Examining the Reolink Altas PT Ultra: An In-Depth Analysis

At IFA 2024, Reolink launched the Atlas PT Ultra, introducing a 4K continuous-monitoring security camera with a price tag of $180, or elevated to $200 with the inclusion of a 6W solar panel. The Atlas PT Ultra touts Reolink's proprietary ColorX Night Vision, recording footage in stunning 4K Ultra High Definition. The 360-degree rotating camera head purports to provide comprehensive security on a 20,000 mAh battery.

The company amplifies the battery's capacity, implying that it has the power to sustain four days of 4K recording, or a whopping 500 days in Trigger Mode. Trigger Mode implies that the camera is still sending real-time footage to your mobile device, but it is not recording continuously. With Smart Detection Auto Tracking, the camera ensures the recognition of motion by swiveling its lens towards any unusual activity, rendering real-time footage sufficient for most scenarios.

Initially, the lack of a constant power source was a grievance, although not entirely deterring since the camera's battery is substantial. Being battery-powered, the camera is not intended for connection to a power source. Given the dozen other devices that demand charging, it was a relief that the camera's battery could operate for over a year (500 days) on a single charge. Alas, the absence of a power connection option was a missed opportunity.

The Atlas PT Ultra employs a dual-band Wi-Fi system, raising the stakes with 2.4 and 5 GHz options. It suggests that the 5 GHz choice ensures improved range and less interference, whereas 2.4 GHz supports is an excellent fallback for an internet-connected device.

Credit: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo

The app offers a diverse range of remote features with the Atlas PT Ultra. One can activate an ear-splitting audio alarm on the camera or engage the Talk button to converse through its sound system. Although the in-built speaker is rudimentary, echo-filled, and tinny, its functionality suffices for carrying out its intended role. An LED light icon on the app can activate a row of six LED lights right beneath the camera's lens, which can be blindingly intense and almost incites photophobia upon accidental activation.

Credit: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo

Reolink Atlas PT Ultra Review: Set up

The camera's delivery package included an array of screws and formidable installation tools, instantly instilling fear into the setup process. I initially attempted the installation at the office but was forced to shift gears due to the Office's spotty internet. At home, I delighted in discovering that the entire mounting process could be avoided completely. With a furrowed brow, I swiftly pressed and held the power button, concealed within a rubberized flap adjacent to a Type-C charging port, to activate the camera. A resounding tuple of greetings greeted me, to my mortification in an office setting.

Then, I casually downloaded the Reolink companion app on my iPhone and clicked the ‘plus’ icon to add a new device. This prompted me to scan the QR code on the camera using my phone, subsequently directing me to configure the Wi-Fi setting. The Wi-Fi setup was unsuccessful at the office but flawless at home, requiring me to input my Wi-Fi credentials, rename the camera to "Dua Room," and hit the "enter" key. A blank password was also provided for convenient access when logging in from other devices.

Reolink Atlas PT Ultra Review: In-app features

Over the past few weeks, I’ve dabbled in testing the camera's features and found it intriguing. The camera streams a continuous stream of 4K footage to my iPhone, granting an array of options. The camera icon enables a screen capture of any moment, while the camcorder icon captures a shorter clip.

The recorded footage displays vivid colors and crystal-clear resolution, with exceptional night vision capabilities. The attention to detail during the night was surprisingly inept, offering an impressive performance despite its daytime capabilities.

Full-screen mode vividly accentuates the footage, while the pause option allows for brief interruptions in recording. The audio toggle cycles between muting and audible recording, while the PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) control offers freedom in shifting the camera's angle to match your preference. The instantaneous and smooth movement was remarkable, and I thoroughly enjoyed manipulating it. The speed option lets you control the speed at which you'd like the camera head to move, granting flexibility in adjusting the footage to your liking.

The Atlas PT Ultra’s 360-degree recording capabilities impressed me, revealing no blind spots despite my relentless testing of its limited rotational capabilities. A playback button allows you to view the recorded footage, with the added capability to save specific moments for later viewing.

The video recording is impressively detailed and even includes the specific date and time of capture. However, you have the freedom to manipulate the order of events or even make certain parts invisible. I found the exact time and date of my recording to be significant, so I opted not to conceal them. Instead, I shifted them from the bottom right corner to the top center, as the original placement hindered the perspective I desired.

A notable drawback of the Atlas PT Ultra is its lack of built-in network storage options, unless you invest in the Reolink Home Hub for $88. On the Hub, you can connect up to eight Reolink cameras and enjoy encryption advantages. However, the $88 fee is a substantial expense. If you prefer not to use the Home Hub, your alternative is to slot a MicroSD card, up to 512 GB, into the camera. Regrettably, the card slot is situated in a highly visible spot, making it easily accessible even for novice intruders, who could easily remove and discard the card before carrying out their plan.

Image source: Dua Rashid / Gizmodo

The Atlas PT Ultra boasts an IP65 rating for resistance against dust and water, which is a common feature in outdoor security cameras.

Atlas PT Ultra Review: Final Verdict

What impresses me most about the Atlas PT Ultra is its straightforward setup process and the array of options available within its app. I also appreciate the versatility the camera offers in terms of Wi-Fi compatibility. Its colossal battery life, exceeding one year (16 months), is truly remarkable, too. However, the camera's standout feature is its vibrant, high-definition 4K footage, alongside exceptional night vision capabilities. I wish the card slot had more robust security, especially given that it's the only free storage solution for footage. Despite the absence of a power connection, the camera's extraordinary battery life squashes any potential concerns.

The upcoming reviews for the Atlas PT Ultra in the future are expected to highlight its impressive 4K recording capabilities and long battery life, which can operate for over a year on a single charge. This longevity, coupled with its dual-band Wi-Fi system, makes it a promising contender for tech-savvy homeowners seeking reliable security solutions.

As advancements in technology continue to evolve, we can anticipate improved features in future versions of the Atlas PT Ultra, such as enhanced night vision or additional security measures to protect the MicroSD card. With its innovative design and proprietary ColorX Night Vision, Reolink is paving the way for future developments in home security cameras.