Here we compare two products from the same manufacturer: Aqara Camera Hub G3 and Aqara Hub M2. While the G3 model emphasizes security and surveillance, the M2 focuses on being a versatile and compact central unit for the Aqara ecosystem. This comparison provides insight into which product best suits your specific needs in the smart home.
Aqara Camera Hub G3
Aqara Hub M2
Aqara Camera Hub G3
The Aqara Camera Hub G3 is equipped with a 2K resolution that offers sharp and clear images, which is an important aspect for home surveillance. The camera has a wide angle of 110° and features pan and tilt control functions (340° horizontal and 45° vertical), allowing for extensive monitoring of larger areas.
This camera simplifies the monitoring process by offering user-friendly setup and an intuitive app. This allows users to easily remotely control the camera, view live streaming and review recorded material. In addition, it can automatically adjust its direction when detecting movement, such as when a door is opened.
The Aqara Camera Hub G3 has a built-in NPU processor that allows identification of faces, pets and gestures. This can be used to create automated home scenarios. For example, users can set the TV to silent by gesturing, something made possible by the device's IR lamp.
In terms of storage, the camera offers several options. Users can choose between Aqara's cloud storage service, which provides 30 days of storage of encrypted 2K videos, Apple Secure Video for storage in iCloud, or local storage on a microSD card with capacities up to 128GB.
Although the Aqara Camera Hub G3 offers high-quality monitoring and multiple integration opportunities with smart home ecosystems, it is important for potential buyers to consider compatibility with existing smart home devices and the overall cost.
Aqara Hub M2
Aqara has introduced a successor to its popular M1S hub. This new M2 hub has some improvements over its predecessor, although it may not be a necessary upgrade for existing M1S owners. Let's look at some of the main differences and what they mean for users.
One of the prominent improvements to the M2 hub is its claimed ability to handle up to 128 devices. This is an impressive increase over the M1S, but there is one important detail to consider. This number only applies if you include powered repeaters in your network. Each such repeater has the capacity to handle up to 16 devices. So, in theory, you can connect up to 128 devices if you have the right distribution of repeaters in your network.
When we compare the Aqara Hub M2 and M1S, there is a significant difference in design and features. The M1S hub has a built-in LED light, which gives it an extra feature not found in the M2 model. On the other hand, the M2 hub has an Ethernet connection, which is lacking in the M1S. The choice between the two therefore depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Another important thing to mention is the M2 hub's built-in Bluetooth function. This may be a forward-thinking feature, but right now Aqara does not have any devices that use Bluetooth communication. It may be interesting to see how this feature will be exploited in the future, and it could open up new possibilities for smart home solutions.
In summary, the Aqara Hub M2 offers some exciting improvements in terms of device management and connectivity. It is important to consider your specific needs and whether you really need the extra features that the M2 hub offers compared to the M1S. The choice between the two depends on your preferences and the current ecosystem of devices you own. Choose the one that best suits your smart home project.