Aqara G2H Pro: HomeKit camera, alarm and Zigbee bridge

We analyze the new Aqara G2H Pro camera, a new generation of one of the most famous HomeKit cameras which add new features to return to the Top of its category.

Characteristics

The new G2H Pro retains all the features of its predecessor, Aqara G2H, plus adds a number of new features that make it climb positions in the rankings cameras for HomeKit:

• FullHD 1080p camera with 146º field of view and night vision
• Speaker and microphone with two-way audio
• Zigbee hub for 128 Aqara accessories
• Compatible with HomeKit Secure Video
• Compatible with HomeKit security system
• Compatible with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
• Alarm
• microSD slot up to 512 GB
• Compatible with NAS storage (Samba protocol)
• facial recognition and parcel delivery
• Power supply via microUSB cable (AC adapter not included)
• Magnetic and articulated base that allows it to be placed in any position

The main improvements that differentiate it from the previous model include the compatibility with the HomeKit security system, the HomeKit alarm system to which we can add other Aqara devices such as motion detectors, door and window opening sensors and other cameras to create your video surveillance system with integrated alarm without worrying about monthly fee. If you want to know more about how it is set up and how it works, we have already analyzed it in depth on the blog (link) and the YouTube channel.

The camera is also improved, with a greater viewing angle (146º) and the physical storage capacity on microSD cards that goes up to 512 GB, whereas before it only reached 32 GB. Zigbee to be able to add other Aqara accessories (and make them appear in HomeKit) improvement allowing the connection of up to 128 devices (before the maximum was 64). Finally, they add compatibility with other home automation systems, Alexa and Google Assistant, since the previous model was only compatible with Apple HomeKit.

HomeKit Secure Video

Apple’s video platform allows the camera to be integrated with other models from other brands, all of which have the same functionality. It doesn’t matter if your camera costs less than 100$ or more than 200$, its functions will be the same. Obviously there will be differences in build quality, image quality, and other features outside of the HomeKit platform, but they all allow you to do the same thing from the Home app.

• Full HD 1080p picture
• Smart notifications (people, animals, cars, packages)
• Check-in status changes based on your location
• face recognition
• Cloud video recording
• activity areas
• iCloud storage for 10 days
• 50 GB (1 camera) 200 GB (5 cameras) 1 TB (unlimited)
• Stored videos do not take up space on your account

We have already analyzed in detail the options of HomeKit Secure Video with the previous G2H model (link) so I encourage you to Take a look at the article and the video to find out in detail how Apple’s CCTV system workswhich only requires you to have contracted iCloud storage, offering all CCTV functions for free.

Editor’s review

A camera with 1080p video quality, good viewing angle, good sound and all the advanced features of HomeKit Secure Video, HomeKit Security System which also acts as a Zigbee bridge for other Aqara accessories and for only 75$ on Amazon (link) at the moment only in France, although it is sent without problems to Europe. For the price and performance, you won’t find anything better.

the inconvenients

• Does not include power adapter