Ring Video Doorbell Pro review: night and day better with new 4K camera

Ring has released its Video Doorbell Pro 3, a wired smart doorbell that upgrades the camera to 4K resolution and adds Wi-Fi 6 connectivity, according to a review published by the Guardian [1]. The device is priced at £219.99 and aims to improve low-light image capture and motion detection. The new model features a 140-degree square field of view and radar-based motion tracking that allows users to customize detection distances [1]. The 4K sensor captures enough detail to read a car numberplate from about nine meters away, day or night, and enables a digital zoom up to 10x magnification [1]. A monochrome infrared mode activates in darkness, which the reviewer noted was crisp enough to track foxes crossing the doorstep [1]. The doorbell requires a minimum broadband speed of 10 Mbps [1]. Ring, a subsidiary of Amazon since its acquisition in 2018 for approximately $1 billion, manufactures a line of smart doorbells, home security cameras, and alarm systems [3]. Amazon also produces the Echo smart speakers, which connect to the Alexa voice assistant and can act as a home automation hub [5]. The Video Doorbell Pro 3 integrates with Alexa, allowing existing Amazon speakers or displays to function as chimes and show callers [1]. A subscription is needed to access recorded video. The Ring Solo plan starts at £4.99 a month and provides 180 days of saved event videos, while the Ring Pro plan costs from £15.99 a month and adds AI-powered features such as video descriptions and facial recognition [1]. The device does not support local recording [1]. The doorbell connects via dual-band Wi-Fi 6, which the reviewer said eliminated the need for a Wi-Fi booster and allowed live view sessions to start significantly faster [1]. A wired power option is available, requiring a low-voltage transformer included in the box [1]. Ring will provide software updates for the doorbell until at least 31 December 2030 [1]. Competing products include the Google Nest Doorbell, priced at £179.99, and the Eufy Video Doorbell E340 at £169.99 [1]. Google Nest, a line of smart home products that includes security cameras and doorbells, was formed after Google merged its home-devices unit with Nest in 2018 [2]. Ring has faced scrutiny over privacy issues and agreed to pay $5.8 million in 2023 to settle a Federal Trade Commission lawsuit over alleged privacy violations [3].