AGM Glory G1S evaluate: Superhero powers in a rugged smartphone

Earlier this summer season, my ZDNET colleague, Jack Wallen, posted his impressions of the AGM Glory G1S rugged smartphone. I am following that up with this formal evaluate. I spent a month utilizing the G1S within the water, on the seashore, within the wilderness, and in different environments the place this mid-range telephone was destined for.

Telephones just like the AGM Glory G1S are clearly not designed for the usual shopper who’s trying on the iPhone, Samsung Galaxy, or Google Pixel. Nonetheless, with a giant rugged protecting case on these telephones, there is not a lot distinction in measurement and weight. The Glory G1S is constructed for folks in search of a instrument to unravel a selected drawback. In the event you’re in search of a telephone that comes with a thermal imaging sensor and night time imaginative and prescient cameras, and, additionally, simply acts like an everyday smartphone, then the Glory G1S is the one to contemplate.

Additionally: The perfect night time imaginative and prescient safety cameras: see at midnight

Jack supplied the entire specs in his article so test it out for these particulars. It is also attention-grabbing to learn one other opinion in regards to the telephone, with each of us agreeing that the Glory G1S is a strong Android smartphone for the correct buyer.

{Hardware}

The AGM Glory G1S is a giant telephone, measuring 315 grams. Given the cameras, giant battery, and rugged options, it is sensible. When you find yourself figuring out within the area, it’s good to have a giant show for viewing info, and the excessive degree of sturdiness is appreciated with frequent drops.

The 6.53-inch show has a decision of 2340 x 1080 pixels, with a small central notch for the front-facing digicam. The show may be very brilliant and simply viewable exterior, fortunately. There are some wider bezels on the high and backside, however I’m truly impressed by the slender facet bezels for such a rugged telephone. An orange line highlights the body of the show.

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The amount and energy button are positioned on the correct facet, with a sturdy lanyard opening within the backside proper nook. A programmable {hardware} button — in a textured orange end — accents the left facet, whereas the SIM card and microSD card tray are on the correct facet. The 4 corners have further TPU materials to guard the telephone from drops, just like how protecting instances are designed.

Along with a microphone opening, a novel pink laser pointer is located on high of the telephone. This may be toggled on and off by means of a fast management button within the notification shade. From my use, the laser pointer was very useful for declaring objects to others. I simply want it had the aptitude to function a laser vary finder.

Extra: Why you want an Android smartphone with a thermal and IR digicam

A rubber port cowl could be faraway from the underside to disclose a USB-C port and three.5mm headset jack. The USB-C port is inset from the underside so you have to have a USB-C twine that matches into the port for charging.

You too can cost up the AGM Glory G1S by means of its $20 dock accent. With the dock, you may set the telephone down into the slot and it’ll cost by way of the 4 pin connections on the decrease again of the telephone. The charging dock is all powered by USB-C.

The again of the AGM Glory G1S is likely one of the most distinguished options of the telephone, with a radical higher rear half that homes 5 openings: three cameras and a flashlight. The digicam system features a 48MP Sony IMX582, a 2MP macro, and a 20MP Sony IMX350 infrared night time imaginative and prescient lens.

Within the heart, the infrared thermal imaging digicam sits proudly. To check, I attempted out night time imaginative and prescient whereas tenting and the imaging sensor was actually useful for getting by means of trails in darkish situations. There’s additionally a rear fingerprint sensor that common readers will know I really like for its ergonomics, accessibility, and reliability.

Additionally: Finest rugged telephones that may take a success

Software program

The AGM Glory G1S launches with Android 11, which is nearly two generations behind the newest Google-made software program. The Jan. 5, 2022, Android safety replace is current on our evaluate unit. I have never heard any plans from AGM relating to Android updates however having such an previous safety replace on the telephone isn’t a great signal for long-term help. The underside line with this telephone is to purchase it when you like what’s at the moment on the telephone, and never what extra it may be. Safety updates are vital for companies, so hopefully, we see some exercise right here quickly.

The G1S runs a inventory model of Android with no bloatware or further apps put in. The one further apps are targeted on the particular instrument expertise, together with a compass, FM radio, and ‘IRCamera’ for thermal imaging. The laser pointer controller seems as an non-obligatory tile within the notification shade.

Aside from the entire inventory Android settings, there’s a setting for the left facet user-defined key. You possibly can set this key for push-to-talk, audio play, and opening providers just like the digicam, LED torch, laser pointer, and even Google Assistant. I at the moment have it set for the laser pointer.

Extra customization is discovered within the thermal imaging digicam software program. Professional and Basic choices seem on the backside of the thermal imaging software program. You possibly can change the thermal colour palette, create timelapse pictures, toggle measures on and off, combine GPS data, spotlight areas on the picture, and extra. 

Efficiency

I took the Glory G1S on a latest ship verify to measure the temperatures of varied engines, the temperature of water within the piping, and hotspots in electrical panels. I additionally took the telephone fly-fishing since I spend time standing within the river, and a telephone that may stand up to the water and drop into the river is vital.   

Usually, the software program is simple to make use of, and really practical for rookies, too. The thermal imaging utility additionally permits for video creation, which I admire the flexibleness. 

I attempted watching films on the Glory G1S, too, and so they seemed nice on the large show. I am not a fan of the only rear speaker discovered between the cameras, although. It’s pretty loud, however not as loud as those I’ve skilled on different rugged smartphones. Having a loud speaker is a should for fieldwork.

Backside line

If you’re in search of a tool that may seize thermal imaging footage and movies, be used to see and seize objects at night time in infrared imaginative and prescient, and function a rugged Android smartphone, then the Glory G1S is the one to purchase. The Amazon $599 worth may be very enticing for such a robust mid-range telephone. Now if solely the corporate is usually a little extra proactive with Android safety and firmware updates.

Alternate options to contemplate

Need extra rugged telephone options? These are your greatest choices: