Philips Hue Datura Ceiling Light Review vs Surimu

Philips Hue recently launched a new range of lighting products, including new Lightguide bulbs, a new Solo Light strip, and brighter HU10 bulbs.

The two most interesting products they announced were the new Philips Hue Twilight, which I recently reviewed, and the Datura Ceiling Light, which I am reviewing today.  

These two products are a little different for Philips Hue as they both have two separate lighting sections which can work independently from each other to create a more aesthetically pleasing lighting effect.

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Philips Hue Datura Smart Ceiling Panel (Small Round 38.4 x...	No ratings yet	£259.99	Buy on Amazon
	Philips Hue Datura Smart Ceiling Panel (Large Round 57.4 x...	No ratings yet	£259.99	Buy on Amazon

Related Reviews

• Philips Hue Twilight Review
• Philips Hue Floodlight Camera Review
• Paulmann Zigbee Filament & GU10 Smart Bulbs Review
• Paulmann Velora Zigbee Smart LED Panel Review
• Philips Hue Surimu Rectangle Panel Review
• Philips Hue Bridge Review vs Bluetooth

Specification

• Two Sizes:
  • Round
  • Round Small
• Lumen Output at 400K
  • Round: 5,390 lm
  • Round Small: 3,840 lm
• Lumen Output at 2700K
  • Round: 3,440 lm
  • Round Small: 2,490 lm
• Wattage
  • Round: 67 W
  • Round Small: 48 W
• Product dimensions 
  • Round:
  • Round Small: 384mm diameter
• Packaging Dimensions
  • Round: 654 mm x 675 mm x 105m
  • Round Small: 445mm x 480 mm x 104mm
• Net Weight
  • Round: 6.2 kg
  • Round Small: 3.15 kg
• RRP
  • Round: £349.99
  • Round Small: £259.99

Shared Specifications

• Lifetime up to: 25,000 h
• Light colour: 2000-6500 Hue White Colour Ambiance
• Mains power: 220–240 V
• IP code: IP20
• Colour rendering index (CRI) >80

Features

The Datura Ceiling Light’s standout feature is its dual lighting sections. The main downward-facing light provides primary illumination, while a ring of LEDs around the underside creates ambient lighting effects. This design allows users to create diverse lighting scenes by utilising both sections independently or in combination.

The light supports the full range of Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance options, offering 16 million colours and various white light temperatures from 2000K to 6500K. This versatility enables users to adjust the lighting to suit different moods, activities, or times of day.

Integration with the Philips Hue ecosystem means the Datura can be controlled via the Hue app, voice assistants, and other smart home platforms such as Home Assistant, Aqara and Homey.

Unboxing / Design

The light, when unboxed, is unremarkable, being a circular all-white light.

I have previously reviewed and loved the Philips Hue Surimu Rectangle Panel, and both lights use a similar mounting mechanism that has the sat a few centres away from the ceiling.

With the Datura, this is a necessary design feature as it has a ring of LEDs around its underside, which works independently from the main lights. This allows you to create attractive light scenes with the upwards-facing lights reflecting the light back off the ceiling.

Installation

I previously had an electrician install the Surimu but chose to install the Datura myself.

The installation process for the light is straightforward, even for those with limited DIY experience. The mounting mechanism is thoughtfully designed, making the installation process relatively simple.

• Key steps in the installation process include:
• Ensuring power is switched off at the mains
• Attaching the mounting bracket to the ceiling
• Connecting the light wiring (compatible with the UK’s two-wire system)
• Hanging the light from the mount using carabiners while wiring
• Slotting the light onto the mount using the spring-loaded attachment

The most challenging part of the installation may be aligning and locking the light into place, especially if working from a lower vantage point.

Philips Hue App Settings

Setting up the Datura Ceiling Light within the Philips Hue ecosystem follows the same process as other Hue products. Users simply need to search for the light within the app and add it when identified.

The app provides access to a wide range of controls and customisation options, including:

• Adjusting brightness levels for both lighting sections
• Selecting from 16 million colours or various white light temperatures
• Creating and saving custom scenes
• Setting up schedules and routines
• Integrating the light with other Hue products and smart home systems

The app’s interface is user-friendly, allowing for quick adjustments and fine-tuning of lighting settings to create the desired ambience.

