I recently got the chance to test out the Reolink Argus 4 Pro, and I have to say, it’s one impressive piece of tech. If you’re like me and you don’t want to deal with the hassle of subscriptions, this camera might be exactly what you’re looking for. It’s feature-rich and very easy to set up using the Reolink app.
The Argus 4 Pro is fantastic if you need an easy-to-install security camera without dealing with messy wiring. It’s perfect for renters or anyone with tricky locations since it uses solar panels for power and gives you a clear, wide-angle 4K view. Plus, it handles bad weather well and lets you check everything from an app on your phone, which is super convenient.
The Argus 4 Pro is a great piece of tech, but it’s not going to be for everyone. Battery powered cameras and ones that rely on WiFi have their downsides, which we’ll get to in this review.
Note! Reolink are offering a 15% discount on the Argus 4.
Argus 4 Pro Coupon code: A4P15Fblog (valid until 6/16 2024)
Reolink Argus 4 Pro – At a Glance
- Overall Rating: 8.5/10
- Video Quality: 9/10
- Ease of Use: 8/10
- Smart Features: 8/10
- Installation: 9/10
- Value for Money: 8.5/10
Pros:
- 4K UHD resolution for clear footage. Large field of view.
- No need for messy wiring
- No need for storage subscriptions.
- Flexible installation options.
- Advanced PIR sensor for accurate motion detection.
Cons:
- Battery dependency (although the solar charging will be sufficient for most people’s needs)
- Wifi dependence
Comparing the Argus 4 Pro and Argus 3 Pro
I’ve also used the Argus 3 Pro, and comparing it to the Argus 4 Pro, there are some noticeable improvements. The Argus 4 Pro boasts a better resolution with its 4K UHD, compared to Argus 3 Pro’s 2K resolution. This makes a significant difference in video clarity and detail. Additionally, the Argus 4 Pro includes dual 4mm lenses providing a wider 180° field of view, versus the 120° field of view on the Argus 3 Pro.
The Argus 4 Pro’s advanced ColorX technology also extends battery life, making it more energy-efficient compared to the Argus 3 Pro. The Argus 4 Pro supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6, offering faster and more stable internet connections than the single-band Wi-Fi 2.4GHz support in the Argus 3 Pro. Overall, these enhancements make the Argus 4 Pro a far superior choice.
Video and Audio Quality
When I tested the Argus 4 Pro, I was really impressed with the video quality. It uses a 1/1.8″ CMOS sensor to deliver 4K UHD resolution at 5120×1440@15fps. The dual 4mm lenses give a broad 180° field of view, which almost eliminates any blind spots. With built-in microphones and speakers, the two-way audio is also quite clear. This makes it an excellent choice for both monitoring and communication.
As you can see the Argus 4 Pro has a very wide field of view (this is a screenshot from a recording while streaming video to the Reolink app on Android).
This is a pic from Reolink showing the wide field of view of this camera:
Smart Features and Motion Detection
One feature that stood out to me is the advanced motion detection. The Argus 4 Pro uses a 180° ultra-wide angle Passive Infrared (PIR) sensor. This sensor is great at differentiating between human movement and other types of motion, which cuts down on false alerts. You can also customize motion zones and set up privacy masks to get alerts only for specific areas.
Installation and Set-Up
Setting up this camera is a breeze. The Argus 4 Pro is completely wire-free, utilizing a rechargeable battery and an optional solar panel. Its IP66 weatherproof rating makes it suitable for various weather conditions. There are plenty of installation options, so you can pretty much put it anywhere you want.
Here is a close up of the solar panel:
There are many different potential configurations for how to install the Argus 4 Pro.
Storage and Connectivity
What I loved most is that this camera doesn’t require a subscription for storage. It supports microSD cards up to 128GB and is also compatible with the Reolink Home Hub, which can handle up to 6TB. The camera connects via WPA/WPA2 secured dual-band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz and 5GHz), ensuring stable and fast connections. The Reolink app makes the setup pretty straightforward in my opinion.
Reolink App
As an existing user of the Reolink app, I found it straightforward and packed with useful features. The app allows quick setup, customization of motion zones, and easy access to stored footage. Real-time alerts were prompt with clear thumbnail images, and sharing camera access with family members was simple. Live streaming and playback were smooth, and the two-way audio worked well, providing a reliable experience overall.
However, for new users, the range of options might seem overwhelming initially. The app’s extensive features might require some time to navigate fully. While the setup process is guided and straightforward, first-time users might need a bit of time to adjust. But, I think it’s worth it, as it’s a great product that doesn’t require a subscription.
Battery and Power Management
The Argus 4 Pro comes with a 5000 mAh battery, and when paired with the Reolink Solar Panel 2, it stays charged with minimal sunlight. I found the ColorX technology to be very effective, extending the battery life by about 30% compared to traditional IR night vision cameras. This is a game-changer for maintaining long-term surveillance without constant recharging.
Downsides to the Argus 4 Pro
The Argus 4 Pro might not be the best if you want a camera that’s always plugged in or integrates with more advanced security systems. This is effectively a disadvantage of all battery-powered cameras so it’s not specific to just the Argus 4 Pro.
The motion detection feature is very good, but it can trigger false alarms so you might need to tweak the sensitivity of that a bit.
The camera’s performance relies on battery life and sufficient sunlight for solar charging, which could be a limitation in less sunny regions or for users unable to position the solar panel optimally.
Its dependence on a stable Wi-Fi connection can limit functionality in areas with poor connectivity, making it less suitable for those in remote or weak signal areas.
Verdict
In my experience, the Reolink Argus 4 Pro offers a balanced mix of performance and value. Its ease of installation, superb video quality, and wide array of features make it a fantastic option for home security.