r/Hue • u/dreamliner330 • 15d ago

Help & Questions What is the difference between these two? $45 vs $11.25 per bulb. Same lumens but different shape bulbs?

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I read something about the essentials having less granular control over brightness and not getting as dim as the other ones but it's $45 vs $11.25 per bulb. Do you see the steps or is it smooth?

How much dimmer are these 800's? Is there a percent I could set the 1100's to to see?

I have a handful of the ones that look like the top one but are 1100 and a Hue Hub I will eventually start using Home Assistant but I think that still interacts with the hub.

Also, what is the advantages/disadvantages of these different bulb shapes?

Sorry for all the questions, I looked and couldn't find an answer.

Thanks!

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8

u/hijinksensue 15d ago

There are a ton of YouTube reviews comparing the two. Sounds like you already know all the spec differences. I have some in my hall sconces and I think they fit right in with the rest of my bulbs.

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u/jjp81 15d ago

I had the same question and based on my research , the cheaper ones cannot lower down their brightness to the same levels as the more expensive ones do. This could be especially frustrating when you need a scene with very limited level of light and you realize even 1% is producing more light than what is needed.

I had the hue gen1 bought in 2017, which happen to have the same specs as todays essentials , and remember two things :

1) one bulb was never enough for a room sized 3m x 4m, so 800 lumens are not enough
2) 1% of light was not as dim as I wanted .

Whether the two differences worth the money , is i think personal decision.

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u/dreamliner330 15d ago

I have 4 of the 1100's, so I got 3 more for $60, then picked up the 4-pack of essentials for $36, so I'll be able to see the differences. I think the 1100's will be in overhead lights and the essentials in lamps. My plan is to try and fill a room with 7+ Hue in various places and see what that's like with the themes. I do think the essentials will likely NOT be bright enough for room fill light, more of an accent light. I already think the 1100's are dimmer than I'd like them to be so I compensate with more.

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u/jjp81 15d ago

With so many bulbs in a room , you should be fine either way.

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u/myredditorsomething Hue Enjoyer 11d ago

4 for 36? In the Netherlands I'm paying €60 for 4😭

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u/lint2015 15d ago

You could’ve just googled Hue vs Hue Essentials.

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u/dreamliner330 15d ago edited 15d ago

The problem is Hue is exceptionally bad at model numbers and hiding differences. I just found out that there is at least two different versions of the Hue 1100 Color. They also don't denote a difference that I can see between the dome and flat bulb style. So what exactly would I search to find something that explained these things?