Are you looking for the best thermal camera for Android? If yes, you have come to the right place. This article sheds light on the best thermal cameras for Android that are currently available on the market.
A thermal camera is a device that lets you see things that would otherwise be invisible to see with your naked eyes. The best thermal cameras for Android show poor insulation, water leaks, and fire risks among other problems. This makes them ideal for a wide range of applications in our day-to-day life.
Today, transforming an Android phone into a powerful thermal infrared device is so easy when you have a thermal camera. Thermal cameras for androids come in different shapes and sizes for you to choose from. The best models have a compact size that connects with the Android phone without being too large and bulky to carry around. The small form also makes the camera easy to carry inside your pocket, handbag, or backpack.
However, with so many products available on the market, it becomes taxing to make a selection. To ensure that you choose the right one, we have put together this list and guide to help you find the best thermal camera for your Android phone.
Without wasting any more time, let’s get started.
Best Thermal Camera for Android
1) FLIR ONE Gen 3 Android Thermal Camera
Specifications
- Thermal Resolution:80×60
- Accuracy: ±3°C or ±5%
- Battery Life: 1h
- Object Temperature Range:-20°C — 120°C (–4°F — 248°F)
- Thermal Sensitivity:150mK
- Dimensions (H x W x D):1.3 x 2.6 x 0.6in
- Weight:34.5g
FLIR ONE Gen 3 Android Thermal Camera is the best Thermal Camera for Android. This is a lightweight thermal camera that uses Gen 3 thermal image enhancement to enhance the resolution of your Android phone. It has a camera pixel of 1440 x 1080 and a temperature detection range of -20°C to 120°C/ -4℉t to 248℉.
The camera is designed to work in all environments, either indoors or outdoors. It provides clear views in total darkness and is able to help you identify a problem when there are electrical problems, water damage, or insulation problems in your house.
Another feature that makes this device the best thermal camera for Android is its solid construction. It has a 1.5m drop test rating that makes it rigged enough to handle the toughest job sites. Moreover, it comes with a tough carry case for added protection during storage and OneFit Adjuster Connector that allows for easy attachment with most phone cases.
Pros
- Wired and wireless connectivity
- Ideal for both indoor and outdoor use
- Lightweight yet durable
- Compatible with a wide range of Android phones
- Easy to use
- Outdoor and Indoor uses
- Multi-Spectral Dynamic Imaging technology
- The connector extends up to 4 mm to fit many popular protective cases
Cons
- Depletes the battery life quickly
2) Seek Thermal CompactPRO – High-Resolution Thermal Imaging Camera
Specifications
- Thermal Sensor:320 x 240
- 1,800 ft. detection range
- 32° Field of View
- >15 Hz Frame Rate
- -40F° to 626°F Detection Temperature
- 10 Color Palettes
Seek Thermal CompactPRO is another high-resolution thermal imaging camera that is compatible with a wide range of Android phones. Mounting this camera on your smartphone will boost your vision and help you see clearly in the dark.
This camera is built with a 320 x 240 thermal sensor and is ideal for use on the job site to see the building problems that are invisible to the eye, at home, or when outdoors watching wildlife in the dark. It also features a high refresh rate of 15 Hz for quick image updates.
Complementing the high thermal resolution is a compact yet rigged housing that is toughly built to stand up to rough use. In addition to all this, the camera is engineered to run on the power of your smartphone so you don’t have to worry about a dead battery or a place to recharge it.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Multifunction indoor and outdoor use
- Compact and durable
- Highly effective sensor
- Made for iPhone and Android
- Adjustable Emissivity
- Photos & Videos capability
- Comes with a Waterproof Case
Cons
- Minimum of Android 4.4
3) FLIR ONE Pro LT – Pro-Grade Thermal Camera
Specifications
- Thermal Resolution:80 × 60
- Battery life:1 hr
- Object Temperature Range: -20°C — 120°C
- Accuracy:±3°C or ±5%
- Weight:36.5 g
- Dimensions (H x W x D):2.7 × 1.3 × 0.6 in
Another best thermal camera for Android devices is the FLIR ONE Pro LT – Pro-Grade Thermal Camera. This camera provides stunning pictures of objects in the dark and reveals hidden electrical problems, water damage, energy loss, and any other heat-related problem at home or in a construction site.
