For precision work, you need precision tools, and this thermal camera gives you just that.

Written by Adrian Kingsley-Hughes, Contributing Writer on June 23, 2023

Reviewed by Min Shin

I've covered quite a few thermal cameras over the years, some standalone units and others that are built into smartphones. For the average user, they offer a performance and sensitivity that's more than adequate.

But sometimes you need something that goes beyond "more than adequate." 

Also: This $20 multitool has 15 functions, and it fits on your key ring

This is where the Xinfrared T2S Plus comes into play.

The T2S Plus I'm testing is for Android smartphones, but there's a separate version for iPhone that features a Lightning connector. 

Xinfrared T2S Plus tech specs

• Resolution: 256X192
• Pixel Pitch: 12μm
• Field of View (FOV): 44.9° x 33.4°
• Frame Rate: 25Hz
• Sensor: InfiRay industrial-grade high-performance sensor
• Focusing Mode: 8mm macro lens
• Temperature Measurement Range: -20°C ~ +450°C
• Measurement Accuracy: ±2°C or±2%
• Weight: <18g< li="">
• Size: 26 x 26 x 24.2mm
• Power Consumption: <350mW < li="">

 

A few things immediately stand out about the T2S Plus. It's a far bit bigger than other standalone units I've used, but at under 18 grams and a cubic inch in size, it fits into a pocket with no problems.

Also: This $15 accessory unlocks the GoPro's game-changing camera feature

It also comes with a really nice carry case to protect the unit from drops, and this also holds the adapter cables.

 

What's the purpose of the adapter cables? Well, while the USB-C connector will fit a lot of Android smartphones, the ports on some smartphones - especially ruggedized smartphones, like the Blackview 8900 Pro (just ignore the fact that this smartphone already has a built-in thermal camera) - are too buried to accept the camera.

 

This is not a problem with the T2S Plus. The cables not only offer an adapter for USB-C smartphones that have a buried connector but also for smartphones that use microUSB.

 

The Xtherm app (for Android and iOS) also has some nice features. I especially like the on-screen information and the ability to drop points to read the temperature, draw areas, and even a line.

 

Then, in a fit of goofiness, I pointed it at my face and was shocked to discover that it could "see" me breathing. 

Also: My favorite USB-C accessory of all time scores a magnetic upgrade

You can see my nostrils going dark as I breathe in the cool air, and turn white as I breathe out warm air. 

This is super cool - I've tried this with other thermal cameras, and while they can "see" some change, the quality is nowhere near what the T2S Plus can deliver.

The speed of the image updating, along with the quality of the image are just amazing, and there's rarely any lag in the display. It's buttery smooth, making troubleshooting much quicker and easier. 

And if you want to get close to things -- really close -- rotating the focus rig allows you to do just that. Here's a super-close macro shot of the camera array on my iPhone 14 Pro Max.

 

I like the Xinfrared T2S Plus a lot. It's fast and accurate, the apps it connects to are well-made and have pro-grade features, and the refresh rate is one of the fastest I've seen on a thermal camera. You can get in really close to things with ease - something that makes diagnosing dead components a lot easier - and the quality of the output is excellent.

This does come at a price, and that's a cool $339. It's not expensive as decent thermal cameras go but definitely pushing it into the professional price category.

Also: Are smartphone thermal cameras sensitive enough to uncover PIN codes?

If you want something a little more affordable, then the P2 Pro is currently available for $249 (there's a $50 click to save coupon on the Amazon listing), or you could buy a smartphone with a built-in thermal camera, such as the Ulefone Power Armor 19T.

Read More: https://www.zdnet.com/home-and-office/this-thermal-camera-is-so-sensitive-it-can-see-you-breathe/