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Reolink Altas Series Unleashed: Battery Cameras That Record 24/7 Without Wires

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Reolink Altas Series Unleashed: Battery Cameras That Record 24/7 Without Wires

Key Facts

  • Battery-Powered Cameras with 24/7 Recording: The Reolink Altas series (often called “Atlas”) is a new lineup of security cams that for the first time enables continuous 24-hour recording on battery power. Each model packs a massive 20,000 mAh rechargeable battery, allowing up to 7 days of nonstop video on a single charge securityinfowatch.com. This is achieved via a low-power design and an “Always-on Video” (AOV) mode, complemented by a 10-second pre-record buffer so you see events before motion triggers securityinfowatch.com.
  • Three Flagship Models (4K, 2K, and 4G): The Altas family currently includes three models tailored to different needs. The Altas PT Ultra is a 4K Ultra HD pan–tilt camera (8MP sensor) with dual-band Wi-Fi 6 reolink.com. The standard Altas is a smaller 2K (4MP) bullet-style camera with a fixed lens reolink.com. For off-grid use, the Altas Go PT adds 4G LTE connectivity (SIM-based) in a pan–tilt form factor reolink.com. All share the same core features: 20,000 mAh battery, ColorX full-color night vision, smart PIR motion detection, and the unique pre-motion recording that captures up to 10 seconds before an alert reolink.com reolink.com.
  • Extra-Long Battery Life & Solar Charging: Each Altas cam’s 20,000 mAh battery vastly outclasses typical battery cams (for example, Reolink’s Argus 4 Pro has only a 5,000 mAh battery reolink.com). In motion-triggered mode (about 5 minutes of events per day), an Altas can last up to 18 months (≈540 days) on one charge gizmodo.com. Even in continuous recording mode, they can run about 8–14 days straight at a low frame rate gizmodo.com reolink.com. The cameras are solar-ready for truly indefinite operation – a 6W solar panel can keep an Altas running with just ~10 minutes of sun daily in standby mode, or ~2 hours of sun for continuous recording reolink.com reolink.com. With the larger 12W panel, even 24/7 recording is sustainable without manual recharges reolink.com.
  • Full-Color Night Vision & Smart Detection: All Altas models feature ColorX Night Vision, using an ultra-large ƒ/1.0 aperture and 1/1.8” image sensor to capture full-color video in low light securityinfowatch.com. Unlike conventional cameras that depend on IR LEDs (producing black-and-white images) or visible spotlights, Altas cameras deliver vibrant color in near darkness without glare reolink.com gizmodo.com. (Built-in LEDs serve only as supplemental light in complete darkness.) The cameras also include on-board AI detection that recognizes people, vehicles, and animals while filtering false alarms gizmodo.com. The two pan–tilt models even offer auto-tracking, automatically following moving subjects across their 360° field of view reolink.com.
  • No Wires, No Fees: True to Reolink’s ethos, the Altas series is completely wire-free (battery/solar powered, Wi-Fi or 4G connected) and does not require any subscription. All footage is stored locally via a microSD card (up to 512GB) or to a Reolink Home Hub (which supports dual cards or an external HDD up to 16TB) reolink.com gizmodo.com. This means you get continuous recording and smart alerts without monthly cloud fees, a stark contrast to many competitors that lock features behind subscriptions tomsguide.com gizmodo.com. The cameras support two-way audio (built-in mic/speaker) for live chat and a siren alarm, and they integrate with Google Assistant/Alexa for voice control – essentially offering a “set-and-forget” security solution out of the box pcworld.com pcworld.com.

Overview of the Reolink Altas Series

Reolink’s Altas series represents a major leap in battery-powered camera tech. First unveiled at IFA 2024, the Altas line was designed to overcome a key limitation of typical wireless cams: most battery cameras only record short clips when motion is detected, to conserve power. The Altas PT Ultra changed that paradigm – it debuted as a continuous-recording battery camera with a colossal battery to back it up reolink.com reolink.com. In early 2025, Reolink expanded the lineup with two additional models, aiming to bring 24/7 capable surveillance to more scenarios reolink.com reolink.com.

Current Altas Models:

  • Reolink Altas PT Ultra – a flagship 4K (8MP) Pan & Tilt camera. This dome-style cam can pan 355° and tilt 90° to cover an entire area, and it features Auto-Tracking to follow people, cars, or pets as they move reolink.com reolink.com. It runs on dual-band Wi-Fi 6 for fast, stable connectivity and supports scheduled or continuous recording modes. The PT Ultra was hailed as the world’s first battery cam with a 10-second pre-record buffer, ensuring you see the crucial moments leading up to an event reolink.com. With its 20,000 mAh battery, it was initially rated for about 96 hours of continuous video on one charge (at 3 fps), but improvements have pushed it closer to true 24/7 operation when paired with solar assistance securityinfowatch.com securityinfowatch.com. This model earned “Best of IFA 2024” honors from multiple tech outlets reolink.com, highlighting its innovation.
  • Reolink Altas (Standard) – a 2K (4MP) Bullet-style camera. This new Altas (note the name refers to the series itself) is a more compact, fixed-lens camera geared toward targeted coverage reolink.com. It has a 110° diagonal field of view (90° horizontal), suitable for monitoring a specific area like a porch, driveway, or entryway reolink.com. While it lacks pan/tilt motors, it still provides full Altas functionality: 10s pre-record, full-color night vision, two-way talk, and dual-band Wi-Fi 6 connectivity reolink.com reolink.com. The bullet design is IP66 weatherproof and sleeker than the PT dome, making it less conspicuous. With the same 20,000 mAh battery, it boasts up to 540 days of standby use (motion only) or around 2 weeks of continuous recording on a charge reolink.com reolink.com. This model is ideal for “set-and-forget” use in one spot – for instance, keeping constant watch over a front gate.
  • Reolink Altas Go PT – a 4G LTE version designed for remote sites. It mirrors the PT Ultra’s form factor (355° pan/90° tilt dome) but uses a cellular connection instead of Wi-Fi reolink.com. This makes it perfect for locations without internet or power, such as farms, construction sites, boats, or summer cabins. The Altas Go PT launched with a 1440p (2K) sensor and the same 20,000 mAh battery, delivering up to 7 days of continuous recording on 4G with a charge reolink.com. It ships with a SIM card (in supported regions) and auto-connects to the strongest available 4G network for reliable surveillance anywhere reolink.com. Like its siblings, it supports pre-record and even auto-tracking of moving objects, a rarity in cellular cams reolink.com. Essentially, the Go PT brings Altas’ continuous monitoring capability to off-grid scenarios – something older 4G cameras (like Reolink’s own Go series) could not achieve (they only recorded short motion clips) reolink.com.

It’s worth noting that Reolink sometimes markets the 4G model under the “Go PT Ultra” name. In fact, a Go PT Ultra (4K 8MP) version has been introduced, which packs an upgraded 4K sensor into a 4G camera reolink.com. This variant combines the best of both worlds – the Ultra HD resolution of the PT Ultra with the off-grid freedom of cellular. With an 8MP lens and 140° tilt range, the Go PT Ultra stands as one of the highest-spec LTE cameras available reolink.com. Whether 2K or 4K, the Altas Go models signify a huge step up from earlier Reolink Go cams, offering longer battery life and even continuous 24/7 coverage (especially when a solar panel is attached) reolink.com.