Controls and Integration

The Datura Ceiling Light benefits from the robust control options and integrations available within the Philips Hue ecosystem. Users can control the light through various methods:

• Philips Hue app
• Voice assistants (e.g., Amazon Alexa, Google Assistant, Apple HomeKit)
• Physical switches and dimmer accessories
• Third-party smart home platforms

This flexibility allows users to incorporate the Datura into their existing smart home setups and control routines. For example, the light can be programmed to turn on automatically at sunset, change colour temperature throughout the day to support circadian rhythms or be included in scenes activated by voice commands or app shortcuts.

The ability to control the two lighting sections independently adds another layer of versatility. Users can create dynamic lighting effects by adjusting the brightness and colour of each section separately, enhancing the ambience for different activities or moods.

Lighting Performance

The Datura Ceiling Light offers impressive brightness levels, surpassing the output of the Surimu Rectangle Panel. The larger Round version produces 5,390 lumens at 4000K, which is approximately 30% brighter than the Surimu’s 4,150 lumens.

This high-lumen output makes the Datura suitable for larger rooms or spaces requiring significant illumination. The ability to dim the light and adjust its colour temperature also ensures it can create a cosy atmosphere when needed.

The dual lighting sections contribute to the Datura’s versatility. The upward-facing ring of LEDs can be used to create ambient lighting effects, reflecting light off the ceiling for a softer, more diffused illumination. This feature is particularly useful in bedrooms, where users might want subdued lighting for reading or watching TV without direct glare.

The colour rendering index (CRI) of over 80 indicates good colour accuracy, ensuring that objects and surfaces in the room appear natural and vibrant under the light.

Price and Alternative Options

Preview	Product	Rating	Price
	Philips Hue Datura Smart Ceiling Panel (Small Round 38.4 x...	No ratings yet	£259.99	Buy on Amazon
	Philips Hue Datura Smart Ceiling Panel (Large Round 57.4 x...	No ratings yet	£259.99	Buy on Amazon

The Philips Hue Datura Ceiling Light is available in two sizes priced at:

• Round: £349.99
• Round Small: £259.99

Philips Hue has other circular lights, including:

• Infuse Medium: £210 (similar to two-light concepts but with a non-illuminated circle in the downward-facing part of the light. This is capable of 2,350 lm)
• Infuse Large: £270
• Surimu Round: £220 (2,850 lm, one light source)
• Enclave Extra Large: £290 (6,100 lm)
• Xamento: £245 (Designed for bathrooms, IP44, 3,700 lm)

Philips Hue also has various round ceiling lights that are White Ambiance only, including Aurelle Round for £160, which is capable fo 2,450 lm.

Verdict

The Philips Hue Surimu Rectangle Panel has been one of my favourite Hue products. Yes, it is expensive, but it worked out less money than using GU10 light bulbs for the same light output, and you only introduced a single Hue light to the system, which alleviates the issues with the number of devices the Hue bridge can support.

The Philips Hue Datura Ceiling Light is even more expensive, but it is 30% brighter while only being 19% more expensive, and the light has a smaller form factor and produces a more aesthetic lighting effect thanks to the upwards-facing light.

So, even though the £350 price tag produces some sticker shock, I think it is relatively good value for money (as far as Hue goes) as the brightness-to-price ratio is favourable compared to other Hue products, and its unique features justify the premium for users who will take advantage of its capabilities.

The Datura’s performance in a bedroom setting highlights its versatility. The ability to use the upward-facing light for ambient illumination while reading or watching TV demonstrates the practical benefits of its dual-section design

The Philips Hue Datura Ceiling Light is a strong addition to the Hue lineup, offering a blend of performance, aesthetics, and smart functionality. For users invested in the Hue ecosystem and seeking a high-output, versatile ceiling light, the Datura presents a superb option despite its premium price point.

James Smythe( Editor-in-chief )

I am James, a UK-based tech enthusiast and the Editor and Owner of Mighty Gadget, which I’ve proudly run since 2007. Passionate about all things technology, my expertise spans from computers and networking to mobile, wearables, and smart home devices.

As a fitness fanatic who loves running and cycling, I also have a keen interest in fitness-related technology, and I take every opportunity to cover this niche on my blog. My diverse interests allow me to bring a unique perspective to tech blogging, merging lifestyle, fitness, and the latest tech trends.

In my academic pursuits, I earned a BSc in Information Systems Design from UCLAN, before advancing my learning with a Master’s Degree in Computing. This advanced study also included Cisco CCNA accreditation, further demonstrating my commitment to understanding and staying ahead of the technology curve.

I’m proud to share that Vuelio has consistently ranked Mighty Gadget as one of the top technology blogs in the UK. With my dedication to technology and drive to share my insights, I aim to continue providing my readers with engaging and informative content.

Last update on 2025-03-20 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API