INTRODUCTION

   One of the things I’ve always liked about sci-fi movies is that they always tend to predict what technologies we'll see in the future (primarily by providing the industry with fresh ideas). I still recall how impressed i was when i saw the first sliding doors and mag boots in Star Trek and the first auto-drive car in Time Cop all of which became real (auto-drive cars did take longer however). The same of course applies to many other things such as lasers and rail guns) and even though we still haven't seen spaceships, flying cars (at least not like the ones in the movies - hover cars could be a thing soon) and teleporters to a large degree technology has done its best to follow Hollywood. One of the things I’ve seen in many movies and personally always wanted to use were keyless locks and so i just had to get my hands on the brand new NUKI Smart Lock 3.0 Pro.

   Nuki is a leading provider of retrofit intelligent access solutions for Europe. Nuki Home Solutions GmbH was founded in Graz (Austria) in 2014. After successful crowdfunding in 2015, the company has grown steadily and employs more than 100 people in Graz. In addition to the established Smart Lock and an extensive range of accessories, Nuki is working hard to further develop smart access solutions for a completely keyless future. Further information can be found at http://nuki.io/en/.

   As the name clearly suggests the NUKI Smart Lock 3.0 Pro is the successor to the very popular 2.0 model which i had here with me back in 2020 (review here). Compared to then however NUKI has released two models, the Smart Lock 3.0 and the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro the latter of which comes with a rechargeable NiMH power pack (2500mAh/4.8V/12Wh) and a built-in Wi-Fi module (2.4GHz, IEEE802.11 b/g/n). Now according to NUKI compared to the 2.0 version both 3.0 models feature improved motors for reduced noise, improved buttons, multi-color LED ring, Bluetooth v5.0 and aside the fact that they require a different door sensor the Smart Lock 3.0 is available in white color (plastic ring) whereas the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro is available in both white and black (Aluminum ring). Needless to say, just like with the 2.0 model the 3.0 line also has numerous accessories to choose from including a keypad and a fob (aside the upgraded door sensor). So, let's see what the latest Smart Lock 3.0 Pro by NUKI is capable off and of course how it compares to its predecessor.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

As expected, a large product picture with the company logo and model name is placed at the front of the box.

Its compatibility with Google assistant, Amazon Alexa and Apple Homekit is showcased on the left side of the box.

The main product features are listed on the right side.

Product information is available at the rear in 7 languages.

Both the main device and its bundle are securely placed inside a formed piece of plastic.

Along with the main body of the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro inside the box you'll also find two door mounts, Allen key, micro USB charging cable, paper with Homekit code, NUKI registration paper and the user manual.

THE SMART LOCK 3.0 PRO

The NUKI Smart Lock 3.0 Pro weighs 580g and measures 117mm in height, 60mm in width and 60mm in depth (the 3.0 version measures 110mm in height).

Here you can see the Smart Lock 2.0 next to the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro.

Aside their height what stands out is the ring which is plastic for the 2.0 version and aluminum for the 3.0 Pro version.

Once again, the concept behind the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro is very simple, just mount it on the rear of the door with the key on in order for it to turn it left and right.

The NiMH rechargeable battery pack is located at the base of the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro.

This is an 2500mAh battery pack which is rechargeable via a micro USB port.

NUKI also send us the keypad and fob devices for this review.

INSTALLATION

Just like with the Smart Lock 2.0 the Smart Lock 3.0 / Pro comes with 2 different door mounts, one for cylinders with at least 3mm overhang on the inside of the door and the other is for cylinders with less than 3mm (this time however the mounts are made out of plastic and not metal).

Even though the B mount uses 3M double side tape to attach to your door the A mount requires screws.

I chose to install the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro on the storage room door which requires the B mount (since I’m an DIY person i painted the door myself and well, the results are not great even for a 1st try).

Once you place the mount you just have to attach the main body as seen above.

The rubber coated keypad measures roughly 8.6cm in height, 2.6cm in width and 1.2cm in depth and uses two CR2032 batteries.

You have two ways to mount the keypad, either you use the already attached 3M double sided tape or the bundled screws.

The wall next to the door is not ideal for tape so instead of using the screws i mounted the keypad on the door itself.

The fob is a tiny device that measures just 56mm in length, 24mm in width and 5mm in thickness.

NUKI APP

Once you download the NUKI app it will take you through all the necessary installation steps (checking for available firmware updates is one of them).

Of course, it will ask if you also bought extra accessories like the Keypad which you’ll have to pair with the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro.

The main app screen has all your NUKI Smart Lock devices so here you can see both the 2.0 which I have at home and the 3.0 which I have here at the office/lab.

From the top right corner, you can access various notifications as seen from the above screenshot.

Now if you press on the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro (or better yet on the name you’ve given it) you’ll get 3 options, unlock, lock and settings.

From inside the settings tab, you can change the name of the device, configure the Wi-Fi option (allows you to control it remotely), change the LED intensity, change the device sensitivity, calibrate it, enable energy savings mode, try the trial program NUKI offers, change the PIN, set swipe actions, use geofencing (auto unlock once you are near) and many other things.

CONCLUSION

   The Smart Lock 2.0 by NUKI was an innovative product which although I really enjoyed using (I even installed it in my bedroom after all) it was far from perfect. To be more specific what I mostly didn't like about the Smart Lock 2.0 was that NUKI had used 4 regular AA-batteries which meant that consumers needed to either purchase new ones to replace these (once every couple of months or so) or get rechargeable ones (and a charger of course which would further increase cost). NUKI obviously got feedback from both us reviewers and their community and so the NUKI Smart Lock 3.0 Pro uses an 2500mAh NiMH rechargeable battery pack which lasts for many weeks (could be over 2 months depending on the use). Also, noise has always been a tiny issue ever since i started using the 2.0 model and even though NUKI claims that they have improved on that regard with their 3.0 models i honestly didn't notice that. So, to see for myself i used my dBA meter to measure noise from 20cm away and my results were 67.6dBA for the 2.0 model and 65.5dBA for the 3.0 Pro (so there’s indeed a tiny difference there). The new Smart Lock 3.0 Pro also features an aluminum ring which feels a lot better compared to the plastic of both the 2.0 and 3.0 models and although that’s far from a game breaker for me it’s still a good upgrade. NUKI also added a new door sensor which unfortunately they didn’t send over so I can’t really comment on its use and performance. On the other hand, both the keypad and fob are two great additions to the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro since they do simplify things if the app is not something you’d like to bother yourself much with.

   Currently the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro by NUKI retails for 269Euros inside the EU (NUKI.IO) not including the keypad and the fob also showcased in this review (roughly 100Euros over with these two added). Even though however the Smart Lock 3.0 Pro is not quite affordable the fact that it needs almost no installation preparation and that you can also use it on old doors is something quite unique. On top of that add its Wi-Fi connectivity which allows you to open/close your door remotely and the 2500mAh NiMH rechargeable battery pack and I think it’s worth every cent (at least if you do have use for its features). Overall, I really like the new Smart Lock 3.0 Pro model by NUKI and since it delivers even more than its predecessor it also deserves the Golden Award.

PROS

- Build Quality (Aluminum Ring)
- Available Colors (Black & White)
- Local & Remote Lock/Unlock & Monitoring (Built In WiFi)
- 2500mAh NiMH Rechargeable Battery Pack
- Easy & Fast Installation
- Available Software Settings
- Compatible With Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant & Amazon Homekit
- Available Accessories (Keypad / Fob / Door Sensor)

CONS

- Price (For Some)
- Overall Noise
- US Availability