In summary, the Altas series covers a spectrum of use cases: the Ultra model for maximum detail and coverage over Wi-Fi, the standard bullet model for simple, long-lasting spot monitoring, and the Go PT for untethered deployments. All three share the same DNA of long-lasting battery performance, continuous + pre-event recording, and full-color vision, differentiating mainly in resolution, form factor, and connectivity reolink.com.

Specifications and Standout Features

Despite their wire-free design, Reolink Altas cameras rival traditional wired systems in capabilities. Below, we break down the key specs and features that make the Altas series a potential “game-changer” in home security:

Continuous Recording with Pre-Recording

Always-on Surveillance: Unlike typical battery cameras that only wake up for motion, the Altas series can be set to record continuously (much like a wired DVR system). Reolink achieved this by using an efficient new chipset and that huge battery, enabling about 24 hours per day of recording for up to 7–8 days on a charge securityinfowatch.com. While 24/7 recording will deplete the battery in around a week, it provides unprecedented coverage for a battery cam – and solar charging can sustain it indefinitely reolink.com. Users can also opt for scheduled continuous recording (e.g. only at night or weekends) to extend runtime gizmodo.com.

Pre-Record Buffer: Even when using motion-activated mode, Altas cameras have an “always rolling” video cache. This means when motion is detected, the camera will actually save the 2–10 seconds before the trigger reolink.com reolink.com. You effectively can go back in time and see how an event began – for example, catching the intruder approaching your door, not just after they’re in frame pcworld.com pcworld.com. Reolink set 10 seconds as the default pre-record length (user adjustable) reolink.com reolink.com. Notably, this feature records those pre-motion frames at a lower frame rate (around 3–5 fps to conserve power) reolink.com. Reviewers have praised this as a breakthrough – “Every camera should have this,” wrote Gizmodo about Altas’s pre-record ability, noting how it fills the gap of missing early action that plagues other cams gizmodo.com. The Altas PT Ultra is in fact the world’s first battery-powered security camera to implement such a pre-buffer reolink.com.

Battery Life & Power Options

Huge Battery Capacity: All Altas models run on a built-in 3.6V 20,000 mAh lithium battery (72 Wh) reolink.com. This is roughly 3–4 times the capacity of many competing cameras. For context, Reolink’s previous flagship battery cam (Argus 4 Pro) had a 5,000 mAh cell reolink.com, and an Arlo Pro 4 is around 4800 mAh – so 20,000 mAh is an outlier in the industry. In practical terms, Reolink advertises up to 500 days of standby (PIR-triggered) use per charge reolink.com reolink.com. Real-world usage will vary, but even heavy-use scenarios are comfortably handled. For example, in tests a fully charged Altas (standard model) lasted 14 days in pre-record mode or 8 days continuously recording at 3fps reolink.com reolink.com. One reviewer drained an Altas battery in about a week of aggressive use (continuous 5fps recording plus lots of activity) – but noted with ordinary settings it would likely “go many months” on a charge gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Essentially, the battery is no longer the limiting factor it once was for wire-free cams.

Solar Charging: To truly free users from manual recharging, Reolink made Altas fully compatible with their Solar Panel 2 accessories (available in 6W and 12W versions) reolink.com reolink.com. With the standard 6W panel, just 10 minutes of direct sun per day can maintain the camera indefinitely in a low-activity scenario (motion mode) reolink.com reolink.com. For continuous or pre-record modes, more sunlight is needed – about 1–2 hours a day using the 6W panel reolink.com. The larger 12W panel provides even more charging headroom, which Reolink recommends for the 4G model especially reolink.com. In fact, the Altas Go PT paired with a 12W panel can handle 24/7 recording without manual recharges reolink.com. This makes the system extremely self-sustaining. Installation is still simple: the cameras have a weather-sealed USB-C port for charging input, and they can run while being charged by solar or cable reolink.com. For cold climates, Reolink notes the lithium battery will only charge above 0°C (32°F), but the device can operate as low as -4°F (-20°C) on battery reolink.com reolink.com.

Power Management: Altas cams allow flexible power strategies. You can let them mostly “sleep” and wake on PIR (for maximal longevity), or run higher frame rates and continuous capture at the cost of quicker battery drain reolink.com reolink.com. Users can customize frame rate and even limit the pre-record buffer fps to balance quality vs. endurance reolink.com. In PIR-trigger mode, the 500-day figure is based on a modest 5 minutes of recordings per day reolink.com. If your camera sees more activity, battery life will be correspondingly shorter – but still far beyond older models thanks to the capacity. Crucially, if the camera does run low, it’s easy to recharge via USB-C (about 8–10 hours for a full charge with a standard 5V/2A adapter). The battery is non-removable (a tradeoff for weatherproof sealing and capacity) reolink.com, so you bring the camera in to charge or rely on solar – a consideration noted in reviews techradar.com. Overall, Altas redefines battery expectations by making near-continuous wireless surveillance a viable reality.

Video Quality and Night Vision

Resolution & Optics: The Altas PT Ultra streams and records at up to 3840×2160 (4K) resolution reolink.com reolink.com, while the Altas (bullet) and Altas Go PT use a detailed 2560×1440 (2K) video feed reolink.com. All three use a 1/1.8” CMOS sensor, which is relatively large for security cams and helps with low-light performance reolink.com. The lens is a fixed 4mm focal length on all models, giving a 90° horizontal field of view (110° diagonal) for the fixed camera reolink.com. Notably, this FOV is a bit narrower than some competitors – for instance, an Arlo Pro 4 has about a 160° diagonal FOV gizmodo.com. However, the Altas PT cameras make up for that with their ability to pan and cover 360°; you can also set multiple preset angles to virtually expand coverage. The narrower lens actually helps with clarity and depth, which, combined with 2K/4K resolution, yields crisp video. Tom’s Guide found the 4K footage “detailed enough to read license plates” and praised the “crisp 360-degree footage” day or night tomsguide.com pcworld.com.

ColorX Night Vision: Perhaps the standout feature is how the Altas handles night. Using Reolink’s new ColorX imaging technology, these cameras capture full-color video in very low light without relying on blinding spotlights reolink.com securityinfowatch.com. The key is an F1.0 super-aperture lens (which lets in roughly twice the light of a typical F1.6 lens) paired with the large 1/1.8” sensor securityinfowatch.com. According to Reolink, this combo pulls in 4× more light than standard IR night vision cameras securityinfowatch.com. In practical terms, under streetlights or moonlight, the Altas shows scenes in full color where other cameras would switch to grainy black-and-white. In complete darkness, the camera will turn on its integrated LED spotlights (the PT models have an array of six around the lens pcworld.com) to illuminate the area with bright light, enabling color vision at 0 lux. TechRadar’s review noted the Altas delivered vibrant night-time images and “works great at night” tomsguide.com – though it did mention that reflective objects can appear overexposed when the spotlights kick in tomsguide.com. Users have the flexibility to disable the spotlight or use infrared-only if needed. Nonetheless, the consensus is that Altas sets a new bar for night vision in battery cams: you get true color surveillance footage in conditions where most other cameras show only shadows. This can be critical for identifying clothing colors, vehicle details, or other important evidence that black-and-white video might miss gizmodo.com.

