Yi 1080p Home Camera Review: An Affordable Subscription

Anybody holding down a 9 to 5 worries about the state of their home security everyday when they leave home for work. In our absence, it gets tricky to monitor house pets, the nanny caring for our kids and everyday comings and goings around our homes. Our review device today, the YI 1080P Home Camera offers that peace of mind minus the financial drain that usually comes with more advanced home security plans.

Design & Build

The circular camera measuring 32mm comes already mounted on a malleable weighted white dock (114mm high, 80mm wide). The whole assemblage is still lightweight at only 135 grams.

The YI 1080P Home Camera can be mounted on a desk, a shelf, a wall or ceiling; any surface or overhang really. The dock doubles as a clip to secure it in out-of-the-way crannies. It can do a 180 degree rotation front to back without the camera losing its center of gravity. What might inhibit you though is the 7 foot USB to micro USB cable which doesn’t have that much reach.

The camera itself is a f2.0 aperture 112 degree wide angle lens with 4x zoom that captures video at 1080P resolution. A blue LED indicates when the camera is on although this can be disabled on the YI Home app. The camera base houses the Micro SD card slot and micro USB port along with a reset button you can get to with a SIM tool/ paper clip.

Features

The versatile YI 1080P Home Camera doesn’t skimp on features either. From a good vantage point, the 112 degree wide angle lens captures crisp 1080P video in full color. As for Night Vision, invisible 8x940nm Enhanced IR lights capture usable video in black and white with a range of up to 9 meters. Built-in distortion correction AI smoothen the video to give better clarity.

Furthermore, the camera’s motion sensor will record video when it detects motion. You can set the sensitivity and even set up regions of motion detection within the camera’s 112-degree angle (e.g entrances and exits) to rule out false positives. You get a 6-second video alert when motion is detected which is also when the camera start recording the movement.

The built-in microphone and speaker provides two-way audio for direct communication. The quality of the audio is impressive and louder than you would expect. We also tried baby crying monitoring although that was a hit and miss with our baby reviewer.

It would be remiss of me if I did not mention a feature I actually always look for in a security camera; local storage. The YI 1080P Home Camera supports Micro SD cards (8~32GB). More on this later.

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Device Storage & Subscription

The beef I have with most home security solutions is the way they saddle you with subscription plans without which, your camera is dead in the water. The YI 1080P Home Camera does have said subscription services but it’s also just as capable of functioning without them. That’s just perfect for some regions with a spotty internet connection like where I live.

You can dispense with a subscription if you purchase a Micro SD card. The minimum storage capacity is 8GB while the maximum is 32GB. You can squeeze in 17~64 hours of footage at 1080P@15fps 1.1Mbps or 53~212 hours shooting at 720P@15fps 350Kbps. Depending on the traffic around the home, this space can take you weeks before you have to delete old footage to create space. A reason for this is that the camera only starts recording when activity is detected.

If a subscription to the cloud makes more economic sense, the YI Cloud offering is better than most. The plus (premium) plan ($129.99/yr) supports 5 cameras, 30 day history, records entire motion and captures every alert. The advantage of the cloud is that it gets rid of the cool down period. The Entry level plan only supports 1 camera and only 7 days history besides.

Quick Setup

Getting the YI 1080P Home Camera up and running should be easy-peasy. There’s nothing much to it really. First thing I did was download the YI Home app ( Android and iOS ). You also get set ups for Mac and Windows if you like.

Next, I plugged the camera into a power source using the provided travel charger for the initial setup. An orange light comes on to tip you off that the camera is on.

I went to the app and tapped on the plus icon in the top right corner which prompts me to select a device. You can go about this two ways; first is to use the QR code at the back of the camera or to scroll down the list and find the camera manually. Either option gets the job done.

After a spell of 20 seconds or less, a voice emanating from the camera will inform you that the camera is waiting to connect. Once I heard it, I moved on to the part about connecting WiFi. I entered my WiFi credentials after which I was prompted to face a displayed QR code towards the camera to finish the setup.

