Flir One Edge Pro in the test: Wireless thermal imaging camera for smartphones

Retrofittable thermal imaging cameras for smartphones, such as the Flir One Edge Pro, provide a portable way to capture thermal data in a variety of applications. These devices allow users to detect precise temperature differences that are invisible to the human eye and display it directly on their smartphone display.

The Flir One Edge Pro is known for its wireless connectivity and flexibility. Instead of connecting directly to the smartphone, it communicates wirelessly with the cell phone via WLAN – compatible with iOS as well as Android. This means that it offers a flexible application as the camera can be used independently of the smartphone or, if necessary, can also be attached to the back of the mobile device via the clip.

Thanks to the sensor and an app, both professionals and amateurs can take thermal images quickly and easily – whether it’s for diagnosing electrical problems, for building inspections or for preventive maintenance. This test shows how the device performs in practice.

The Flir One Edge Pro uses an L-shaped design with a rubberized surface and a spring-loaded metal clip to clip it onto a mobile device. The edge can be pulled upward with a clip to attach the thermal imaging camera to a smartphone or tablet. It works and holds up well. You can also use the camera independently of the smartphone and hold it in your hand; the display is then used to view or take a thermal image.

The thermal imaging camera is robust and therefore also suitable for construction sites. According to the manufacturer, it can even survive a fall onto hard ground from a height of about two meters. However, compared to clip-on solutions, the Edge is quite large and heavy (dimensions: 149 × 38 × 35 mm, weight: 153 g). The camera is not completely waterproof, but with IP54 it is at least splash-proof.

A battery is integrated into the housing and a USB-C port is available for charging. Flir claims 2.5 hours of battery life, but in testing the camera lasted significantly less time.

One big advantage: The device works with both iOS and Android. You need the app to pair via WiFi Flir One. The app is solid and offers various viewing options and ways to connect to Flir’s cloud storage service. There is an infrared thermometer available in the app, and there are also different color palettes to choose from to display different hot and cold areas. You can also specify the desired emissivity. However, the pairing process always takes quite a long time. There is also a delay in image transmission.

Thanks to the MSX technology, which combines visual and thermal data, the Flir One Edge Pro also provides outlines to thermal images. This makes it easier to recognize structures and physical details that are often completely lost in thermal images. However, the IR resolution is only 160 × 120 pixels, which is lower than the competition – especially at this price. Despite the shapes created by the MSX technology, the images are not very detailed and clear. The measuring range extends from -20 to 400 degrees Celsius.

The Flir One Edge Pro comes with 559 Euros This is quite expensive compared to a simple retrofit dongle with thermal imaging. However, we haven’t found any comparable devices yet.

With the Flir One Edge Pro you can quickly and easily create thermal images or check temperature differences. A big plus point is the ability to take thermal images regardless of the position of the smartphone and use the screen for remote control. This is especially useful in hard-to-reach places. The central location of the lens on the back of the smartphone also ensures general intuitive handling when taking photos.

However, the Flir One Edge Pro also has some drawbacks. It requires its own power supply, and the battery lasts only a little over two hours with continuous use. The long pairing time and the need to pair again after a long break may also frustrate the user. The size of the device makes it less portable and harder to store than compact dongle solutions. Given the high price, the Flir One Edge Pro is less suitable for personal use and is primarily intended for professional users who value additional functions and robust build.