If you're looking for a way to build a smart home that is not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing - Aqara has the perfect solution for you. The new
Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus combined with the
Camera Hub G5 Pro PoE is a duo, Which takes
smart home to a new level. In this article we take a look at their features, applications and integration options - everything you need to know before you decide to buy.
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1. What is Aqara and why should you trust it? .
Aqara is a brand, that has won acclaim from users around the world for its reliable solutions in the field of
home automation . It operates based on the popular
Zigbee standard, offering compatibility with a wide range of devices and platforms such as
Apple HomeKit, Google Home and Amazon Alexa .
With a wide portfolio of products - from sensors to switches to cameras and touch panels - Aqara allows you to create a cohesive,
intelligent home that adapts to the daily needs of the home.
2. Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus - smart home management centre .
2.1 Technical specifications and design
Panel Hub S1 Plus is a modern control centre that combines the function of a classic switch with the capabilities of an advanced home management system. It is equipped with a 4-inch
touch display , which allows you to intuitively control all elements of the
smart home . Its minimalist design fits perfectly into modern interiors.
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The panel is flush-mounted - in place of a traditional switch - making it not only functional but also an aesthetically pleasing solution. It supports communication via
Zigbee 3.0, Wi-Fi and
LAN , which guarantees connection stability and the ability to integrate with a wide range of Aqara devices and more.
2.2 Features and applications in practice .
The S1 Plus panel acts as a
main home management centre - allows the creation and commissioning of
scenarios for automation , e.g.. "Leaving home", "Good night" or "Movie show". The user can control
lights, roller blinds, sensors, air conditioning and other devices from the screen.
The panel also offers thermostat functions - you can create
heating schedules and define heat zones in different rooms. This is not only a convenience, but also a real energy saving.
3. Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro PoE - security and reliability .
3.1 Camera hub with Zigbee and IR Blaster functionality
Aqara Camera Hub G5 Pro PoE is an advanced Full HD IP camera that combines up to three functions:
monitoring camera, Zigbee control panel and
IR remote control - all in a
one, compact device .
With
Power over Ethernet (PoE) technology, the camera is
powered directly via a network cable , which simultaneously provides
stable and fast LAN connection , eliminating the need for Wi-Fi or a separate power supply.
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The device allows:
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operate other Zigbee devices , acting as a hub,
-
control traditional household and domestic appliances using the
built-in IR Blaster (e.g. TV, air conditioning, audio system),
- use
two-way voice communication (built-in microphone and speaker),
- detect motion and
recognise faces through local AI analysis .
3.2 Integration with the Aqara ecosystem and other platforms
The G5 Pro PoE camera integrates with the
Aqara Home app , as well as with the following systems:
Apple HomeKit Secure Video, Google Home and Amazon Alexa. .
The camera image can be:
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saved locally (to a microSD card),
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stored in the cloud (optional),
-
used in HomeKit automations - with notifications to the iPhone.
Thanks to the
LAN connection , the camera works stably even with weak Wi-Fi.
Adding Zigbee devices is done quickly and without the need for additional bridges..
G5 Pro PoE can be
the main Zigbee hub in smaller systems or support for larger installations with
Panel Hub S1 Plus .
4. How do they work together? - Synergy Panel Hub S1 Plus + G5 Pro .
The combination of
the Hub S1 Plus panel with the G5 Pro PoE camera creates a
integrated smart home system .
G5 Pro is not just a camera - it is also a motion sensor, sound sensor and
local face recognition . The camera can recognise a specific household member and send a signal to the panel.
E.g. when a child comes home:
→ the camera recognises them,
→ the system opens the door (if connected to a lock),
→ raises the roller blinds,
→ turns on lights and music.
Panel S1 Plus is a touchscreen control centre - allowing you to:
- display camera images,
- control lights, roller blinds, climate,
- activation of scenes,
- voice communication thanks to the microphone and loudspeaker in the camera.
Example of automation: .
At night, the camera detects movement → signal goes to the panel → light comes on and Aqara siren is activated.
This collaboration gives the user a full home management centre that connects:
- local AI analytics,
- touch and voice control,
- security and reliability,
- flexible automation scenarios. .
5. Step-by-step installation and configuration .
Despite its advanced technological capabilities, the installation of the
Aqara S1 Plus + G5 Pro kit has been designed with the home user in mind - no specialist knowledge or tools are required. The process can be carried out by yourself in a matter of minutes.
5.1 Assembly of the Hub S1 Plus Panel:
The Hub S1 Plus Panel requires
a standard flush-mounted box with a depth of
minimum 40-60 mm . It mounts similarly to the
classic light switch , making it ideal for both new installations and refurbished premises.
The device is
powered via a USB-C cable , greatly simplifying installation and eliminating the need for a direct connection to the 230 V mains.
