
Home security is a big deal, and thanks to mobile technology, we now have some easy ways to keep our homes safe.
One of these solutions is the home security camera app. These apps are getting more popular every day, and it's easy to see why.
In this article, we'll talk about how home security is changing and how mobile phones are stepping up to play a bigger role.
Our primary focus is on 5 reasons why mobile phones as security cameras are getting closer to typical security cameras.
Phone Security Cameras vs. Traditional Cameras
Security cameras have come a long way since their inception in closed-circuit television (CCTV).
In the past, security cameras were bulky, expensive, and often required professional installation.
But nowadays, things have changed, and using your smartphone as a security camera is more accessible and convenient than ever before.
New technology and modern smartphones have improved the camera features available on mobile devices. This means that people can now use their mobile phones as a reliable option for home surveillance.
So, what's the difference between using your phone and a traditional CCTV camera?
Let's take a closer look at the main differences.
1. Cost
Using your mobile phone as a security camera can be a great way to save some cash.
Traditional CCTV camera systems are expensive. You'll have to buy cameras, cables, and a central recording unit and pay professionals to install everything. This means that the initial setup cost is high.
However, since you already have a phone, you don't need to spend more on buying another device. All you need is to get a home security camera app and maybe some phone mounts, and you're good to go.
Picking a low-end Android phone instead of a new camera is cheap. It gives you all the essential features, like a long-lasting battery, data or Wi-Fi connectivity, motion detection, and unlimited range, at a much lower price than an average camera. So, you can save a lot of cash and still have reliable home security.
2. Installation
Setting up a traditional CCTV camera system can be a bit of a pain. It's complicated and usually requires professional help. They'll have to install the cameras, set up the recording unit, and make sure everything is connected correctly.
It's definitely not as easy as setting up a mobile security camera.
If you want to turn your mobile phone into a security camera, it's super easy to do! All you need to do is download a security camera app from your App Store and follow four simple steps. You don't need any technical skills to get it done.
Step by Step: Turn Your Phone Into Mobile Phone Into Security Camera
- PREPARE: Find an old smartphone or tablet to use as a camera and make sure it's charged.
- INSTALL: Visit the App Store or Google Play Store to install the app on your current phone and the old device.

- PAIR: Open the app on your current phone and tap 'Add a Camera' to pair it to the old device.
- START MONITORING: The old device is now a security camera! Check out the live feed on your current phone.

3. Portability
Traditional CCTV cameras are stuck in one place once they're installed. You'll need to put in some physical labor or even call in a professional if you need to move them. And if you need to adjust the camera's coverage, it may be tricky.
On the other hand, using your mobile phone has one significant advantage - it's super portable! You can move it around your home or even take it with you when you're on the go. This means you can adjust your security measures as you see fit.
4. Remote Monitoring
Mobile phone security cameras are great because you can check them from anywhere using your mobile device. You don't have to be at home to see what's happening. You can easily see the live feed and recordings with an internet connection.
Traditional CCTV cameras are not as easy to use as mobile security cameras. Some might have remote monitoring options, but they could be more expensive and need a more complex setup.
Plus, not all older models have the same features as modern mobile security camera apps.
5. Additional Features
Mobile phone security camera apps have many features, like motion detection, automatic recordings, night light, cloud storage, and two-way audio.
You can use all these features without even paying extra money. You don't even need to buy any extra equipment.
Traditional CCTV camera systems can be advanced, but they're usually more expensive. If you want to customize your camera or add more features, you might need to buy specific cameras or software, which can cost you more money.
Conclusion
In short, if you're choosing between using your phone as a security camera or getting a traditional CCTV system, the main factors to consider are the cost, how easy it is to install, how portable it is, whether you can check it remotely, and what extra features you want.
Think about what you need, how much you can spend, and how much control and flexibility you want for your home security.
Both options have their benefits.
But let's be real.
From this article and many recommendations from regular users, we found that for starters and everyday home use, mobile phones as security cameras are more than enough.
Mobile phones as security cameras are getting better than typical CCTV security cameras. They're portable, affordable, and have high-quality cameras.