The camera has a Record of 4,800-pixel IR images at a thermal sensitivity of 100mK. On top of that, it is designed to be operable in all seasons and can measure temperatures ranging from -20°C to 120°C (-4℉t to 248℉).
Moreover, this camera comes with an adjustable connector that extends up to 4mm. This connector makes it compatible with a wide range of Android devices from different brands. It will also let you secure the camera to the smartphone while it is still in the protective case.
Pros
- Vivid picture quality
- Easy to use
- Quality construction
- Lightweight, easy to install and detach
Cons
- Poor battery life
4) Klein Tools TI220 Thermal Imager for Android Devices
Specifications
- Thermal Sensitivity:<60 mK
- Emissivity: 0.01 to 0.99
- Color Palettes: Ironbow, Rainbow, and Grayscale
- Dimensions (LXWXH):2.13” X 0.73” x 1.07”
- Accuracy: +/-2°C or 2%
Next up, we have the Klein Tools TI220 Thermal Imager. Built with versatility in mind, this thermal imager is compatible with Android 6.0 or higher devices and is ideal for use indoors and outdoors.
This thermal imager works by detecting both hot and cold spots. As such, it can be used to investigate energy loss in buildings, detect hot spots in machinery and pinpoint clogs in pipes. On top of that, the camera captures and saves the pictures captures and also records videos, including time-lapse videos for detailed analysis.
Another highlight of this thermal imager is the superb picture quality it yields. It has 10,800 pixels to deliver great resolution in all environments. Furthermore, it measures temperatures ranging from -20°C to 400°C which is comparatively higher and broader than other models in its class.
To top it all off, the camera has a durable 6.6’/ 2m drop protection to provide an additional shield from impacts, shock, and rough handling.
Pros
- High picture quality
- Durable and shock-resistant construction
- Wide temperature range
- Captures pictures and records videos for storage
Cons
- No Laser Sighting
5) Hti-Xintai 320 x 240 IR Infrared Thermal Imaging Camera
Specifications
- Battery life: 2 to 3 hours
- 3.2″ Color Display Screen
- 320 x 240 resolution
- Accuracy:±2% / ±2℃
- 5 Color Palettes
- Temperature range: -20℃ to 300℃ (-4°F to 572°F)
- Thermal Sensitivity: 0.07℃
The Hti-Xintai HT-201 is another high-resolution thermal imaging camera designed for use with smartphones. Getting this thermal camera for your Android smartphone or tablet will transform it into a professional thermal imaging tool and make it easy for you to take photos and record videos in all lighting and weather conditions.
Another facet that makes it the best thermal camera for Android is its multi-functionality. In addition to taking photos and recording videos, it can be used for electrical repairs and HVAC troubleshooting, building diagnostics, and automotive repairs.
With a weight of 40g only, this thermal imaging camera is ultra-light, portable, and easy to use. On top of that, it has a large field of view of 32° to ensure that nothing is left undiscovered a 9Hz frame rate that updates the pictures quickly to keep the field of view clear. This camera is also built to measure the temperature of objects ranging from -40°F to 626°F.
Pros
- Low power consumption
- Lightweight and portable design
- Easy to use
- Multifunctional application
- Excellent accuracy and picture quality
Cons
- The App provides basic functionality only
Related: 6 Best Thermal Cameras for iPhone
What is a Thermal Imaging Camera?
A thermal imaging camera is a type of camera that uses infrared radiation to create an image in a similar manner that normal cameras use visible light to form an image. While standard cameras have a nanometric range of about 700nm, thermal imaging cameras are sensitive to wavelengths of about 14,000nm which makes them usable even in complete darkness.
What is a Thermal Imaging Camera used for?
Thermal imaging cameras are more versatile than their standard counterparts. They were first developed for surveillance and military applications, but since then they have grown to be a multifunctional tool used for a wide range of applications.
