If you’re comparing Philips smart locks in the 600 series, you’ve probably noticed something confusing:
Some models allow remote code generation.
Some allow full remote unlocking.
Some require a gateway.
And some don’t.
This guide explains the exact functional differences between:
- Philips 608
- Philips 611S
- Philips 611 18HBS
So you can choose the right one based on how much remote control you actually need.
Philips 608 Smart Lock
(No Remote Unlocking, But Can Generate OTP Remotely)
The Philips 608 is designed for users who want basic smart functionality without full remote control.
What It Can Do:
- Local unlocking via fingerprint, PIN, or RFID
- Generate One-Time Passwords (OTP) remotely
- Share temporary codes when needed
What It Cannot Do:
- It cannot unlock the door remotely from anywhere
- It does not support full remote control functionality
What This Means in Real Life
You can:
- Generate a temporary OTP remotely
- Send that OTP to someone (guest, cleaner, delivery person)
- They enter the OTP physically at the door
But you cannot press a button on your phone and unlock the door directly.
Best For:
- Apartments
- Families who rarely need full remote unlocking
- Users who want occasional temporary access sharing
It’s a controlled-access smart lock, not a fully remote-operated system.
Philips 611S Smart Lock
(Remote PIN Code Generation From Anywhere)
The Philips 611S expands functionality compared to the 608.
What It Can Do:
- Generate PIN codes remotely from anywhere
- Create timed PIN codes
- Schedule PIN codes for specific dates and hours
- Manage access codes through the app
What It Cannot Do:
- It does not unlock remotely unless paired with a gateway (model-dependent)
Why This Matters
This model allows you to:
- Create a PIN for tomorrow only
- Create a PIN valid from 2PM to 6PM
- Create recurring scheduled codes
This is ideal for:
- Holiday homes
- Part-time house help
- Maintenance visits
- Short-term rental access
You are not unlocking the door yourself remotely.
You are controlling who can unlock it and when.
This is a big upgrade from the 608.
Philips 611 18HBS Smart Lock
(Comes With Gateway – Full Remote Unlocking + Child Safety Feature)
This is the most advanced among the three models discussed.
What Makes It Different?
The Philips 611 18HBS comes with a gateway included.
The gateway allows:
- Remote unlocking from anywhere
- Real-time monitoring
- Remote control through the app
Unlike the 608 and 611S, you can actually unlock the door directly from your phone, even if you are in another city.
Additional Safety Feature: Interior Fingerprint Sensor
One unique feature of the 611 18HBS is:
A fingerprint sensor located on the inside panel.
Why does this matter?
This allows:
- Controlled exit access
- Child safety locking
- Added interior security control
For families with young children, this can prevent:
- Accidental unlocking from inside
- Unsupervised exit
This feature is particularly valuable in villas and high-rise apartments.
Side-by-Side Functional Comparison
| Feature | Philips 608 | Philips 611S | Philips 611 18HBS |
| Remote OTP Generation | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Timed PIN Codes | Limited | Yes | Yes |
| Scheduled PIN Codes | No | Yes | Yes |
| Remote Unlocking | No | No (without gateway) | Yes (Gateway included) |
| Gateway Included | No | No | Yes |
| Interior Fingerprint Sensor | No | No | Yes |
Which One Should You Choose?
Choose Philips 608 If:
- You only need occasional temporary access
- You don’t require remote unlocking
- You want a simpler setup
Choose Philips 611S If:
- You want remote PIN control
- You manage guests or service staff
- You need scheduled and timed access
Choose Philips 611 18HBS If:
- You want full remote unlocking from anywhere
- You need real-time control
- You want child safety interior fingerprint protection
- You prefer the gateway included from day one
Final Thoughts
The difference between these models is not about design.
It’s about control level.
- Philips 608 = Controlled sharing
- Philips 611S = Scheduled and timed access control
- Philips 611 18HBS = Full remote unlocking + interior safety
Understanding this saves you from buying the wrong model for your needs.
If remote unlocking is important to you, the gateway matters.
If scheduled PIN control is enough, the 611S might be perfect.
If you only need occasional OTP sharing, the 608 is sufficient.
Smart locks are about control — not just convenience.