With 4G connectivity in addition to the usual Wi-Fi, the IMOU AOV PT is the ideal security camera for large properties

Date:
Sun, 24 May 2026 09:00:00 +0000

Description:
No Wi-Fi signal? No problem this solid security camera has you covered, with solar charging and optional on-board storage for your videos as well.

FULL STORY ======================================================================IMOU
AOV PT: two-minute review Founded in 2015 as a spin-off from the Chinese surveillance giant Dahua Technology, Hangzhou-based IMOU has quickly become a major player in the value segment of the smart home market. A few months ago, I looked at the IMOU Cell 3C , another budget outdoor security camera. I
liked the model, but it was a lot more basic than this model (and much cheaper, too).

For starters, the AOV PT features a separate, rather than the integrated
solar panel found on the Cell 3C. For many set-ups this is an important distinction because often the best place for a camera, such as under an eve
or in a porch, is the worst place for a solar panel. Having a separate panel means it can be located up to four metres away in a sun-drenched spot using the long USB-C cable provided. The IMOU AOV PT features 'smart tracking' to follow subjects (Image credit: Future) Whereas most battery cameras stay in a deep sleep until a PIR is triggered, this latest IMOU features the companys Always-On Video (AOV) technology hence the AOV moniker. Its like a sort of low-power mode where the camera records a frame every two seconds continuously, creating a low-frame rate timelapse of the entire day. Then, when the AI detects a human or vehicle, it ramps up to full-speed 3K (5MP) recording. Particularly clever is the smart tracking option which means once the pan-and-tilt camera detects movement it will follow the target as it
moves around. Its all a bit Big Brother-y maybe, but useful if you want to track certain individuals or vehicles. Latest Videos From IMOU AOV PT at Amazon for 129.99 Usually, where security cameras manufacturers make their money is in selling you a monthly subscription to store your video footage in the cloud. Not only is this a potential cybersecurity risk, it can also get very expensive (Im looking at you Ring). Even the average price of a subscription is 5 (about $7 / AU$10) a month, which I think is a bit
excessive for basically storing your video clips.

With the IMOU AOV PT not only is a MicroSD card slot provided for storage,
but IMOU has even thrown in a 32GB MicroSD card gratis its a really nice touch, especially if you're always scrabbling around for a card to record onto! If you want more storage, though, the device can support up to 512GB. Alternatively, it is possible to sign-up to one of IMOUs subscription plans (see details below). The camera has a slot for a MicroSD card, but this can only be accessed with a screwdriver (Image credit: Future) Usefully, in addition to a MicroSD card, the IMOU also comes with a 4G SIM. This enables you to control the camera via the IMOU Life app without it having to be
hooked up to the homes Wi-Fi. IMOU provides a modest 100Mb of data (with a trial offer for a 6GB plan). However, for those monitoring properties where Wi-Fi connectivity is either non-existent, or at best patchy, its a potential game changer.

On the downside, though, the camera only supports the 2.4GHz Wi-Fi frequency rather than the higher 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency which is better for faster data transfer. Get daily insight, inspiration and deals in your inbox Sign up for breaking news, reviews, opinion, top tech deals, and more. Contact me with news and offers from other Future brands Receive email from us on behalf of our trusted partners or sponsors By submitting your information you agree to the Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy and are aged 16 or over. The camera features IMOU's Always-On Video (AOV) technology (Image credit: Future) Designed to be mounted permanently outdoors, the IMOU boasts an IP-66 weatherproof rating for heavy-duty waterproof protection. It also comes with two reasonably powerful spotlights, a built-in microphone and speaker for two-way communication and a siren for warding off intruders (though this isnt the loudest). Theres also a clever smart night vision feature so that when
the camera detects an object, the spotlight is automatically activated, and recordings are displayed in color. IMOU AOV PT: subscription options Basic Plan: Covers seven days of event history and basic AI detection, between 2.59-3.50 ($4-$5 / AU$5-AU$7) per month or approximately 30 ($40 / AU$70) a year.

Plus Plan: Offers 30 days of event history, enhanced AI detection, and sharing with up to 20 users. Costs around 5.99 ($9 / AU$12) per month or 60 ($80 / AU$110) per year.

