Aqara caught my attention immediately when it introduced the Doorbell Camera G400 with Power over Ethernet (PoE) support. PoE may not be suitable for everyone, but if you want it, you are likely to overlook any options that do not include it. Dual-band Wi-Fi 6 is a great backup option, but nothing can replace the stability that a wired connection provides 24/7. The Aqara Doorbell Camera G400 brings this stability along with local AI detection and has a long aspect ratio designed to detect packages. Let's detail what this doorbell offers to Apple Home users.

HomeKit Weekly is a series focused on smart home accessories, automation tips, and everything related to Apple's smart home framework.

HomeKit Secure Video and Technical Exchange

For most of us, the biggest feature is the support for HomeKit Secure Video. This offers encrypted recording, facial recognition linked to your Apple Photos library, and activity zones in the Home app. However, you should keep hardware limitations in mind. Although the G400 is a 2K camera, Apple still limits HomeKit Secure Video to 1080p. If you are using both the Aqara app and Apple Home simultaneously, the lower resolution applies to both platforms.

To take full advantage of the G400 in Apple Home, you will need an iCloud+ subscription and a HomeKit hub (HomePod mini or Apple TV). While the resolution limit is frustrating, the exchange offers seamless integration into the Apple ecosystem. You will receive detailed notifications on your iPhone and Apple Watch and be able to view the live feed on your Apple TV when someone rings the bell.

If the limitations of HKSV have started to bother you, Aqara has also added RTSP and ONVIF support, allowing you to send high-quality streams while maintaining the convenience of the Home app for daily use.

Top to Bottom Video and Local AI

Outside of Apple Home integration, the actual camera hardware is built exactly as a doorbell needs to be. The Aqara Doorbell Camera G400 has a 165-degree ultra-wide field of view and a 3:4 aspect ratio. Many older doorbells still use the 16:9 widescreen format, which is great for a standard security camera but a poor choice for seeing packages placed at your door. Aqara is also equipped with 940nm infrared LEDs for night vision.

The Aqara Doorbell Camera G400 performs person recognition and area violation processes on the device without needing cloud connectivity. If you want to skip the cloud entirely, you can record continuously 24/7 to a microSD card of up to 512GB, and it automatically backs up these local images to a Synology or any SMB-compatible NAS.

Aqara Doorbell Camera G400 Specifications

A rundown of the hardware inside the doorbell:

  • Resolution and field of view: 2K HD resolution with a 165-degree ultra-wide field of view. The 3:4 aspect ratio aims to provide a vertical, top-to-bottom view to easily see packages on the ground.
  • Power and connectivity: Offers PoE, compatible with existing 8-24V AC/DC doorbell wiring and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 support.
  • Night vision: Uses 940nm infrared LEDs that can record clear video in the dark.
  • Weather resistance: Rated IP65, capable of withstanding wind, rain, and dust.
  • Storage options: Supports local microSD cards of up to 512GB for continuous 24/7 recording and automatically backs up to NAS.

Overall Assessment of the Aqara Doorbell Camera G400

It is nearly impossible to find a HomeKit Secure Video doorbell that fully meets each feature, but the Aqara Doorbell Camera G400 comes very close at a truly strong price. By offering Power over Ethernet, Aqara has solved the biggest problem of smart doorbells: getting a strong Wi-Fi signal outdoors. I have a brick house, so getting Wi-Fi outside can be difficult as RF does not pass well through this material.

I really want Apple to improve the HomeKit Secure Video features, but until they do, you have to accept the exchanges. I am starting to consider moving to a local NAS because as manufacturers continue to develop great features, this situation seems less attractive unless those features are compatible.

You can purchase the Aqara Doorbell Camera G400 from Amazon or get more information from Aqara.