Looking for a good smart camera for home security? Two popular models from Xiaomi are the C300 and the C301. To understand the differences between these two cameras, we will review their design, performance, features, and price. This will help you easily decide which is best for you and whether upgrading from the C300 to the C301 is worth upgrading.
Xiaomi c300 vs c301 short specs
| Feature | C300 | C301 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 115 × 78 × 78 mm | 78 × 76 × 115 mm |
| Weight | 327g | Not specified, likely similar |
| Speaker Grill | Standard size | Larger, potentially better audio |
| Privacy Feature | None | Physical lens shielding |
| Mounting Options | Flat and inverted | Flat and inverted, app-adjustable |
| Feature | C300 | C301 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2304 × 1296, 3MP | 2304 × 1296, 3MP |
| Lens | F1.4, 6P lens | Large aperture, 4P lens |
| Night Vision | Full-color night vision | Full-color and black-and-white, enhanced infrared |
| Low-Light Performance | Good, more noise in tests | Brighter, less noise in tests |
| Focus Type | Fixed focus | Fixed focus |
| Rotation | 360° horizontal, 108° vertical | 360° horizontal, 107° vertical |
| Feature | C300 | C301 |
|---|---|---|
| AI Human Detection | Yes, local AI | Yes, local AI, active alerts |
| Baby Crying Detection | Yes, sends alerts | No |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes, real-time | Yes, with noise cancellation, 5m range |
| Security Features | Standard encryption | MJA1 chip, AES-128, lens shielding |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Storage | MicroSD (256GB), cloud | MicroSD (8GB–256GB), cloud |
| Feature | C300 | C301 |
|---|---|---|
| Wi-Fi Connectivity | IEEE 802.11b/g/n 2.4GHz | IEEE 802.11b/g/n/ax 2.4GHz |
| Compatible OS | Android 4.4, iOS 9.0 and above | Android 8.0, iOS 12.0 and above |
Xiaomi C300 VS C301 Design and Build
Both cameras are suitable for indoor use and come in small, round designs.
The C300 measures 115 × 78 × 78 mm and weighs 327 grams. Its simple design includes a speaker grille, USB Micro, and Type-C ports.
The C301 is slightly taller, measuring 78 × 76 × 115 mm. It has a larger speaker grille and a lens cover, which helps ensure privacy by covering the camera lens, which is an added feature.
Both cameras can be easily mounted on a wall or ceiling, making them convenient indoors. Both support flat and inverted mounting, with the C301 offering orientation adjustments via the Xiaomi Home app (Xiaomi Smart Camera C301).
| Feature | C300 | C301 |
|---|---|---|
| Dimensions | 115 × 78 × 78 mm | 78 × 76 × 115 mm |
| Weight | 327g | Not specified, likely similar |
| Speaker Grill | Standard size | Larger, potentially better audio |
| Privacy Feature | None | Physical lens shielding |
| Mounting Options | Flat and inverted | Flat and inverted, app-adjustable |
This design difference, particularly the privacy shield, might appeal to users concerned about data security, especially given the C301’s MJA1 security chip, which offers finance-grade protection.
Xiaomi C300 VS C301 Camera Quality and Performance
Both cameras have 2K resolution (2304 × 1296) and 3-megapixel sensors, which help capture clear and detailed images. However, there are some differences between them.
The C300 has a large aperture of F1.4 and a 6P lens, which allows for better light capture and more explicit images even in low light.
The C301 has a 4P lens and advanced infrared night vision. It has six built-in lights that can capture black-and-white images even in complete darkness.
According to user experience, the C301 performs better than the C300 in low light. It has higher image brightness and less blur. In addition, it can maintain good focus even in close-up shots, whereas the C300 has a slightly more blur.
| Feature | C300 | C301 |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | 2304 × 1296, 3MP | 2304 × 1296, 3MP |
| Lens | F1.4, 6P lens | Large aperture, 4P lens |
| Night Vision | Full-color night vision | Full-color and black-and-white, enhanced infrared |
| Low-Light Performance | Good, more noise in tests | Brighter, less noise in tests |
| Focus Type | Fixed focus | Fixed focus |
Additionally, the C301’s advanced night vision performs well even in complete darkness, which is an added advantage over the C300.