Smart Detection and Security Features

AI Person/Vehicle/Pet Detection: Like Reolink’s other recent smart cams, the Altas series comes with on-device AI that can classify motion events into humans, vehicles, or animals (and “other”). This means you can filter alerts – for example, get notified if a person or car is detected, but ignore stray cats. All processing is done locally on the camera’s chip (no cloud needed), so notifications are fast and privacy is maintained gizmodo.com. Gizmodo’s tests found the Altas was on par with Arlo and Eufy cams in detecting motion and sending alerts, even “faster than both in most of my testing” for notifications gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. The Altas cameras cannot yet identify packages (some doorbell cams do that), but they cover the main categories that matter for security gizmodo.com. False alarms are further reduced by allowing custom motion zones and adjustable PIR sensitivity in the app gizmodo.com. For example, you can mask out a busy sidewalk in the field of view or lower sensitivity to avoid tree branches triggering events.

Auto-Tracking Pan/Tilt: A major advantage of the PT models (Altas PT Ultra and Altas Go PT) is their ability to follow movement. When the camera’s PIR and AI detect a person or vehicle, the motorized base can automatically pan or tilt to keep the subject centered in frame reolink.com. This ensures the entire incident is captured, even if the subject moves across a large area. The tracking is not just motion-based – it actually ties into the AI, so it knows what to follow (person, car, or pet) and can distinguish that from a swaying tree, for instance. The auto-tracking can be toggled on/off, and you can still take manual control at any time via the app’s joystick to look around remotely. This essentially gives the Altas PT cams the functionality of a basic PTZ guard camera but in a fully wireless, consumer-friendly package. Competing battery cams rarely offer this – it’s more commonly seen in powered indoor cams or expensive auto-tracking floodlight cams. Reolink has experience here (their earlier Go PT Plus and Argus PT had manual pan/tilt), but the Altas takes it further by tying in smart tracking. Altas Track vs. Argus Track: It’s interesting that around the same time, Reolink also launched the Argus Track, a dual-lens battery cam with auto-zoom tracking using two cameras reolink.com reolink.com. However, that Argus Track is more of a specialist device for zoom tracking. The Altas PT Ultra’s approach is a simpler single-lens auto-pan, which works effectively for broad coverage.

Two-Way Audio and Siren: All Altas cameras have a built-in microphone and speaker for live communication reolink.com reolink.com. Through the Reolink app, you can hear what’s happening and speak in real time – whether it’s greeting a visitor or warning an intruder. The speaker also doubles as a siren (user-triggered or automatic) that can blare loudly when motion is detected, helping scare off trespassers reolink.com. Additionally, dual spotlights on each camera can be set to flash as part of an alert response reolink.com. These active deterrence features bring the Altas cameras closer to a professional security system. In effect, each Altas can function as a combined camera + light + alarm.

Local Storage & Security: As mentioned, Altas cams record locally to microSD cards (up to 512 GB, not included) reolink.com. At 2K/4K resolution, a 512GB card can hold a substantial amount of footage – Reolink estimates roughly 250 hours (10+ days) of videos on 512GB with default settings reolink.com, which aligns well with the battery’s continuous runtime. If you need more storage or multi-cam unified storage, the Reolink Home Hub (and Hub Pro) are supported reolink.com reolink.com. These base stations can store video from multiple cameras onto dual SD cards or an external hard drive (the Hub Pro supports up to 16TB). Importantly, all local recordings can be encrypted, and remote access to the camera feed is protected via WPA3 Wi-Fi and SSL/TLS encryption in the app reolink.com reolink.com. There’s no cloud by default (which means no attack surface on Reolink’s servers, since video stays off the internet unless you enable their optional cloud service). This appeals to users with privacy concerns – one of Tom’s Guide’s pros for the Altas PT Ultra was “no subscription fees” and by extension no forced cloud uploads tomsguide.com. If cloud backup is desired, Reolink does offer an optional Cloud plan in certain regions, but it’s entirely up to the user.

Connectivity and Integration

Wi-Fi 6 and 4G LTE: The Wi-Fi models (Altas and Altas PT Ultra) support dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) reolink.com reolink.com. This is notable because many older battery cams only do 2.4GHz Wi-Fi for range – Altas can utilize 5GHz for faster video streaming if the signal is strong. Users in congested urban areas benefit from the cleaner 5GHz band gizmodo.com. Gizmodo highlighted the Altas’s fast, stable Wi-Fi, noting that connecting to the live feed was snappy and free of the usual 2.4GHz hiccups gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. The Altas Go PT uses 4G LTE cellular data, and Reolink includes a SIM (where available) that will auto-select the best carrier signal reolink.com. Data usage will depend on how much recording you do (continuous 4K can use a lot of data, so unlimited or large data plans are recommended if using 4G in continuous mode). The camera can also be set to motion-only or lower bitrates to save bandwidth. The bottom line is that whether via Wi-Fi or LTE, Altas cams are designed to stay reliably connected for remote access. They even have Bluetooth 5.0 to simplify initial setup/pairing via the app reolink.com.

Smart Home and App: Reolink’s mobile app (Android/iOS) is the primary interface for Altas. It’s the same app used for all Reolink cameras, which means if you already have, say, an E1 indoor cam or a PoE camera, you can view the Altas right alongside them. The app supports Google Assistant and Amazon Alexa integration reolink.com, so you can pull up the camera feed on smart displays or Chromecast/Fire TV by voice (e.g., “Alexa, show me the backyard camera”). Apple HomeKit is not supported (a common omission on Reolink products) tomsguide.com. The app experience is generally well-regarded: it allows granular settings (schedules, motion zones, timelapse, etc.) gizmodo.com gizmodo.com and organizes events by timeline. One caveat noted by Gizmodo is that since Altas cams don’t upload to cloud by default, you must have a microSD or Hub to review recordings in the app – otherwise you’ll only get live view and notifications gizmodo.com. With a card inserted, you can playback recorded clips and even scrub through continuous recordings easily. Reolink also offers desktop client software and a web interface for PC viewing. Advanced users can integrate the camera with third-party systems via RTSP/ONVIF streams if needed (though some features like AI only work through the official app). Overall, Altas aims to be user-friendly for novices while offering the customization enthusiasts appreciate.

Durability: Being outdoor-focused, the Altas cameras are built to withstand harsh conditions. The standard Altas bullet is rated IP66 weatherproof pcworld.com, and the PT Ultra has IP65 (protected from rain and dust) reolink.com. They operate in temperatures from about -4°F to 131°F (-20°C to 55°C) pcworld.com tomsguide.com. One thing to note is that the PT Ultra’s operating range doesn’t extend below -4°F, which might be an issue in extremely cold climates – Tom’s Guide pointed out it may be unsuitable for deep-winter conditions in places like Minnesota tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. The cameras include weather-sealed ports and a rugged housing. Gizmodo’s reviewer subjected the Altas to heavy rain and noted it survived with no issues (the IP66 rating means it can handle water jets) gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. The only concern was the size/weight of the PT unit: being “bulky”, it requires a solid mounting point and careful installation to ensure it’s secure techradar.com. Fortunately, Reolink provides strong mounting brackets, wall anchors, and even a strap for tree mounting in the box reolink.com reolink.com. Once installed properly, the Altas cams are robust – built “like a small robot” as one review described, with a design that earned praise for looking professional and even a bit futuristic reolink.com gizmodo.com.

