FLIR ONE thermal imaging camera: A real thermal imaging camera for iOS devices

If you try to find heat sources with an app and your smartphone camera, you will quickly realize that this is not really possible. That's why there are FLIR ONE thermal imaging camera for iPhone and iPad. This is simply plugged into the underside of the iPhone or onto the iPad - which reminds you a bit of the Game Boy camera of the 1990s - and you can convert your iOS device into a thermal imaging camera. What are their strengths and weaknesses FLIR ONE has, you read that below.

Performance of the FLIR ONE thermal imaging camera for iPhone

The FLIR ONE thermal imaging camera for iPhone and iPad comes with two cameras that ensure that the according to the manufacturer "patent pending [MSX] Technology built on FLIR's outstanding onboard processor“, Can be executed. The MSX technology ensures a digital overlay of light and thermal image in photos and videos, so that it can be determined in more detail where heat is escaping.

With the keyword "detailed" we are already talking about the resolution of the camera or cameras of the FLIR ONE. Because these only bring a resolution of 160 x 120 pixels. Of course, this is not really suitable for building appraisals and other professional applications. However, the gadget is an ideal helper for new homeowners who want to make the purchased property a little more economical.

Here is an overview of some key data about the device:

• Real-time display of thermal infrared images
• Operation and merging of images or videos via FLIR ONE App
• Measurement of temperature differences in the image area
• Recording and forwarding of thermal images and videos
• MSX technology for combining light and thermal images
• Compact design for quick use
• Resolution: 160 x 120 pixels
• Price at the beginning of August 2016 for iOS devices: 261 euros
• Price at the beginning of August 2016 for Android devices: 299 euros

FLIR ONE iPhone thermal imaging camera with good Amazon ratings

In the top customer reviews on Amazon, I immediately noticed the first 5-star rating from a user named Florian. This comes with several pictures or screenshots that show that the device (in connection with the FLIR ONE app) has a lot to offer! Here is a small excerpt from the text:

"There are already a few competitors when it comes to thermal imaging gadgets.
With its two camera technology, the Flir One is clearly ahead.
Where the picture at Der Seek [referring to the Seek Thermal XR] looks rather washed out, the Flir has clear textures and it just looks damn cool.
The device has a high-quality feel ... everything is very valuable.
The battery lasts about half an hour. Doesn't sound like much at first, but that's enough!
Half an hour is already a long time ... in that time I am scrutinizing an entire house.
But it can also be loaded at the same time. So a power bank on it and you can also use the timelapse function cleverly.
The start guide tells me that the Flir will be fully charged again within an hour. This is also true if you use a 500mA USB port.
With my iPad charger, it is full again in what feels like a quarter of an hour. [...] "

Buy the FLIR ONE iOS thermal imaging camera from Amazon

If you have bought an iPhone or iPad instead of an Android device, the FLIR ONE thermal imager has a clear price advantage. For 38 euros less, you can get the device in the world's largest online mail order business:

Order the FLIR ONE for iOS devices here

And since you need the app for this, here is the appropriate link:

FLIR ONE app for iOS in the Apple App Store

Have you already had thermal imaging experiences? You are welcome to share them in the comments!

Johannes Domke

After graduating from high school, Johannes completed an apprenticeship as a business assistant specializing in foreign languages. But then he decided to research and write, which resulted in his independence. For several years he has been working for Sir Apfelot, among others. His articles include product introductions, news, manuals, video games, consoles, and more. He follows Apple keynotes live via stream.