ZDNet Recommends: The Best-Value Phone Thermal Camera in 2025

The P1 thermal imager is designed for people who need a compact and accurate tool for temperature diagnostics without carrying bulky equipment. It connects directly to modern smartphones and computers through a USB C port and works with iOS, Android and Windows devices. For iPhones that still use a Lightning connector, it only requires a small Type C to Lightning adapter, which can be purchased separately. Once connected, the Temp Master app gives full control of the camera and offers a simple interface for both beginners and experienced technicians.

At the core of the P1 is a 320 by 240 X³ IR sensor that brings a significant improvement in image sharpness compared to earlier compact imagers. It operates with a 25 Hz refresh rate, producing fluid thermal video that makes it easier to spot moving heat sources or rapidly changing temperatures. The sensor is sensitive enough to detect temperature differences as low as 0.04 degrees Celsius, which allows users to identify subtle problems such as small air leaks, hidden moisture, or early stage overheating in electrical components.

The P1 covers a wide measurement range from minus 4 degrees Fahrenheit to 1112 degrees Fahrenheit. In practice, this means it can handle common household and industrial tasks, from checking insulation around windows to examining HVAC components, electrical panels, automotive engines or machinery used in workshops. Accuracy is maintained at plus or minus 3.6 degrees Fahrenheit, supported by the high sensitivity of the Thermal Master sensor.

To help users work more efficiently, the P1 includes a set of tools usually found on larger and more expensive devices. It offers digital zoom up to fifteen times, letting users inspect distant or small thermal details without moving the camera. High and low temperature alarms allow quick detection of abnormal conditions during inspections. The isotherm mode highlights specific temperature ranges, which is useful for identifying hot or cold spots at a glance. The device also provides controls for emissivity, ambient temperature and distance adjustments, making the measurements more reliable in different materials and environments.

Despite these capabilities, the P1 is extremely small and light. It measures only a little over two inches in length and weighs just seventeen grams. It can be carried in a shirt pocket without noticing the weight. Power consumption is very low at only zero point thirty two watts, allowing most smartphones to run the camera for five to eight hours. This makes the device suitable for extended inspections in the field.

Each unit comes with a protective zipper case, a fifty centimeter extension cable and a quick start guide. With this setup, the P1 thermal imager becomes a practical tool for electricians, HVAC technicians, home inspectors, mechanics or anyone who values reliable thermal imaging in a highly portable form.