I tested the Baseus Security S2 a camera powered by a solar panel that rotates to follow the sun and it really works
Date:
Tue, 23 Sep 2025 11:10:12 +0000
Description:
No more worrying about wires or charging with this cordless wonder.
FULL STORY ======================================================================Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: two-minute review
Founded around 15 years ago, Shenzen-based Baseus Security is one of a number of Chinese brands whose products are now available across the world. Under review here is a new model, the Baseus Security S2 - an outdoor camera with a twist (quite literally). Its the follow up model to the 2024 Baseus S1 Pro which was billed as the worlds first 4K security camera with a sun-powered tracking system.
Like its predecessor, the S2 also features an innovative twisting solar panel above the main camera unit to maximize power from the sun. However, the big difference is that the video resolution of this latest model has been
improved from 2K to 4K. Rather than 8GB of local storage, the S2 upgrade also features a MicroSD card slot capable of storing up to 256GB local storage. (Image credit: Chris Price)
Thats particularly useful in avoiding costly monthly cloud storage fees and reducing a potential cybersecurity risk (hackers have been known to access video footage from security cameras stored in the cloud). Unfortunately, however, the memory card isnt provided as standard so you will have to buy it separately.
Designed to be installed on the outside of a property with an unhindered view of the sky, the S2 comes with a reasonably sturdy mount complete with wall plugs and screws. Once installed, a process that takes around 20-30 mins, its simply a case of downloading the iOS/Android app and adding the camera via
the QR code on the side of the device.
Whereas some outdoor models are dual-band Wi-Fi compatible (some will even work on 4G/5G cellular networks), the S2 is only compatible with the 2.4GHz, not the 5GHz, band. That said, we didnt have any issues connecting the camera at the end of the garden to the broadband repeater at the back of the house. With an IP67 waterproof rating, the Baseus Security S2 can, claims the manufacturer, be used in temperatures from -20 degrees centigrade to 50 degrees centigrade though it never got above 25 degrees centigrade during my testing. (Image credit: Chris Price)
Once the app is installed, its simply a case of tailoring the cameras
settings to suit your setup. This includes naming the camera depending on where its located (eg backyard) and checking to see if it captures all the areas you need it to.
The field of view of the Baseus camera is 145 which should be wide enough for most applications. You can set up privacy zones to exclude certain areas (handy to prevent accidentally capturing your neighbours property) as well as activity zones to detect motion in certain parts of the frame. (Image credit: Chris Price)
Whereas many outdoor security cameras are overly sensitive capturing footage of passing cars, even swaying tree branches, this doesnt seem to be an issue with the Baseus Security S2. Although it is possible to adjust sensitivity between 1 and 5 we found on the standard 3 setting the camera it didnt
trigger any false positives. Baseus claims the inclusion of radar detection
in addition to standard PIR (passive infra-red) detection, reduces false alerts by 99% so you only get relevant notifications.
Best of all are the facial recognition settings which enable you to add the images and names of family members or house mates on the app. It will then detect when it sees these faces on the camera and send you an alert telling you who it has spotted. Its a feature that is now available on other outdoor security cameras but you usually have to pay a monthly subscription fee for it. With the Baseus, you can even set up motion alerts if the camera spots a vehicle or a pet. Alternatively, these can be excluded if you want to reduce the number of notifications you receive. Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera
4K: price and availability How much does it cost? Baseus Security S2 199, $US129, $AU129 When is it available? Available since July 2025 Where is it available? UK/US/AUS
Generally, outdoor security cameras and video doorbells are fairly cheap to buy. Thats because manufacturers can subsidize the price of them with monthly subscriptions, costing anywhere between 2.50 and 15 a month.
Not so the Baseus Security S2 outdoor camera. Rather than being stored in the cloud for a monthly fee, your footage is stored locally on a MicroSD card.
