eufy Video Doorbell C31 (T8223): features, specs and who it suits

The eufy Video Doorbell C31 (model T8223) is a smart doorbell with a 2K camera that shows who is at the door on your phone. It can run from a rechargeable battery or from existing doorbell wiring, and it works with eufy's HomeBase S380 and with voice assistants. Here is what the features mean and what to confirm for your own door.

2K picture and the 4:3 view

eufy lists 2K FHD video and says images stay clear at night. The camera uses a 4:3 aspect ratio, which is taller than the 16:9 of most video. That extra height is useful on a doorstep because it can show a visitor from head to toe, and perhaps a parcel on the ground, within one frame.

Two ways to power it

The doorbell has a quick-release rechargeable 6500mAh battery, which makes setup easy and lets you take the battery off to charge it. eufy says you can instead wire it to your existing doorbell wiring, for continuous 24/7 recording and a five-second pre-roll for motion-activated events (a short clip of what happened just before the trigger).

Two points from eufy's notes: when wired, the battery must stay inserted in the doorbell for it to work, and you should turn off power at the circuit breaker when you swap the battery or insert an SD card. For any wiring, follow local electrical codes and the manual, or use a qualified electrician.

Live video calls and quick responses

When someone presses the button, a pop-up video call appears on your phone. If you can't answer, you can set quick replies and ask visitors to leave a voice message. The listing notes that video calls are currently supported only in standalone ("Solo") use, and that a HomeBase 3 version with video call support was expected in late November, so check the current status if you plan to use a base station.

Detection and storage

The listing mentions human and motion detection, and recordings can be stored locally. An SD card goes inside the doorbell (it is not included), and the listing says it can only be placed there. The title also states that there is no monthly subscription for the core features, but check the app for anything optional.

Smart home and chime options

eufy lists compatibility with the HomeBase S380 (also called HomeBase 3), the eufy Minibase Chime (T8023), Alexa and Google Assistant. One caveat: for now, the Minibase Chime works only as an indoor "ding-dong" chime, set up through the app under Doorbell Setting, then Indoor Chime, then Minibase Chime.

Size

The doorbell measures about 5.8 x 2.1 x 1.2 inches (14.7 x 5.3 x 3 cm), which is slim enough for most door frames.

Who it suits

It suits households that want to see and talk to visitors remotely, and renters or others who prefer a battery option when wiring isn't available. Those with existing doorbell wiring can choose the hardwired route for continuous recording.

What to check before you buy

• Power route: decide between battery and wired power, and check your doorbell transformer's specifications in the manual.
• Wi-Fi: confirm a good signal at your front door.
• Base station: check whether you want a HomeBase and which features need it.
• SD card: it isn't included, so buy a compatible one if you want local storage.
• Mounting: check the door frame has enough flat space, and what's in the box.
• Privacy: check local rules on recording in public areas and tell visitors if required.

The short version

• A 2K FHD video doorbell (T8223) with a 4:3 view.
• Quick-release 6500mAh battery, or hardwired to existing doorbell wiring.
• Pop-up live video calls, quick replies and voice messages.
• Works with HomeBase S380, the Minibase Chime, Alexa and Google Assistant.
• SD card not included; follow local codes and the manual when wiring.

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