Altas PT Ultra vs. Argus PT Ultra: What's the Difference?

Reolink is set to release the brand-new Altas PT Ultra at the end of September. According to some previews, this camera will feature 4K ColorX technology and PT functionality. Those familiar with Reolink might easily compare it to their other battery-powered PT camera, the Argus PT Ultra.

This article will compare the Altas PT Ultra and Argus PT Ultra, focusing on areas such as video quality, motion tracking, connectivity, battery life, and more to show similarities and differences. Read on for a detailed breakdown of how these two powerhouse cameras stack up.

Reolink Altas PT Ultra Review

One of the editors from a reputable press outlet used the new Reolink Altas PT Ultra. He was impressed by the large sensors and a wide 360-degree pan range, which he called the evolution of wide view perimeter without losing image quality.

The sharp 4K video with a large battery capacity in his hands does justice even for very wide areas like long driveways or backyards, which require constant surveillance. The box that holds the solar panel also makes the installation very simple, as there are no wires to be used. As for a single camera, this editor highly recommends Altas PT Ultra in this case for coverage of large properties.

Reolink Argus PT Ultra Review

Katie McEntire from SafeWise reviewed the Reolink Argus PT Ultra but felt it did not live up to its 'Ultra' branding. She really liked the upgrades, including the 4K 8MP resolution, improved motion detection sensitivity, and the two-night vision modes, among other features.

She found little justification for the $30 price premium over the standard Argus PT model, given the underwhelming speaker volume and PTZ features. While acknowledging some valuable specification upgrades, McEntire concluded that the extra capabilities need refinement and do not merit the 'Ultra' designation or higher cost than the standard Argus PT.

Altas PT Ultra vs. Argus PT Ultra: Key Similarities Explained

Despite their differences, the Altas PT Ultra and Argus PT Ultra share some core features and capabilities:

Resolution

The Altas PT Ultra and Argus PT Ultra record video at a sharp 4K 8MP resolution. Four times as many pixels as 1080p, 4K video provides much finer details and clarity, allowing for clearer identification of people and vehicles.

Connectivity

The two cameras have dual-band WiFi connectivity, meaning they can operate on both 2.4GHz and 5GHz networks. This dual-band capability provides more reliable wireless performance by reducing interference. Users can switch between these two bands based on their specific needs.

Power Supply

These two Reolink cameras are designed to run on battery power and can be supplemented with solar panels. The built-in battery makes them very flexible for outdoor mounting without needing to be wired. Both have batteries that can last weeks or months per charge.

Local Storage

In addition to cloud recording (only available in several countries), the Altas PT Ultra and Argus PT Ultra both support onboard storage via microSD cards. They can also be connected to Reolink WiFi NVR and Home Hub series for continuous recording even if WiFi is disrupted.

Argus PT Ultra vs. Altas PT Ultra: What's the Difference?

While the Argus Altas and PT Ultra share some similar core features, they differ in a few key ways:

Battery Capacity

The Altas PT Ultra has a 20,000mAh battery compared to the Argus PT Ultra's 21.6Wh battery. The larger battery capacity translates to longer battery life between charges. Reolink also states that the Altas PT Ultra supports continuous recording even though it is a battery-powered camera. Some users tested its battery and found that it can be set to continuous recording.

Night Vision Capability

Reolink also highlights Altas PT Ultra's night vision capability. This new model is equipped with full-color night vision enabled by ColorX technology. It boasts vivid night vision footage and doesn't use visible spotlights, making it a good choice for discreet surveillance. The Argus PT Ultra has two traditional night vision modes: color night vision only when the spotlights are on and infrared black-and-white night vision in ambient light.

Auto Tracking

Although both cameras have a horizontal pan and vertical tilt capability to rotate and scan a wide area, they differ in auto-tracking capability. Building on its pan/tilt design, the Altas PT Ultra has AI person, vehicle, and animal detection with auto-tracking to follow moving objects. The Argus PT Ultra lacks this auto-tracking capability.

Bluetooth Networking

There is also a difference in setting up these two devices. Like the Argus 4 Pro released earlier this year, the Altas PT Ultra allows Bluetooth networking. This means that when Bluetooth and location permissions are enabled, the Altas PT Ultra can connect to the same network as your smartphone without scanning a QR code. In contrast, the Argus PT Ultra uses the traditional method of scanning a QR code to connect to the network.

Argus PT Ultra: Pros and Cons

The pan & tilt Argus PT Ultra has some unique advantages but also a few limitations:

Pros:

• 355° pan and 90° tilt enables wide area coverage
• Infrared and color night vision with spotlights
• Lower price than the Altas PT Ultra

Cons:

• Shorter battery life
• Lacks ColorX color night vision

Altas PT Ultra: Pros and Cons

As covered earlier, the Altas PT Ultra stands out for its large battery capacity and color night vision:

Pros:

• Best-in-class 4K video with higher frame rates
• Full-color night vision provides crucial detail
• Larger battery capacity for longer runtime and continuous recording

Cons:

• Higher price point
• Non-removable battery
• Bulky design not as discreet

Reolink Altas PT Ultra or Argus PT Ultra: Which One to Choose?

With an understanding of their respective strengths and limitations, we can make some recommendations on which camera best fits certain use cases:

• If you prefer not to charge your camera frequently, the Altas PT Ultra with its 20,000mAh battery is an excellent choice. It also supports continuous recording.
• The Altas PT Ultra is ideal for wide-area coverage and active monitoring, with its pan/tilt and auto-tracking features. It can scan a large space and follow objects of interest.
• For set-it-and-forget discreet security, the streamlined Argus PT Ultra is a better fit. You can set up your preset points.
• If top-notch 4K video quality is crucial, the Altas PT Ultra is the way to go with its superior image resolution and color night vision without relying on spotlights.
• For users on a tight budget, the Argus PT Ultra provides substantial value with robust features at a lower price point.
• For easy wireless integration, the Altas PT Ultra with Bluetooth networking is recommended if easy connectivity is a priority.

In summary, consider your specific needs and environment to determine if the scanning/tracking abilities and longer battery life of the Altas PT Ultra or the smart night vision modes of the Argus PT Ultra better suit your needs. Either way, you'll get an advanced Reolink security camera.

FAQs

Can Altas PT Ultra record continuously?

Yes, the Altas PT Ultra can deliver 12 hours of continuous daily recording for up to 8 days on a single charge, thanks to its ultra-large 20,000mAh battery, twice the capacity of similar products in the industry.

How do I turn on my Reolink Argus PT Ultra?

To power the Argus PT Ultra, locate the power button on the bottom of the device. Press and hold the button for 3 seconds until you hear a beep and see the LED indicator lights turn on. This will activate the camera. Make sure the batteries are fully charged before powering it on.

Conclusion

The Altas PT Ultra and the Argus PT Ultra are two of the top security cameras offered by Reolink's battery range thanks to their impressive range of functions. They have certain characteristics in common, e.g., 4K video and solar/battery power, yet they vary in important aspects such as field of view, tracking capabilities, connectivity options, and low-light performance, which makes each of the models more appropriate for particular applications.

The outcome of which of these outstanding cameras one settles for will depend on how much one is willing to spend, what one seeks to use the camera for, and how one intends to monitor it.What's your opinions on these two cameras? Share your thoughts with us in the comment section below!