Thermal Master P2: Design and workmanship
Thermal Master advertises the P2 as the “second smallest thermal imaging camera in the world” and that is completely understandable given its size. Weighing 9,7 grams and measuring a compact 27 × 18 × 9,8 millimeters, it is barely larger or heavier than a two-euro coin. Perfect for on the go, but also small enough to quickly disappear into a bag or between tools.
The aluminum housing looks high-quality and stable, but not so robust that the P2 could be considered a real construction site tool. There is no IP certification, so neither dust nor water protection is guaranteed. Extreme heat sources such as open flames or direct sunlight are also taboo. The app even warns against this if you try it anyway.
At least there is a protective case included that protects the camera from scratches and minor impacts. A useful addition, because it allows the P2 to be safely stowed away. Thanks to the carabiner eyelet, the case can be easily attached to a tool belt or backpack.
Thermal Master P2: Installation & Compatibility
The Thermal Master P2 is ready to go in no time - at least in theory. Simply download the Temp Master app, plug the camera into your smartphone via the USB-C port and you're ready to go. In practice, however, there are a few stumbling blocks.
The first problem is smartphone cases. If you use a thicker protective case, you will quickly notice that the camera often does not click into place properly. The only option is to remove the case or use the included USB-C extension cable. This keeps the case on, but it is a bit more fiddly to use.
The second drawback is that it is only compatible with Android. iPhone users are out of luck because iOS is not supported. So anyone hoping to use the thermal imaging camera with an iPhone 16 (USB-C or not) is out of luck. Older Android devices could also cause problems because the P2 requires at least Android 6.0.
At least the setup works smoothly. The camera is recognized immediately and the app starts automatically as soon as the device is connected. No driver chaos, no complicated setup. Just connect and get started, provided you meet the right requirements.
Thermal Master P2: Software & Operation
The app offers a solid basic set of functions. There are 12 color palettes to better illustrate temperature differences, a temperature display with markings and the option to record images and videos. There is even a 15x digital zoom, although this is more of a gimmick because it simply zooms into the image without providing any additional details.
But there are also some annoying factors. The menu navigation is not always easy to understand. Important functions such as the shutter button for photos or videos are hidden in submenus, which is unnecessarily complicated. The picture-in-picture overlay is also not optimally implemented. Although the camera image can be displayed and its size adjusted, an exact overlay is not possible because the image can only be scaled up to the screen size.
After all, the app runs largely stably on current high-end smartphones such as the Samsung Galaxy S24 or Google Pixel 9. But the test showed that the "Razor X" algorithm can be a real processor brake.
The software-based upscaling to 512 × 384 pixels makes the image appear a little sharper, but on less powerful devices the function leads to noticeable stuttering, a decreasing frame rate and occasional crashes. If you are using an older or weaker smartphone, it is better to leave the function deactivated.
Thermal Master P2: Image Quality & Resolution
The Thermal Master P2 boasts a native resolution of 256 × 192 pixels, which is quite decent for a thermal imaging camera of this size. The Razor X algorithm upscales the image to 512 × 384 pixels in software, which makes it appear a little sharper overall. Sounds good, but it has its limitations.
The image is solid, but not perfect. In most everyday scenarios, whether it's detecting heat leaks, checking electronic components or locating hot water pipes, the camera delivers clearly visible temperature differences. But when it comes to fine details, the limits of resolution quickly become apparent. Small components on a circuit board or fine cables behind a wall often blur into an unclear area.
Nevertheless, the P2 does very well in its class. Professional devices that are much more expensive often do not have a higher resolution and the thermal sensitivity of < 40mK is comparatively good, so that even small temperature differences are clearly visible.
Thermal Master P2: Practical Test
For the practical test, we tried out the P2 in different scenarios:
1. Detect thermal bridges and insulation problems
When checking windows, doors and walls, the P2 reliably shows temperature differences. Cold drafts become visible, and poorly insulated areas light up in the thermal image. This is a useful function for DIY enthusiasts and energy consultants, but only with limitations. The relatively low resolution makes it difficult to detect small leaks and the measuring points could be a little more precise.
2. Electronics & PCB analysis – Works, but with limitations
A problem becomes apparent when testing circuits and boards. The P2 has a fairly long close-up limit. If you want to test individual components on a board, you have to keep a distance of around 10 cm, which makes precision difficult. This means that larger components such as chips or voltage regulators can be seen, but tiny SMD resistors or microcontrollers are difficult to identify.
For electronics hobbyists, the camera is useful, but not the best choice. However, Thermal Master has the P2 Pro in its range especially for this area of application. The Thermal Master P2 Pro (*on Amazon) is the "world's smallest thermal imaging camera" that also has a macro lens.
3. Check pipes & heating systems – great for DIY enthusiasts
This is where the P2 shines. Heating pipes, blocked pipes or defective underfloor heating can be identified quickly. The camera clearly shows where the heat is coming from or not. This helps to identify problems early on without having to tear down walls.
4. Car & Engine Analysis – Practical, but not a professional tool
The P2 can also be useful for car mechanics. You can look for overheated brakes, leaky cooling systems or faulty ignition coils. This is where the high temperature tolerance (up to 600 °C) comes in. But here too, fine details are difficult to make out and the digital zoom is of little help.
5. Everyday life & fun factor – From pet checks to “night vision”
If you like to experiment, you can make all sorts of fun and useful discoveries with the P2. Pets that have been resting on a couch leave visible heat marks. A recently placed cup of coffee glows on the table for minutes. Even in the dark, you can "see" something using body heat. It's almost reminiscent of Predator vision.
Other comments
During operation, the camera will make small adjustments to keep the temperature readings accurate. It will make an audible "click" sound when doing this. This is normal, but can be irritating if you are using the camera in a quiet environment.
The power consumption has proven to be extremely low in practical tests. In active operation, the P2 draws just 0,3 watts, which is hardly significant. Even with an average smartphone battery (e.g. 5000 mAh) you can use the camera for over 6 hours before the battery runs out. Even older devices should have no problems with this.
