Conclusion:

The Xiaomi Aqara water sensor performs well when paired with SmartThings, and responds quickly to the presence of water just like the other more expensive water sensors I have on hand. Additionally, once dry the sensor is quick to report that state change, too. Pairing may be hit or miss for some users, but the lack of English instructions will definitely slow the process down. If you visit the SmartThings Community you will find some great information, and if yours doesn't pair as quickly as mine did, you will find just the help you need.

The main issue with the sensors is that I can not trust the battery. How can it drop to about 0% so quickly, only to rebound to 100% and have a more linear drop over time? I may have thrown out a few good batteries before I figured this out, and others may be in the same boat. Even after the magical rebound to full charge, why should I necessarily trust those higher values more than the lower values I first saw? All I know is that for now the device continues to check in with SmartThings every 50 minutes, and everything (other than perhaps the battery level) seems to be working properly.



The Gearbest website now lists these water sensors for $26, but they have been on sale for $13, which is what I paid. At $13 I was willing to try one out in hopes that it was a good solution for water sensing, as I could really use several more sensors in my home. Despite giving it the benefit of the doubt and being more patient with this device than I would with most, I don't think I will be buying any more. If something interesting happens on the device handler side (and the price returns to $13) I may change my mind, but I am unsure if it is possible as I just think it is the sensor itself. At full price, you are approaching the normal price of the Aeotec water sensor, which I am far more pleased with. Ideally, I'd love to have all LeakSmart sensors around my house, but they are by far the most expensive of the three kinds I now have.

Pros:

» Attractively priced
» Works well with SmartThings

Cons:

» Included instructions completely in Chinese
» Pairing process isn't the easiest
» Shipped with a battery installed - that was dead on arrival
» Fresh replacement battery didn't seem to last long, until I realized how weird battery reporting was
» Expected battery life is about 2 months, which isn't very good to me
» Water sensing probes are relatively far apart and elevated off the ground

Please drop by the Bigbruin.com Forum and feel free to post any comments or questions.