Design, workmanship and delivery
The Yeelight Candela comes in a lantern or lantern-like design. Design features are the aluminum base with rubber coating on the underside, the movable plastic cylinder connected to the base with an aluminum design element as a closure, as well as the tube-shaped illuminant located inside.
The dimensions are 7.20 x 7.20 x 19.50 cm, with a weight of 430g. Thanks to the integrated rechargeable battery, the light can be operated wirelessly and used almost anywhere. But be careful! According to the IP20 protection class, the Candela does not offer any water protection!
The processing quality corresponds to the price. The only thing to criticize is the visible connection seam of the plastic cylinder, as well as the rotatable connection between the base and cylinder has some play. The scope of delivery includes the Candela mood light, a microUSB cable and an English-language operating manual.
Setup and function
The lamp has 3 switching stages, which are switched using the switch on the underside. In step 1 the candela is switched off. The light switches on at level 2. Level 3 is the Bluetooth mode, which enables remote control using a mobile device.
Normal operating mode
In normal operating mode, the light intensity is regulated via the rotatable cylinder. The regulation between off and full luminosity is infinitely variable. A plus and minus sign printed below the light source helps with the direction of rotation. If you turn quickly from right to left or vice versa, the Yeelight Candela automatically switches to a flickering candlelight mode that adjusts the brightness at irregular intervals. A real candle flicker is not imitated, however. The time intervals between the jumps in brightness are too great and the change in brightness itself too intense.
Bluetooth operating mode
In Bluetooth mode, the lamp can be connected to a mobile device. The so-called "Yeelight App" is required for control, via which all Yeelight products can be controlled. The app is available for both Android and iOS mobile devices in the respective app stores. A setup wizard adapted to the system language of the mobile device helps to establish the connection.
The brightness (off and 1-100) can be controlled, various brightness programs can be activated at the push of a button, there is an integrated timer (1-15 minutes) and there is a light group management. Within the lighting group management (BLE Mesh), up to 30000 candela lamps can be connected to one another in groups and controlled simultaneously. Unfortunately, the app misses the flickering candle mode so that it can only be activated manually. A Google Home or Amazon Alexa control option is not (yet) available.
The control range via Bluetooth covers an entire living space. At the same time, the mood light can still be operated manually. If the candela can no longer be addressed, it can simply be reset using the reset button on the underside.
Light
The brightness of the LED indicates Yeelight with 10 Lumen. Similar to a candle flame, there is a slightly lighter "hot spot" in the lower part of the tubular luminaire, which decreases evenly towards the top. The 1800K LED light is pleasantly warm to downright glowing and particularly soothing. Thus, the candela is suitable for relaxing, for a romantic evening, as home theater lighting or as lighting for the garden party.
Battery
The Candela can be operated wirelessly via the permanently integrated 2100 mAh battery or wired via the microUSB socket, via which the battery is also charged at the same time. Depending on the brightness level, a running time of up to 18 hours is possible. The battery life at the highest brightness level is around 7 hours. The battery can be charged with a conventional smartphone charger, PC / notebook or a PowerBank. The charging process takes 3 hours. An LED charging indicator on the underside shows the charging status (red = charging, off = full).
Yeelight Candela (YLFW01YL)
Beautiful design
Good workmanship
Easy commissioning and operation
Cozy, warm light
Bluetooth control option
Long-lasting battery life
Visible connecting seam on the plastic cylinder
Candlelight mode in need of improvement
Only a few smart functions so far
The Yeelight Candela is an overall convincing mood light that is unparalleled in the local market. The design is appealingly modern and adapts perfectly to various interior design styles. Thanks to the integrated rechargeable battery, the lamp can also be used very easily on the move. The build quality convinces. The only thing to criticize is the visible connection seam of the plastic cylinder.
The operation is straightforward. The smart functions are clear, however. An improved candlelight mode and also a Google Home or Amazon Alexa control option would be desirable.
The light produced by the candela and especially warm, is very calming. The battery life is lush with a maximum of 18 hours. The current price of almost 35 € is the Yeelight Candela quite fair!