See https://www.imou.com/uk/imou-protect for more details IMOU AOV PT: price and availability How much does it cost? IMOU AOV PT, $170 / 129 / AU$260

When is it available? Since December 2025

Where is it available? UK / US / Australia

Chinese firm IMOU is known for its competitively priced home security products. This one is no exception. OK, its quite a bit more expensive than the IMOU Cell 3C we reviewed which also comes with a solar panel. But then
the AOV PT offers so much more and is still under 150.

In fact, when you consider the package includes a separate 5W solar panel, a pre-installed 32GB MicroSD card, and a 4G SIM card, the IMOU AOV PT is actually really very good value for money. Thats not to mention other useful features such as 360-degree field of view thanks to the pan-and-tilt camera and smart tracking so you can monitor the movements of intruders!

Compared to 4G rivals from Arlo or Reolink, which often require separate purchases for solar panels or storage, the IMOU really is a cost-effective, all-in-one solution for those needing off-grid security. Best of all is that you dont need to pay for a monthly subscription although that option is available from around 3 a month if you want it. Instead, you can store video clips on the MicroSD card provided or upgrade to one holding 512GB (these are now widely available for under 50/$50). Value score: 5/5 IMOU AOV PT: design Pan-and-tilt design Separate solar panel IP66 waterproofing Its fair to say that the IMOU AOV PT wont win any security camera beauty competitions. Built for utility rather than stealth, it comprises a not particularly attractive black pan-and-tilt camera inside a large white plastic housing, plus a separate lightweight solar panel designed to tilt up to 45 degrees for
maximum solar gain.

Installation isnt the easiest either. Because of its weight and the way it protrudes from the wall, it requires a very secure mount. Its not a camera
you can casually stick up with a couple of small screws. Instead, youll need the full four-screw bracket provided (plus wall plugs if drilling into brick) to prevent it from vibrating in the wind or feeling flimsy. This camera is quite chunky, and takes more than just a couple of screws to mount (Image credit: Future) For added protection/security the camera snaps firmly into
the mount and can only be released by pressing a button underneath the unit. Here you will also find a rubber flap covering the power on and the USB-C input for connecting to the solar panel and for recharging the camera (it comes with an integrated 1000mAh lithium-ion battery).

For our set-up we installed the camera on a wooden summer house/home office with the solar panel located nearby and angled towards the sun (the app tells you when it is receiving power from the panel). However, 4m of cable is provided if you need to locate the solar panel a bit further away to capture the suns rays. Thankfully, the solar panel is much simpler to install than
the camera but the two units together do take up quite a lot of space, compared to other designs. The camera snaps firmly into its mount (Image credit: Future) Finally, one slightly odd aspect of the design is the panel for the MicroSD card and 4G SIM card slots. Located at the back of the camera lens, this can only be accessed with a Phillips screwdriver. Perhaps its to deter casual thieves from easily stealing the MicroSD/SIM cards, or maybe to provide further protection from the elements? Design score: 4/5 IMOU AOV PT: performance 360-degree field of view 3K resolution Color night vision When it comes to performance, the IMOU AV PT is one of the best Ive reviewed especially at this price level. When it comes to functionality, its difficult to imagine any other cameras matching it. However, whats impressive is that
it combines this functionality with very good performance too. For example, the 3K image quality is crisp enough to identify faces at a distance, and the full-color night vision is excellent, using two bright spotlights to illuminate intruders.

What I particularly like is the pan-and-tilt camera which effectively gives the camera a full 360-degree view, much wider than most cameras which are limited to a maximum of around 150 degrees. Either you can move it around using the left/right, up/down keys on the app or you can use the smart tracking option in the menus so that it tracks movement automatically. In-app controls make it easy to pan and tilt the camera (Image credit: Future)
During testing it was great fun, picking up neighbours on balconies, even family members walking close to the patio doors inside the kitchen. However,
I could see it would have a serious function too if ever I was burgled, capturing the culprit as they approached the house and closing in on their physical details.

Any criticisms? Well, a few, but they are minor. Firstly, it is worth bearing in mind that the smart tracking option really does drain the 10,000mAh battery. During a day of heavy testing, it dropped 11% in just 24 hours, even with some additional solar power from the panel. For long term use its probably best to switch it off completely or limit the use of the camera to certain hours of the day. Image 1 of 3 Full-color night vision is impressive (Image credit: Future) The camera is actually fun to use (Image credit: Future) Using 4G means you need to be aware of your data allowance (Image credit: Future) Using the app, recording times can be set for each day (so
the camera only records footage at night) or you can quickly put it into privacy mode where the lens turns around completely so you cant record. Its also possible to set areas where you dont want to record, such as a neighbors garden or a busy main road using the activity zone option.

