Omajin video doorbell in the test: Shines with many functions

The name of the new Netatmo subsidiary brand Omajin is made up of the English words “home” and “imagine”. One of Omajin’s first offerings is a wireless video doorbell, labeled on the packaging either in English “Wireless Video Doorbell” or in French “Sonnette vidéo sans fil”.

With an RRP of 135 euros (offered online between 125 and 135 euros), the set is not a price breaker. However, there is a fairly large scope of delivery: In addition to the actual video doorbell with an integrated 6700 mAh battery, a wireless indoor bell module, a 64 GB microSD memory card from Sandisk and three long-life batteries in AA format are included. The “Omajin” app can be found in the Apple and Google/Android app stores.

User account required, server in Europe

The app requires a user account to be set up as this is the only way it can enable communication with the home system while on the move. The manufacturer expressly points out that the servers used are located in Europe – even if you forego the optional cloud subscription.

Once installed, the app helps with the initial setup of the system. After switching on the outdoor module and selecting the device type in the app, the app first detects the device that is ready for configuration via Bluetooth and activates its setup mode. The next step is to enter the WiFi password in the app, whereupon it generates a QR code, which you then hold in front of the camera lens. The outdoor module learns the access data for the home WLAN and logs in to it. However, like many smart home components, the device is limited to 2.4 GHz and Wi-Fi 4.

Of course, stable operation at the front door requires that the WLAN can be received there with sufficient signal strength. If this is not the case, a WLAN repeater should step in.

Operation possible without power connections

The battery integrated in the outdoor module can be charged via USB-C. A charging cable is included; the additional power adapter required must be taken from a smartphone or other device for the charging time. According to the manufacturer, one battery charge is sufficient for up to 10 months with average use. Well implemented: The app can warn that the battery should be recharged when the remaining capacity is adjustable between 10 and 50%. You can also turn on a notification if the device is offline for more than 30 minutes.

There are also terminals on the outdoor module that are presumably intended for power supply via a bell wire – although the included quick installation sheet, the information on the packaging and on the website are silent about this possibility. In any case, it is possible to operate the entire system without a wired power supply, which is a clear advantage.

Storage locally or with a cloud subscription

The module contains a 5 megapixel camera and a bell button. If you rely on local recording, you can also use the included microSD card in this module. In terms of the risk of theft, it would be smarter if the memory card were in the internal module. If you want to save the recordings in the manufacturer’s cloud instead, you can take out a subscription for 4.99 euros/month or 49.99 euros/year. The standard version offers 14 days of storage, for 7.99 euros/month or 79.99 euros/year there is a “Premium” version with 30 days of storage time. If several Omajin devices are in use (they also offer wireless surveillance cameras for inside or outside as well as a baby monitor), there are also subscription versions for three devices starting at 9.99 euros/month or 99.99 euros/year.

The outdoor module defends itself against theft

The indoor module is powered by the included three AA long-life batteries. Alternatively, you can also supply this device with power via USB – however, the manufacturer does not use USB-C, but rather the older micro-USB socket. The radio connection between the outdoor and indoor modules is set up at the factory; you don’t have to do anything about this yourself during the installation. The desired ringtone and volume can be adjusted using buttons on the bell module.

To attach the outdoor module to the entrance door, a base plate is first anchored there with four screws. To prevent someone from tearing off the module and taking it with them, it is secured with a special hexagon screw, for which a mini tool is included. If the bell detects an attempted theft, it communicates this via the indoor module and app and also defends itself with an 85 dB loud siren.

Notification occurs with short latency times

The basic function of a video doorbell is obvious: If a visitor presses the bell button, the system notifies them at the same time via a signal tone on the indoor module and via the app. This works within the home network with a latency of less than a second. If the smartphone is registered in the mobile network, it took about half a second longer in our tests – these are very good values. You can then speak to the visitor via smartphone and instruct them, for example, to come back later or to leave a package with the neighbors.

The image and sound quality are good, and overall the camera also coped well with the backlight situation that might be unavoidable when used on the front door. If you want, you can also have your voice altered electronically when you speak back – there are various presets to choose from, ranging from male and female voices to a robot.

Each doorbell also creates an entry in the app’s visit list, so that you can later check who was at the door if necessary. At night, an infrared LED provides illumination and a relatively high-contrast black and white display.

Well laid out in accordance with the current legal situation

In addition to the pure doorbell function, the device can also be configured as a surveillance camera. In this case, it triggers a notification on the app as soon as it detects a person in its field of vision. AI-based person detection helps avoid false alarms. However, in order for this function to be used in a legally compliant manner, the detection area must be limited so that it does not point to public property. No video surveillance may be carried out on an external wall that faces the sidewalk – it must be limited to the visitor’s own property, which the visitor consciously enters, for example by opening a garden gate – after being informed of the camera surveillance taking place there by a sign .

All of these legal frameworks are well represented in the app. This means that the entire detection and monitoring function can be specifically switched off or on, and the monitoring zone can also be restricted by defining an activity area. You can also adjust the sensitivity of the motion detector using a slider, for example to filter out plant movements. If you still recognize an uninvited intruder, you can try to drive him away using intercom or using the siren integrated in the outdoor module.

Large range of functions

If you buy other Omajin devices, you can also define scenes in the app and thus ensure, for example, that after the motion detector of one of the cameras included is triggered, the others also go into recording mode. This also makes it possible to automatically activate and deactivate the monitoring function depending on whether you leave your home or arrive there again. Monitoring can also be switched on or off using voice commands via Amazon Alexa or Google Assistant. However, all of this only applies to “Omajin” devices; there are no plans to work with Netatmo products, at least so far.

If you have taken out the cloud subscription, the visitor list and clips triggered by motion detectors are in the cloud, or alternatively on the SD card installed in the device. If you allow the app access to the smartphone’s photo library, it will also store the video clips it receives there.

Overall, the range of functions is completely convincing, especially since the set is also impressive in terms of quality and reliability.

Conclusion: convincing set

With an RRP of 135 euros, the Omajin video doorbell is not a super bargain. However, given the quality, performance and range of functions, this price is reasonable. Overall, the set consisting of outdoor and indoor modules as well as app and cloud service is convincing; we only have points of criticism in smaller details.