Xiaomi Magic Camera Guide

Xiaomi isn’t a name that springs to mind for smart security devices; it’s a brand better known for smartphones. However, it’s now taking aim at the smart home market, with a range of devices covering smart plugs, smart lights, a connected air fryer and now home security gadgets, too.

The Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360 1080p is the company’s latest home security camera. The Full HD lens of the mains-powered camera can be panned and tilted using the smartphone app to ensure you can view a live feed covering the entirety of the room in which the camera is located.

The compact monochrome device is simple to use and will push out a notification to your smartphone if it detects motion in your home. From there you can log in to view the camera’s live feed, using the on-screen cursor to remotely adjust the angle of the lens. It also supports a microSD card up to 32GB in capacity, so footage recorded by the camera can be stored and reviewed at a later date without the need to pay for a subscription service.

The Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360 1080p can be used freestanding, although the rotating base can also be mounted to the ceiling, with the option to invert the image in the app. The footage recorded during the day is in color, and if there’s enough ambient light in the room, it will be color in low-light situations, too.

However, unlike some rival models, the Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360 1080p doesn’t have a built-in LED light, so in instances where there isn’t sufficient ambient light, the image will be in black and white.

There is a built-in microphone and speaker, enabling you to converse with anyone in the camera’s field of view. Plus, the camera also integrates with Alexa and Google Assistant.

The Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360 1080p only works on the 2.4GHz band, which may mean you suffer connectivity issues if it’s installed in a different room to your router. It doesn’t offer the ability to create activity zones either, which alert you to motion within a set area.

At £34.99, the Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360 1080p is an extremely affordable home security camera, ideal for those on a tight budget. It will also suit anyone looking for an indoor camera that doesn’t require payment towards a subscription service to review footage recorded by the camera at a later date.

RRP: £34.99
The Mi Home Security Camera 360 1080p is priced at £34.99 and can be purchased through the Mi store. Currently, the camera isn’t available in the US or Australia.

Xiaomi also offers a model that records more detailed footage at a resolution of 2K. Known as the Mi 360 Home Security Camera 2K, it costs £49.99.

Mains-powered
Can be freestanding or wall-mounted
Only supports 2.4GHz Wi-Fi
The Xiaomi Mi Home Security Camera 360 1080p is a compact home security camera with a look that’s reminiscent of a small robot. Measuring 7.8 x 7.8 x 11.8cm and weighing just 293g, it’s a petite device. The white plastic exterior is complemented by a black rotating camera lens, which – using the app to move the lens – is able to provide a view of the entire room in which the camera is located.

The camera records color Full HD footage during the day, and at night if there’s enough ambient light in the room. However, if the surroundings are too dark, the video will switch to black-and-white. A speaker and microphone enable you to converse with anyone in the camera’s field of view, too.

Mains-powered, the camera can be used freestanding, or mounted to the ceiling, while a feature in the app makes it possible to flip the image so the footage appears in the correct orientation. Around the back of the camera, you’ll find a micro-USB socket for power and a reset button. However, while the camera comes with a 2m USB cable, it doesn’t include a power socket – you’ll need to supply this yourself.