Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 vs v1: 6 New Upgrades
By Naila Syifa
Updated February 2024
The release of the new Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 in January 2024 brought with it six major upgrades compared to the previous version. What are these upgrades and how much do they improve the overall performance of the floodlight? Let's take a closer look and find out whether these six new upgrades are worth the investment.
Key Takeaways
Six new upgrades that the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 offers include: (1) clearer 2K resolution; (2) wider 160° FOV; (3) brighter 2800-lumen LEDs; (4) added compatibility with Google Assistant; (5) easier setup process with Access Point; and (6) new smart features, including Ambient Light Mode and Motion Warning.
Wyze Cam Floodlight v2
2024 Version
✓ Ambient & Motion-Activated LED Lights
✓ 2800 Lumens & Dimmable
✓ 2K Video
✓ Setup via Access Point Wi-Fi
Wyze Cam Floodlight v1
2021 Version
✓ Motion-Activated LED Lights
✓ 2600 Lumens & Dimmable
✓ 1080p FHD Video
✓ Extra USB Port
#1 Price
Wyze Cam Floodlight v2
Despite being the newer model, the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 surprisingly retails at a lower price point than the previous version, coming in at just US$83.99. Meanwhile, the Wyze Cam Floodlight v1 is priced at US$93.99. However, you may often find it on sale for as low as US$53.99, making it a more affordable option for those on a budget.
Even when not on sale, these two Wyze Cam Floodlight models are considered affordable compared to other floodlights on the market. For example, a floodlight camera from Ring can cost at least around US$200.
Read also: Ring Floodlight Cam Plus vs Pro
#2 Design
Wyze Cam Floodlight v1
The Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 and v1 have quite a similar design, both measuring 9.5 x 7.0 x 7.7 inches and weighing 1.25 kg equally. Both models also feature two floodlight heads stemming out from the main circular body, but their camera design has a noticeable difference.
This is because the original Wyze Cam Floodlight v1 uses the Wyze Cam v3 as a camera integrated into its body, while the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 has its own camera designed for better resolution and FOV, which we'll discuss in detail later in the next section.
As the Floodlight v1 model is compatible with Wyze Cam v3, it also supports an additional Wyze Cam v3 connected via the extra USB port in the floodlight body, allowing for more comprehensive surveillance coverage. The Wyze Cam Floodlight v2, on the other hand, does not have an extra USB port for connecting additional cameras.
However, the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 does come with a new black color, in addition to the white color option of the previous version.
#3 Video Quality
Wyze Cam Floodlight v2
One of the major upgrades of the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 is its higher resolution camera, which now boasts 2K video quality, compared to the 1080p of the v1 model. A 2k resolution provides clearer and more detailed footage of your surroundings, especially useful in identifying faces or license plates, making it easier for monitoring and surveillance purposes.
Additionally, the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 has a wider 160° diagonal field of view, a significant upgrade over the Wyze Cam Floodlight v1 model with a 130° field of view. This improved FOV of the camera allows for wider coverage and better visibility of the area, reducing blind spots and improving overall surveillance capabilities.
#4 Smart Features
Wyze Cam Floodlight v1
The new Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 and its predecessor v1 share a few common smart features that allow for easy control and monitoring via the Wyze app, such as real-time alerts, two-way audio, a built-in siren of 105 dB, customizable detection zones up to 30 feet, dusk-to-dawn automation, and subscription-free local storage with a microSD card up to 256 GB.
Both floodlight cameras use PIR sensors with a maximum detection area of 270°, which will trigger the floodlights to turn on and start recording when motion is detected within the detection area. However, the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 has an advantage with its super-bright LED lights of 2800 lumens, which is brighter than the 2600 lumens of the v1 model. These lights are dimmable to fit your preferences and needs, but floodlights with higher maximum brightness are generally more effective in illuminating larger areas.
In addition to automatic motion detection, you can also manually control both floodlights via the Wyze app. You can turn the floodlights on or off as needed, or set a schedule.
Wyze Cam Floodlight v2
The new Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 model even includes a new Ambient Light Mode feature. This allows you to turn on the floodlights at night with a dimmed brightness level that will automatically adjust to increased brightness when it detects movement.
The Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 also introduces a new Motion Warning feature. This feature requires a subscription, but it allows the camera to alert potential intruders with a voice warning that they're being recorded when they are detected within the area.
Another advantage that the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 has over its predecessor is its compatibility with Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, which allows for hands-free voice control of the floodlight and camera. The original Wyze Cam Floodlight v1, on the other hand, is only compatible with Amazon Alexa.
#5 Installation
Wyze Cam Floodlight v1
In terms of installation, the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 and v1 are quite similar. They both feature no battery, thus requiring hardwiring installation. They can be mounted on a wall or eave with the included mounting kit, and the installation process is relatively easy and straightforward.
Both also connect to a 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi network and are incompatible with 5 GHz. If you're looking for a floodlight camera with 5 GHz compatibility, consider the Ring Floodlight Cam Pro or Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro.
Read also: Ring Floodlight Pro vs Wyze Cam Floodlight Pro
One difference that sets apart the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 and its predecessor is the in-app initial setup process. The v1 model requires you to scan a QR code generated in the app to the installed camera to pair it with your account, demanding you to climb a ladder to reach the floodlight camera. On the other hand, the v2 uses an Access Point Wi-Fi setup to allow you to pair the floodlight with the app more easily, saving you from the hassle of climbing a ladder and scanning a QR code.
Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 vs v1
Final Thoughts
Wyze Cam Floodlight v2
Overall, the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 offers some significant upgrades over the v1 model. Its key selling point is a major improvement in video quality over the previous version, offering 2K resolution with wide 160° FOV, while the v1 model only had 1080p resolution with a 130° FOV.
The new v2 model also has new support for Google Assistant in addition to Alexa, and it boasts an easier setup process with Access Point, while also offering some new features like Ambient Light Mode and Motion Warning.
Despite being the newer model, the v2 is also priced lower than the v1, making it a more budget-friendly option. Considering its overall advantages, the Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 is a solid choice for those looking for an affordable and feature-packed floodlight camera.
If you like to read more about Outdoor Security Cameras, check out our other relevant guides here:
Wyze Cam Floodlight v2 vs Pro
Ring Floodlight Cam Plus vs Wyze Cam Floodlight v2
Ring Spotlight Cam Plus vs Pro
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