Today, thermal cameras are a popular tool for building inspections. Plumbers use them for inspecting blocked pipes, while electricians find them a handy tool for detecting an electrical fault. Furthermore, thermal cameras are used by firefighters, mechanics for automobile repairs, industrial inspections, and scientific research among other applications.
What is Thermal Imaging and How does it Work?
Thermal imaging is a method of enhancing the visibility of different objects in a dark environment by detecting the infrared radiation they generate and creating a clear image based on that infrared. Thermal imaging devices work in any lighting or weather condition and in obstacles such as fog, mist, sand, dust, and fire to make them by far the most versatile optics.
A thermal imaging device works by detecting the infrared radiation of an object and then using that information to create an image. Whenever an object produces IR, the thermal sensors in the thermal imaging device detect and capture the IR radiation, take it through processes, and then create an image of the object you are targeting on the screen. If the object is a person or any other living thing, you will see the various temperatures of its parts displayed in the image.
Can I use my Phone as a Thermal Camera?
Yes. You can use your smartphone as a thermal camera by either buying a thermal camera phone or getting the best thermal camera for Android. Thermal camera phones come with a built-thermal camera and an APP that works with the camera.
If you don’t have a thermal camera phone, you can get a thermal camera for Android and pair it with the smartphone. Thermal cameras for Android come in different designs and shapes and are compatible with virtually all smartphones. The only thing you need is to get a product that will work best for your smartphone as well as your needs.
What Can Thermal Imaging Detect?
In the dark, a thermal imaging device can detect humans that are as far as 15km away. It can also detect vehicles and small boats that are 20km away and large ships, vessels, or aircraft above 30km. Beyond that, thermal imaging devices are used for quality control inspections where they can detect a blocked pipe or abnormal temperatures in an electric installation.
How to Choose a Thermal Imaging Camera for Android
Whether you are buying an Android thermal imaging camera for the first time or you need a newer model for an upgrade, these are the important factors to consider when buying the best thermal camera for Android.
Resolution
Like any other thermal imaging device, the resolution is an important feature that determines how the thermal imaging camera will function. Resolution refers to how many pixels there are and pixels are important as they determine the quality of the pictures generated.
The higher the resolution a thermal camera has, the bright and clear the sight pictures it yields will appear. Such cameras might have a higher price than the cheaper models, but it is crucial to get a product that yields high-quality image views.
Sensitive Range
The sensitive range of thermal cameras is a measure of the maximum and minimum temperatures the camera can work in and it varies from one product to the other. A device with a broad temperature range will be usable in extremely cold conditions as well as in the hottest conditions.
Refresh Rate
The next thing to consider is the number of times the screen updates itself each second. Measured in Hz, thermal cameras for Androids that have a high refresh rate are the best. They keep updating the screen to provide a crisp clear view of the target.
Thermal Sensitivity
Another important feature to consider when looking for the best thermal camera for Android is thermal sensitivity. Thermal sensitivity refers to a measure of the smallest detectable temperature difference between two measurement points.
It is measured in milli-Kelvin (mK) and this value varies from one product to the other. Generally, the lower this value is, the more thermal sensitive the camera is. A tip is to get a camera that has a thermal sensitivity of about 150mK.
Durability
You will want to get a thermal camera that is built to last. Its body should be made with high-quality materials that make it resistant to shock, impacts, and rough use. A good thermal camera for Android will also have a high level of drop resistance and a body that is weatherproofed for added safety from the elements.
Weight
Last but not least, consider weight. The best thermal camera for Android has a compact size and a lightweight design for portability and convenience. With a compact form, you will be able to store the camera inside your pocket or backpack and carry it wherever you want. Additionally, a lightweight thermal camera will be easier to carry around and much simpler to use with your smartphone compared to a heavy one.
Final Thoughts
Hopefully, this article on the best thermal camera for Android has given you all the information you need to make the right purchase. Remember that thermal cameras are multi-functional and the activity you intend to use one for plays a big role in determining which model you choose. So, take a look at the specs and features of each camera in detail then choose the model that is perfect for your needs.
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