Upon initial commissioning, the panel's
automatically displays a unique QR code which must be
scanned in the Aqara Home app .. As a result, the process of pairing and integrating with the smart home system takes just a few seconds.
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The panel connects to the home network via
Wi-Fi , which provides
stable connection and full functionality of the local Zigbee 3.0 hub .
5.2 Connecting Camera Hub G5 Pro:
The Aqara G5 Pro PoE camera requires only the connection of
an Ethernet cable to the
PoE port , which provides
power and LAN access in a single cable - without the need for an additional power supply.
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To begin configuration, simply:
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scan the QR code located on the camera housing using the app
Aqara Home ,
- ensure that
the camera and the Panel Hub S1 Plus are connected to the same LAN (via Ethernet or Wi-Fi).
The process of adding a camera to the system is
quick and intuitive and once registered in the app, you can immediately start creating automations, viewing live video and integrating with other Aqara devices.
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5.3. Configuration in Aqara Home application: .
Once devices have been added to an account in the app, the user has access to the full range of functions:
- creation of automation scenes based on time, sensors, facial recognition,
- assignment of Zigbee devices to appropriate rooms,
- scheduling,
- management of notifications and event history. .
The application is available
in Polish and offers
a simple, intuitive interface. .
5.4 Scene creation and integration .
In the presented case
we integrated the G5 Pro camera (PoE) with the Aqara Hub S1 Plus . With this integration, it was not only possible
to configure automation (e.g. to enable face detection at the press of a Zigbee button), but also
to display the camera view directly on the hub's touch panel . This enables
current monitoring of the room without the need to reach for the phone.
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6. Who is this kit for? Example applications .
The kit
Aqara Panel Hub S1 Plus + Camera Hub G5 Pro will work well in many scenarios:
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New build: .
Ideal for homes where a smart home system is planned from scratch. Thanks to flush-mounting and Zigbee communication, it is possible to expand the system without complex wiring.
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Homes with partial automation: .
Even if you already have smart light bulbs or blinds, Aqara integrated by panel and camera will allow you to control everything from one place.
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Small offices and commercial premises:
Remote camera viewing, lighting control and temperature control also make the system ideal for commercial use.
The Aqara system is also a great choice for those concerned about
aesthetics, data security (local processing) and
compatibility with HomeKit, Google and Alexa.
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7. Comparison with other solutions .
The kit
Aqara S1 Plus + G5 Pro PoE is distinguished by
local data processing, built-in Zigbee 3.0, IR Blaster and compatibility with HomeKit, Google Home and Alexa . It works without cloud or subscription, which translates into greater reliability and privacy.
| Set | Display | Zigbee Hub | Camera | IR Blaster | | Compatibility | Price |
| Aqara S1 Plus + G5 Pro PoE | 4" touchscreen | Yes (Zigbee 3.0) | G5 Pro PoE (Full HD, AI, microSD) | Yes | HomeKit, Google, Alexa | 💰💰 |
| Sonoff NSPanel Pro + CAM Slim | 3.5'' | No (Wi-Fi only) | CAM Slim (RTSP, eWeLink cloud) | No | Google, Alexa | 💰 |
| | Google Nest Hub + Nest Cam Indoor | 7" | | No | Nest Cam Indoor (Google cloud) | No | | Google | 💰💰💰 |
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Benefits of Aqara: .
- Local operation - independence from the internet
- Zigbee 3.0 in panel and camera
- Camera with AI and local recording
- Control of older devices (IR)
- Compatibility with HomeKit, Google, Alexa
8. Summary and opinion .
Aqara S1 Plus + G5 Pro PoE is a
complete smart home system that combines monitoring, automation and control in a single ecosystem. It works locally, without subscription, and will work well in both new homes and flats.
Is it worth buying? .
Definitely yes - especially if you want a
complete smart home ecosystem that is easy to expand and does not require subscriptions.
🔗
You can purchase the Aqara kit from the Official Aqara Store - click here. .
[Advertising collaboration with BATNA Ltd.]
Comments
I like the comparison in point 7. The Zigbee Hub in this kit is really useful. In my opinion, Zigbee is indispensable for battery-powered devices such as various temperature sensors, motion sensors, or... [Read more]
The panel looks nice, I don't know about the possible heat emission and streak formation on the wall, but this will probably become apparent during use. The use of IR in the camera to transmit remote... [Read more]
. Well, I've just built a circuit that will physically turn off the power to the camera if someone is home - specifically if the alarm is not sounding. It all depends on how you approach privacy. [Read more]
A good approach, the camera will not consume energy when it is not needed and you minimise the attack vector where the camera would allow you to determine the hours and days of activity of the househo... [Read more]