SONOFF MINI Extreme (aka MINIR4) is a ridiculously small WiFi smart switch based on ESP32 wireless microcontroller and designed to be connected to a load such as a light bulb and a wall switch that can be a momentary switch, a door exit switch, an SPDT switch, a latching switch, or even dry contact sensors.
The tiny form factor (39.5×33 x16.8mm) enables the WiFi smart switch to fit into various boxes, even the smaller European gang boxes. Just like other SONOFF home automation devices, the MINIR4 works with eWelink mobile app, but it also implements some new interesting features such as the ‘Detach Relay’ mode.
SONOFF MINI Extreme (MINIR4) specifications:
- MCU – Espressif Systems ESP32 dual-core wireless microcontroller
- Connectivity
- 2.4 GHz WiFi 4
- Bluetooth LE used for pairing
- Input – 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 10A Max
- Output – 100-240V ~ 50/60Hz 10A Max (resistive load)
- Dimensions – 39.5 x 33 x 16.8mm
- Casing material – PC V0
- TÜV, CE, and FCC (ID: 2APN5MINIR4) certifications
If it looks familiar, it’s because SONOFF introduced the ZBMINI Extreme with Zigbee connectivity at the end of last year, and the SONOFF MINI Extreme is about the same but with WiFi and Bluetooth LE, plus support for higher loads up to 10A.
Some highlights of the new switch include support for “detach relay” mode in which the states of external switches and relay are separated, so operating the external switch button won’t affect the relay state and eWeLink-Remote Control mode where the MINIR4 acts as a local gateway for the R5 and S-MATE switches, so a light bulb can be controlled by multiple switches. The company also says it works with Google Home and Amazon Alexa voice assistant, as well as Home Assistant, eWelink Web, and IFTTT with the last two online available in the paid version (Advanced Plan) of the eWelink app.
While the SONOFF MINI Extreme has just been launched, I received one as part of a Christmas gift set last December, and I was asked not to write about it until the official announcement. I haven’t taken the time to test it yet, but I did open the device to check out the hardware design.
As one would have imagined before opening the device, everything is really tight inside the device with the relay several capacitors, and other components leaving very little space. I was also surprised to see some thermal pads, but I suppose it may be required to cool down such a small device.
The ESP32 module is located on the side with a ceramic antenna (Blue) and a thermal pad covering the main components.
The pins connected to the mains have extra solder as one would expect. SONOFF seems to have improved in terms of safety over the years, as in the past they always lacked safety certifications such as TUV or UL, but all their new products are TUV certified, although I could not find the exact certification used. They also have a feature called “delay power-on state” to add a user-defined delay to turn on devices which should be especially useful after a power failure where you may not want everything to turn on at the same time.
Since the MINIR4 has been received as a gift by multiple users last year, it already has a template in Tasmota and Digiblur tested it with both Tasmota and ESPHome. SONOFF is selling the MINI Extreme (MINIR4) for $9.90 with free shipping for orders over $89, and the R5 scene control or the S-MATE switch can be added for $12.49 and $7.49 respectively. Coupon code CNXSOFTSONOFF can shave 10% off the price as well.
Continue reading “SONOFF MINIR4 review – A Tiny WiFi Smart Switch tested with eWelink app/web, and R5 controller“.
Thanks to Paisit for the tip.
Jean-Luc started CNX Software in 2010 as a part-time endeavor, before quitting his job as a software engineering manager, and starting to write daily news, and reviews full time later in 2011.
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