Blackview BL9000 Pro Thermal Camera Testing Review
When Blackview announced the BL9000 Pro, the prospect of a rugged smartphone with a built-in thermal imaging camera had us intrigued. As outdoor enthusiasts and DIY aficionados, the idea of having a durable device that could visualize heat signatures sounded like a game-changer. But does the BL9000 Pro’s thermal camera live up to the hype? We’ve put it through its paces to find out.
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Unboxing and First Impressions
The Blackview BL9000 Pro arrives in a sturdy, well-designed box that sets the tone for the device’s rugged nature. Upon unboxing, the first thing that strikes you is the phone’s solid, military-grade construction. With an IP68/IP69K rating and MIL-STD-810H certification, this is a smartphone built to withstand the elements.
Beneath the phone, you’ll find a suite of accessories, including a USB-C charging cable, a power adapter, and a comprehensive user guide. The attention to detail in the packaging is a promising sign of the care Blackview has put into this device.
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Thermal Imaging Camera: Specs and Performance
The real star of the show, however, is the BL9000 Pro’s thermal imaging camera. Powered by a FLIR® Lepton 3.5 sensor, the camera offers a thermal resolution of 160x120 pixels and a horizontal field of view of 57 degrees. This is a significant upgrade over the thermal camera found in the CAT S62 Pro, a notable competitor in the rugged smartphone space. Now, they are tied in the field of thermal imaging.
To test the thermal camera’s capabilities, we put it through a variety of scenarios, from home inspections to outdoor adventures. The MyFLIR® Pro app, which comes pre-installed on the device, provides a user-friendly interface for capturing and analyzing thermal images and videos.
- Related guide: Blackview BL9000 Pro vs CAT S62 Pro
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Indoor Thermal Imaging
Inside the home, the BL9000 Pro’s thermal camera proved to be a valuable tool for identifying hot spots and potential issues. We scanned electrical outlets, HVAC vents, and even our own bodies, and the camera provided clear, detailed heat signatures. The ability to toggle between various color palettes and temperature scales allowed us to fine-tune the display for different use cases.
One particularly impressive feature was the camera’s ability to detect temperature differences as small as 0.1°C, making it a valuable asset for home energy audits and DIY projects. The app’s measurement tools, such as the spot meter and area box, further enhanced our ability to analyze the thermal data.
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Outdoor Thermal Imaging
Taking the BL9000 Pro outdoors, we were eager to see how the thermal camera would perform in more dynamic environments. Whether scanning the landscape for wildlife or inspecting the underside of a vehicle, the camera consistently delivered impressive results.
The wide 57-degree field of view allowed us to capture a broad area in a single frame, while the impressive thermal resolution provided excellent detail. We were able to clearly identify heat signatures from warm rocks, sun-heated surfaces, and even the faint outline of a small animal in the distance.
One particularly useful application we tested was the camera’s ability to detect heat loss in insulation and building materials. By scanning the exterior of our home, we could identify areas where insulation was lacking or where air leaks were occurring — information that could be invaluable for improving energy efficiency.
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Durability and Usability
Beyond the thermal camera’s performance, the Blackview BL9000 Pro’s overall durability and usability are noteworthy. The rugged design, with its reinforced corners and scratch-resistant Corning Gorilla Glass, gave us the confidence to use the device in a variety of challenging environments.
The large, responsive touchscreen made navigating the MyFLIR® Pro app a breeze, and the physical buttons provided quick access to essential functions, even with gloved hands. The phone’s long-lasting battery life ensured that we could conduct extended thermal imaging sessions without worrying about running out of juice.
One minor drawback we encountered was the camera’s occasional difficulty in maintaining focus, particularly in low-light or rapidly changing conditions. However, this was a relatively minor issue, and the overall image quality and thermal sensitivity of the camera more than made up for it.
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Conclusion: A Thermal Imaging Powerhouse in a Rugged Package
The Blackview BL9000 Pro is a formidable device that combines a high-performance thermal imaging camera with a rugged, feature-rich smartphone design. The FLIR® Lepton 3.5 sensor, paired with the MyFLIR® Pro app, delivers impressive thermal imaging capabilities that can be invaluable for a wide range of applications, from home inspections to outdoor adventures.
If you’re in the market for a rugged smartphone with a top-notch thermal imaging camera, the Blackview BL9000 Pro is undoubtedly worth considering. Its impressive performance, combined with its extensive feature set, makes it a compelling choice for those who demand the best in mobile thermal imaging technology.
