Xiaomi's new solar 4G camera works without Wi-Fi or a power outlet
Xiaomi has launched the Smart Solar Camera 4 Pro 4G Dual-Camera Edition in China, a security camera that needs neither a Wi-Fi connection nor a power socket to operate. It went on crowdfunding sale on July 6, 2026 at 579 CNY — roughly $80 at launch pricing — with a regular retail price of around 799 CNY (~$103). For anyone monitoring a remote property, building site, or rural plot, the concept is straightforward: point it at the sky and let it run.
Off-grid by design
The camera carries a 9,900 mAh battery that Xiaomi claims lasts more than a week on a single charge, topped up continuously by a 7.6W integrated solar panel. Two SIM card slots handle connectivity over 4G LTE, with automatic switching between networks depending on signal strength. In China, buyers get a free mobile data bundle included; whether that carries over to international variants is not confirmed.
For video, there are two 5MP lenses capable of 3K recording. The camera uses AOV intelligent recording — motion-triggered capture focused on people — which Xiaomi says cuts storage use by up to 90% compared to continuous recording. MicroSD cards handle local storage. Night detection, two-way audio, and an IP66 weatherproofing rating round out the spec sheet.
Xiaomi Smart Solar Camera 4 Pro 4G Dual-Camera Edition
The wait for UK and US buyers
No global release date has been announced. Based on Xiaomi's typical rollout pattern, availability on Amazon.co.uk and Amazon.com is expected no earlier than Q3–Q4 2026, per gagadget.com. By then, the UK price will likely sit above the Chinese launch figure — a 20–30% markup is historically typical for Xiaomi hardware entering Western markets.
That puts it in direct competition with the Reolink Argus 3 Pro and eufy SoloCam S340, both already available in the UK at £130–£180. The 4G cellular segment is the fastest-growing part of the solar security camera market, according to Grand View Research, driven by demand from agriculture and remote infrastructure — precisely the use cases this camera targets.
There is one notable catch: the camera runs through Xiaomi's Mi Home app, which does not support HomeKit, Amazon Alexa, or Google Home. That's a harder sell in markets where Ring and Arlo have already trained buyers to expect broad smart home integration. If Xiaomi addresses ecosystem compatibility before launch, the price advantage could make a stronger argument. For now, the camera is a China-only product worth watching.