And while you will have to buy a MicroSD card if havent got one already (I paid 10.99 for a 128GB Samsung EVO Select with SD adaptor), this is still a far cheaper option than being locked into an expensive subscription. (Image credit: Chris Price)
Whats more, the camera offers smart detection/facial recognition features as standard which are normally only available to premium users paying a subscription fee. Plus of course another bonus is the inclusion of solar panel.
That said, the Baseus Security S2 certainly isnt the cheapest model on the block, particularly in the UK where prices are significantly more expensive than in the US and Australia. Its also a lot more expensive than its predecessor, the Security S1, which you can currently get for 59 from Amazon
. Like the S2, the S1 also features a rotating solar panel. However, the key differences are that it is only offers 2K resolution and 8GB of built-in storage rather than up to 256GB via a MicroSD card. Value score: 4/5 Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: design Simple installation Flexible battery/solar power options Sleek design
Looking more like a Bluetooth speaker than a conventional security camera,
the all-white Baseus Security S2 is long tubular design with an innovative rotating solar panel mounted on top. Screws and wall plugs are provided for mounting the bracket on the wall and the camera can be angled easily to
obtain the optimum view.
I had worried that the long and narrow design might make the camera a little unstable when mounted on my wooden summer house, but actually this wasnt a problem at all. Set up didnt take too long either (less than half an hour), though obviously if you are mounting on a brick wall you will need to use a drill and wall plugs for installation, which will take longer. (Image credit: Chris Price)
Underneath the device is a USB-C socket for charging the camera up via the mains (a 7800mAh rechargeable battery is built in), as well as a slot for a MicroSD card. Up to 256GB is supported but we used a 128GB card for
recording. Theres also a sync button for use during set up and a modest-sized speaker underneath.
On the front of the camera there are PIR and radar sensors for detecting movement more accurately, a small microphone for two-way audio and a powerful spotlight capable of illuminating the night at distances of up to 12 meters. (Image credit: Chris Price)
Next to the circular radar sensor is a similar shaped camera lens, giving the impression of two eyes on a face! Capable of recording in 4K and providing a 145 Horizontal field, the camera displays a flashing blue light on the front of the camera when recording footage. Finally, theres the solar panel on top of the camera which auto tracks the sun moving 40 to the left or the right from the horizontal position depending on the suns location. Design score: 4.5/5 Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: performance Excellent 4K image quality Stable video connection Smart detection is still work in progress
Never having tested a Baseus security camera before I didnt really know what to expect. However, I was more than pleasantly surprised. There are really
two main issues with outdoor security cameras.
Firstly, images can sometimes be a little unstable because of the longer distances between the router and the camera. Secondly, when you do eventually get a stable image, the onboard sensors are usually so sensitive that they
end up recording far too much, draining the battery and creating lots of
false alerts. (Image credit: Chris Price)
Not so the Baseus. On both counts, performance was flawless. Despite it only being compatible with 2.4GHz and not the 5GHz Wi-Fi frequency I didnt have
any signal problems at all.
Whats more, it also triggered fewer false alerts than other cameras Ive tested, in part because of the combination of PIR (passive infra-red) and radar technologies to detect movement. Images are superbly detailed during
the day and the spotlight is excellent for illuminating the garden at night
to ensure high quality footage in the dark. (Image credit: Chris Price)
Thats not to say everything was perfect. When testing the cameras two-way audio talking to my wife in the garden, I didnt think the speaker was the best. Also its fair to say that the smart detection/facial recognition system (billed as being in beta) is still a work in progress.
During testing I added images from my phones camera roll of family members
and friends to see if it recognzsed them when it saw them on camera.
Sometimes it did, especially when standing right next to the camera, but
often it didnt. One on occasion it even mistook me for my dog which was a little odd (we dont look much alike). Image 1 of 3 (Image credit: Chris
Price) Image 2 of 3 (Image credit: Chris Price) Image 3 of 3 (Image credit: Chris Price)
Undoubtedly, whats really good about the Baseus device is the rotating solar panel. While living in the UK and testing at the beginning of Autumn/Fall wasnt ideal for testing, we had enough sun to get a pretty good idea of the panels performance. After a week of rainy days, power had dropped to 85% but just four days of sunshine was enough to bring it back up to 96%.
