Reolink continues to bring its advanced camera technologies to a broader audience with the new Argus 4 Pro. Blending the dual-lens approach of the Duo lineup with ColorX night vision from its eponymous series, the Argus 4 Pro promises an ultra-wide 180° view—day or night—plus built-in AI for fewer false alarms and local microSD storage. We tested its features, setup ease, image quality, battery life, and overall performance to see if it delivers.
Design & Installation
Larger Form Factor
The Argus 4 Pro is bigger than previous Argus cameras, especially the Argus 3 Pro. This stems from its two side-by-side lenses needed for a 180° field of view. Unlike typical single-lens cameras, Reolink pairs these lenses behind a shared body. Despite the size, it’s still a battery-powered, cable-free security camera with built-in Wi-Fi (dual-band Wi-Fi 6) and a 5000 mAh internal battery.
Reolink claims about two months of battery life, which is on the shorter side compared to some rivals quoting six months or more. Also, this battery is non-removable, meaning you must bring the entire camera inside to recharge via USB-C. For continuous power, Reolink sells a solar panel accessory.
Mounting Options
With a 100% wireless design, the Argus 4 Pro includes a plastic bracket for wall-mounting using screws, or one could loop a strap around a pole/tree. The unit weighs a bit more than smaller Argus models, so ensuring a stable anchor is key. Once placed, it’s IP66-rated and sealed against the elements. Fit and finish are robust, though the overall housing is plastic (where some Reolink Duo or ColorX cameras use metal).
Local Storage
A microSD card slot sits under the camera in easy reach—some might say too easy if mounted at eye level. Reolink omits any real cloud plan, but you can store clips in the camera (via microSD) or route them to an NVR or local server. For extra security, you might also consider Reolink’s HomeHub solution.
App & AI Features
The Argus 4 Pro pairs with the Reolink mobile app, which offers a suite of advanced controls. Highlights include:
- AI-based detection: People, vehicles, animals.
- Adjustable detection sizes: Filter out small or distant objects.
- Custom activity zones
- Motion schedules & notifications
- Local/FTP recording
- Timelapse (some Reolink models)
Like other Reolink cameras, you can tailor false alarms by specifying object sizes or adjusting sensitivity. The Argus 4 Pro only integrates with Google Assistant for partial voice commands, lacking Alexa or Apple HomeKit. Multi-camera owners may wish for a shared timeline; each camera’s recordings remain in separate menus.
Image Quality
Twin 4 MP Sensors for 180°
Each lens is ~4 megapixels. Combined, Reolink merges them for an ~8 MP wide panorama (5120×1440). The angle is extremely broad horizontally but has only a ~50° vertical coverage. The Argus 4 Pro also uses a software “stitching” that can be tweaked to avoid image overlap near the center. By default, ColorX technology aims to keep color detail even in low light, discarding infrared in favor of integrated LED floodlights.
Daytime Performance
Our lab tests show the Argus 4 Pro delivering slightly soft edges, but it still captures a fair amount of detail. Text or small objects remain visible, though the image lacks the crispness we’ve seen from more conventional single-lens 2K cameras. Still, the horizontal coverage is outstanding, eliminating the need for motorized panning.
Night Vision in Color
In total darkness, the camera floods the scene with its dual LED array, producing a color image. This approach can be more discreet than bright motion spotlights on some cameras, but it still yields more natural color detail than typical monochrome IR. However, the clarity is only average, losing some definition and focus. The camera can identify a person up to about 5 meters, ensuring it beats many smaller single-lens solutions.
Motion & AI Detection
Using a PIR motion sensor with a 180° coverage, the Argus 4 Pro can detect movement without running its cameras at all times, saving battery. Once triggered, AI routines differentiate humans, vehicles, and animals, letting you limit alerts to relevant events. Alerts can come via push notifications, emails, or the Reolink app. We found detection consistent up to around 7–8 meters in typical scenarios.
Audio Quality
Strong Two-Way Talk
The Argus 4 Pro records clear audio, capturing footsteps or quiet voices up to several meters away. Two-way talk is also well-handled. Our tests revealed minimal echo or lag, though you might hear faint static at higher speaker volumes. As usual, microphone and speaker volume suffice for short exchanges. The camera includes a siren at ~65 dB(A) at 1m, which isn’t super loud—enough to startle but not deafen an intruder.
Battery & Solar Panel
Reolink’s 5000 mAh battery is specified for about 2 months on a moderate usage profile—less than many battery cams promising up to half a year or more. Also, the integrated design means you can’t swap in a fresh battery; you must remove the camera to charge it (2–3 hours via USB-C). If the camera sees frequent triggers, or you want zero downtime, Reolink recommends its 6 W solar panel for indefinite operation.
Conclusion
Overall Rating: 9/10
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Fully wireless, with a wide 180° field of view.
- Easy to install (via screws or strap).
- Reliable AI detection with advanced filters.
- Color night vision is effective at close to medium range.
- Optional solar panel for continuous power.
- Built-in local microSD storage.
Cons
- Non-removable battery with modest ~2-month life.
- Siren is not very loud.
- Heavier form factor.
- No fully free cloud backup (option limited to local or FTP).
Final Thoughts
The Reolink Argus 4 Pro stands out for its ultra-wide coverage, battery-driven portability, and robust AI detection. It’s an ideal choice for large, open areas where rotating or multiple cameras were once needed. While the non-removable battery and 2-month lifespan might concern heavy users, a solar panel can offset that. If you want a streamlined, all-in-one 180° vantage for a home or small business—without monthly cloud fees—this is a top contender.