As with many security cameras, one small bugbear is that the IMOU AV PT is a little too sensitive, creating a few false alarms. Not only can this get a little bit annoying after a while (getting an alert every time a bird flies past), it can further drain the battery. Finally, while the siren works effectively enough, its certainly not the loudest weve ever heard.
Performance score: 4.5/5 Should you buy the IMOU AOV PT? Swipe to scroll horizontally IMOU AOV PT score card

Attribute

Notes

Score

Value

Costing around $170 / 129 / AU$260, the IMOU really is excellent value for money especially considering that it comes with a solar panel, a 4G SIM and a MicroSD card.

5/5

Design

Built for the outdoors with IP66 weatherproof rating, the IMOU focuses on rugged practicality rather than stunning good looks. Its quite bulky too.

4/5

Performance

The IMOU AOV PT combines great functionality with high quality 3K images. We particularly like the smart tracking option though it does wear the battery down.

4.5/5

Overall

Want to protect a property but Wi-Fi is dodgy or non-existent? This outdoor security camera is the perfect solution, combining great performance with 4G connectivity and MicroSD storage.

4.5/5 Buy it if You are in a rural location

If you dont have Wi-Fi and access to power is limited, this is probably the best security camera around for keeping an eye on your property or business. You want total coverage

The 360-degree pan and tilt lens ensures there arent any blind spots. Smart tracking means the lens will follow any movement whether its human or a vehicle. Don't buy it if You want a discreet solution

The IMOU AOV PT is quite a bulky and slightly tricky to install proposition, comprising a large camera and separate solar panel. You want a loud siren

The siren on the IMOU AOV PT is one of the quietest Ive heard. IMOU AOV PT: also consider If you're not sure whether the IMOU AOV PT is the right camera for you, here's how it stacks up against two of its rivals. Swipe to scroll horizontally Row 0 - Cell 0

IMOU AOV PT

Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam

IMOU Cell 3C

Subscription price

None. Optional subscription from 3 (about $5 / AU$6) a month

None. Optional subscription from 2.71 (about $4 / AU$6) a month.

None required. Optional IMOU Protect from from 3 (about $5 / AU$6) a month

Viewing angle

360-degree pan and tilt lens

150-degree ultra-wide diagonal

120-degree horizontal

Network connection

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)/4G

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)

Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)

Audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Two-way audio

Video

3K (5MP) video resolution

2K (1440p) video resolution

2K (3MP) video resolution

Power

Battery/Solar

Battery/Solar

Battery/Solar

Hardware price

$170 / 129 / AU$260

$99/ 85 / AU$169 (with built in solar panel)

$55 / 49 / AU$129 (with built in solar panel) Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam

Looking for a decent security camera with powerful spotlights that you dont have to keep recharging every few months? Then the Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam is a good option, especially given its competitive price tag.

Read our full Reolink Solar Floodlight Cam review IMOU Cell 3C

A pretty decent outdoor security camera with an integrated solar panel. What it lacks in image quality, the IMOU more than makes up for in functionality and the price is extremely competitive.

Read our full IMOU Cell 3C review How I tested the IMOU AOV PT I used the camera outdoors for seven days I set it up myself using the fittings provided by the manufacturer The security camera and solar panel was installed on the outside of my summer house/office I am forever climbing up and down step ladders changing over outdoor security cameras on my summer house, so much so that the neighbours must think Im paranoid about getting burgled. This is the latest in a long line of solar panel cameras Ive looked at recently and I think one of the best so far.

I really enjoyed the smart tracking feature, watching the camera following
the movement of family members and my dog Poppy, as well as the occasional glimpse of neighbours standing on a balcony. If I had the device for a long time I would probably switch this off as it is a major drain on the battery
as well as being overly intrusive (although less so than using the pan-and-tilt camera in the house).

I can also see the benefits of the 4G SIM. While my Wi-Fi is generally OK in the garden, thanks to a Wi-Fi repeater near the back door, there are many homes especially in rural areas where this option could be a game-changer.

First reviewed May 2026 IMOU AOV PT: Price Comparison 129.99 View bundle 129.99 View 129.99 View 129.99 View 159.99 View We check over 250 million products every day for the best prices powered by



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Link to news story: https://www.techradar.com/home/smart-home/imou-aov-pt-review


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