I invested in a thermal imaging camera for my iPhone and Android – it’s already paying off

ZDNET’s key takeaways

• The Thermal Master P1 is available for $129 on Amazon.
• It works with both iPhone and Android smartphones, and is small and lightweight.
• It’s plasticky build won’t win any awards for durability.

Follow ZDNET: Add us as a preferred source on Google.

I’m a big believer that every toolbox needs at least one thermal camera. They might seem gimmicky, but the ability to see hotspots in vehicles or electronics, or where heat is escaping your home (or drafts leaking in!) can be invaluable when diagnosing issues.

Also: I tested the $5 phone ‘repair’ dongle that promised big fixes for cheap – here are my results

The problem is, a lot of thermal cameras are expensive, and they are often specific to either iPhone or Android, so if you switch platforms, you’ll need a different camera. The new Thermal Master P1 solves both these issues with an affordable thermal camera that works for both platforms.

The tech specs for this unit are strong: the camera has a native resolution of 160 × 120 pixels with a 25Hz refresh rate that’s upscaled to 320 × 240 by Thermal Master’s proprietary X³ algorithm to offer pin-sharp images. The camera has a range of -4°F to 1,112°F (-20°C to 600°C) and an accuracy of ±3.6°F, making it perfect for a wide range of applications, from insulation inspections and HVAC system diagnostics to automotive troubleshooting.

While the camera features a USB-C port, which allows it to work with Android smartphones and the latest iPhones, I’ve tested it on an older Lightning iPhone with an adapter, and it works fine. 

The P1 is super small and super light, measuring 2.32 × 1.06 × 0.68 inches (59 × 27 × 17.2 mm) and weighing only 0.62 oz (17 g). You can attach it to your phone, and it doesn’t add much bulk or weight. 

That lightness is double-edged. As thermal cameras go, this one feels plasticky and cheap in the hand, and I doubt it would take too much abuse or exposure to the elements, but this is a camera built to a piece — a sub-$150 price point at that. Thermal Master has high-specced cameras — such as the P2 or the P3 — but these are cameras in the $190 to $300 price range. They have greater accuracy and are built tougher, but at a price. 

Also: The $15 USB-C cable I always pack to avoid being hacked at public charging ports

In terms of real-world use cases, I’ve found the accessory to be more than good enough to spot a faulty and overheating capacitor on a circuit board. Those applications alone have saved me hundreds in damages and repairs.

The P1 also comes with a zippered protective case, a 50cm extension cable, and a quick start guide to get you up and running (setting up literally consists of downloading the Temp Master app — iOS and Android — and plugging the camera in). 

ZDNET’s buying advice

Yes, there are better thermal cameras than the Thermal Master P1, but I challenge you to find one that’s better for the $130 price tag. The ±3.6°F accuracy is great for all but the most high-precision work.

This is a great thermal camera for someone who won’t be using it every day or taking it out into the field with them. For $130, it’s also perfect for the avid DIYer who wants all the cool gear but doesn’t want to spend hundreds of dollars.