The recently launched Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor is the highly-anticipated successor to the Aqara FP1, which unfortunately never reached Western audiences due to its Chinese region lock. However, with FP2, Aqara has gone global, and it’s packing some impressive upgrades that make it a top contender in the smart home automation market. But if you were to choose between either of these two, which one would make more sense?

In short – “The Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor is better overall with its extended range, dual connectivity, voice control, longer battery life, and light sensor. It’s ideal for those seeking advanced features in their smart home setup. The Aqara FP1 is more budget-friendly and suitable for basic needs without advanced features.”

Let’s go through the major changes on the Aqara FP2 to help you decide whether you should go for it.

Compatibility & Region

The biggest change that has occurred is on the compatibility and regional side. As mentioned earlier, the Aqara FP1 Presence Sensor is a Zigbee-based device that was designed to work with Aqara’s other smart home products. However, the device was region-locked to China, making it difficult for users outside of the country to use and integrate it into their smart home systems.

To use the Aqara FP1, users needed to have an Aqara hub or gateway device, which acts as a central hub for all of Aqara’s smart home products. Once the hub is set up, users can pair the FP1 with it and then use it to control other devices within their smart home system.

Fortunately, the Aqara FP2 has been designed to work with a wider range of devices and is now available globally. The FP2 supports both Zigbee and Bluetooth connectivity, making it much easier for users to integrate it into their smart home systems. Additionally, the FP2 features enhanced sensors and a sleek design which makes it much more appealing than its predecessor.

Detection Range

One of the most significant improvements of the Aqara FP2 Presence Sensor over its predecessor, the Aqara FP1, is its detection range. While the FP1 had a maximum detection range of 5 meters, the FP2 has an impressive detection range of up to 8 meters. This means that the FP2 can detect movement from further away, making it ideal for larger rooms or areas where there is more distance between the sensor and the object it needs to detect.

The increased detection range of the FP2 is due to its enhanced sensor capabilities, which include a high-precision infrared sensor. This sensor is designed to detect even the slightest movements and changes in temperature, allowing the FP2 to accurately detect the presence of people or pets in a room.

Additionally, the FP2 has a wide-angle detection range of 170 degrees, which is an improvement over the FP1’s detection angle of 120 degrees. This wider detection angle means that the FP2 can cover more area with fewer sensors, making it a more cost-effective option for sizeable homeowners.

Additional Changes

Other notable changes that made their way on the Aqara FP2 are, Voice Control, improved battery backup, and an Intelligent Sensor that can be used to detect the level of ambient light in a room and adjust the brightness of connected lights accordingly. While the FP1 had a battery life of up to 2 years, the FP2 can last up to 3 years on a single charge. FP2 is compatible with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant, allowing users to control the sensor and their smart home devices using voice commands.

Final Verdict

Ultimately, the choice between the Aqara FP2 and Aqara FP1 will depend on your specific needs and preferences. If you value the added features and benefits of the FP2, such as a longer detection range, dual-mode connectivity, voice control, longer battery life, and a built-in light sensor, then the FP2 is the better choice. However, if you are looking for a more affordable option, or if you only need the basic functionality of a Zigbee-based presence sensor, then the FP1 may be a more suitable option for you. So that was all about the Aqara FP2 Vs Aqara FP1 Presence Sensor.