Apps to Simulate a Thermal Camera on Your Phone

If you love gadgets for your mobile device, one of the most interesting additions is turning your phone's camera into a thermal camera. This change lets you perceive the environment around you in a color scale that will amaze you. Of course, these devices cost a pretty penny. For example, the Flir One thermal camera sells for more than 450 euros on Amazon, and the Seek Thermal doesn't go below 419 euros.

If you don't have deep pockets, but you still want to play at having a thermal camera, you can use some of these "simulators". All the platforms we present are free for both Android and iOS. It is very important that you understand that these are just toys, and all they do is add a filter to the image coming from your phone's camera, completely lacking in rigor. What could they be useful for? Well, I needed to record some images for a short film that looked like a thermal vision style "Predator", and these programs worked perfectly for me. If you need to know the temperature of the objects around you, you have no choice but to pay what a thermal camera costs.

Super FX Picture Maker

Super FX Picture Maker is a program to keep you entertained for a while. The platform offers an infrared camera effect, so you can see your surroundings in Predator style. The photos you take can be saved, shared on your social networks, or sent by email. The program is available for iOS devices.

Thermal Camera FX

Thermal Camera FX lets you take photos simulating a thermal vision mode. From the camera functions, you can slide the heat to the left or right of the frame and switch between the front and rear cameras while taking the photo. After recording the ultraviolet photo, you can save or share it. The program is available for iOS devices.

Cámara Térmica HD Efecto – simulador

Cámara Térmica HD Efecto – simulador is a program for Android devices that converts your camera view into a thermal simulation. The platform uses an algorithm for detecting pixel luminance and a method for mapping the color gradient. Thanks to these technologies, it generates a thermographic simulation in real time from your phone's camera.

Thermal Camera Illusion & Flashlight

The environment offers a series of filters so you can have better night vision using high contrast and the integrated flashlight. This way you can get a thermal view simulation that will be able to apply different filters to your photos taken at night.

Thermal Night Vision Camera Simulation Flashlight

We'll finish with a platform that offers you a filter and activates the flashlight to convert your photos into thermal simulations. Thanks to these effects, you'll see how the colors are highlighted: red, yellow, blue, and green. You can not only use the tool to take photos, but also to guide yourself when you take a night walk in very dark places.

The five platforms listed simulate a thermal camera on your phone thanks to the effects and filters used in real time. They will never replace the real thing, but they are good for having a bit of fun.