks, they don’t detract from the overall excellence of this camera.
If you’re looking for a reliable, feature-packed outdoor camera, the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro is definitely worth considering. Have any questions? Drop them in the comments below, and I’ll be happy to help!
Where to Buy
If you’re interested in purchasing the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro, check out the link below. It’s an affiliate link, so using it helps support this channel at no extra cost to you. Thanks for your support!
Buy the Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro
Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and share if you found this review helpful. Stay tuned for more tech reviews and tips!
