Xiaomi has introduced the Smart 4G Camera 3, a new pan-tilt home security camera designed for places where Wi-Fi is unreliable, unavailable, or simply inconvenient. Instead of depending on a home router, the camera connects through built-in 4G SIM cards, making it a flexible option for monitoring homes, shops, garages, farms, vacation properties, and other spaces that need remote surveillance.
The Xiaomi Smart 4G Camera 3 is currently listed in China through Xiaomi’s retail platforms, with crowdfunding scheduled to begin on November 4. During the crowdfunding period, the camera is priced at ¥199, which is roughly $29. After that, it is expected to retail for ¥269, or around $40.
One of the biggest highlights is its built-in dual-SIM setup. The camera comes with pre-installed SIM cards from China Telecom and China Unicom, allowing it to automatically switch between networks depending on which one has the stronger signal. This means users do not need to rely on Wi-Fi coverage or manually install a SIM card.
Xiaomi is also bundling free 4G data with the device. The company says the data has no speed limit, no usage cap, and no top-up fees. However, the data is limited to use inside the Mijia app and cannot be transferred to another phone, tablet, or device. Xiaomi has not yet confirmed how long the free data service will remain available.
For video quality, the Smart 4G Camera 3 records at 2880×1620 resolution, which Xiaomi promotes as 3K. It uses a 5MP camera sensor paired with an f/1.6 aperture lens, helping it capture brighter images in challenging lighting conditions. The camera also includes a high-sensitivity image sensor for full-color low-light recording.
When the environment becomes too dark, the camera switches to infrared night vision. It uses 940nm infrared lights, which are designed to record at night without producing the visible red glow often seen on traditional security cameras. This makes it more discreet for indoor use, baby monitoring, pet watching, or nighttime home surveillance.
The camera’s pan-and-tilt system is powered by a dual-motor gimbal. It can rotate 360 degrees horizontally and tilt 109 degrees vertically, giving users a wide viewing range from a single installation point. This makes it easier to cover large rooms, entryways, outdoor corners, or open indoor spaces without needing multiple cameras.
Xiaomi has also equipped the Smart 4G Camera 3 with five AI detection modes for different monitoring needs, including home, child, and pet scenarios. While Xiaomi has not listed each mode in detail, the camera is designed to identify activity and send push notifications to the owner’s phone through the Mijia app.
Two-way audio is also included, allowing users to speak through the camera in real time. This can be useful for talking to family members, checking in on children, calming pets, or warning unexpected visitors.
Another key feature is Xiaomi’s AOR recording system, which keeps the camera recording throughout the day while managing storage more efficiently. Instead of saving every moment in the same way, the system treats moving scenes and static scenes differently. Idle footage can be discarded to reduce unnecessary storage use on the microSD card.
The Smart 4G Camera 3 also supports time-lapse recording, giving users another way to capture long periods of activity in a compact format. Live video feeds can be viewed from phones, tablets, and Xiaomi TVs. Users can also share camera access with family members, making it easier for multiple people to monitor the same location.
As part of Xiaomi’s smart home ecosystem, the camera works with Mijia devices through Xiaomi HyperConnect. This allows it to integrate with other compatible smart home products for a more connected security setup.
The Smart 4G Camera 3 should not be confused with the earlier Xiaomi Smart Camera 3 3K, which launched in China earlier in the year. That model uses dual-band Wi-Fi on 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks and records at a slightly higher 2960×1668 resolution. Both cameras share similar movement capabilities, including 360-degree horizontal rotation and 109-degree vertical tilt, but the new Smart 4G Camera 3 stands out by removing the need for Wi-Fi entirely.
With built-in 4G connectivity, dual-carrier switching, 3K video recording, AI detection, night vision, two-way audio, and smart home integration, Xiaomi’s latest security camera is aimed at users who want a more independent and flexible surveillance solution. At its crowdfunding price, it could be an appealing option for buyers in China looking for an affordable cellular security camera without the hassle of router setup.