Comparisons to Other Reolink Cameras

Reolink’s product lineup now spans traditional AC-powered cams, PoE systems, and multiple battery-powered series. Here’s how the Altas series compares to some of Reolink’s other popular camera lines:

  • Versus Reolink Argus Series: The Argus models have been Reolink’s main battery cameras for years (e.g. Argus 3, Argus 3 Pro, Argus PT, Argus 4). They are affordable and entirely wire-free, but they were designed primarily for motion-based recording to preserve battery. Even the top Argus (Argus 4 Pro) only has a 5,000 mAh battery and cannot record continuously reolink.com. In contrast, every Altas has a 20,000 mAh battery and can operate in a 24/7 mode reolink.com. The Altas series essentially addresses users who found Argus cams great for alerts but wanted longer constant coverage. In terms of video quality, Argus topped out at 2K resolution (the Argus 3 Pro and Argus PT 2K are 4MP cameras). The Altas PT Ultra brings 4K resolution to battery cams reolink.com, nearly doubling pixel count, so you get more detail when zooming in. Also, Argus night vision is typically IR-based or uses a spotlight for color (Argus 3 Pro has a spotlight for color night vision). Altas’ ColorX night vision is a more advanced solution that doesn’t depend on full-time spotlight illumination reolink.com. Feature-wise, recent Argus models do have PIR motion sensors and AI person/vehicle detection, similar to Altas, but none have the pre-record buffer – motion recordings on Argus start after the PIR trigger, meaning you might miss the very start of action. The Argus Track (released in 2025) introduced auto-zoom tracking with dual lenses reolink.com, which is a different approach than Altas’ single-lens auto-pan tracking. You might say Argus Track is an innovative offshoot for a niche use (following subjects with zoom detail), whereas Altas PT Ultra is more about maximum coverage and continuous recording. For most consumers, the Altas series represents a higher tier above Argus: you pay more, but you get a much longer battery life, higher resolution, and the option for continuous recording – essentially bridging the gap between battery cams and NVR systems securityinfowatch.com.
  • Versus Reolink Go Series: Reolink’s Go cameras (Go, Go PT, Go PT Plus) are the earlier generation cellular (4G LTE) cameras designed for sites without Wi-Fi. The Altas Go PT (or Go PT Ultra) can be seen as the next evolution of that line. One of the biggest differences is again the battery and recording mode – earlier Go cams had smaller batteries (~7,800 mAh in the Go PT Plus) and could not do continuous recording at all; they were limited to motion-activated clips to avoid draining the battery in hours. In fact, Reolink explicitly notes that the new Altas Go PT is an exception in that it “can be set to record continuously” thanks to the 20,000 mAh battery and software upgrades reolink.com. Also, the Altas Go PT offers the pre-recording feature, which previous Go models lacked. In terms of video, the prior Go PT Plus was 2K (4MP) – similar to the Altas Go PT’s resolution, but the Go PT Ultra now brings 4K to cellular. The inclusion of auto-tracking on Altas Go PT is a notable upgrade over the older Go PT which had pan-tilt but no auto-follow. On the networking side, both old and new use 4G LTE; however, the Altas Go PT is marketed with broader support (comes with a multi-carrier SIM in some regions, auto-picks best signal). One continuity is that neither the old Go nor new Altas Go require any base station – they work standalone with a SIM and the app. If you had a Reolink Go camera guarding a remote property and wished it had better battery life or coverage, the Altas Go PT is the answer. It basically eliminates the trade-off between cellular convenience and continuous monitoring. The only slight downside is that the Altas Go PT, with all its extras, is a bit more expensive than the older Go cams and, being larger, may be more conspicuous. But considering it’s now possible to have a 4G camera watch a site 24/7 for days on end (something unheard of before), many will find the upgrade worth it reolink.com.
  • Versus Reolink E1 Series: The E1 line (E1 Pro, E1 Outdoor, etc.) are pan-tilt Wi-Fi cameras typically meant for indoor use (except the weatherproof E1 Outdoor). Unlike Altas, all E1 cameras require constant power (plugged into an outlet) – they don’t have batteries. So in a sense, E1 and Altas address different needs: E1 for discrete indoor monitoring with easy PT control, and Altas for flexible outdoor use without wiring. In terms of functionality, an E1 Pro records 24/7 but to do so it must be plugged in or connected to a Reolink NVR. The Altas PT Ultra can achieve a similar result on battery alone, which is far more challenging engineering-wise. Resolution-wise, the latest E1 Zoom and E1 Outdoor go up to 5MP (or 2560×1920), which is still below the Altas 4K’s detail. The E1 series does offer some things Altas doesn’t: for example, the E1 Zoom has optical zoom capability and some E1 models support dual-band Wi-Fi as well. However, E1 cameras generally do not have advanced AI on board (they rely on simple motion or person detection in newer firmware, but not as refined). Also, being indoor-oriented, E1 cams lack the weather hardiness of Altas (IP65/66). One might compare the Altas PT Ultra to an “outdoor E1” with a giant battery – indeed, Reolink’s earlier E1 Outdoor (2021) was a 5MP pan/tilt cam for outdoors, but it needed AC power. Altas PT Ultra basically cut the power cord, quadrupled the battery capacity (vs Argus PT which was a battery PT cam), and added 4K plus pre-record. So if someone was considering E1 Outdoor for an outside PT camera but had no outlet, Altas PT Ultra is the modern solution. In summary, the E1 series remains a great option for indoor surveillance (especially if you want continuous recording and have power readily available). The Altas series, by contrast, shines in untethered deployment where running a cable is impractical but you still want near-uncompromised coverage.
  • Versus Other Reolink Models: The Altas series also carves out a niche relative to Reolink’s wired offerings. For instance, Reolink sells high-resolution PoE cameras (even up to 12MP or 16MP) and dual-lens panoramic cameras like the new Duo 3 (16MP) securityinfowatch.com. Those offer superior resolution or a 180° static view, but they require wiring for power/data and often an NVR or constant network connection. The Altas 4K gives a comparable UHD resolution in a completely wireless form, albeit at 15 fps max reolink.com. Reolink’s WiFi NVR kits (like the RLK8 cameras) provide 24/7 coverage but again need power cables. Altas essentially brings some of that NVR-like continuous recording capability to a wire-free setup. It’s also worth comparing Altas to Reolink’s TrackMix series (which the Argus Track is related to): TrackMix PoE and TrackMix WiFi use dual lenses for auto-zoom tracking. They can record 24/7 but need power. Argus Track was the battery version with dual lenses, but it still triggers on motion (no continuous mode). Altas PT Ultra uses a single lens but can run continuously; it does not optically zoom, but its 4K resolution allows digital zoom with clarity. So, depending on priorities (zoom detail vs. continuous coverage), users might lean TrackMix vs. Altas. Reolink clearly segmented Altas as the high-end battery solution for all-day monitoring, complementing their other lines which either needed wires or sacrificed recording duration.

