With the rapid growth and innovation in our range of Aqara products, we’re starting to see many new products that either replace an older version (like the G2H Pro replacing the G2H), or released as a higher-end version to coexist with an older product (G3 and G2H Pro cameras; H1 vs D1 switches). Even the humble motion sensor isn’t spared!
Our new release of the Aqara Motion Sensor P1 is a significant upgrade of the Aqara motion sensor.
The original Homesmart.sg Aqara motion sensor is simply called Aqara Motion Sensor – no model name, number, or any other descriptive words. The new one has the P1 suffix – Aqara Motion Sensor P1. There’s a difference, but it can still be confusing.
We’re hoping that by the end of the article, it’s pretty clear to you of the differences! First, our two motion sensors:
Aqara Motion Sensor P1
Aqara Motion Sensor
The OG workhorse sensor of our Aqara products, the Homesmart.sg Aqara Motion Sensor is much loved for its diminutive size, accurate sensors, fast wireless connection, and long battery life. It’s easy to mount and aim.
Aqara Motion Sensor P1
The latest addition, the Homesmart.sg Aqara Motion Sensor P1 is a bit more grown up – with a slightly larger size and a bigger chin – now with the Aqara logo emblazoned on it. It retains the familiar design but adds more features and functionalities.
The Similarities
As usual, it’s easier to start with the similarities. Both products are functionally the same – functionally meaning that they are both smart sensors that notifies your smart home system when motion is detected. It’s up to you to configure what happens when motion is detected – you could turn a light on, receive a notification on your phone, or even trigger an alarm.
- Both are motion sensors
- Both have the same design
- Both are swivellable on the stand
- Both also have a light sensor (measuring the intensity of light in the area, or lux)
- Both are completely wireless – running on Zigbee and running on batteries
- Both are compatible with Apple HomeKit
The Differences
The differences between the two models are most notably physical, with some new features on the P1.
Physical differences
The Aqara Motion Sensor P1’s size was increased. The original’s size (with the stand) is 6.9 x 3.1 x 3.1 cm – the P1 now measures 7.9 x 3.4 x 3.4 cm. The P1 is also heavier, weighing in at 40g vs 25g.
We’ll let these photos do the talking.
New Features in our Aqara Motion Sensor P1
The P1 has a larger size for a reason – it uses two CR2450 batteries – twice that of the original! This gives it a longer battery life. Besides that, our Aqara Motion Sensor P1 now has a few more new features.
Configurable Timeout
Timeout can now be configured to be between 1 second to 200 seconds. This refers to the time the motion sensor shuts itself off after detecting motion. In the original, it was set at 60 seconds, and not changeable by most users.
This can help you set better automations, and save battery life. By increasing the timeout to 180 seconds, for example, the increased amount of time the motion sensor shuts down will drastically improve its battery life.
Battery Life
With a doubling of batteries, and the possibility to increase the timeout, the Aqara Motion Sensor more than doubles the original’s battery life. The official number is 5 years (timeout set to at least 30 seconds)
Configurable Sensitivity
Sensitivity can now be adjusted between Low, Medium, and High – this refers to the distance the sensor will be triggered from, which can help to reduce false positives. At the high sensitivity configuration, the motion sensor detects motion as far away as 7 metres (with a 150 degree angle). To only trigger the motion sensor for nearby movements, set the configuration to low – and it’ll only detect motion 2 metres away (170 degree angle).
This would be useful in places where you want the light to trigger only when motion is nearby.
Zigbee 3.0
The new P1 motion sensor has Zigbee 3.0, vs the original Zigbee 1.2.
Blue LED on motion detection
It’s possible on the P1 to flash the blue LED light when motion is detected – something unavailable on the original. You can also disable this setting.
Another Difference – Battery Access
It is a bit harder accessing the P1 motion sensor’s batteries. We broke a few catches while struggling with it. In contrast, the original motion sensor’s battery compartment was relatively easy to access with a quick twist.
Still, if the battery life is 5 years, it’s something you’ll only have to contend with much later.
Differences – Summary
| Aqara Motion Sensor | Aqara Motion Sensor P1 | |
| Size (with stand) | 6.9 x 3.1 x 3.1 cm | 7.9 x 3.4 x 3.4 cm |
| Weight (with stand) | 25g | 40g |
| Wireless | Zigbee 1.2 | Zigbee 3.0 |
| Batteries | 1 x CR2450 | 2 x CR2450 |
| Battery life | 2 years | 5 years |
| Timeout | 60 seconds | Configurable from 1 to 200 seconds |
| Sensitivity adjustment | No | Yes |
Conclusion
With this upgrade, the Homesmart.sg Aqara Motion Sensor P1 is a much improved version of the motion sensor range, and is a great replacement for the older model.
Ultimately, both sensors are great value for money and quite simply the best designs for motion sensors among the many brands we’ve tested (Eve, Ikea, Philips Hue, Broadlink), so either way, it’s hard to go wrong!
This is about the best comparison page about this sensor I could find. Clear and large side-by-side pictures are present and every aspect is covered, as well as the similarities as the differences. Well done!
THANK YOU. clear information.
Yes well done and on detail.
Thank you for your article. Nice one!