The Seek and Thermal Expert are still on microUSB while all my devices are already USB-C. Flir here at least is on top of its game. I've sold a few months ago the Flir ONE first generation and was happy about it, I even didn't use the official app because registration is required, there are other 2 apps on the Play Store that work perfectly.
Choosing a thermal camera based on its interface connector is like choosing a car by the shape of its key.
The Flir One Pro costs €480 shipped while the TE-Q1 is €640. The Seek, I've seen several complains about the software on the forums. Also, comparing the first generation of both Flir One and Seek Compact back in the day, the Flir was way better so now I tend to think that Seek copies Flir, like it happens on the chinese industry with smartphones. Also, the TE-Q1 has much lower measuring range.
FLIR is not better anymore. They went backwards,
hard.
Seek isn't copying them.
The Q1's range is just calibration - it can measure much higher and lower, just needs user calibration.
About japanese brands, I've found Nippon Avionics but no smartphone thermal camera yet: http://www.avio.co.jp/english/products/infrared/
I just mentioned NEC. That's them.
Still, do you recommend me the Seek CompactPro or the TE-Q1?
If you have the budget, the TE-Q1 with the Plus lens(the slightly longer focal length one) is a no-brainer. It crushes the Seek in performance and wipes its shoes with Lepton-based FLIR offerings.
Here's a comprehensive list of ballpark prices and qualities of all mobile devices, listed in the order of performance:
I've excluded Fortic because I don't know anyone or have seen anyone use them, and their prices are just too high for what they offer.
Highlighted are the best value for money options and notable characteristics in various price ranges.
Therm-App Pro(
640x480 @ 25Hz,
$4000) >
Therm-App Hz(384x288 @
25Hz, $1300-1700, depending on whether you get it legitimately or hack) >
Therm-App Standard w/ 35mm lens(
384x288 @ 9Hz, $1600-1900,
lens is a $750 upgrade that also applies to the Hz) >
Therm-App Standard(
384x288 @ 9Hz,
$1000-1100) >
TE-Q1 Plus full-rate(384x288, better lens,
25-30Hz,
$600-900) >
TE-Q1 Plus(384x288, better lens, 9Hz, $600-$700) >
TE-Q1(384x288 @ 9Hz, slightly worse lens, $500-600) >
Xinfrared Xtherm(384x288 @
25Hz,
$500)
No testimonials or feedback so far. Buy at your own risk.Seek Compact PRO full-rate(
320x240 @ 15-30Hz, unstable high frame rates, model number ending with X, eg. UQ-AAAX,
$500) >
Seek Compact PRO(
320x240 @ 9Hz,
$500) >
Seek Compact XR(
206x156 @ 9hz on phone, @ 30Hz
hacked, better lens and more narrow,
$200-300) >
Seek Compact(
206x156 @ 9Hz, @ 30Hz
hacked, standard lens,
$200) >
FLIR ONE Gen2(160x120 @ 3-9Hz, obsolete, $230-250) >
FLIR ONE PRO Gen3(160x120 @ 5-9Hz, same sensor with degraded overall performance, $500,
terrible value for money) >
FLIR ONE Gen3(80x60 @ 3-9Hz, Lepton2 sensor, $200,
terrible value for money)
The Gen2 FLIR One can sometimes jump above the Seek Compact in terms of performance, but connecting it to a PC easily makes up for the performance loss.