Altas vs. Leading Competitors

The battery security camera market is crowded with big-name competitors like Arlo, Eufy, Ring, and Google Nest. How does Reolink’s Altas series stack up? In many ways, Altas cameras attempt to offer the best of both worlds: the freedom of battery power and the features usually only found on wired cams (continuous recording, NVR-style storage). Here are some key comparisons:

  • Continuous Recording: One of the Altas series’ unique selling points is 24/7 recording capability on battery. Competitors like Arlo and Ring do not support true continuous recording on their battery cams – they strictly record short motion clips (typically 10–120 seconds) and then go back to sleep. Arlo does have a CVR (continuous video recording) option, but it requires the camera to be plugged into AC power and a paid subscription; it’s not available on battery alone. Google’s Nest Cam (Battery) likewise cannot continuously record unless attached to power (and even then it needs a Nest Aware Plus plan for 24/7 cloud recording). In contrast, Altas offers continuous recording locally without a subscription, even on battery tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. That’s a major differentiator for users who want around-the-clock coverage in an area without wiring. Eufy (by Anker) has some battery cams that simulate 24/7 by ultra-frequent motion capture and rapid re-trigger, but none that truly record non-stop to local storage. So Altas stands out as perhaps the first genuinely continuous battery camera on the market securityinfowatch.com. TechRadar noted that “few [cameras] are intended for regular or even continuous use” on battery, calling the Altas PT Ultra “a bit different” in that regard techradar.com.
  • Battery Life: Altas’s 20,000 mAh battery vastly exceeds the capacity on almost all competitor models. Arlo’s top models (Pro 5, Ultra 2) advertise 3–6 months on a charge under typical usage, but those are much smaller batteries and cannot sustain continuous recording for more than a day. The Nest Cam (battery) lasts ~1–2 months on events. Eufy’s high-capacity cam, the eufyCam 3, has a 13,400 mAh battery with an integrated solar panel – it can theoretically run indefinitely with good sun, but again it records only on motion (albeit storing video locally on its HomeBase). The Altas battery in motion mode can hit 12–18 months gizmodo.com, which is at least on par or better than others. But more impressively, in heavy use the Altas holds up better. For example, if you were to record 5 minutes of video every hour (120 minutes/day), an Arlo would die within a day or two, whereas the Altas might last several days. Reviewers like Gizmodo did a torture test: after normal use and some solar top-up, they ran the Altas in continuous 5fps mode and drained 25% battery in two days gizmodo.com – implying roughly 8 days from full to empty under those intense conditions gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. That kind of stress would typically not even be possible on competitor cams without wiring them. So for users comparing battery endurance, Altas clearly offers more headroom. The trade-off is size: the Altas cameras are bulkier and heavier (to accommodate that big battery). Gizmodo quipped that the Altas is “a big boy, about twice the size” of Arlo Pro 4 or EufyCam 2C, and “sticks out like a sore thumb” – though they also found it looked like a cool Star Wars droid, which some might actually like gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Smaller competitor cams are more low-profile but will require recharging more often, especially if activity is frequent.
  • Video and Optics: Arlo’s flagship Ultra 2 and Pro 5 cameras offer 4K and 2K video respectively, similar to Altas’s offerings, and have wider fields of view (around 160°). They produce excellent daytime video. At night, Arlo uses a spotlight for color or IR for black-and-white. In independent tests, the Altas’s video quality has been found on par with these top competitors in clarity, with one difference: the narrower FOV (110°) means Altas’s image is less fisheye and more focused, which can actually preserve detail at range gizmodo.com. Tom’s Guide listed “4K resolution” and “great low-light footage” as pros for Altas PT Ultra tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. TechRadar highlighted the “excellent video quality” of the camera techradar.com. In a Gizmodo comparison, the Altas detected and notified motion “as well” as Arlo Pro 4 and EufyCam 2C in side-by-side tests gizmodo.com gizmodo.com, sometimes even faster. Where Altas leaps ahead is the pre-record – Arlo has a 3-second pre-buffer feature but only when plugged in or on certain models with hub (and possibly requiring subscription). Ring and Nest do not offer any pre-record except Nest’s cloud CVR (with subscription) which is continuous anyway. Thus, getting a 10-second head start on every clip without needing cloud or wires is a strong Altas advantage that competitors currently lack reolink.com.
  • No Subscription Fees: Many mainstream brands make their money on subscriptions: Arlo Secure, Ring Protect, Nest Aware – these unlock cloud storage and advanced detection. Reolink has positioned Altas as a subscription-free solution. All features (AI detection, smart alerts, full HD recording) work out of the box with local storage reolink.com. There is an optional Reolink Cloud service, but it’s not mandatory for any functionality. By contrast, an Arlo without a plan won’t get cloud recordings or smart alerts beyond a trial period; a Ring without a plan won’t record at all (live view only). For budget-conscious buyers or those averse to recurring fees, Altas can be much more cost-effective. SafeHome, a security review site, noted that Reolink cameras tend to be priced lower than Arlo and still offer local storage with no monthly fees, making them attractive to value seekers safehome.org tomsguide.com. In pure hardware cost, an Altas PT Ultra retails around $209, which undercuts the Arlo Ultra 2 (often $299 for one cam) and is comparable to a Nest Cam battery ($179) or Ring Stick-Up Cam + Solar bundle ($240). Given that you won’t pay $5–15 per month for cloud service with Altas, the long-term savings are significant. Tom’s Guide even described Reolink as an “excellent alternative to the likes of Arlo and Ring… at a lower price than much of the competition” tomsguide.com.
  • Integration and Ecosystem: One area where big players have an edge is ecosystem integration. Nest cams tie into Google Home, Ring into Amazon’s Alexa and Ring Alarm systems, Arlo into their broader lineup and HomeKit (some models). Reolink is more of a standalone system – Altas works with Google Assistant and Alexa for basic voice commands/display, but not HomeKit tomsguide.com. If someone already has, say, a Ring doorbell and Ring Alarm, they might prefer to add a Ring Cam despite its limitations, for single-app convenience. However, for someone building a custom security setup, Altas can integrate via RTSP/ONVIF into third-party NVR software or be mixed with other Reolink cams on the Reolink NVR or app. It doesn’t have the polished SmartThings or HomeKit integrations that some Arlo/Eufy cams do. Reolink’s focus is clearly on local robustness and performance rather than cloud AI or fancy app ecosystems. So, consumers should weigh if they want an “all-in-one” smart home brand or are okay managing separate systems. That said, the core function – securing your property – Altas arguably does more reliably (since it records locally and continuously, you’re not at the mercy of cloud outages or strict subscription policies).
  • Notable Competitors: Aside from Arlo/Ring/Nest, a few others deserve mention. EufyCam 3 (S330), with its integrated solar panels and 4K sensor, is a direct competitor in the “no-subscription” camp. It stores video locally on a HomeBase (16GB or more). EufyCam 3’s solar trickle-charge plus efficient standby gives it near-unlimited battery life in moderate activity environments – similar to an Altas with solar. However, Eufy does not do continuous recording on battery; it still records short events, albeit it can merge back-to-back events if motion continues. EufyCam also lacks pre-buffer except a very short lead if you enable their “pre-motion recording” (which uses 3 seconds from their buffer, but only in certain modes). So Altas with its pre-record and ability to truly roll non-stop has the edge for comprehensive coverage. Another competitor, Blink (by Amazon), offers cheap battery cams but they are extremely basic (no continuous recording, no color night vision, batteries are tiny AA cells). They’re not in the same league feature-wise. Ubiquiti has a new Floodlight Cam Battery that can record continuously when docked, but on battery it’s event-based. In the pro market, there are 4G solar cameras from brands like Reolink’s own competitors (e.g., Vosker, which makes LTE wildlife cams), yet those usually record time-lapse or motion images, not full video around the clock. So currently, Reolink Altas series appears to occupy a niche almost by itself: providing wired-camera functionality in a wire-free package. Tech enthusiasts and reviewers have taken note – many calling Altas PT Ultra possibly the best truly wireless security camera of 2025 for its blend of features youtube.com youtube.com.

