TechRadar review: Reolink OMVI 3i pairs 180-degree panoramic view with 4K tracking

The OMVI 3i has a triple-lens system. Two lenses on top create a 180-degree panoramic image, while a 4K 8-megapixel pan-and-tilt camera sits underneath and can rotate horizontally up to 355 degrees and vertically up to 50 degrees. In the app, the two views are displayed on separate screens. If a user sees something suspicious in the panoramic view, TechRadar says, they can tap that area and the lower camera will zoom in on it. The review notes some stitching issues where the two top lenses combine into a single image.

The camera includes integrated edge AI rather than relying only on cloud processing, according to the review. This onboard intelligence is designed to distinguish between people, animals and vehicles, with independent sensitivity settings for each category to reduce false alarms. It also supports smart tracking and advanced package detection, which can alert users if a parcel is removed from a specific zone. The review describes this as potentially useful against porch pirates.

For deterrence, the OMVI 3i has eight integrated spotlights and a 110dB siren. It supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi, though the review recommends 5GHz for outdoor use. The Wi-Fi model tested by TechRadar is practically identical to the PoE version, and both are described as very bulky and requiring careful wall mounting with a drill, brackets, screws and wall plugs. Unlike Reolink's Solar Floodlight Cam, which the reviewer has also tested, the OMVI 3i is mains-powered only and cannot run on battery or solar power. TechRadar says this means it must be installed near an AC power supply, which may not always be possible outdoors, but it also allows 24/7 recording without battery concerns. The review says this makes it suitable for business and consumer use.

Storage can be handled through a MicroSD card slot, though a card is not supplied, or through Reolink's cloud service. TechRadar lists a single-device Reolink Cloud plan with up to 30-day video history, one camera, unlimited cloud storage, unlimited rich notifications and AI video search for £2.71 (about $3.60 / AU$5.10) per month. A standard plan supports up to five cameras, with up to 30-day cloud history, unlimited cloud storage and unlimited rich notifications, for £2.87 (about $2.80 / AU$5.40) per month. The review says cloud subscriptions can be a cybersecurity risk and become expensive over time, and notes that local storage is an alternative.

TechRadar's verdict is that the Reolink OMVI 3i offers panoramic views and 4K tracking in one smart camera. The review lists its pros as the triple-lens system, onboard AI detection, and 2.4GHz and 5GHz Wi-Fi connectivity. Its cons are that it is mains-powered only, has a very bulky design, and shows some stitching issues where the two lenses combine to form a single image. The review also says the camera comes with powerful spotlights, an ear-piercing siren and storage via MicroSD or the cloud.

Editor's Summary The Reolink OMVI 3i is a mains-powered outdoor security camera that pairs a 180-degree dual-lens panoramic view with a 4K pan-and-tilt camera, edge AI detection, spotlights and a 110dB siren. TechRadar's review says it is available in Wi-Fi and PoE versions for $329.99 / £259.99 / AU$439 with MicroSD or subscription cloud storage. The main trade-offs are its bulk, mains-only power requirement and some image-stitching issues, while its onboard AI and dual-view design are presented as its main advantages.