A Comprehensive Guide to Smart Door Lock Selection: Eight Key Details to Master

Q1. Which is safer: a smart lock or a mechanical lock?
A1: Smart locks and mechanical locks have their own security features. Although mechanical locks have a relatively simple structure, they may be vulnerable to key duplication and lock cylinder technology being cracked. In contrast, smart locks adopt high-tech methods such as digital fingerprint recognition, which greatly increases the difficulty of cracking. Smart locks also have multiple verification functions, such as fingerprint and password, to verify identity, making them superior in terms of security. Therefore, from a security perspective, smart locks are relatively safer.

Q2: Which is more reliable: optical recognition or semiconductor recognition?
A2: Optical recognition and semiconductor recognition each have their advantages and disadvantages. Optical recognition has developed earlier and has good stability, but its anti-replication capability is poor, unable to distinguish the authenticity of fingerprints, and can be unlocked as long as the shadow shape is consistent. Semiconductor recognition is the current mainstream, with significantly higher recognition accuracy and acquisition speed than optical recognition. It can capture more detailed fingerprint details and has AI self-learning capabilities to continuously improve the fingerprint information database. Therefore, semiconductor recognition is superior in terms of reliability and security.

Q3: How should the lock cylinder grade be selected?
A3: Lock cylinder grades are usually divided into three levels: A, B, and C, with C-level lock cylinders having the highest security. When purchasing smart locks or traditional door locks, it is recommended to优先选择C-level lock cylinders. The key of a C-level lock cylinder has a flat appearance with two rows of concave plus S-shaped keyholes on one or both sides, or double snake-shaped keyholes inside and outside. It prevents technical opening for ≥270 minutes and drilling, sawing, prying, pulling, and impact for ≥30 minutes. Therefore, it is recommended to choose a C-level lock cylinder to ensure higher security.

Q4: Which is better: true insert core or false insert core?
A4: True insert core and false insert core are two different technical solutions that do not significantly impact security performance. A true insert core refers to a key that directly inserts into the interior of the door lock without a square steel bar, while a false insert core requires the movement of a square steel bar or other structure to unlock regardless of which direction the key is inserted into, as long as it does not enter the lock cylinder. From the perspective of anti-theft technical opening and anti-violent opening, external clutches and false insert cores have lower security as criminals may directly dismantle the panel to gain access. However, in terms of active anti-theft features of smart locks, such as anti-theft technical opening, anti-violent opening alarms, and remote monitoring, networking is required. As long as the networking process is sufficiently secure, the security of the mechanical components will not be significantly affected. Therefore, the choice between true insert core and false insert core should primarily consider the overall security level, lock cylinder configuration, product quality, and after-sales service of the product.

Q5: How should the shell material be selected?
A5: The shell materials of smart locks on the market mainly include ABS aviation plastic, aluminum alloy, stainless steel, and zinc alloy. ABS aviation plastic has good flexibility but poor weather resistance; aluminum alloy has a low cost but a rough surface; stainless steel is heat-resistant but not resistant to alkaline corrosion; zinc alloy is sturdy, durable, and resistant to violent removal. Considering the advantages and disadvantages of various materials, zinc alloy performs better in terms of strength, aesthetics, and durability, making it a more suitable material for smart locks.

Q6: What are the differences between electronic lock bodies and mechanical lock bodies?
A6: Electronic lock bodies and mechanical lock bodies have their own unique characteristics. Electronic lock bodies control the bolt and lock cylinder through built-in circuitry, resulting in fast opening speeds, door lock status feedback functionality, and better intelligence. However, they tend to be more expensive and are typically used in high-end smart door locks. Mechanical lock bodies unlock by having an external motor rotate the square shaft (or partially rotate the lock cylinder), requiring higher motor power consumption and most solutions rely on lithium batteries. Additionally, the sound of opening and closing the lock is more noticeable. Therefore, the choice between an electronic lock body and a mechanical lock body primarily depends on the budget and the structure of the household door. For users seeking smart and secure options, electronic lock bodies are a better choice.

Q7: Can the fingerprints of the elderly and children be used with smart locks?
A7: The fingerprints of the elderly and children may be difficult to recognize due to wear or incomplete development. To ensure their convenient use of smart locks, alternative unlocking methods such as passwords, cards, or temporary passwords can be set for these users. Additionally, smart door locks that support face recognition or palm vein recognition can be considered. These technologies are more suitable for the elderly and children because, even if fingerprints are difficult to recognize, their facial features and palm vein information can usually be accurately identified. Therefore, when purchasing a smart door lock, products with advanced biometric recognition technology can be considered.

Q8: What are the advantages of a network-connected smart lock?
A8: For users who require remote management, real-time monitoring, or frequent use of temporary password functions, a network-connected smart lock is a good choice. However, users should thoroughly consider factors such as network security, privacy protection, and stability to ensure safe and convenient use of the smart lock.

Advantages:

• Remote Control: Network-connected smart locks allow users to remotely unlock, lock, and view unlocking records anytime, anywhere through a mobile app, significantly enhancing usability.
• Real-Time Monitoring: Some advanced network-connected locks also feature real-time monitoring, enabling users to check the situation at their doorstep and ensure home security.
• Temporary Password Function: When friends or relatives need temporary access to the home, users can generate a temporary password through a mobile app, eliminating the need to be present or worrying about key loss or duplication.