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Some time back, we did a post in which we compared which is the best security camera between Blink XT2 and Arlo Pro 2. For sure, the two are incredible systems when it comes to enhancing the security of your home. In the end, though, we noted the dual differ and that’s why we have opted to redo blink xt2 outdoor/indoor smart security camera review in 2022.
Brief Overview:
Overall, Blink XT2 security camera is a minimalist device that you’ll truly relish owning in your home or a small store. It comes in a small design and reasonable pricing such that you might be tempted to pick several to place all around your home. The video surveillance system can work both indoors and out, which is a real great advantage when it comes to protecting your valuable assets.
Prior to the debut of the XT2, Blink home Company had introduced the first version of the camera- Blink XT. The camera system was small and reasonably priced as its successor, yeah. But the later model came with some additional extras for a smoother, securer experience.
At the time the Blink XT2 smart security camera debuted (2019), by the way, Amazon.com was already the new owners of Blink Company. The renowned global E-commerce Company acquired the home automation company in 2017, just a few months after the release of the 1st generation Blink XT.
So, the 2nd Generation Blink XT2 security camera was like Amazon’s first success after the acquisition as it was one of 2019’s bestsellers.
You may also check: Blink XT 5 Camera System 2020
Features of Blink Xt2 Outdoor/Indoor Smart Security Camera
Design
Different from the majority of security cameras which feature circular designs, the Blink XT2 is square, with rounded edges. The device has a handheld size with 2.8 x 2.8 x 1.4 inches in dimension and around 89 grams in weight. Hence, ultimately simple to mount or move around with.
Blink xt2 security camera features a sturdy, black plastic body surrounding shiny blackface. The reflective blackface holds all the essentials of the camera system including the lens, motion sensor, and an infrared light emitter.
As for the plastic casing, it’s IP-65 rated, which means it can work even in the rain, snow, and or hail without failing.
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With its small size, the Blink XT2 is very easy to hide and ensure stealthy surveillance. The device even has silicon cover skins that you can use to blend it with the color of your wall, ceiling, or tree leaves. The skins, though, aren’t provided with the system, hence, you’ll need to purchase them separately.
Video Quality
Although the design matters when it comes to security cameras, the images/ videos produced are the most considered feature. With the XT2 camera, the lens on the reflective blackface captures super clear colored pictures during the daytime. Very powerful and reliable, the lens produces 1080P HD videos with every important detail included.
Still, the lens of the Blink smart security camera has a 110° wide field of vision. Thus, allows you to view a large scene of your compound without compromising the image quality.
For the nighttime, Blink xt2 security camera is as helpful as it’s during the day. The wireless security camera has a low-glow infrared LED illuminator to enhance recording in low-lighted/ dark backgrounds. The infrared night vision can be set “ON” [always active] or “Auto” [active when low light is detected]. While you can still tell the car or persons sneaking into your compound, the infrared nighttime recordings are black & white.
Sound Quality
In most cases, security cameras don’t record audio since some states prohibit and terms it as a breach of other person’s privacy. In some cases, though, a sound recording can be so helpful and that’s the reason, the designers of XT2 decide to add it with a microphone. The built-in mic is located right next to the camera’s lens but just like that of cellphones, it’s very tiny you can’t easily notice it.
As one of the advancements from the original Blink XT, the Blink XT2 features a two-way audio function instead of the one-way audio recording. The new video surveillance system has a built-in speaker on the bottom of it, where your voice will come out through. This is a real great enhancement as you can use the device not to just capture video and audio recordings. But also establish a remote conversation with your kids, nanny, or the delivery person at your door.
Power Source
Blink XT2 smart security camera is a totally wire-free system. The device is battery powered and the recordings transmit wirelessly via a Wi-Fi connection.
Starting with the power option, the Blink security camera runs with two AA lithium batteries that come with the system upon purchase. The camera’s manufacturer states that the batteries have a lifetime of up to two years but several users have reported the period to be lesser.
What some owners don’t understand, though, is that this camera system is just like any other battery-powered device in their homes. The more the activities or features active, the higher the power consumption will be. Of course, the security system is motion-activated [meaning less power consumption] but with added functions like two-way talk, the battery life may reduce.
For continuous functioning, at the back of the XT2 camera. There is a rubberized cover that hides a micro USB port for wired power. Removing this cover, nonetheless, compromises the system’s waterproofing and limits its usefulness outdoors.
