Comparison Summary

Overview

The FLIR ONE Pro and Cat S60 both bring powerful thermal imaging capabilities to the world of smartphones. While both include patented FLIR thermal imaging technology, the primary difference is that the FLIR ONE Pro is a smartphone accessory - compatible with most current Android and Apple phones - while the Cat S60 is a complete Android-based smartphone with a built-in FLIR thermal camera.

For this comparison, we are linking to the iOS version of the FLIR ONE Pro, compatible with all current iPhones. The ONE Pro also has Android versions available which you can find on the product page under “Compare Products in this Series” or simply use these links to view your specific version: ONE Pro Android USB-C /// ONE Pro Android Micro-USB

Conclusion

In terms of thermal imaging capability, while both are powered by FLIR thermal imaging technology, there are some important differences in specification. The FLIR ONE Pro features a 160 x 120 pixel IR sensor as well as thermal sensitivity of 70mK (0.07C). The Cat S60 has an IR sensor resolution of 80 x 60 pixels and thermal sensitivity of 150mK (0.15C). Both thermal cameras have an 8.7Hz frame rate. The FLIR ONE Pro has slightly better thermal accuracy of ±3°C or ±5%, compared to ±5°C or ±5% on the Cat S60. The FLIR ONE Pro also has a wider thermal temperature range of -4 °F to 752 °F, compared to -4 °F to 392 °F on the Cat S60.

Both thermal cameras include FLIR’s powerful MSX technology which overlays visual details in thermal images. This makes it easy to read labels and numbers in infrared images while easily distinguishing parts of a scene. This technology adds incredible clarity to your thermal images and makes these devices able to compete with much more powerful thermal cameras in terms of image clarity.

Since the FLIR ONE Pro is simply an attachment for the smartphone you already have, you might find this works better for you. It allows you some more versatility since you can use whatever phone you like, on whichever carrier you choose. The Cat S60 is limited in this regard - as a phone, this device is compatible with GSM carriers only and not compatible with any CDMA carriers in the USA. If you have questions about your specific carrier, please contact us.

The Cat S60 makes up for its phone limitations by being incredibly durable. The device features military spec durability ratings including MIL-SPEC 810G, Shock and Drop, 13°F - 131°F operating temperature, and Category 4 vibration. The Cat S60 is also completely waterproof at depths up to 5 meters for up to 60 minutes using the unique Lockdown Switch. With the switch engaged, you get the 5 meter waterproof rating - without the switch engaged, the waterproof rating is 2 meters. The Cat S60 also has an Ingress Protection rating of IP68 against dust and water and is drop-tested to 1.8 meters. The FLIR ONE Pro is also drop-tested to 1.8 meters but is not rated for Ingress Protection.

Another consideration is battery life. If you choose to go with the FLIR ONE Pro, know that it has its own internal battery which must be charged separately from your smartphone. This means the ONE Pro won’t drain your phone’s battery, but it’s limited by having only a 1-hour life. The Cat S60 has lithium ion battery on-par with other smartphones - it has a lifetime of up to 30 hours of talk time and 43 days of standby time on one full charge. That said, heavy use of the thermal camera will cause faster battery drain.

Overall, each device is a powerful thermal camera, but the Cat S60 is so much more. The FLIR ONE Pro might be better for you if you only need occasional thermal imaging without maximum durability, while the Cat S60 can provide thermal imaging at any time and back it up with some of the highest durability ratings of any smartphone on the market.

Want to know more? Check out the tables below or give us a call at 877-571-7901. We’re happy to answer any questions you may have.