Today, Aqara has launched the long-awaited Matter over Thread motion sensor: the Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2. This light and motion sensor was announced in 2022 but is now also available for purchase. With this release, Aqara takes the next step in upgrading its range with support for Matter and Thread.
Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2
Differences from the Aqara Motion Sensor P1
In terms of functionality and appearance, this sensor appears to be a replica of the existing Aqara Motion Sensor P1. The biggest difference is the Matter and Thread support in the P2, whereas the P1 operates based on Zigbee. This also means that the new Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 cannot be paired with Aqara’s Zigbee hubs. Instead, you’ll need a compatible Smart Home Hub with Matter and Thread support, such as the Apple HomePod (mini), Apple TV, or Google Nest. Aqara themselves will release the Aqara Hub M3 in Q2 or Q3 of this year, which will also support this technology. Another noticeable difference is the battery life. The P1 is advertised with a battery life of up to 5 years, whereas the P2 only mentions ‘long battery life.’ This change is likely due to the switch from Zigbee to Thread. Aqara also notes that the battery life can be affected by the hub you use and the number of hubs to which you connect this sensor.
Functionalities
Once you’ve connected the Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2 to a compatible hub such as Apple or Google, you’ll have a motion sensor and light sensor at your disposal which you can integrate into your automations. For example, you can easily set the lights to turn on when motion is detected. You can also set conditions such as the light intensity being below a certain value. The motion sensor has a 170-degree field of view, providing wide coverage. Aqara offers Over-The-Air (OTA) updates. When you connect the motion sensor to the yet-to-be-released Aqara Hub M3, you’ll have the option to adjust the sensitivity and the timeout period during which it doesn’t detect new motion. These functionalities are missing if you connect the sensor to an Apple or Google Smart Home Hub. The sensor comes with a base that is rotatable by 360 degrees, allowing you to easily position the sensor at the desired angle.
Availability and Price
The motion sensor is available immediately for $33.99 at Amazon. In 2023, the Smart Home company already released the Aqara Door and Window Sensor P2 with Matter and Thread for $29.99. Currently, there are not many alternatives to the Aqara Motion and Light Sensor P2, especially not at this price point. For example, the Eve Motion Sensor also supports Matter and Thread, but it starts at $49.95.