YI Home app

I will have to admit that oftentimes I don’t get to first base with security cameras because of the exorbitant subscription charges . There’s most probably lots of security camera apps that are buttery smooth and intuitive to a T. I can’t speak for those apps or compare and contrast them with the YI Home app.

The YI Home app isn’t the most refined out there but it gets the job done. The home app displays your camera feed (paused at the last shot). There’s a dedicated tab for alerts. The YI Home app saves the first 6 seconds when it detects an activity. If you choose to, you can view the rest of the footage. Another tab is for your cloud subscription. Don’t bother about this if you choose to forego paying for a subscription.

The Discover tab is perhaps the one I appreciated the most. From there, you can manage your account, share setting with family, check out your album, update firmware and adjust settings to suit your tastes.

Performance overview

The whole premise of a security camera for me is one that perfectly blends with its surroundings to be almost invisible. With a few tweaks, the YI 1080P Home Camera scores top marks. To its detriment, the camera comes with a white dock (stand), white Micro USB cable and travel charger. The last two are easy to replace with black alternatives. The dock itself can easily be removed by depressing the clasps on the sides of the camera so that it doesn’t stick out like a sore thumb.

Unshackled, the camera can be strategically placed to be your eyes and ears and it does a heck of a job. The 1080P camera streams quality footage during daytime before passing the baton onto the 920nm IR for excellent night footage. Unless you get all up in its nose, you won’t notice the infrared lights even as you get quality video footage even in pitch darkness. In the app settings, you can turn off the blue LED light as well for that perfect incognito arrangement.

I went with the Micro SD card route, because my perfect setup just so happens to be the offline arrangement. It’s cost effective; saves me on subscription and internet bills at the end of the month. And my internet is spotty besides. The 8GB or better yet, the 32GB Micro SD card is more than enough for home use, unless you got a revolving door of visitors streaming in and out. Not many security cameras on the market, however good they are offer this freedom and that alone gives the YI 1080P Home Camera top billing.

Verdict

Night shots with light vs in total darkness

Home security is dominated by the likes of Nest and Ring. In regions with affordable and stable internet, a subscription doesn’t sound half bad. However a pinch penny like me is left out in the cold. That’s the allure of the YI 1080P Home Camera. Its name might be a handful, but it delivers on its promise. Armed with an 8, 16 or 32GB Micro SD card, you can secure your premises without breaking the bank.

Image quality is crisp for the most part. Night vision is impressive even in a dark room. The alerts come through at any activity. The camera can be stripped apart and hidden from detection and it can function from the shadows. The quality is not the best out there, but for $17.99, what’s there to complain about. The USB cable is rather short but you can invest in a longer cable on the cheap.

Quality of pictures in total darkness

I was initially reluctant to give this cam a chance, but I am glad I did. The data footprint is small, it works as advertised and has not let me down yet. The power consumption is only 3 watts and I can run it on a laptop, TV, power bank without any problem. From my own personal experience, YI got itself a satisfied customer.

Specs

Device Name: YI 1080p Home Camera Dimensions: 80mm x 114 mm x 32 mm Weight: 135g (Net Weight) Connection: Wi-Fi: 2.4GHz Wi-Fi Protocol: 802.11bgn Wireless Encryption: WEP/WPA/WPA2 Encryption Power: DC5V-1A (Micro USB) Compatible Devices: iOS7.0 or Android 4.0 and above Minimum bandwidth (upstream) requirement: 1Mbps Camera: 1080p High Definition 112° Wide Angle Lens Night Vision: 8x940nm Enhanced IR Lights Night Vision Range: Up to 9m Storage: MicroSD Card (8 to 32GB), YI Cloud Features: LDC Distortion Correction, Night Vision IR, Two-way Audio, Motion Detection, Baby Crying Detection, Livefeed from PC, YI Cloud Service

Where to buy

Sydney Mugerwa is a seasoned consumer tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with a passion for reviewing the latest gadgets and smart devices. From smartphones and wearables to smart home products and cameras, Sydney breaks down the complexities of consumer tech, making it easy to understand through detailed reviews and how-to guides. His mission is to simplify tech jargon and help readers make informed decisions in the ever-evolving world of technology.

