Amazon Smart Plug vs Realme Smart Plug: Which Is Better?

[sushmi]

Amazon Smart Plug vs Realme Smart Plug: Which Is Better?

Using the term 'smart' as a prefix to any electronic appliance or device is a common trend now, usually used to denote the ability of that appliance to function through an app. Today, it's possible to buy things like light bulbs, ceiling fans, and air conditioners, all with smart connectivity and the ability to be controlled remotely or by voice commands. One particularly simple type of device – a smart plug – can extend those capabilities to non-smart devices in your home as well.



Today, we're exploring the idea of smart plugs and their utility through two recently launched options, the Amazon Smart Plug and Realme Smart Plug. Priced at Rs. 1,999 and Rs. 799 respectively, these smart plugs offer a convenient way to make appliances smart and voice controllable. Take a look at our comparison to find out which is the better pick.

What is a smart plug, and what does it do?
While many devices such as air purifiers, air conditioners, and lamps are natively designed to be smart, these usually come priced at a premium. If you have appliances at home that aren't smart – lamps, smartphone chargers, electric kettles, and the like – but you want to be able to control them remotely, set up schedules, or just confirm whether they're on or off, a smart plug is an affordable and easy way to do it. Instead of plugging the device directly into one of your wall power sockets, you place a smart plug in the middle, and then leave the power for that socket on.

Once set up, the smart plug can be connected to your home Wi-Fi and controlled using an app. This will let you control the power supply to that device from anywhere in the world, provided you have Internet connectivity and your plug is able to connect to your Wi-Fi at home. Many smart plugs can also be linked to voice assistants such as Alexa and Google Assistant, and then controlled through those specific apps, or voice commands. If you have a smart speaker at home with an always-on microphone, you can simply tell it to switch on or off the plug.

The primary advantage of using a smart plug is not having to get up and turn on a switch every time you want to use that appliance; you control it using your smartphone or voice commands. It can also be helpful if you're away from home and need to power on a non-smart appliance such as a geyser or air purifier, or to set up routines and schedules, group devices to function together, or help differently abled people operate certain appliances easily, among other potential purposes.

Amazon Smart Plug: What's good, and what's not?
The first of the smart plugs on test here is the Amazon Smart Plug. Priced at Rs. 1,999, this smart plug is large and feels quite well built, with standard pins for Indian plugs at the back, and its own socket at the front. A small button on the side allows the device to be controlled manually, and an indicator light on the outward facing side tells you the power status of the plug. The Amazon Smart Plug supports a maximum load of 6A, which is fine for most small appliances but it should not be used with large appliances such as geysers and air conditioners.

Setting up the Amazon Smart Plug is quite easy. The process requires the Amazon Alexa app (available for Android and iOS). The steps to set it up are described in the leaflet that comes along with the plug, and are quite easy to follow. It took me less than three minutes to complete the setup process, and add the smart plug to a 'room' within the Alexa app. Once this is done, you can include the Amazon Smart Plug in any routines you create, and control it through the Alexa app. The plug retains its power state if the main switch is turned off accidentally or if you face a power cut.

An easier way to control the Amazon Smart Plug is through hands-free voice commands to Alexa, through your phone or a compatible smart device, if you have one at home. You can set the plug's name to something convenient and easy to remember, such as the name of the appliance it controls, or its location in your home. I kept it simple with 'Plug' – and could then ask Alexa to turn it on or off. This worked well for me with an Amazon Echo Input Portable. It will naturally work better with more capable Echo devices or other smart speakers with long-range always-on microphones.

I had the Amazon Smart Plug connected to a four-socket power strip, to which I had various phone, tablet, and wireless chargers connected. I was able to use the plug to remotely control how long my smartphones and tablets would charge for. I also tried using the smart plug to control a mosquito repellant. Voice controls were useful in the former case when I was at home, while app-based controls came in handy for the latter.

SOURCE - https://gadgets.ndtv.com/smart-home/features/amazon-vs-realme-smart-plug-which-is-better-alexa-google-assistant-iot-2335823

[JesseHiserp]

Yes, smart devices simplify my life! But is it possible to use a smart socket to control ceiling fans?