The Tapo D230S1 is a smart video doorbell manufactured by TP-Link. The video doorbell is completely wireless but requires a TP link hub to operate. The hub is not just a hub but acts as a speaker for the doorbell and local storage of videos from the doorbell. There is a port for inserting a microSD card for local storage on the side of the hub. The doorbell is durable and will withstand most weather. It is IP64 rated and therefore withstands water, dust and -20-45 degrees.

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Doorbell camera

The camera has a lot of great features. It has a 2K 5MP resolution which makes it possible to see details even when it is dark outside. It has a so-called starlight sensor and spotlight, which allows you to get color in the camera even in dark conditions. An advantage of this camera is that it also has a wide angle of 160 degrees which gives a good view and receives as much as possible of the caller even if it is standing at a close distance. Of course, the camera with the whole person does not get if it is standing right next to the camera, but from about 1 meter the camera with the majority of the person calling gets on.

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AI Detection

Through its AI detection, the video doorbell can distinguish people, packages, animals and vehicles. So if you wish, it is easy to set up in the app if you want to receive notifications on your phone if people, animals, packages or vehicles appear in the camera. You can choose for yourself whether you want all AI detections turned on or only some. You can also adjust whether you want the notifications always on or only during certain times of the day.

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Rich Notifications

With rich notifications, you can choose to have the camera send snapshots when it sees a person or object. It allows you to directly review the associated video and get information about what is happening. Motion/sound detection does not constitute detailed messages but only provides a notification so this is another feature.

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Two-way communication

The doorbell also includes two-way communication that allows you to talk to the visitor before choosing to open the door. It provides an additional level of security when you receive an unexpected visit and want to talk before opening the door, for example. There are also preset quick response messages in the app, which you can choose to use depending on who is ringing the door. The notifications preset in the app when you receive the watch are in English and quite robot-like in their tone. But you can easily record your own answer to make it more personal.

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Power saving mode

There is a feature in the app called battery saver. By activating this, the bell enters a mode where it optimizes functions so that it draws as little battery as possible. Features it changes include shortening the maximum length of a video clip, reducing the length of infrared light, and reducing the brightness of the spotlight. All in order to save battery life and reduce charging times.

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Tapo App

Installation

The process of installing and configuring the D230S1 with the Tapo app is relatively simple. You follow the instructions in the app to connect your device to its Wi-Fi network and set it up for the first time. We had trouble pairing the doorbell with the app on the first try but went smooth and easy the second time. So no major worry to get started.

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Interfaces

The TAPO app has an intuitive and easy-to-use interface. You can quickly navigate through different menus to control and manage their device. The interface is designed to be easy to manage and understand even for people without any major technical background.

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Features

In the app, you can collect your TAPO devices, control and automate them. That could include turning the device on and off, scheduling times for when the device should be active, and possibly even monitoring power consumption if the device supports it. The app presents different functions based on which device you have connected to it of course. Specific functions of the video doorbell are bl. privacy mode, quick response, light, video, camera, camera settings, storage and sensing, etc.

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Remote control‍

Of course, the Tapo app provides the ability to access your devices when you are not at home. This means that the user can control the video doorbell from their smartphone no matter where they are, as long as they have an internet connection.

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Support and Updates‍

TP-Link offers regular updates for both the app and the device to improve functionality and security. Support via the app is also available to help with any questions or issues that may arise.

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Design

The design of the doorbell is simple in its expression. The feel is somewhat plastic and not so luxurious. We find that the doorbell feels rather clumsy in height and width in relation to other doorbells. This is largely due to its rechargeable battery that needs space. But design is a matter of taste, and in this case, perhaps features outweigh the design of this particular product. You can choose to mount the doorbell with screw or simply stick it up.

Storage

You can choose as a user whether you want to store locally on a microSD card that you insert into the hub of the video doorbell. But it is also possible to have cloud-based storage via TapoCare that you can access in the app. There are different storage plans depending on your needs, both basic and premium variants, monthly and yearly. If you have several Tapo devices, there are different plans for it as well. Here you can read more about what Tapo Care costs depending on the subscription.

Conclusion

Tapos D230S1 Video doorbell meets most requirements and has many great features. One of the drawbacks is the design, not very appealing and it feels somewhat plastic. If you wish to store through Tapo Care, there is also a monthly fee, but at the same time it is not necessary because local storage is also available if you want to avoid rolling costs. The hub requires ethernet and the outdoor part cannot be powered by a power cable. All this combined with the somewhat high price, of course, affects the overall rating.