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Talkio Mobile , Uganda’s newest telecommunications service provider, is excited to announce a groundbreaking partnership with Banana Life Investments, a leading chain of mobile phone and retail shops. This strategic alliance aims to bring Talkio’s innovative telecom services closer to Ugandans.

This collaboration will leverage Banana Life Investments’ extensive retail network of 26 stores strategically located across Uganda in major malls, towns, and cities to provide customers with unparalleled convenience. Through this partnership, Talkio Mobile will offer its full suite of services, including SIM cards, airtime, and exclusive product offerings at any Banana Life Investment location.

This partnership is more than a business initiative—it’s a shared commitment to transforming lives. By integrating Talkio Mobile’s forward-thinking services & nationwide reach with Banana Life Investments’ retail footprint, the two brands are setting a new standard for customer convenience and inclusivity.

READ ALSO: 5 Things You Need to Know About Talkio Mobile: New Telecom Company in Uganda

“This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission of connecting Ugandans to innovative and transformative telecom solutions,” said Vianne Allan Ahura, CEO of Talkio Mobile. “By leveraging Banana Life Investments’ trusted presence and nationwide footprint, we are not only expanding our agent network but also bringing our services closer to the communities we serve. This collaboration ensures that our online customers can now enjoy a seamless offline experience right at their doorstep. Together, we are empowering Ugandans with the tools they need to stay connected, grow their businesses, and unlock new opportunities.”

Solomon Ssemuyaba, the assistant general manager at Banana Life Investments, echoed this sentiment: “We are proud to join hands with Talkio Mobile to deliver innovative, customer-centric solutions. This partnership represents our shared vision of fostering a connected future for Uganda. Together, we are redefining what convenience and accessibility mean for our customers.”

The partnership goes beyond retail distribution, introducing joint initiatives aimed at value addition and personalized service. Customers can expect seamless access to:

• SIM Card Sales : Available at all Banana Life Investments locations.
• Talkio phone number bookings : Book your preferred Talkio number at any Banana Life Investments location.
• Airtime Services : Recharge easily through in-store purchases.
• Customer Support : Friendly and knowledgeable staff trained to assist with Talkio Mobile products and services.

Additionally, the two companies plan to launch promotional campaigns and expand services to even more locations, ensuring no Ugandan is left behind in the digital transformation.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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The Mobile World Congress (MWC) Barcelona , the world’s largest exhibition for the mobile industry, has just concluded. This annual event gathers leading technology brands to unveil groundbreaking mobile, AI, and digital solutions innovations. At MWC 2025, TECNO showcased a range of AI-driven products, reinforcing its commitment to cutting-edge technology.

The key launches included:

• CAMON 40 Series – AI-powered smartphones with One-Tap FlashSnap and advanced mobile imaging features.
• MEGABOOK S14 – The world’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring AI-enhanced multitasking and Snapdragon® X Elite.
• MEGABOOK T14 Air & K15S – Lightweight ultrabooks with AI capabilities and extended battery life.
• TECNO AI Glasses Series – Smart eyewear integrating AI imaging, translation, and AR display.

Jan Stryjak, Associate Director at Counterpoint Research, shared, “In the past year, we have observed significant advancements in the field of AI. AI will continue to drive transformative changes in our daily lives. In this critical period for the economic development of emerging markets, TECNO’s AI technologies are unlocking potential for diverse needs.”

“The application of AI technologies is crucial and urgent in emerging markets. We’re committed to bridging the digital gap between emerging and mature markets,” said TECNO CMO, Laury Bai. “TECNO is taking a practical approach to make AI more accessible, ensuring users in emerging markets can access AI and cutting-edge technologies.”

Laury Bai, TECNO CMO

Driven by its commitment, TECNO has forged a robust partnership with MediaTek, establishing a joint AI laboratory dedicated to accelerating advancements in AI. At the event, James Chen, Vice President of Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek, emphasized, “The synergistic R&D efforts between TECNO and MediaTek are set to democratize AI technology. Our collaboration powers a seamless, interconnected AI experience, bringing users a future of truly connected intelligence.”

James Chen, Vice President, Product and Technology Marketing at MediaTek

CAMON 40 Series Powered by AI One-Tap FlashSnap Revolutionizes Smartphone Snapshot Photography

TECNO’s Global Product Launch Officer, Olivier Mas, officially unveiled TECNO’s next-generation AI-driven products. Attendees at TECNO’s launch event witnessed the highly anticipated debut of TECNO’s new CAMON 40 Series, a device that embodies TECNO’s legacy of excellence in mobile imaging. Featuring One-Tap FlashSnap Mode and TECNO AI, the series sets a new benchmark in smartphone photography, delivering exceptional snapshot capabilities and AI-enhanced user experiences.

Olivier Mas, TECNO Global Product Launch Officer

The CAMON 40 Series exemplifies a commitment to innovation that transcends hardware and software, extending into strategic partnerships that deliver cutting-edge AI solutions to emerging markets. Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud, remarked, “Our collaboration with TECNO on the CAMON 40 Series is a standout example. Leveraging Google Cloud’s capabilities, we’ve introduced groundbreaking features such as Ask Ella, AI Image Generator, AI Writing, and AI Translate. I am particularly impressed by the industry-leading and competitive edge of some of these innovations. For instance, TECNO’s AI supports text translation in 136 languages, voice translation in 44 languages, and photo translation in 51 languages. We are excited to further strengthen our partnership with TECNO, unlocking limitless potential to bring advanced yet practical AI capabilities to emerging markets in a convenient and secure manner.”

Matt Waldbusser, Managing Director of Global Solutions and Consumer AI at Google Cloud

The CAMON 40 Series’ innovative One-Tap FlashSnap leverages AI to enhance imaging capabilities, revolutionizing mobile photography. AI optimizes camera startup and continuous shooting for instant captures, while AI-powered multi-frame processing intelligently reduces noise and enhances details, delivering sharper, more refined images. Additionally, the BestMoment algorithm analyzes motion patterns, automatically selecting the optimal frames for precise, high-quality shots in dynamic scenarios, ensuring users an unparalleled mobile imaging experience.

TECNO CAMON 40 Demonstrates the Cutting-Edge FlashSnap Capability

To delve deeper into the imaging prowess of the CAMON 40 Series, TECNO invited Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK, to share the image performance of CAMON 40 Pro. Frédéric highlighted, “The CAMON 40 Pro 5G has demonstrated exceptional imaging and performance capabilities in our rigorous evaluations. We’ve been particularly impressed with photo performance being the best for devices under 600$, and the 1st eligible device to our Smart Choice Label.”

Onsite photo of Frédéric Guichard, CEO of DXOMARK

Beyond its advanced rapid-capture functionality, the integration of TECNO AI further enhances the device’s capabilities. Intelligent imaging, a 360° AI Call Assistant, and productivity tools elevate creativity and efficiency. Powered by MediaTek’s latest chipsets, the series ensures smooth performance, fast processing, and extended battery life. With a sleek, durable, and water-resistant design, it seamlessly blends style with practicality for modern users.

MEGABOOK S14, the World’s Lightest 14-inch OLED Laptop, Inspires Creators and Game Lovers

The MEGABOOK S14 is TECNO’s first OLED laptop and the industry’s lightest 14-inch OLED laptop, featuring a 2.8K OLED display and incredibly weighing only 899g (31.7oz). The laptop is equipped with the outstanding power of the Snapdragon® X Elite compute platform, the flagship chipset for AI PCs from Qualcomm Technologies, and integrates TECNO’s world’s first self-developed edge-side large-scale AI model, to achieve AI-enhanced multitasking.

