Summer Infant Vs Motorola Baby Monitor Review

Summer Infant VS Motorola Baby Monitor Review (2024)

In the maze of parenting, you have probably found yourself needing to be at two places at the same time. You could be tending to a chore but also constantly wondering if your baby is napping comfortably. Sound familiar?

Video baby monitors are a great solution for omnipresence. In this review, we will compare the Summer Infant Vs Motorola Baby Monitor to help you decide which of the two would work best for your baby monitoring needs.

Summer Infant Vs Motorola Baby Monitor at a Glance

Summer Baby Pixel Zoom HD Duo

Summer Baby Pixel Zoom HD Duo 5.0” Video Baby Monitor (2 Cameras) – High Definition Baby Monitor with Clearer, Nighttime Views, SleepZone Boundary Alerts and Remote Camera Steering

At a glance, the Summer Baby Pixel Zoom HD Duo Monitor is a 2- camera model that operates via a radio signal. If you have been on the lookout for a non-WiFi baby monitor, this is an option you may want to consider.

Overall, there are numerous features that make this Summer Infant baby monitor 2 cameras model a contender for a go-to video baby monitor solution. It offers wide and different viewing angles and is also notably a leap of improvement from previous Summer Infant baby monitors.

However, as with all inventions, it has some stellar features and some not-so-great ones too.

You might enjoy:

  • Great video quality of up to 720P– you will not have to squint to see your baby through a hazy display.
  • Clear night vision– some video baby monitors that offer great displays in daylight often fall short at night. It is unlikely you will have that problem with this monitor, it maintains picture quality all through.
  • Voice activation- whenever the baby makes a sound, this voice activation feature will turn on the video display to enable you to see what may have stirred them awake.
  • Two-room monitoring- you can set up one camera each in different rooms that your babies use and still get to monitor both of them on the same parental monitor unit.

On the flip side, some cons to this baby monitor include:

  • Overly bright night camera light– for illumination purposes, the monitor has a light under the camera lens. The problem is, it is too bright and could make it difficult for your child to sleep. It is, nevertheless, possible to see the room quite clearly without it.
  • No split-screen feature– to monitor two rooms at the same time, you would have to swipe between displays of both rooms as the parental unit monitor does not have a split-screen viewing option.

Motorola MBP50-G2 Wireless Digital Video Baby Monitor

Motorola Video Baby Monitor - 2 Wide Angle HD Cameras with Infrared Night Vision and Remote Pan, Tilt, Zoom - 5-Inch LCD Color Display with Split Screen View, Room Temperature and Sound Alert MBP50-G2

The Motorola MBP50-G2 Wireless Digital Video Baby Monitor is equally a 2-camera video baby monitor that offers wide view coverage. It allows you to monitor your baby and uses wireless FHSS technology to the cameras paired and the parental unit. As such, this would be an ideal baby monitor choice if you are looking for a safer alternative to Wi-Fi models.

One of the upsides of this baby monitor is that you can sync the device to the Motorola Hubble App. The app is built to ease your parenting journey with tips and resources to help you understand your child’s milestones and well-being, although the app does not help you watch over your baby’s movements.

Other pros of this baby monitor include:

  • Split-screen viewing– if you choose to monitor 2 rooms at a go, the parental unit supports split-screen viewing. This would be great when your hands are occupied and you do not have the time to switch between screens. However, you can only get audio in the primary video display.
  • Video display swapping– if the split-screen feature is not to your liking, you can choose a timing interval when the video display can switch to the other room.
  • Noise sensitivity – the camera will pick up on any sounds in the room and alert you immediately which is beneficial in case your attention is focused elsewhere.
  • Portable Cameras- it is possible to charge the cameras and use them without them being plugged in. This is a distinct feature that is not common among video baby monitors and could be useful if you are in an outdoor environment with no power outlets but still need to monitor your child.

On the downside, some features that could certainly be improved upon. They include:

  • Picture quality- the 5″ parental unit display is great but the picture quality is a little like watching a bootleg film. Its clarity is not as crisp and you may not enjoy it if you are keen on such details.
  • Pairing issues – the brand admits that pairing can be affected by other devices within range. Given the average number of smart devices in a typical household, this can be problematic. If connectivity is disrupted while you are asleep, you may not hear your child cry or move which is a significant downside.