Xiaomi C300 VS C301 Features and Smart Capabilities
The Xiaomi C300 and C301 cameras use two modern technologies suitable for security and convenience. Both cameras have AI human detection, two-way audio, and up to 256 GB of microSD card storage. In addition, there is also the opportunity to use cloud storage through the Xiaomi Home app. However, there are some differences between the two cameras:
The C300 camera can detect baby crying. When it hears crying, it sends an alert message to the mobile, which is very useful for parents. In addition, it can be controlled with voice commands through Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant.
The C301 model does not have the facility to detect baby crying, but it is stronger in terms of security. It has a special security chip, which ensures data security. In addition, due to the advanced audio system, speech can be heard even from a distance of 5 meters.
Both cameras have motion tracking and rotation facilities. However, the C301 is good for security, while the C300 is suitable for baby care.
| Feature | C300 | C301 |
|---|---|---|
| AI Human Detection | Yes, local AI | Yes, local AI, active alerts |
| Baby Crying Detection | Yes, sends alerts | No |
| Two-Way Audio | Yes, real-time | Yes, with noise cancellation, 5m range |
| Security Features | Standard encryption | MJA1 chip, AES-128, lens shielding |
| Voice Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant | Alexa, Google Assistant |
| Storage | MicroSD (256GB), cloud | MicroSD (256GB), cloud |
One important observation is that the C301 model is unable to detect baby cries, despite many other improvements. As a result, users upgrading from the C300, especially those using parental monitoring, may be disappointed.
Xiaomi c300 vs c301 battery life
Both cameras are indoor security devices; research indicates they are not battery-powered. The Xiaomi Smart Camera C300 has a power input of 5V=1A, as listed in its specifications (Xiaomi Smart Camera C300 Specifications), and the package includes a charging cable, implying it needs to be plugged in.
Similarly, the C301 has a rated input of 5V⎓1A, with its specifications also mentioning a charging cable in the package contents (Xiaomi Smart Camera C301 Specifications). Neither camera’s official documentation mentions a built-in battery and their design is optimized for continuous power via USB.
To confirm, the FAQ for the C300 explicitly states, “The device doesn’t come with a built-in battery” (Xiaomi Smart Camera C300 FAQ). For the C301, the FAQ similarly notes, “The camera does not feature a built-in battery and should be plugged into the power supply” (Xiaomi Smart Camera C301 FAQ). This aligns with their intended use as stationary indoor cameras, not portable devices.
| Feature | C300 | C301 |
|---|---|---|
| Power Input | 5V=1A | 5V⎓1A |
| Built-in Battery | No | No |
| Package Contents | Includes charging cable | Includes charging cable |
| Power Source | USB, must be plugged in | USB, must be plugged in |
This table highlights that both cameras rely on external power, with no battery life to compare, as neither has a battery.
Xiaomi c300 vs c301 price
This indicates that the C301 is currently $1.20 cheaper than the C300 on this platform. These prices were observed as of recent searches, but it’s important to note that e-commerce prices can fluctuate due to sales, stock levels, or regional availability.
| Model | Price on Amazon.com | Price Difference |
|---|---|---|
| Xiaomi Smart Camera C300 | $54.99 | – |
| Xiaomi Smart Camera C301 | $53.79 | $1.20 cheaper than C300 |
Prices may vary by region. For example, when searching for the price of the C301 with 2K resolution in the UK, some listings for the same model were found. Still, the specific price for the 2K resolution was not readily available on Amazon.co.uk or the Xiaomi UK website. This shows that prices and availability may vary by region.
For example, the “Xiaomi Mi Smart Camera C301” with 720p resolution was found on Amazon.co.uk for £39.99, but this is likely a different specification, as the C301 is usually available with 2K resolution (2304×1296), which can be confusing across regions.
User experience suggests that the C301 is often cheaper due to promotions or higher stock levels than the C300. This also matches the current price difference on Amazon.com, where the C301 is available at a lower price, likely for these reasons. However, in the absence of any confirmed Information from Xiaomi, this is just speculation and may not be true in all regions or at all times.
Conclusion and Upgrade Worthiness
The upgrade from the C300 to the C301 is not considered profitable for most users, especially if baby cry detection is essential, as the C301 does not have this feature. However, the C301 has improved privacy (physical lens shielding, MJA1 chip), better audio, and better low-light performance, which could benefit users interested in security and communication.
The C301’s lower price makes its proposed value more attractive, mainly if a promotion occurs. For those who do not want baby cry detection, the C301 could be a good option, as it offers modern features at a lower price.
From this analysis, the C300 would be better if baby monitoring is necessary. But if price and modern features are essential, the C301 should be considered, mainly due to its improved privacy and security benefits.
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