In short, if we compare Altas to an Arlo or Eufy purely on specs and user experience: Altas might be a bit bigger and lacking some polish (no HomeKit, app not as glossy), but it punches above its weight by giving the user control (local storage, no fees) and new capabilities (pre-record, 24/7 recording) that others simply don’t offer in a battery device. For a homeowner who doesn’t mind managing their own footage and prioritizes maximum security coverage, the Altas series could indeed be “as good as a battery-powered security camera gets,” to quote Gizmodo’s review title gizmodo.com.

Recent News and Updates

The Altas series has made waves in the security tech news since its introduction. Here are some notable milestones and updates involving these cameras:

  • Launch and Awards at IFA 2024: Reolink first unveiled the Altas PT Ultra at the IFA tech expo in September 2024. The camera impressed many with its concept of 24/7 battery recording. It won “Best of IFA 2024” awards from 17 top tech media outlets reolink.com – a significant recognition, considering IFA showcases hundreds of new gadgets. This early acclaim highlighted Altas PT Ultra as Reolink’s best camera yet, generating buzz that it was a potential “game changer” in home security. Early hands-on reports from IFA noted the robust build and the unprecedented pre-record feature. Reolink used the event to gauge interest and it clearly struck a chord, given the media attention.
  • CES 2025 Announcement: At CES 2025 in January, Reolink officially announced the expansion of the Altas lineup. In a press release timed with CES, they introduced the full Altas Series – naming the new 2K Altas (bullet) and Altas Go PT (4G) – and teased a future upgrade to the PT Ultra securityinfowatch.com securityinfowatch.com. They emphasized that with a new low-power SoC (system on chip), they managed to extend continuous recording from the ~96 hours that Altas PT Ultra initially achieved to a full 24/7 capability when aided by solar securityinfowatch.com securityinfowatch.com. The press release also highlighted the technological strides: the pre-recording of 10s and the ColorX night vision that “delivers four times more light” for night color images securityinfowatch.com. This announcement coincided with Reolink’s 16th anniversary, framing Altas as part of a celebration of how far the company had come since its founding in 2009. The SecurityInfoWatch coverage of CES noted the Altas series as “a range of battery-powered cameras designed for 24/7 continuous recording on a single charge.” securityinfowatch.com securityinfowatch.com It was clear Reolink was proud to pitch Altas as a first in the industry.
  • 16th Anniversary Launch (Mid-2025): By June 2025, Reolink officially launched sales of the new Altas models to the public, aligning with their anniversary promotions. A sponsored piece on PCWorld from June 16, 2025, announced that the “Reolink Altas security camera launches with 10-second pre-recording – see before motion happens.” pcworld.com pcworld.com This article (while promotional) reaffirmed the key features for consumers: 4MP resolution, ColorX night vision with six spotlights, 18-month battery life on standby, and IP66 weatherproofing pcworld.com pcworld.com. It portrayed Altas as an “innovative and reliable” new security camera that solves the problem of missing crucial moments by recording before motion. The timing suggests that the Reolink Altas (2K bullet) was now available for order (indeed, the PCWorld piece cited a $149.99 price on Amazon, with additional anniversary discounts) pcworld.com pcworld.com. Simultaneously, Reolink ran an anniversary sale highlighting the Altas PT Ultra and Go PT Ultra as well, indicating those were either released or imminently released by that date pcworld.com. The sale mention of “Go PT Ultra – 4G-enabled 8MP camera… ideal for properties without Wi-Fi” confirmed that the 4K 4G model was part of the lineup by mid-2025 pcworld.com. Reolink’s social media and community forums around that time were actively promoting the Altas series, with many early adopters sharing unboxing experiences and feedback on battery performance.
  • Firmware and App Updates: With any first-generation product, there are initial quirks. Reolink rolled out several firmware updates in 2025 to refine the Altas cameras. For example, one update improved the pre-record stability and allowed fine-tuning of frame rate in that mode (as evidenced by the adjustable 1/3/5 fps option now listed in specs) reolink.com. Another update addressed the auto-tracking algorithm, making it smoother and better at re-centering the subject after it stops moving. Some users on the Reolink forum reported hiccups with updating firmware via the app early on, but those were resolved with customer support intervention community.reolink.com. The Reolink app also got updates to better support continuous recording playback – adding a timeline scrubbing feature and color-coded segments for motion events vs. continuous segments, making it easier to review footage on Altas cameras. By late 2025, the software side had matured, and initial criticisms (like slightly delayed live view startup) were largely ironed out.
  • Integration with Home Hub Pro: In 2025, Reolink also released the Home Hub Pro, an NVR/base with 16TB support, primarily to complement cameras like Altas that can generate a lot of footage. When paired with the Home Hub Pro, an Altas camera could offload continuous recordings to the hub’s storage instead of relying solely on an SD card reolink.com reolink.com. This is a more secure storage method (the hub can be kept indoors and out of reach of thieves). News of the Hub Pro’s release came in Reolink’s summer 2025 newsletter, positioning it as part of a “DIY home security system” solution along with the Altas series reolink.com. The hub also enabled some users to integrate Altas cameras with Reolink’s new Home Alarm sensors (door/window sensors) for a more holistic security setup, though that’s tangential to the cameras themselves.
  • Market Reception: The Altas PT Ultra and its siblings have generally received positive reviews from tech publications through 2024–2025. TechRadar (Oct 2024) gave the PT Ultra a favorable review, noting its uniqueness for continuous monitoring and high build quality, while docking points for its bulk and price versus simpler cams techradar.com techradar.com. Tom’s Guide (mid-2025) rated it highly for delivering on the promise of 4K wire-free security with no fees, naming it among the “best outdoor security cameras of 2025” in their round-up tomsguide.com. Gizmodo (mid-2025) offered a balanced take that while Altas is physically large and lacks cloud conveniences, it “did about as well” as top competitors and even outperformed them in some responsiveness tests gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. Importantly, real users also chimed in: on platforms like Amazon, early reviews praised the long battery life and image quality, though a few mentioned the need to buy a microSD card and the camera’s weight as minor inconveniences (one user humorously noted it’s “not a tiny discreet camera – you want the bad guys to see this beast”)! Reolink’s 16th anniversary promotions and engagement in communities (like their Reolink subreddit and forums) showed the company actively gathering feedback. This likely feeds into improvements and next-gen planning.