Head-to-Head Feature Comparison

Aside from a few distinct features, the Motorola and Summer Infant baby monitors have largely similar features. That said, the performance of those features in each of the devices is different. Let’s delve further into them.

Installation and User Experience

As you unbox the Summer Infant video baby monitor, you will find:

  • 2 cameras
  • A parental unit
  • 2 adapters – one for the camera and another for the parental unit
  • Mounting hardware

The cameras can be mounted on tabletops or at vantage points on the wall. The upside of getting mounting hardware from the manufacturer is that it is tailored for the product and mounts it just right. The parental unit also has a kickstand that lets you prop it up on a surface for easy viewing.

The manufacturer recommends that you charge the monitor components fully before installation. Once the cameras are mounted and you turn it on, everything should pair automatically. Barring unforeseen events, your setup should be simple and stress-free.

Summer Infant package set. -Summer Infant VS Motorola Baby Monitor Review | Baby Journey
Summer Infant package set. Source: fizzypeaches.com

On the other hand, in the Motorola Wireless Digital video baby monitor package, you will find:

  • 2 camera
  • 2 adapters
  • A parental unit

Unfortunately, with this monitor, you will need to first source for mounting clips before you begin (the installation). Once you have them on hand, you can proceed to mount your cameras at a safe distance from children’s reach.

When you turn on the cameras and the parental unit, they may require an initial setup step to sync onto your WiFi but it should be smooth sailing after that.

The Motorola MBP50-G2 package. -Summer Infant VS Motorola Baby Monitor Review | Baby Journey
The Motorola MBP50-G2 package. Source: Good Buy Gear

Screen Display and Viewing Experience

The Summer Infant baby monitor has a 5″ parental unit display that delivers impressively clear images. For this reason, the viewing experience is quite reliable even during the night. Nonetheless, the screen display has no split-screen view and you would have to manually swap between the video displays of both cameras.

In contrast, while the Motorola Wireless Digital baby monitor also has a 5″ display, its picture quality is below par. The images transmitted are of low quality and can lag when WiFi connectivity is poor. On the upside, split-screen viewing is supported as is automatic video feed swapping.

Verdict: The Summer Infant baby monitor, comes out ahead of the Motorola baby monitor due to its consistent clarity. It even holds its own against other monitor brands such as VAVA and the upgraded Vtech.

Summer Baby Pixel Zoom Duo baby monitor parent unit screen display shows a clear view of the baby. -Summer Infant VS Motorola Baby Monitor Review | Baby Journey
Summer Baby Pixel Zoom Duo baby monitor parent unit screen display shows a clear view of the baby. Source: fizzypeaches.com

The Motorola MBP50-G2’s display screen is large enough for viewing but the picture quality is rather lacking compared to the Summer Baby Pixel Zoom Duo. -Summer Infant VS Motorola Baby Monitor Review | Baby Journey
The Motorola MBP50-G2’s display screen is large enough for viewing but the picture quality is rather lacking compared to the Summer Baby Pixel Zoom Duo. Source: Hubble Connected

Camera Quality

Both the Motorola vs Summer Infant video baby monitor can be remotely controlled on their parental units. The control options include tilting, zooming, and panning to adjust the view as required.

That said, the Summer Infant camera offers 6 levels of zoom while maintaining good picture quality via a 720p resolution. I find this feature is helpful when your child is unwell and you need more vigilant observation.

The Motorola, on the other hand, offers only a 420p resolution on its cameras, which also explains the lacking video quality on the display.

Verdict: In terms of room coverage, both video monitors are up to the task but the overall camera quality of the Summer Infant baby monitor is superior.

Sound Clarity and Talkback

As your child grows they begin to identify your voice and find comfort in it. This is why the talkback feature is a welcome addition to baby monitors. I find that it is particularly useful during phases when your child needs comforting or reassurance such as during transition phases like sleep training.

Sound clarity and the intercom provisions in the Motorola and Summer Infant monitors are at par. They both pick up on noises and transmit your voice to the baby’s room clearly.

Each of them also comes with pre-installed lullabies which could be just as soothing as your voice. The problem is, in both baby monitors, the minimum sound setting is still a bit too loud.

Verdict: On Motorola baby monitor vs Summer Infant audio performance, the two are arguably toe-to-toe even on their downsides.

Connectivity and Detection Range

The Summer Infant is a non-WiFi baby video monitor. Video and sounds are transmitted between the camera and parental unit via radio signals. The advantage of this is that radio frequencies are quite stable and do not rely on any service provider.

In other words, you would rarely experience any downtime in transmission. The parental unit maintains signal within 800 ft of the duo cameras.

The Motorola Wireless Digital video baby monitor runs on 2.4 GHz FHSS technology which transmits signals via hopping frequencies. The rapid changing of frequencies is good for security but it can sometimes cause lags and occasional downtimes.

You may also experience minor disruptions due to signals transmitted from other devices such as cell phones. On the bright side, the range on this monitor is 1000ft which gives you quite a bit of freedom.

Verdict: If you are hoping for uninterrupted transmission stability, the Summer Infant may be your best bet.

Battery Life

After a full charging session, the battery life of the Summer Infant monitor could last you through the day. In which case, it may be convenient to plug it in for overnight charging as you put your little one to bed. Nevertheless, from a longer-term perspective, the battery on this baby monitor tends to depreciate over time.

The battery life of the Motorola baby monitor is reliable for day-to-day use and also in the long run. Granted, it depreciates too but it is a bit more durable.

When using the cameras without their cords, a single charge can last for up to 3 hours. This is also a unique feature that you may not find even in popular sophisticated baby monitor brands like Nanit.

Verdict: The Motorola baby monitor brought its A-game and thus it wins the battle of battery power.

Expandability

Expandability refers to a provision that allows you to add other cameras for extra views in the same room or different rooms. I would recommend investing in this feature if you have twins or more children that still require significant hands-on care.

The Summer Infant baby monitor allows you to pair up to 4 cameras, which is nice to monitor two rooms and more. Additional cameras can be purchased here.

The Motorola video monitor also has the same feature, despite being less advertised due to the difficulty of purchasing extra cameras. You can add on up to four cameras via the parent device, but you’ll have to hunt around for the MBP36XLBU accessory camera, which is the one compatible to this device.

While the Motorola is capable of accepting more than two cameras, the difficulty in getting additional cameras makes it a less appealing option for parents who want more than a two-camera monitoring system.

Verdict: The Summer Baby monitor wins in this aspect due to its ease of purchasing additional camera units.

Portability

If you run your home on a routine, your little ones are likely to get their circadian rhythms set to it. You may want to keep tabs on them during vacations to see how they are coping given the different surroundings.

While the Summer Infant model is more lightweight, it is the Motorola baby monitor that offers cordless camera monitoring. For this reason, the Motorola monitor would make for a better travel monitor.

The cordless feature of the Motorola Baby Monitor makes it convenient to use during travels. -Summer Infant VS Motorola Baby Monitor Review | Baby Journey
The cordless feature of the Motorola Baby Monitor makes it convenient to use during travels. Source:hubbleconnected.com

Stand-Out Features

When choosing between the Motorola vs Summer Infant Video Monitor, you may notice that there are more stand-out features in the latter. Let’s explore further.

  • The Sleep Zone Virtual Boundary feature- using this feature, you can demarcate a boundary area for your child on the parental unit. If they step out of it you will get an alert.

    It is a highly responsive feature that I find would come in handy in milestone phases like when your baby starts to roll or crawl. It would be great too if you have adventurous toddlers who simply cannot sit still without some mischief.
  • Voice-Activated Screen Wake Up- in both of these monitors, when noise is detected, the monitor alerts you. What sets the Summer Infant apart is that the video display will also automatically be activated by noise detection.

    This is a worthwhile intuitive feature as the video screen ordinarily goes dark when the parental unit is on power saver mode.
Easily activate the dark screen back to life with your voice, thanks to the Summer Infant baby monitor’s VOX feature. -Summer Infant VS Motorola Baby Monitor Review | Baby Journey
Easily activate the dark screen back to life with your voice, thanks to the Summer Infant baby monitor’s VOX feature. Source: Summer Infant

Summer Infant Vs Motorola Baby Monitor FAQs

Is Summer Infant a good brand?

