Xiaomi has launched a new outdoor security camera that aims to cut the cord in every sense: no Wi-Fi, no mains power, and no babysitting. The Xiaomi Smart Solar Camera 4 Pro 4G Dual-Camera Edition sells for about 579 yuan, or roughly $80, and goes on sale on 6 July.
The pitch is simple and pretty clever. Two SIM cards handle 4G connectivity, while a 9,900mAh battery and a 7.6W solar panel keep the camera running once it is installed. That puts it in the same lane as a growing batch of self-powered security gear designed for driveways, farms, construction sites, and anywhere cabling is a nuisance.
Dual 5MP cameras and 3K recording
Inside, Xiaomi uses two 5-megapixel camera modules with 3K recording support. The lenses have an f/1.6 aperture, and infrared plus white lighting kicks in automatically when the camera detects movement or a person. That is the kind of setup buyers expect from premium outdoor cams, only here it arrives in a fairly cheap package.
- Two 5MP camera modules
- 3K video recording
- f/1.6 aperture
- Infrared and white light assist
AOV recording tries to save storage
Xiaomi also adds AOV, short for Always-On Video. Instead of recording everything at full tilt, the camera captures one frame every two seconds when nothing is happening, which the company says saves more than 90% of storage. Rival brands have pushed similar low-power recording tricks before, but the appeal here is obvious: less footage noise, less storage churn, and fewer excuses to buy another memory card.
If the camera spots suspicious activity, it can flash a light, trigger a siren, and send alerts through the Mi Home app. It also supports two-way talk, Xiaomi’s HyperConnect smart-home ecosystem, and an IP66-rated body for outdoor use. The broader trend is clear: home security is moving toward always-on devices that are easier to place and harder to disable, especially in locations where Wi-Fi is the first thing to fail.
Price and availability
The Xiaomi Smart Solar Camera 4 Pro 4G Dual-Camera Edition costs 579 yuan, or about $80, and will go on sale on 6 July. For buyers who want a low-cost, self-contained system, Xiaomi is making a strong case that the old ”run a cable or forget it” rule is starting to look dated.