FabianPhilips Hue unveiled seven new light strips at the beginning of the month, the first of which is now available. You can already buy the Hue Flux Lightstrip in lengths of three and four meters. These two versions have gotten off to an early start; the light strip was actually supposed to be released in October.
One question you’re probably dying to know the answer to is: how does the new Hue Flux Lightstrip compare to the existing light strips? More specifically, how does it compare to the Lightstrip Plus and the technically identical Solo Lightstrip, as well as the previous premium model, the Hue Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip?
A direct price comparison with the previous Hue Lightstrips
A price comparison is not entirely straightforward, as the Philips Hue light strips currently available are discontinued models and will soon disappear from the market. Therefore, I am basing my comparison on the official list prices from the Hue online shop.
The two-meter-long basic set of the Hue Lightstrip Plus costs €59.99, and a one-meter extension is available for €19.99. The Hue Solo Lightstrip is available in three lengths: 3 meters (€69.99), 5 meters (€89.99), and 10 meters (€159.99). Both models only display simple colors, no color gradients.
The Hue Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip can do just that, but it is also significantly more expensive. The two-meter basic set has a list price of €159.99, and a one-meter extension costs €64.99.
In comparison, the Hue Flux Lightstrip seems like a bargain. Here is a list of models, including their maximum brightness, which we will look at in a moment.
- 3 meters for €69.99: 1,200 lumens at 12 watts
- 4 meters for €84.99: 1,600 lumens at 16 watts
- 5 meters for €99.99: 2,000 lumens at 20 watts
- 6 meters for €119.99: 2,000 lumens at 20 watts
- 10 meters for €199.99: 2,000 lumens at 20 watts
- all models in the Hue Online Shop
The brightness of the Hue Flux Lightstrip
With the previous light strips, we can quickly deal with the issue of brightness. Lightstrip Plus and Solo Lightstrips always have a maximum brightness of 1,700 lumens, regardless of their length. The Hue Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip shines with up to 1,800 lumens, whether it is only 2 meters long or extended to 5 or 10 meters.
The situation is slightly different with the Hue Flux Lightstrip. The versions already available are slightly less bright – up to 1,200 lumens (3 meters) and 1,600 lumens (4 meters) to be precise. The three longer versions are brighter than the previous Philips Hue light strips, with up to 2,000 lumens. Philips Hue will launch an even brighter version in October with the Hue Flux Ultra-Bright.
But it’s not just about brightness. The new light strip can be dimmed to as low as 0.2 percent. This is quite important if you want to use it as a night light, for example.
A look at the LED spacing and and cut-off points
An important indicator is the distance between the individual LEDs. The closer they are together, the fewer unsightly light spots are visible on the illuminated wall, for example. With the Lightstrip Plus and Solo Lightstrip, the distance was still quite large at around 5.5 centimeters.
With the Hue Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip, Philips Hue has reduced the distance between the LEDs to around 2.1 centimeters and also hidden the light-emitting diodes behind a silicone diffuser. This ensures a significantly better appearance, especially when the light strip is placed in a visible location.
What about the new Hue Flux Lightstrip? In terms of appearance and size, the LED strip is reminiscent of the classic Lightstrip Plus, but the LEDs are much closer together. The spacing is approximately 2.75 centimeters.
And what about flexibility? The Hue Flux Lightstrip can be shortened every 16.6 centimeters. With the Lightstrip Plus, it was 33.3 centimeters, and with the Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip, only 12.5 centimeters.
Extend the Hue Flux Lightstrip and install it flexibly
Cut pieces of the light strip can be reconnected with the appropriate accessories. However, these accessories are not yet available; you will have to wait until October. But I can already give you an overview:
- Hue Flux connectors (4 pieces) for €14.99
- Hue Flux 90-degree corner connectors (4 pieces) for €19.99
- Hue Flux 50-centimeter flex connectors (4 pieces) for €29.99
- Hue Flux screw-on mounts (10 pieces) for €11.99
The connectors can be used at the interfaces, allowing you to install the Flux Lightstrip flexibly.
Successful gradient upgrade for the basic light strip
For me, the Hue Flux Lightstrip is the new basic model. It is suitable for indirect lighting and, with its easy-to-use gradient function, offers significantly more atmosphere than the previous Lightstrip Plus.
In terms of price, the new light strip is just above the level of the Hue Solo Lightstrip. Compared to the previous premium product, the Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip, the Hue Flux Lightstrip is almost shockingly affordable. If you have any specific questions about the product, I will be happy to answer them in the comments.
Hue Flux Gradient Lightstrip
from €69.99
> But it’s not just about brightness. The new light strip can be dimmed to as low as 0.2 percent. This is quite important if you want to use it as a night light, for example.
I cant speak for the lightstrips yet, but the new E27 bulbs make the same claim and their lowest brightness is exactly the same as the previous version. Not sure if it’s a software issue or a hardware issue. But so far this marketing promise seem to be untrue.
Just the info I was looking for. Thank you for a great post.
Could you tell me the width and height (thickness) of the Hue Ambiance Gradient Lightstrip as I need to insert it between wooden strips in a van ceiling. Tnx