I don't need it but would absolutely use the shit out of it for fun.
It can also detect hotspots in electronics, which can be immensely helpful if you repair or make your own designs.
Those are the most helpful uses I've found myself, but admittedly I haven't really used my FLIR for about a year now, so not something I use often.
I don't need it but would absolutely use the shit out of it for fun.
I have a phone with one, it's just been a neat toy so far. I do know someone who used a USB-C module version to track down wasp nests though.
Oddly, despite being older, the resolution of the infiray "camera" in mine is 256×192, higher than the FLIR unit in this phone.
Is it just an IR camera like security cameras use?
No, it's proper thermal, like predator vision, just doesn't let you see through walls unfortunately.
Night vision security cameras use near IR, thermal is long wave IR.
What phone do you have?
Doogee v31gt
Me! I need that. I use thermal imaging to fix things from plumbing, cars, to circuit boards. I use it to see if my dog is still at the end of the garden at night and to find draughts in the home. Thermal imaging is useful AF.
I too think it's useful. Also the "who needs it" isn't really an argument. If you can fit it in and people are willing to pay for it... Why not? I mean who needs 5 regular cameras in their phone? One with a marcro lens, one fisheye and one tele plus a regular one plus one on the front... I mean in a normal phone as of todaz the additional flir camera isn't really changing much.
I'm w/ you on this assuming the question is: "Who needs it on their phone." It's the "on their phone" part that matters. It's like...Who needs a can opener? Most people. Who needs a can opener on their phone? Not many people. The bigger problem being the can opener wouldn't be as good as the standard tool & the price of the phone would increase. If I wanted/needed a thermal camera I would prefer to buy a dedicated device w/ high performance sensors.
As a farmer and mechanic, I use the hell out of our FLIR for checking hotspots on equipment, like failing bearings. I've identified a few problems before they became really expensive.
5G shouldn't be a selling point anymore, especially as they're removing 3G in many areas.
The very rare need for it seems like it would be best to just rent a camera when needed or buy a better specific use one for a toolbox rather than needing to carry a mediocre one around in your pocket 24/7
For most yes.