Reolink Altas Series Comparison: Which Model is Right for You?

At IFA 2024, Reolink introduced its flagship Altas PT Ultra. Unlike traditional battery security cameras that are only triggered by motion events, this camera is equipped with a powerful 20,000 mAh battery, making continuous recording possible. To eliminate the delay between motion events and camera recording, Reolink has also developed pre-record options. The Altas PT Ultra can begin recording 10 seconds before motion events occur.

Aiming to bring true 24/7 recording to battery-operated cameras, Reolink has decided to expand the Altas line in 2025 with the launch of two brand new models: Reolink Altas and Altas Go PT. This article will thoroughly compare the cameras in the Altas series and help you choose the right model for your security needs.

Reolink New Altas Series Overview

In 2025, alongside the flagship Altas PT Ultra, Reolink will introduce two new Altas cameras: the Altas and the Altas Go PT. The new Altas is a 2K battery-powered camera with a bullet shape, while the Altas Go PT integrates technology from the Go series and operates on a 4G network.

This expansion allows the Altas series to offer cameras with varying resolutions, catering to different application scenarios from indoor to outdoor spaces without internet connections, and comes in different styles, from dome to bullet cameras.

What to Expect from the New Reolink Altas Series Cameras?

As a brand new battery camera series, the Altas cameras offer features that other battery cameras might lack. Here are some key points you can expect from the NEW Altas series.

Continuous Recording

Traditional battery-operated security cameras typically start recording when motion is detected within their field of view. This motion recording feature significantly conserves battery life and ensures only important events are captured. However, some users seek battery cameras that can record for extended periods or even 24/7 to ensure continuous surveillance. This need arises because there may be limited access to constant power at the camera location, or users may be tired of frequent charging.

With the new Altas series, users can experience continuous recording on battery cameras. Thanks to the built-in large capacity battery, cameras in this series can record longer than expected.

Extened Battery Life

Traditional battery capacities for battery-powered CCTV cameras in the market usually range from 3,000 mAh to 10,000 mAh. Budget-friendly models typically have a battery capacity of around 3,000 mAh to 5,000 mAh, while more feature-packed cameras (such as those with 4K resolution) usually have batteries ranging from 6,000 mAh to 10,000 mAh. For example, the flagship model of the Reolink Argus series, the Argus 4 Pro, has a 5,000 mAh battery.

To ensure longer battery life, all Altas cameras come with 20,000 mAh batteries and can last even longer to meet increased energy demands.

Full-Color Night Vision

Battery security cameras are perfect for outdoor settings, but effective outdoor surveillance requires excellent night vision capabilities. Unlike traditional cameras that use IR lights for black-and-white night vision or spotlights for color night vision, Altas cameras utilize Reolink's ColorX technology. Instead of relying on visible spotlights for color night vision, these cameras combine advanced image sensors and large lens apertures for full-color night vision. The embedded spotlights only serve as supplementary lighting when there is no ambient light at all.

Upgraded Solar Panel Compatibility

In addition to their powerful battery, Altas cameras are compatible with the Reolink Solar Panel. Users can connect these cameras to the upgraded Reolink 6W or 12W solar panels for continuous charging on sunny days. Utilizing solar energy also provides an eco-friendly continuous power source.

DIY System with Home Hub

WiFi cameras in this series (Altas and Altas PT Ultra) are compatible with the Reolink Home Hub. This compatibility allows you to create your own DIY home security system and even add your existing Reolink cameras to the hub, managing them all with a single device. Most importantly, the Reolink Home Hub offers encrypted local storage, so you can securely store all your data on the MicroSD card for enhanced protection.

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

Although all three cameras include the advanced features mentioned above, they also differ in the following aspects. Take a look.

Design

The most noticeable difference between these three cameras is their design. The Altas Go PT inherits the dome style design of the Altas PT Ultra, while the new Altas features a bullet shape. The Altas is smaller and sleeker compared to the Altas PT Ultra and Go PT Ultra. Reolink has added a blue halo around the lens of the Go PT camera to distinguish it from the Altas.

Connectivity

As mentioned at the very beginning, the most significant difference in terms of features and functionalities is the camera's connectivity. The Altas and Altas PT Ultra operate over dual-band WiFi 6 and support Bluetooth networking, while the Altas Go PT operates over a 4G network. This means users need a SIM card and a data plan to get the Altas Go PT camera running.

Resolution

Another distinction among these three cameras is their resolution. As the flagship model of this series, the Altas PT Ultra boasts a 4K (3840x2160) resolution, while the Altas and Altas Go PT feature a 2K (2560x1440) resolution. While 4K resolution provides more details, it may require more storage space. On the other hand, 2K resolution is more efficient but may compromise clarity when digitally zooming in on the picture.

Coverage

These three cameras also differ significantly in their field of view. The Altas PT Ultra and Altas Go PT, with their dome style, offer flexible viewing options as they can pan and tilt to cover a wider range. Specifically, both of these cameras can achieve a 355° pan and a 90° tilt. In contrast, the bullet-shaped Altas has a fixed lens, which limits its field of view compared to the two PT cameras.

Smart Features

These three cameras also differ slightly in their smart AI features. The Altas Go PT and Altas PT Ultra, being pan and tilt cameras, support auto-tracking and will automatically follow the movement of humans, vehicles, and animals within their field of view. In contrast, the Altas can only detect humans, vehicles, and animals.

Reolink Altas Series Comparison Table

For a quick visualization of these three cameras of Altas series, we've elaborate a comparison table.

Reolink Altas Cameras: Which One to Choose?

After a thorough comparison, you can choose the right model based on your specific needs:

• For more detailed and precise surveillance, opt for the 4K model, the Altas PT Ultra. The 4K resolution offers almost twice the megapixels of 2K, delivering clearer images.
• If you need to cover a wider area, consider the PT models, the Altas PT Ultra and Altas Go PT. Their pan and tilt capabilities allow them to adapt to various monitoring needs and environments. You can adjust the viewing angle to monitor every corner that other cameras might miss.
• For targeted surveillance, choose the Altas with a fixed lens. This bullet camera is perfect for specific areas that need constant observation.
• If you need a camera for outdoor environments without internet access, opt for the Altas Go PT. This camera operates over a 4G network, so you can place it anywhere without the limitations of WiFi range

FAQs

Does Reolink Go record all the time?

Cameras in the Reolink Go series do not record continuously. These 4G battery cameras start recording based on motion events detected within their field of view. However, there is one exception: the new Reolink Altas Go PT Ultra can be set to record continuously thanks to its powerful 20,000 mAh battery and software upgrades.

Does Reolink Altas Series require a monthly fee?

Reolink Altas cameras don't require subscription fees for their smart features and local storage. However, if you choose the Altas Go PT, you will need to subscribe to a monthly data plan for its SIM card.

Conclusion

The cameras in the Reolink Altas series offer a brand new battery-powered solution for homeowners and anyone seeking different security options. With their ability to record continuously, users won't need to worry about insufficient coverage and can monitor their property 24/7. Choose the right model based on your needs and the comparison above.

We truly hope this article helps you! Share your thoughts on the new Reolink Altas series in the comments section below—we'd love to discuss them together!