In summary, the Altas series had a strong debut in late 2024 and solidified its presence in 2025 with additional models and improvements. It’s been positioned by Reolink as a cornerstone of their future offerings – representing their push into smarter, subscription-free security. The conversation around Altas in the tech world underscores a broader trend: consumers want more from battery cams (continuous coverage, local control), and Reolink was one of the first to step up to that challenge.

Expert Reviews and Commentary

The Reolink Altas series has drawn a lot of attention from security tech experts and reviewers, who have weighed in on its strengths and weaknesses. Here are some insightful excerpts and analyses from various sources:

  • Gizmodo – “As Good as a Battery-Powered Camera Gets”: Gizmodo’s reviewer Wes Davis was impressed by the Altas (2K) camera’s performance during real-world testing. He highlighted the sheer battery capacity and found that with effort, he could drain it in a week, but under normal use it would likely last “many months” gizmodo.com gizmodo.com. He also noted the included 6W solar panel was effective: “about 30 minutes of sun was enough to keep it around 25% battery for the next two days” during his testing gizmodo.com. One notable trade-off mentioned was the Altas’s bulk – calling it a “big boy, about twice the size” of the Arlo and Eufy cams he compared, which can be a pro (visible deterrent) or con (harder to hide) gizmodo.com. Gizmodo praised the Altas’s connectivity: unlike many battery cams that struggle with congested Wi-Fi, the Altas’s dual-band Wi-Fi 6 meant the reviewer never experienced dropouts or feed refusals in the app gizmodo.com. On the video front, he reported the image was crisp and handled challenging lighting well: “detailed enough to make out the grated pattern of a metal outdoor table 20 feet away… doesn’t blow out brightly lit areas or crush detail in shaded ones” gizmodo.com. At night, he was impressed that it preserved a lot of detail even in shadowy areas where normally “I’d need a flashlight to see” gizmodo.com. One of his most enthusiastic points was about the pre-record feature – he explained how it compensates for the common issue of cameras missing the first part of an event. His verdict: “With pre-recording on… the Altas can prepend up to 10 seconds… Every camera should have this.” gizmodo.com. That statement really underscores how game-changing that feature felt to him. Gizmodo’s bottom line was that Altas delivered on its promises, giving consumers a viable no-fee, continuous surveillance option that had until now been missing in the market.
  • Tom’s Guide – 4.5/5 Stars: Tom’s Guide reviewed the Altas PT Ultra and gave it a strong endorsement for its feature set. Their verdict tagline reads: “4K camera that can rotate 360 degrees, works great at night, and doesn’t require a subscription.” tomsguide.com. In pros, they listed “Continuous recording”, “Stellar battery life”, “No subscription fees”, and “Great low-light footage.” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com Those pros pretty much sum up Altas’s key appeals. Under cons, they noted “No HomeKit support,” “Lights can look overblown in low-light,” and “More limited operating temperature” tomsguide.com tomsguide.com. In the detailed review, writer Christian de Looper elaborated that while the spotlight could overexpose close objects at night (like reflective surfaces), the overall night performance was still among the best he’d seen for a wireless cam. Tom’s Guide also remarked on the camera’s value proposition: at $209.99 (without solar panel), it’s priced below some competitors, and the fact you really should get the panel ($20 extra in bundle) still puts it in a reasonable range for a 4K PT camera tomsguide.com. They even recommended that “most users will want to get the solar panel, as it means features like continuous recording can be used without the camera running out of juice in a week.” tomsguide.com. This aligns with Reolink’s own messaging that solar is key to unlocking the full potential of continuous mode. Tom’s Guide concluded that Reolink has emerged as an excellent alternative to Arlo/Ring, delivering high-tech cameras at a lower price and without locking users into subscriptions tomsguide.com. This commentary suggests that Altas PT Ultra earned a spot on their recommended list for 2025, particularly for those seeking a robust, subscription-free security solution.
  • TechRadar – Continuous Monitoring Focus: TechRadar’s Chris Price reviewed the Altas PT Ultra around its launch (late 2024) and emphasized how it fills a niche for continuous monitoring. His opening noted that “few [cameras] are intended for more regular or even continuous use”, but the Altas PT Ultra is “a bit different”, built for those serious about surveillance techradar.com. He described it as a “professional-looking model” and praised its large battery and color night vision techradar.com. TechRadar’s pros included the solid build, excellent video quality, and local storage, while cons were the bulky unit, higher price than some, and need to remove for charging (if not using solar) techradar.com techradar.com. Notably, TechRadar’s two-minute review section explicitly clarified the name: “the Altas (not Atlas) PT Ultra is intended for those who are serious about security… ideally suited for small businesses and individuals wanting to monitor their premises on a regular, or even constant, basis.” techradar.com. This signals that they see Altas as not just a consumer gadget but even a fit for prosumer or small business use due to its continuous coverage capability. TechRadar did mention installation requires some DIY skill because of the camera’s bulk, but nothing too difficult with the provided kit techradar.com. In their “Should you buy it?” summary, they positioned Altas PT Ultra as a top choice if you need a lot of coverage and don’t want monthly fees, but if you just need a casual porch cam for occasional use, a smaller cam might suffice. Overall, TechRadar’s coverage lauded Reolink for pushing the envelope, hinting that while the Altas PT Ultra isn’t the cheapest, it “boasts features few others do” – a fair assessment given the state of the market at the time techradar.com.
  • Other Notable Commentaries: Several YouTube tech channels (like LifeHackster, and some home security bloggers) also reviewed Altas cams in 2025. LifeHackster’s video review of the Altas PT Ultra highlighted the first 10s pre-record and tested it in various scenarios – demonstrating how he could actually catch himself walking into frame before the PIR triggered. He called it a “wow factor” for a battery cam. The channel TheAmbient and The Gadgeteer also reviewed Altas PT Ultra; The Ambient described it as “an absolute beast of a camera” in build, noting the large antenna and battery compartment, but also said “it keeps your property monitored like few others can” the-ambient.com. The Gadgeteer’s review pointed out the doubling of capacity compared to similar wireless cams, referring to the 20,000 mAh battery as “gigantic” and emphasizing no other purely wireless cam had that much juice the-gadgeteer.com. On the community side, users on Reddit’s r/ReolinkCam expressed excitement that Reolink was addressing long-standing requests (like recording before motion, and longer battery life). A few early adopters did report minor issues such as the app not immediately showing all 10 seconds of pre-record (which was fixed by firmware). Reolink’s support apparently was very involved, even pushing beta firmware to some testers to iron out kinks – showing the company’s commitment to making Altas a flagship success.

In summary, expert consensus seems to be that Reolink Altas cameras deliver exceptional battery life and a rich feature set that put them near the top of the class for wire-free security. The main caveats brought up are the cameras’ size (inevitable due to the battery) and some ecosystem limitations (no HomeKit, reliance on local storage). But for those who prioritize continuous coverage, local control, and avoiding fees, experts agree Altas is a compelling choice. It’s rare to see a battery cam being seriously compared to wired systems, and that’s exactly what Altas has achieved in the eyes of many reviewers – essentially blurring the line between battery and wired security solutions techradar.com.

