Reolink Duo 3 WiFi Review: Best Choice for Wider Coverage

Last year, Reolink introduced 16MP resolution to their security cameras with the launch of the groundbreaking Duo 3 PoE. Compared to other high-resolution security cameras, such as 2K and 4K models, 16MP cameras offer more detail. Additionally, the combination with dual-lens technology provides users with a 180-degree ultra-wide field of view.

However, some users, especially those new to security cameras, may not prefer the PoE setup, even though it only requires one Ethernet cable for both power and network connection. To address this issue, Reolink plans to launch the plug-and-play Duo 3 Wi-Fi at the 2025 CES event. This model will be the industry's first 16MP ultra-high-definition 180° panoramic plug-in WiFi security camera.

In this article, we will test its key features, evaluate its performance, and discuss its advantages and drawbacks.

Reolink Duo 3 WiFi - 16MP Dual-Lens Camera

The design of the new Duo 3 WiFi is quite similar to the PoE version, but it includes two additional antennas, likely for improved WiFi connections. If you're familiar with Reolink cameras, you'll know that Reolink has previously launched the Duo 2 series. The Duo 3 WiFi closely resembles the Duo 2 WiFi in appearance.

As its name suggests, the Duo 3 WiFi integrates two lenses into one device. These lenses are placed side by side, surrounded by spotlights and IR lights. The camera also features two external Wi-Fi antennas on top. It uses the traditional black and white color scheme, like most Reolink cameras.

Technical Specifications

Here are the technical specifications of the new Reolink Duo 3 WiFi:

• Resolution: 16MP
• WiFi Connectivity: Dual-band Wi-Fi 6, 2.4 & 5 GHz
• Local Storage: Up to 512GB Micro SD card, Reolink NVR, Reolink Home Hub, FTP, NAS
• Lens: F1.6 aperture
• IP Rating: IP67
• Smart Features: Human/vehicle/animal detection; motion track
• Night Vision: Black-and-white night vision and color night vision with spotlights

From these specifications, we can see that the most significant updates are in its resolution, local storage capacity, and lens aperture. We will focus on these upgrades and evaluate how they perform.

What's In the Box?

Inside the product box, I found the following items:

• Duo 3 Wi-Fi Camera
• Power Adapter
• 1m Ethernet Cable
• Power Extension Cable
• Mounting Plate & Mounting Hole Template
• Operational Instructions
• Surveillance Sign & Pack of Screws

What I really appreciate about the items included in the product box is that Reolink considers all the potential scenarios in which you might use the camera. For instance, if I plan to place the camera far from a power source, the power extension cable will be handy. Similarly, the Ethernet cable is essential if my WiFi connection is unstable.

Installation and Setup

Installing the new Duo 3 WiFi is straightforward, especially if you have experience with Reolink WiFi cameras. Even if you're new to this, simply follow the operational instructions, and the entire process will be quick and easy. Here's what I did to install and set up the device:

It's recommended to complete the initial setup before installing the camera. The initial network configuration requires an Ethernet cable. I connected the camera to my router using the Ethernet cable and powered it on with the adapter. Then, I added it to the Reolink app. Since my phone and the camera were connected to the same network, I enabled the "Add Devices Automatically" option, and the camera appeared directly on my app's interface.

Since it covers a 180-degree field of view, I decided to place it facing my driveway. The mounting template included in the product box is very useful and helps you position it quickly.

Key Features and Performance

Being the first 16MP security camera I've tested, I focused on its key features and evaluated its performance.

Video Quality - 16MP

Reolink's 16MP camera boasts a total resolution of 7680x2160 pixels. Compared to standard 4K or other high-resolution cameras, the footage it captures is significantly wider. I believe this is also due to the dual-lens setup. The 16MP resolution truly offers higher clarity than 4K, especially when capturing objects at a greater distance. For instance, the Duo 3 WiFi can capture crystal-clear license plates even when a car is parked 20-30 feet away from my driveway.

Coverage - 180-Degree Field of View

The combination of two 4K lenses creates a 180-degree field of view. Although it's a single device, the Duo 3 WiFi can cover the range that would typically require two separate single-lens cameras to monitor. Positioned in my driveway, it captures the entire area and records the complete route of vehicles passing in front of my driveway.

Connectivity - Dual-band WiFi 6

Unlike the Duo 3 PoE, which requires a wired connection, the Duo 3 WiFi only needs to be plugged into a power outlet and connects to the internet wirelessly. Most Reolink WiFi cameras have been upgraded to WiFi 6, and the Duo 3 WiFi is no exception. In my experience, the WiFi connection of this camera is stable, and I have never encountered any lags or buffering.

Night Vision - Black-White & Color

The Duo 3 WiFi offers two night vision modes: infrared black-and-white and color night vision with spotlights. Users can choose either a black-and-white mode or a color mode, and Reolink also provides an auto-switch option between the two.

I primarily use the infrared night vision, and I find it quite effective. However, since I have the camera placed outdoors, I also enable the spotlights to turn on when motion is detected within the field of view.

Smart Features - Motion Track & App

In addition to the standard human, vehicle, and animal detection, the Duo 3 WiFi also features motion tracking. This smart feature is easily accessible via the Reolink app. For instance, it can compile the movement of my car over a period into a single picture. If I need to review such movements during a specific period, I don't need to download the entire video clip.

To be honest, some of the features on the app are hard to find, and I have to click through various buttons multiple times to locate the right feature before I can finish setting it up.

Pros and Cons

After testing the Duo 3 WiFi, I've identified its main advantages and drawbacks.

Pros:

• The 16MP resolution offers excellent clarity.
• The 180-degree field of view covers a wide area.
• It's very user-friendly and easy to set up.
• Dual-band WiFi 6 provides robust network stability.
• The auto-switch between black-and-white and color night vision is convenient.

Cons:

• The wide screen can cause vertical details to be easily overlooked.
• There will be blind spots directly beneath the camera.
• Some features are difficult to locate within the Reolink app.

Verdict

Overall, the Reolink Duo 3 WiFi is a robust plug-in camera with a 16MP resolution. The most significant upgrade is its combination of dual-band WiFi 6 and 16MP resolution. The WiFi 6 ensures a seamless connection and stable data transmission. Compared to the Duo 3 PoE, it is more beginner-friendly and easier to use. However, the 32:9 ultrawide imaging may cause some vertical details to go unnoticed. Nevertheless, the dual-lens setup eliminates the need for two separate single-lens cameras pointing in different directions.