To be fair, good is a relative term. Still, when it comes to all things baby, Summer Infant is one of the brands I rank highly.

As you interact with their products, it is evident that they are designed with both the parent and the child in mind. As a result, they are not just products but they are solutions that anticipate the challenges you may face in child-rearing.

Can Summer Infant or Motorola baby monitors be hacked?

The Summer Infant baby monitor runs on a radio signal while the Motorola baby monitor runs on wireless FHSS technology. The good news is that both of these transmission technologies are much safer than Wi-Fi.

Still, it is best to always remain vigilant against hacking threats as wireless connections can sometimes be vulnerable.

What are the alternatives to Summer Infant and Motorola baby monitors?

While they may not be identical by way of features and performance, you could consider:

  • Babysense V65 video baby monitor – This duo-camera model offers most of the features you will find in the Motorola video baby monitor but it has no split-screen viewing. They include infrared night vision, talkback, and temperature monitoring. It uses 2.4 HZ FHSS technology and has a range of 960ft in an obstructed space. You can check out the product here.
  • VTech VM350-2 5″ Video Baby Monitor – This is a duo-camera model too that offers split-screen viewing with patrol mode, 9-level sound indicator, good video clarity and decent battery life. It is a great option for a long range monitor with its 1000-feet range, but like most FHSS baby monitors, you may experience transmission lags. To learn more, you can check the product here.

Conclusion

Both the Summer Baby Pixel Zoom HD Duo and Motorola Wireless Digital Video Baby Monitor are good non-WiFi video baby monitors to get but like all baby monitors, each comes with a set of advantages and disadvantages.

Summer Baby Pixel Zoom HD Duo 5.0” Video Baby Monitor (2 Cameras) – High Definition Baby Monitor with Clearer, Nighttime Views, SleepZone Boundary Alerts and Remote Camera Steering
  • CLEARER NIGHTTIME VIEWS – Not just a baby monitor with camera, our HD Moonlite Night Vision Boost subtly illuminates the camera’s viewing area for a clearer, temporary, in-color view of baby in the dark. No more struggling to see your little one at night!
  • SET SAFE BOUNDARIES – Have an escape artist on your hands? With SleepZone Virtual Boundary, you can alleviate sleep time worries and set a boundary box around a selected area. You’ll be alerted on the video monitor when your child exits their safe space.
  • BETTER VIEW OF BABY – With two cameras, you can easily monitor two rooms. The remote camera steering lets you to view baby’s entire room. Plus, the 5” handheld monitor has temperature/time display, 6-level zoom, wall mount hardware & up to 800-ft range.

Summarily, the Summer Infant baby monitor would be a suitable choice if you:

  • Prefer crisp, clear images
  • Multi-task often and require boundary monitoring
  • Prefer a clearer and more stable pairing connection
  • Would benefit from video voice activation technology

If these features match your needs then the Summer Baby Pixel Zoom HD Duo is the one for you.

Motorola Video Baby Monitor - 2 Wide Angle HD Cameras with Infrared Night Vision and Remote Pan, Tilt, Zoom - 5-Inch LCD Color Display with Split Screen View, Room Temperature and Sound Alert MBP50-G2
  • ✅ FULL ROOM COVERAGE - Our baby camera monitor comes with 2 portable cameras, which will give you a bird's eye view of the whole room. View both feeds at once with the split-screen viewing feature.
  • ✅ REMOTE CAMERA CONTROL - Want to check on other areas of the baby's room? Easily adjust the viewing angle (pan, tilt, or zoom) of both cameras remotely via the handy parent unit.
  • ✅ IMPRESSIVE DISPLAY - View a real-time video feed of your little one's room on the parent unit's 5" LCD color screen. Its infrared night vision feature gives you a clear video feed at night time.

Alternatively, the Motorola MBP50-G2 baby monitor would serve you well if you:

  • Travel often
  • Prefer split-screen viewing
  • Enjoy the resources of an app like Hubble
  • Need a wider range of signal

Should these be the features you need then go on and get this Motorola model.

Do you have some thoughts to add on to our Summer Infant Vs Motorola Baby Monitor review? Share with us in the comments below!

Summer Infant VS Motorola Baby Monitor Review | Baby Journey

Last update on 2024-03-29 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API

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