Thermal imaging camera for Android smartphones: Musttool M2 in the test

A thermal imaging camera as an adapter for a smartphone offers a cost-effective and mobile solution for private and professional use. The savings compared to a thermal imaging camera come from the fact that the adapter already uses the existing display of the smartphone and only switches on the thermal imaging lens via the USB-C port.

Such an adapter allows you to identify heat leaks, overheated electrical wiring and moisture problems in the home, saving energy and preventing damage. But the thermal imaging camera is also extremely useful for building maintenance in the commercial sector.

The use of a smartphone provides seamless operation without investing in expensive, standalone equipment. The adapter can be used even if you replace your smartphone. Due to the compact and lightweight design of the smartphone, the thermal imaging camera is very mobile and easy to use as an adapter. This makes them ideal for use on construction sites, in nature or at home. Users create and save recordings through the app and then easily share them with others.

In principle, the MustTool M2 is a dongle with a USB-C connector for smartphones. The device is very compact and is about 40 mm wide and 25 mm high. There is a QR code for the app on the back. The thermal imaging lens is located in front. The stock also includes a dustproof case with a zipper and a glasses cleaning cloth to keep the lens clean. The module rests securely and firmly on the smartphone. It is protected against at least water splashes according to IP54 and, according to the manufacturer, it should survive even a fall from a height of one meter.

To use MustTool M2, users must have the corresponding app Infrared Thermal Imager to install. However, it is not available on the Google Play Store. Instead, a QR code is included to install the app via sideload. To do this, you must allow the Android smartphone to install apps from an unknown source once. This is not usually recommended and is unusual and somewhat complicated for inexperienced users.

Once the app is installed, plug the MustTool M2 into your cell phone. The camera should automatically recognize it via USB-OTG. In testing, it took a little while the first time and we had to repeat the process before the app showed the thermal image of the camera. In addition to photos you can also record video. There are twelve languages ​​to choose from, including German, Polish, Russian and English.

There are six different color palettes available in the app, which display heat in different color schemes. By default the app is set to red and purple (Ironhot), there are also monochrome versions or reproductions in iridescent colors. The image of the camera also acts as an infrared thermometer and shows the temperature of the respective surfaces. It is also possible to overlay the view of the thermal imaging camera on the image of the smartphone camera in a small window. An alarm can also be set that is triggered when a certain temperature is exceeded.

The IR resolution is 256 × 192 pixels, the focal length of the lens is 3.2 mm. The measuring range extends from -15 to 600 degrees Celsius – which is quite clear.

Musttool M2 price with code is BG0d818b Only at Banggood 184 Euros Instead of 200 euros. Shipping is from the People’s Republic of China and takes two to three weeks.

There are no customs duties or taxes; the provider has already taken these into account in the final price. However, EU consumer protection provisions do not apply here. Depending on the product category, the provider offers time-limited offers Guarantee 30 days to one year.

The MustTool M2 is an extremely practical tool for retrofitting. It turns any Android smartphone into a powerful thermal imaging camera. It is especially useful for detecting thermal bridges, leakage plumbing or electrical problems in your home. The app is easy to use and offers several color palettes to choose from. The camera also functions as an infrared thermometer. Photos and videos can be taken easily. The only disadvantage: the app has to be installed via sideload, which can be a bit tricky for inexperienced users. The MustTool M2 is also only compatible with Android.

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