Tiny phone thermal camera with macro lens

The Thermal Master P2 Pro is one of the smallest phone thermal cameras. It weighs about 9 grams and fits on a key ring. Its big advantage is the magnetic macro lens, which lets you see temperatures on tiny components.

What it is best at

• Electronics and repair: a hot chip, a short on a board, an overheating voltage regulator or charging circuit.
• 3D printing and the workshop: even heated-bed temperature, an overheating motor or bearing.
• Quick checks at home: heat loss at a window, a hot breaker, underfloor heating pipes. For these, though, the cheaper P1 with its higher resolution is enough.

Specs without the marketing

The sensor has 256 × 192 pixels at 25 Hz. The 512 × 384 on the box is upscaled in the app, not the real sensor resolution. Range is −20 to 600 °C, sensitivity under 40 mK and accuracy ±2 °C according to the maker.

Versions: iPhone or Android

The P2 Pro comes in separate versions for iPhone and for Android, and they are not interchangeable. Pick the right one when you buy. There is also the cheaper P2 without the macro lens.

How to use it

Plug the camera into the phone and open the app. Clip the macro lens magnetically over the lens when you need a close-up. You control the image, measuring point and recording in the app; power comes from the phone.

Who it is for

Electricians, electronics repairers, model makers and DIY fans who want a thermal camera with them at all times. If you mainly want to check your house, the P1 is the better buy: higher resolution, lower price.