The market for home security cameras is crowded, with options ranging from high-end subscription services to budget-friendly standalone devices. The Baseus S1 Lite Outdoor Security Camera strikes a balance, offering 2K resolution, solar power, and no monthly fees at a competitive price point. But does it deliver on its promises? We spent several weeks testing the S1 Lite to find out if its real-world performance matches its on-paper specifications.
Setup experience
Getting the Baseus S1 Lite up and running is a relatively simple affair. The physical installation is straightforward, with flexible mounting options. My own experience suggests a good approach is to place the camera in a temporary spot first. This allows you to test both the video feed and, more importantly, the solar panel’s exposure to sunlight before committing to drilling holes for a permanent fixture.
While the physical setup is easy, the included instructions are adequate at best. They cover the basics but lack the depth needed to troubleshoot potential issues. If you encounter a problem, you may find yourself in a lengthy back-and-forth with the support desk, as I experienced when resolving an initial setup issue that took several days.
Performance
A camera’s core function is its ability to capture clear and timely video. Here, the Baseus S1 Lite presents a mixed bag. The 2K resolution provides decent image clarity during the day. However, resolution alone does not guarantee high-quality video. The camera’s frame rate is locked at a mere 15 frames per second (FPS), which feels jarringly low and can make it difficult to capture clear footage of fast-moving subjects. The 135-degree field of view is acceptable and covers a reasonably wide area.
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The AI detection feature proved to be a point of frustration during testing. Its ability to accurately identify humans is inconsistent. On several occasions, the camera failed to start recording until a person was already walking away, capturing their back instead of their approach. This delay is a significant concern for a device intended for security. I would recommend keeping the setting to record all movement, rather than just confirmed human movement.
Night vision performance is sufficient for short distances. The camera includes both an infrared mode and a small spotlight for color night vision. However, you must choose one or the other, as the spotlight’s activation overrides the infrared sensors. The spotlight itself is not very powerful, only managing to dimly illuminate an area one or two meters in front of the lens.
The two-way audio function works as expected, delivering clear sound. However, users in the European Union should be aware of local regulations like GDPR regarding audio and video recording in public-facing spaces. The product may not be compliant with default settings unless users adjust the audio and video settings.
Battery and solar power
The standout feature of the Baseus S1 Lite is undoubtedly its solar charging capability. This is where the product truly impressed. Throughout the test period, which took place during late summer and early autumn in Germany, the solar panel performed exceptionally well. The battery level consistently remained above 90%, even with some cloudy days.
This performance eliminates the recurring chore of removing and recharging battery-powered cameras. As long as you can install the device in a location that receives a few hours of direct sunlight each day, you are unlikely to experience any downtime due to a dead battery. This makes it a compelling “set it and forget it” solution.
Weather resistance
The S1 Lite is rated IP67 for water and dust resistance, and it lived up to this claim during testing. The camera was exposed to both rain and cold temperatures without any protective covering beyond its own casing.
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It handled the elements without any noticeable issues, suggesting it is built to withstand typical outdoor conditions. I could not notice any lens fogging or droplets becoming a noticeable issue. This makes it superior to competitors like the Blink cameras, which are prone to fogging up to the point of being useless for recording anything.
App and smart features
While the hardware has its high points, the software experience is a significant letdown. The Baseus Security app feels dated, with a clunky user interface, suboptimal navigation, and confusingly labeled options. Even simple tasks, such as finding and exporting recorded footage from the timeline, can become a challenge. The initial app setup proved difficult, requiring days of communication with support to connect the camera.
In comparison to polished apps from competitors like Ring, the Baseus software feels underdeveloped. Although it supports smart home integrations with Alexa and Google Home, the core app experience detracts from the product’s overall value, and I can only hope this is the main task on their to-do list for now, because a good product deserves a good app.
Storage and privacy
One of the camera’s main selling points is “No Monthly Fees”. This is achieved by relying exclusively on local storage via a microSD card, which is not included. I discovered during testing that without a memory card, the camera cannot record any footage at all; it can only livestream. This was not immediately clear from the product information. On the other hand, some privacy-focused individuals might appreciate this and prefer to avoid cloud usage, which could be beneficial for them.
This reliance on local storage introduces a critical security vulnerability. If an intruder were to steal the camera or remove the microSD card, all recorded footage would be lost permanently. There is no cloud backup. Furthermore, when accessing recordings remotely, the video is streamed from the camera’s microSD card over your home’s internet connection, which can be slow depending on your upload speed.
Value for money
The Baseus S1 Lite is priced at around $79.99, but it is frequently available with significant discounts. Considering it includes a camera, night vision tech, lighting, battery, and solar panel in one package, the price is highly competitive.
For the hardware alone, it is a compelling deal. However, the shortcomings in the software and the security risks associated with local-only storage must be factored into the value equation. In comparison, a Reolink camera with solar costs 200 USD, and a solar-enabled Ring camera would cost 120 USD, both without a spotlight.
Pros and cons
Let’s look at the pros and cons of the Baseus S1 Lite Outdoor Security Camera.
Pros:
- Excellent solar charging and battery performance
- Great product design that would match any exterior
- Competitive price point, especially with discounts
- Straightforward installation and solid weather resistance
- No mandatory subscription fees for storage
- Software shortcomings might be improved with updates (which might affect the cons in the future)
Cons:
- The mobile app is poorly designed and frustrating to use
- Detection is unreliable and often records too late or sometimes not at all
- Local-only storage on a microSD card creates a security risk
- Low video frame rate of 15 FPS
- Spotlight not bright enough
Final verdict
The Baseus S1 Lite Outdoor Security Camera is a product of compromises. On one hand, its solar power system is a game-changer, offering genuine autonomy and freedom from charging cables. On the other hand, it is held back by a subpar app and questionable security design choices.
Would I recommend this camera? It depends on the user. For a budget-conscious buyer seeking a simple, subscription-free camera for a low-risk area, this option could be a good fit. It might also serve well as a secondary camera to supplement an existing system. However, for those who are not technically inclined or who require reliable, timely alerts and secure footage backup, the frustrations will likely outweigh the benefits. Renters or apartment dwellers who cannot install it in a sunny spot should also look elsewhere. Ultimately, the Baseus S1 Lite is a capable piece of hardware, but its software shortcomings are suboptimal for some, with the hope that it will be fixed and improved without the need to buy new hardware.
YouTube: Baseus Security S1 Lite Outdoor Camera | Solar-Powered Safety with 2K Clarity (promotional clip)
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Photo credit: All photos shown have been taken by Pupu Liang for TechAcute.
Editorial notice: We have received a test unit from Baseus to test the S1 Lite camera, but we were not paid to publish the review.
