Comparison Xiaomi Aqara Hub M1S Gen 2 vs Xiaomi Mi Smart Home

— Alarm kit. A ready-to-install solution that includes all the necessary elements of the security system. Depending on the implementation, the standard set includes a central hub, sirens, motion and opening sensors for windows or doors, key fobs, etc. Less common are kits with household or fire sensors, for example, leakage or smoke sensors. The specific set of included elements must be specified for a particular set. In any case, in this form the security system is ready to work straight out of the box.

— Hub (control unit). A central device that coordinates the operation of connected sensors and auxiliary systems. Most often, this is a hub for a “smart” home - all kinds of sensors (including security ones) are connected to it, and it also serves for flexible configuration of operating scenarios for the deployed smart system.

The number of wireless sensors that can be simultaneously connected to the central unit (if this connection format is supported — see "Connecting sensors"). This number, by definition, is not less than the number of wireless zones (see the relevant paragraph).

Note that even the most modest modern systems support 6 – 8 wireless sensors, in the most advanced models this number can exceed 100. So you have to pay attention to this parameter mainly in cases where you need to organize a very extensive alarm system.

The number of motion sensors supplied with the central unit.

This number determines how many areas can be covered with the out-of-the-box kit without purchasing additional equipment. Motion sensors can have different coverage angles and response ranges (see below for all this), however, when choosing, you can proceed from the fact that one such device is usually enough for a living room or a medium-sized office space. Accordingly, the number of motion sensors approximately corresponds to the number of rooms for which the set is designed in the original configuration. It is usually small, two or more sensors are extremely rare: it is assumed that, if necessary, it is easier to purchase additional sensors separately.

Number of opening sensors supplied with the central unit.

This number corresponds to the number of doors that can be equipped with an alarm system using only this kit “out of the box”, without purchasing additional equipment. Note that opening sensors are rarely provided in the kit more than one : this allows the user to buy the alarm kit they like without fear of overpaying for extra equipment, and if more sensors are needed, they can be purchased separately. In addition, some sets are not equipped with such sensors at all.

Model of the motion sensor(s) supplied with the alarm.

The main data on the motion sensor — coverage angles, range — are usually given in the characteristics of the kit (for more details about this data, see below). However, knowing the name of the model, you can find more detailed information about it — up to practical reviews. In addition, the model name will be useful when looking for spare or additional sensors, in addition to the complete ones.

Model of the opening sensor(s) supplied with the alarm.

The operating characteristics of the opening sensor — primarily the threshold (see below) — are usually given in the general specifications of the kit. However, some may need more detailed information — to find it, the name of the model will come in handy. In addition, it is useful to know this name if there are not enough complete sensors and they are supposed to be purchased additionally: instead of searching and selecting compatible components, it is enough to purchase sensors of the same type.

The angle covered by the complete horizontal motion sensor(s).

This parameter allows you to evaluate the space that falls into the field of view of the device. The larger the coverage angle, the smaller the size of the “dead zone” that does not fall into the field of view of the sensor. A wide field of view is especially important if there is a large space on the sides of the sensor: the farther from the device, the wider the “dead zone”. However, in the most advanced models, this angle is 180 ° — this means that the sensor suspended on the wall will horizontally cover the entire space in front of the wall.

The range of a motion sensor is the maximum distance at which it can detect motion.

If there is only one sensor in the room, then its range of action should not be less than the diagonal length of the room. Large spaces that are not covered by a single sensor can be covered with multiple sensors. It is also worth noting that the range claimed in the characteristics is a rather approximate parameter and is usually indicated for perfect conditions; therefore, it is worth choosing according to this characteristic with a certain margin (at least 10 – 15%).

Activation threshold of the opening sensor(s) supplied as standard.

The opening sensor consists of two parts: one of them is attached directly to the door / window, the other — to the fixed part of the frame. The trigger occurs when one part of the sensor moves away from the other when the door/window is opened. And the response threshold describes the distance that the parts of the sensor need to be separated to trigger it. The lower this indicator, the more sensitive the sensor is, the smaller the opening is required in order for it to respond. However, in most cases this figure is from 10 to 20 mm, such differences between different models are not critical.