Upcoming Reolink Models and Future Outlook

As we look ahead, Reolink shows no signs of slowing down its innovation in the smart camera space. In fact, the Altas series itself is poised to grow, and there are hints of other exciting products on the horizon. Here’s what to expect:

  • Altas PT Ultra (Upgraded 24/7 Version): Reolink has already teased a “future upgraded version” of the Altas PT Ultra that fully embraces 24/7 continuous recording securityinfowatch.com. While the current PT Ultra can record continuously for days, this upgraded model likely involves further optimization – possibly a more efficient processor or even a way to hot-swap battery or attach a secondary battery. The SecurityInfoWatch press release from CES 2025 explicitly mentioned an upcoming Altas PT Ultra variant with “24/7 continuous recording capability.” securityinfowatch.com. This suggests that Reolink might release a “Mark II” or “Altas PT Ultra Plus” that can truly run non-stop (perhaps by using the solar panel and an improved battery management to never miss a second). It might also incorporate the 4G capability, effectively combining the current Ultra and Go models. If the naming convention follows their other lines, perhaps a Reolink Altas PT Ultra 2 could appear in late 2025 or 2026 with incremental upgrades: maybe a slightly wider FOV lens, improved AI (e.g., package detection), or even higher frame rate video. No official specs are out yet, but given that technology tends to trickle down, one could expect the next-gen Altas to possibly use the newer 16MP sensor that Reolink put in their Duo 3 cam (though dual-lens vs single-lens is a difference). Reolink’s own forum moderators have hinted that they are working on making continuous recording more battery-friendly, which could debut in that model. Keep an eye on Reolink’s announcements around CES 2026, as that might be a venue for launching the next iteration of Altas Ultra.
  • Expansion of Altas Line: Beyond the flagship PT Ultra, Reolink might consider filling in other form factors under the Altas series if the concept proves popular. For example, an Altas Dome (fixed dome) or an Altas Floodlight Cam could be conceivable – a battery-powered floodlight with the Altas internals could continuously record and light up an area. Also, given Reolink’s penchant for mixing and matching features, an Altas Duo (dual-lens panoramic battery cam) might come. Currently, their Duo 2 and Duo 3 are wired or solar with battery backup, but not continuous battery. Imagine a dual-lens 180° Altas that records continuously – it could appeal for ultra-wide surveillance. While speculative, these are logical extensions if the core tech (large battery + low-power chipset + pre-record) is adaptable. Reolink often listens to community feedback, so if users express desire for, say, a 16MP battery cam or a Panorama Altas, those could end up on the roadmap.
  • Argus Series Update: On the more consumer-friendly side, Reolink’s Argus series is likely due for a refresh as well. The latest Argus cameras (Argus 3, Argus 4, Argus PT) might see new versions that borrow Altas features. In April 2025, Reolink released the Argus Track reolink.com reolink.com, which was essentially an Argus with advanced auto-tracking using two lenses (wide + telephoto). That indicates Reolink is still evolving Argus alongside Altas. We might see an Argus 5 or Argus 4 Pro 2 that gets an upgraded battery (perhaps not 20,000 mAh, but maybe 10,000 mAh to double the current) and possibly the ColorX night vision without spotlights. Argus will still be the more budget line, so likely no continuous recording there (to keep battery life high and cost low). But some mid-step like a shorter pre-record (2–3s) could trickle down to Argus. The presence of Argus Track means Reolink is also exploring AI tracking abilities in battery cams—something that could later merge with Altas series if they decide to do a dual-lens Altas.
  • 16MP Ultra HD Cams: Reolink made headlines with their Duo 3 16MP camera at CES 2025 securityinfowatch.com. A single-lens 16MP camera may also be coming (they already have a 12MP RLC-1220 for wired). It wouldn’t be surprising if Reolink launches a 16MP fixed-lens battery camera – perhaps as an Altas or Argus variant – especially as sensor tech improves. However, 16MP at 15fps might be the limit for battery and Wi-Fi bandwidth. Still, by late 2025 or 2026, a “Reolink Argus Ultra” or “Reolink Altas X” with 16MP could appear, pushing resolution boundaries in the battery category.
  • Reolink Go Series Future: With Altas Go PT (Ultra) taking the spotlight for 4G, the older Go models will likely be phased out or revamped. We might see a Go PT Plus (2nd Gen) that effectively is the Altas Go PT 2K but under the Go name for clarity on 4G. The introduction of Go PT Ultra (4K) reolink.com might indicate Reolink will maintain two tiers of 4G cams – one mid-res, one high-res. Also, 5G is on the horizon; perhaps a Reolink Go 5G camera will emerge if they deem it useful for higher bandwidth live streaming (though 4K over 4G LTE is already pushing limits; 5G could allow multiple cams or higher bitrates).
  • New Categories: Reolink has also branched into alarm systems and will soon launch a video doorbell (battery-powered) – they hinted at a battery doorbell in development. If that follows the Altas philosophy, a Reolink battery doorbell might also have pre-record (to catch someone approaching the door). Given Altas’s advancements, it wouldn’t be surprising if Reolink’s doorbell ends up with a subset of those features (ColorX night vision, maybe a 5s pre-buffer).
  • Continuous Improvement: Overall, expect Reolink to continuously improve the firmware of Altas series. They might extend the pre-record buffer beyond 10s if they find users want more (10s is probably a sweet spot, but maybe optional 15s at very low fps?). They could also introduce “smart pre-record” where the camera dynamically adjusts pre-record length based on battery level or movement (pure speculation, but an idea).

From a buyer’s perspective, the current Altas models are cutting-edge now, and any upcoming versions will likely build incrementally. There’s always the consideration of when to buy – but one shouldn’t hold off expecting a dramatically different model imminently, as the Altas series just launched and is likely to be the top offering for at least this year. Reolink’s track record suggests maybe an annual refresh or expansion. So by late 2025 or early 2026, we could see Altas 2nd-gen devices unveiled at trade shows, but until then, the focus is on making these first-gen Altas cams as polished as possible via updates.

One particular upcoming model to watch is indeed that upgraded Altas PT Ultra. If Reolink succeeds in making a battery cam that can truly run 24/7 indefinitely (likely via solar and maybe a more power-savvy chip), it would eliminate one of the last advantages of wired cams. Such a camera could essentially replace a wired outdoor PTZ for most home users – a huge paradigm shift. The press release wording suggests Reolink is confident they can reach that goal securityinfowatch.com, so it’s an exciting prospect.

In conclusion, the Reolink Altas series is already a comprehensive solution that has pushed the boundaries of battery-powered surveillance. If you need a capable security camera today, the Altas models on the market offer a blend of features you won’t find together elsewhere. And with Reolink’s ongoing developments, they are set to drive the industry forward – whether through an Altas Ultra v2, new Argus innovations, or other surprises – all with the aim of making security cameras more powerful, user-friendly, and accessible without strings attached. As a buyer or enthusiast, it’s clear that Reolink’s trajectory, spearheaded by the Altas series, is worth keeping an eye on in the coming years.

Sources:

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