Tapo C615G Kit: 360° Security Camera with 4G and Solar Power for Fully Isolated Installations

Following the review of its larger 4K sibling last month, we are now presenting the Tapo C615G Kit. This 360º security camera stands out for its combination of 4G LTE connectivity and solar power. This allows for installation in locations without Wi-Fi or mains power, making it ideal for remote rural areas or summer homes that are unoccupied for extended periods.

Technical Specifications of the Tapo C615G Kit

Packaging and Accessories

The Tapo C615G Kit comes in a classic white and sky blue branded box, showcasing the product’s design and features. Inside, the camera and its accessories are well-protected by a cardboard frame. The kit includes comprehensive documentation, a wall mounting kit, cables, and an antenna for optimal signal reception.

Tapo A201 Solar Panel

The key accessory is the Tapo A201 solar panel. With dimensions of 173.4 x 120.4 x 15.7 mm, it allows the camera’s battery to be charged without needing a nearby power outlet. It features a USB-C connector and provides up to 2.5W of charging power.

Tapo C615G Camera

The Tapo C615G security camera features a unique design with a 360º rotating sphere complemented by an enlarged base housing the battery and wireless communication systems. The camera, measuring 130.88 x 116.09 x 84.06 mm, is constructed from high-quality matte white and glossy/matte black plastic.

CMOS Sensor with 2K Recording

The Tapo C615G is equipped with a 1/2.8-inch progressive scan CMOS sensor offering 2K resolution (2,304 x 1,296 pixels, 3 megapixels). It has a 4mm focal length and an F/1.6 aperture, providing a 100.6º diagonal, 84.4º horizontal, and 44.3º vertical field of view. The camera supports video recording at 15 or 20 FPS for smooth footage and features a 10.8X digital zoom. For nighttime surveillance, it includes 850 nm infrared LEDs and two integrated LED spotlights for color night vision.

The motorized system allows for 340º horizontal pan (360º coverage) and 90º vertical tilt (134º coverage). The camera boasts IP65 dust and water resistance. It also includes a built-in microphone and speaker for ambient sound capture, two-way communication, and a 98.6 dBA alarm.

Micro-SD or Cloud Storage

For storing recordings, the Tapo C615G has a micro-SD slot supporting cards up to 512 GB. It can record continuously or upon event detection. Optional cloud storage is available through Tapo Care (subscription required). The camera features a motion sensor and an ambient light sensor with AI capabilities for detecting motion, people, pets, and vehicles, along with adaptive lighting. Users can also define activity zones to customize sensor and recording activation.

The standout feature of the Tapo C615G is its 4G connectivity, enabling remote access without Wi-Fi. This is achieved by installing the provided antenna and a Nano SIM card in the side slot, supporting 4G LTE-FDD B1/3/5/7/8/20/28 or LTE-TDD B38/40/41.

To ensure uninterrupted operation without a mains connection, the Tapo C615G integrates a 6,700 mAh lithium battery that is continuously charged by the included solar panel.

The camera can be mounted on a wall or ceiling using the included bracket, which can also accommodate the solar panel. The panel can also be mounted separately using the extended USB-C cable.

Tapo C615G Kit Testing

During testing, the camera and solar panel were mounted outdoors. It’s crucial to ensure adequate 4G signal strength at the installation site. Initial setup in an area with low rural 4G coverage required repositioning the camera for optimal performance. Once the signal was established, the application provided smooth access to the camera feed.

In daylight, the 2K resolution delivers highly detailed images. However, it’s important to note that 2K recordings consume more mobile data compared to lower resolutions, though it’s ideal for recording quality. For live streaming, a 720P resolution might be more data-efficient.

At night, the infrared LEDs provide good visibility, offering sufficient detail to observe the surroundings, though not with the same level of clarity as during the day.

Video playback best showcases the Tapo C615G’s capture quality and the functionality of its motorized system. The camera can track detected people, animals, or vehicles effectively, even in low-light conditions.

Tapo App

The Tapo app, available for Android and iOS, provides full control over the Tapo C615G and other Tapo devices. It’s both functional and intuitive. Initial camera setup, including configuration and updates, takes approximately 10 minutes, with the camera becoming fully operational as long as 4G coverage is present.

The app’s main screen displays a live camera feed. Users can expand to full screen, initiate a call, pan and tilt the camera, or turn on the light at night. The settings menu allows for adjusting recording quality, configuring automatic detection events, and activating patrol mode.

Users can choose between event-based recording or continuous 24/7 recording, which significantly impacts battery consumption but is manageable during favorable weather months. Tapo Care cloud recording is available for an annual subscription fee of 32.99 euros, with a 30-day free trial.

Is the Tapo C615G Kit Worth It?

Considering its features, the Tapo C615G Kit is a strong contender for users needing a security camera in locations without Wi-Fi or mains power. While it may not be the most cost-effective solution for homes with existing infrastructure, its 4G connectivity and solar power offer unparalleled flexibility for remote installations. The 2K resolution and effective motorized system provide excellent image quality and coverage, day and night.

A minor drawback is the subscription cost for cloud recording. While local storage via micro-SD is an option, it offers less security against physical theft of the camera. Cloud recording ensures that footage is saved even if the camera is compromised.

Availability and Price

The Tapo C615G Kit is available on platforms like Amazon and PcComponentes for 109.99 euros. The inclusion of 4G connectivity and solar power naturally comes at a premium, but this enables security camera placement in truly remote locations.