World’s Lightest 14-inch Laptop MEGABOOK S14

Specifically designed for next-gen AI productivity, TECNO AI enhances the Ella AI Assistant, AI-powered PPT generation, AI-driven image search, smart albums, and offline meeting transcription with multilingual support. The External Graphics Dock, equipped with a powerful NVIDIA graphic card, delivers scalable, high-performance capabilities for design, gaming, and content creation. The laptop’s 2.8K OLED display with a 120Hz refresh rate ensures exceptional visuals, while DTS:X Ultra dual 2W speakers, Wi-Fi 6E, fingerprint login, and PC Manager optimize connectivity and user experience.

TECNO’s strategic partnership with Qualcomm Technologies was a highlight of the TECNO AI Ecosystem Product Launch event, demonstrating a shared vision for the future of AI PCs. Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm, took the stage to discuss the integration of Qualcomm’s cutting-edge PC chipset into the new MEGABOOK S14 laptop, underscoring TECNO’s commitment to delivering high-performance computing solutions.

Kedar Kondap, SVP & GM of Compute and Gaming at Qualcomm

In addition, TECNO also introduced several standout new products. The featherlight 999g (35.2oz) ultrabook MEGABOOK T14 Air, features high-speed storage and LPDDR5 memory, while the ultra-thin, all-metal MEGABOOK K15S, equipped with a powerful 70Wh battery and supported by a 65W PD GaN charger, offers a smarter and more long-lasting user experience. Both devices are empowered by TECNO AI with advanced AI capabilities such as AI Album and AI Voice Assistant, making them perfect companions for all aspects of life.

The Next Game-Changing Tech Innovation: See the World with the TECNO AI Glasses Series

TECNO’s new AI Glasses Series also took center stage with the introduction of TECNO AI Glasses Pro and TECNO AI Glasses, reimagining eyewear with cutting-edge imaging, intelligent interactions, and a sleek aesthetic. The TECNO AI Glasses feature an aviator design, while the Pro model showcases a browline style, both embodying timeless elegance and modern fashion.

TECNO AI Glasses Redefine the Way People See the Future

Equipped with a 50MP high-definition camera, the series integrates an OV50D sensor, a 100° ultra-wide-angle custom lens, and an AI ISP imaging chip, forming a mobile-grade imaging system. This system lets users capture stunning, high-resolution photos with advanced AI noise reduction and HDR capabilities. With real-time translation supporting over 100 languages, TECNO AI’s Ella empowers accurate translation even for less common languages, as well as voice control, AI-powered object recognition, and intelligent information summaries for ultimate convenience.

Additionally, the AI Glasses Pro features a MicroLED display with 7th-gen resin waveguide technology, offering a 30° field of view, over 1,500 nits of brightness AR display, and a lightweight, ultra-thin design. The AR display allows users to effortlessly enjoy features like translation display, navigation, information prompts, and teleprompting.

Equipped with a 250mAh battery, these glasses offer over 11 hours of music playback and 8 hours of mixed use with just 30 minutes of charging. An advanced ultra-linear speaker, bass enhancement, and spatial sound deliver an immersive audio experience, while Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 ensure seamless connectivity.

With these innovative launches, TECNO is setting new standards in mobile imaging and AI-enhanced technology, shaping a more connected and empowered future for consumers in emerging markets. Once again, TECNO has showcased its cutting-edge innovation on the global stage at MWC. With the brand essence of “Stop at Nothing”, TECNO’s relentless pursuit of innovation is making AI-powered technology more accessible, allowing consumers to experience the future ahead of time.

Solomon Obwot is a tech writer based in Kampala, Uganda, with extensive experience in the local tech startup ecosystem. He covers the latest news and analysis on consumer tech, writes in-depth smartphone reviews, and conducts insightful interviews with industry experts. Solomon is also a passionate podcaster, sharing his knowledge and engaging in discussions about Africa’s rapidly growing tech landscape. Send emails to [email protected]

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