Xiaomi's $60 Security Camera Puts a 4K Display Directly on the Unit

According to Notebookcheck, Xiaomi has launched the Smart Camera Video Call Version 2 on its Youpin platform for roughly $60. The new desktop hardware tackles a common limitation of home security devices by mounting a dedicated display and call control buttons directly onto the camera body. Instead of requiring family members to locate a paired smartphone during an incoming alert, the unit operates as a self-contained communication terminal.

#Xiaomi #smart camera #smart home #video calling #4K camera

Crowdfunding Opens for Xiaomi's Screen-Equipped Camera

Xiaomi has listed the Smart Camera Video Call Version 2 on its Youpin crowdfunding platform, with sales set to open on 26 August 2026 at ¥429, which translates to approximately $60. The release marks a direct upgrade over the company's 2024 model by integrating hardware controls and a dedicated color screen directly into the camera base.

By shifting communication controls onto the physical unit, the hardware allows household members to initiate or answer calls without needing access to a smartphone app.

Hardware Specs and 4K Optical Precision

The updated camera incorporates significant hardware enhancements over previous smart home monitoring units:

A 3.97-inch laminated color display running at 480 by 800 resolution with firm tactile control buttons.
An 8MP image sensor capable of recording video at 3840 by 2160 (4K resolution).
A motorized pan-and-tilt base providing 360-degree horizontal rotation alongside a manual vertical tilt of 0 to 30 degrees.
A dual-microphone array paired with a high-volume speaker and noise-reduction algorithms for clear voice transmission.

Audio processing filters out ambient household background noise, keeping speech clear during two-way video calls between separate camera units or between the camera and a smartphone.

Local NPU Computing and Smart Home Integration

Beyond optical and display upgrades, Xiaomi equipped the camera with a 1.5T neural processing unit that delivers 50 percent more computing capacity than the prior generation. The added processing power runs expanded artificial intelligence models locally, allowing the device to evaluate movement patterns and classify room activity before dispatching alerts to users.

The unit connects to the Xiaomi HyperConnect ecosystem, enabling real-time video feeds to display across compatible smart home screens. While current availability is limited to China through the Youpin platform, the combination of sub-$100 pricing and standalone hardware controls highlights a growing shift toward independent smart home appliances that operate without constant smartphone tethering.

Why it matters

The launch of affordable home hardware featuring local AI processing and built-in screens signals an evolving competitive landscape for consumer IoT devices. Bringing 4K resolution, local 1.5T NPU intelligence, and standalone video calling to a $60 price point puts pressure on established smart home brands such as Amazon Ring and Google Nest, which frequently reserve high-resolution capture and advanced AI filtering for higher price tiers or subscription paywalls. Furthermore, Xiaomi's reliance on HyperConnect demonstrates how hardware ecosystem integration is becoming a primary selling point over standalone gadgets. As crowdfunding opens on 26 August 2026, international buyers and competitors will monitor whether this standalone terminal format expands beyond the Chinese market.

FAQ

How much does the Xiaomi Smart Camera Video Call Version 2 cost?

The camera is priced at ¥429 during its crowdfunding launch on Xiaomi Youpin, which converts to approximately $60. Crowdfunding for the device officially opens on 26 August 2026.

Can you make video calls directly from the Xiaomi smart camera?

Yes, the camera includes a 3.97-inch laminated color display, dual microphones, a speaker, and physical call buttons. Users can initiate or receive two-way video calls directly from the unit without using a phone.

What camera sensor and resolution does the new Xiaomi device use?

The unit incorporates an 8MP image sensor that records video in 4K resolution (3840 by 2160 pixels). It is mounted on a motorized head offering 360-degree horizontal pan and manual vertical tilt.