Considering I installed the camera practically under the eaves of a summer house and it only received around three hours of direct sunlight a day it really wasnt bad at all. Usefully, a solar panel image appears on the display to show you when the camera is being powered by the sun and with the
detection statistics option in the app you can see how much solar is contributing to the devices overall power a nice touch. Performance score: 4.5/5 Should you buy the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K? Baseus
Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K score card
Attribute
Notes
Score
Value
In the UK, the camera isnt particularly cheap (although it works out cheaper in the US and Australia). However, the main bonus is you dont have to pay an expensive monthly subscription so it does work out better in the long run.
4/5
Design
A white tubular design, the Baseus Security S2 is a pretty classy looking security camera. Best of is the solar panel above that rotates towards the
sun to maximize power.
4.5/5
Performance
Picture quality is excellent and thanks to the inclusion of radar there are far fewer false alerts than with many cameras. However, facial recognition technology is still a work in progress.
4.5/5
Overall
An excellent outdoor security camera with an innovative rotating solar panel. Though its a little more expensive than some models, the lack of a monthly subscription fee means in the long term its much better value.
4.5/5 Buy it if
You want to maximize power from the sun
A large rotating solar panel means that this outdoor camera is able to maximize power from the sun so you shouldnt need to charge it very often especially if you live in sunny climes.
You want high quality images
Boasting 4K resolution, the Baseus device provides some of the sharpest
images Ive ever seen from an outdoor camera. Connectivity is very good too. Don't buy it if
You want to locate it in a shaded area
Of course you can still power the security camera from the mains via the
USB-C socket if you are located in the shade. But where this device really comes into its own is with the solar panel.
You just want a cheap solution
Costing nearly 200 in the UK, there are simply much cheaper options out
there. However, always bear in mind that you may need to pay a monthly subscription fee with some devices. Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K:
also consider
Camera
Baseus Security S2 4K
Reolink Altas PT Ultra
Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera
Ring Outdoor Cam Plus
Subscription price
None
From 3.49 a month
None
From 4.99 a month
Viewing angle
145 degrees horizontal
355-degree pan / 90-degree tilt camera view
360-degree view
140 degrees horizontal
Network connection
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz)
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)
Wi-Fi/4G
Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz)
Audio
Two-way audio
Two-way audio
Two-way audio
Two-way audio
Video
4K video resolution
4K video resolution
4K video resolution
2,560 x 1,440 (2K)
Power
Battery, solar
Battery, solar
Battery, solar
Mains, battery, solar
Hardware price
199 (with built-in solar panel)
229 (with solar panel)
189 (with solar panel)
69 (99 with solar panel )
Reolink Altas PT Ultra
A very advanced home and business security solution boasting a large rechargeable battery and solar panel. Can record footage 12 hours a day for over a week with colour night vision facility.
Read our full Reolink Altas PT Ulta review
Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera
An extremely innovative battery and solar-powered camera, the Eufy can be
used with the supplied 4G Sim card to capture recordings - ideal for those
who live in areas with poor Wi-Fi/broadband.
Read our full Eufy 4K S330 Security Camera review How I tested the Baseus Security S2 Outdoor Camera 4K: I used the camera outdoors I installed it myself I tested the facial recognition technology with family and friends
To test any outdoor security camera you really need to use it regularly over
a period of time to get used to its quirks and idiosyncrasies. I decided to use this camera for a period of two weeks in the back garden. It was placed
on my summer house at a height of about 2.5 metres and connected to a
wireless repeater in my kitchen around 13 metres away.
During this period, we experienced a range of weather conditions to challenge the IP-67 rating of the camera. This included heavy rain and cloud followed
by a period of around 4 to 5 days of sunshine. It was during this sunny
period that the solar power really came into its own, charging the battery back to nearly 100% despite regular daily alerts via the app.
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Link to news story:
https://www.techradar.com/home/home-security/baseus-security-s2-outdoor-camera -4k-review
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