Connectivity
For the connectivity, on the other hand, Blink xt2 security camera comes with a sync module that establishes communication with your home/ public wifi network. The Blink sync module has the same design as the camera and they both connect automatically wirelessly. For a successful linkage, though, the module has to be plugged into a power outlet and the camera has “healthy” batteries.
The Blink Sync Module usually features a built-in single antenna that allows the security camera system to connect with your wifi network. The system supports both private and public wifi networks but only that uses the 2.4 GHz 802.11g/n. It’s not compatible with Wifi 5.0 GHz or ad-hoc [peer-to-peer] networks, hence, don’t try linking with either of them.
Note: For smooth functioning without any broken/ delayed transmissions, always install your Blink Sync Module away from other 2.4GHz electronics. This includes systems like microwave, Bluetooth stereos, and even phones since they will all start competing for the radio signal.
Storage
Another of the sweetest aspects with the Blink XT2 security camera is cloud storage space that is free to use. It doesn’t have local storage but once the recordings are saved in your cloud, you can easily download them to your device.
While the free cloud is great customer service, it only has a limit of up to 7,200 seconds [approximately 2-hour] of clips. Depending on your preference, you can adjust the length of the clip from 5 to 60 seconds. This means you can get 120-1000+ clips before your free storage is depleted. Once full, the oldest clips are automatically deleted to create space for the new recordings.
**Although many owners have asked for the paid subscription, Blink Home Company is yet to introduce it. While there might be various reasons for that delay. Our best guess is that the short clips are to ensure the battery consumption is low. After all, longer video clips will increase the camera’s activity, which in turn will reduce the battery life. **
Remote Access
As a wireless security camera system, Blink XT2 allows you to remotely monitor your compound or house with your smartphone or tablet. Your smart device, however, has to be iOS 10.3, Android 5.0, or Fire OS 5.1 for the Blink Home Monitor app to install successfully.
From the Blink app, you will be able to control your security camera system, as well as view the recordings from any location. Below the lens of the Wi-Fi camera, there’s a highly sensitive passive infrared sensor that detects movements and initiates automatic recording.
The device includes customizable activity zones, so, you can set specific areas [like windows/ frontyard] where you can be receiving alerts. The sent motion-activated alerts come alongside a screenshot of what triggered the sensors. Therefore, there’s no activity on your property will ever go unnoticed.
Smart Integration
As a product from Amazon, Blink xt2 security camera can work with the brand’s virtual assistant, Alexa. This allows you to view motion clips, live streams, or arm. Disarm your security camera with simple voice commands using Alexa-enabled devices. These devices include Echo Spot, Echo Show, and Fire TV.
If you have Smart lights, Thermostat, or any other IFTTT devices, you can integrate them with your XT2 camera as well for a finer experience.
Installation and Setup
As a wire-free system, Blink xt2 outdoor/indoor smart security camera is very easy to install and setup. After buying, the box with the camera. Sync Module also comes with 1 USB cable, a power adapter, and a mounting kit.
The whole setup doesn’t take more than 20 minutes as it only requires plugging the sync module and linking with a wifi network.
To establish the wifi connection, you’ll need to scan the QR code at the back of the system using the Blink app. When done with the setup, you can stand the camera system on a flat surface. Or else use the included ball-joint mount to attach it to the wall, ceiling or tree trunk.
As you set up your device, though, make sure the camera unit and the sync module are not very far from each other. This will guarantee you a smoother experience with no connection errors or poor video transmission.
Should You Buy Blink XT2 Smart Security Camera?
Well, that depends on a number of things. First, the Blink xt2 outdoor/indoor smart security camera has a nice balance between functionality and affordability. For the latter, the security camera system is under $100, with a free cloud storage space, and a $0 installation fee.
As for the performance, the wireless Blink security camera has wide coverage with crystal clear 1080P HD pictures. The device also has a superlative 2-way audio function and it’s remarkably weatherproof to guarantee its use outdoors.
While its value is definitely worth it, however, Blink XT2 might not fit your desires of extended recording, larger storage and the like. The security camera system is a piece for consumer use in homes or small stores. If your interest is on polished user experience, consider getting an alternative high-end professional system but be ready to dig deeper into your pockets.
