GoKawiilUser repurposes aging Google Pixel 3 XL as security camera and TV box
A tech enthusiast tested whether an eight-year-old Google Pixel 3 XL could be reused as a home security camera and as an Android TV replacement instead of being discarded. Using the AlfredCamera app paired with a Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6 as viewer, the Pixel served as a low-latency camera node with motion detection and two-way audio. The author found the security camera use case worked well, while the Android TV box conversion was less successful, though specific limitations of that experiment weren't detailed.
GoKawiil's interpretation of the reporting above, not reported fact.
This kind of experimentation suggests older smartphones, often considered obsolete, could have a second life as functional smart-home devices rather than being discarded, which could reduce e-waste. However, the reported drawbacks, such as compressed video quality, narrow field of view, high power consumption, and constant charging requirements, indicate that repurposing old phones this way may only be a practical stopgap rather than a true replacement for purpose-built devices.
- A Google Pixel 3 XL was tested as both a security camera and TV box replacement
- AlfredCamera enabled low-latency remote viewing via a paired Samsung Galaxy Z Fold 6
- The security camera use case proved more successful than the TV box conversion, despite video compression and power drain issues
Wasserstein Adjustable Phone Wall Mount — If you're repurposing an old phone as a makeshift security camera like in the article, you'll need a stable, adjustable mount to position it properly for a good vantage point. This kind of mount lets you angle your old Pixel just right for monitoring a room or entryway, turning a DIY project into something genuinely functional.
See Wasserstein Adjustable Phone Wall Mount on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: androidauthority.com, 2026-09-26
Published there as: “I turned my old Pixel into a TV box and security camera — and only one was worth it”
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