AGM Glory G1S assessment: Superhero powers in a rugged smartphone

Earlier this summer time, my ZDNET colleague, Jack Wallen, posted his impressions of the AGM Glory G1S rugged smartphone. I am following that up with this formal assessment. 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 cellphone was destined for.

Telephones just like the AGM Glory G1S are clearly not designed for the usual client who’s wanting 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 dimension and weight. The Glory G1S is constructed for folks in search of a software to unravel a selected downside. When you’re in search of a cellphone that comes with a thermal imaging sensor and evening imaginative and prescient cameras, and, additionally, simply acts like a daily smartphone, then the Glory G1S is the one to contemplate.

Additionally: The best night vision security cameras: see in the dark

Jack supplied the entire specs in his article so test it out for these particulars. It is also fascinating to learn one other opinion concerning the cellphone, with each of us agreeing that the Glory G1S is a strong Android smartphone for the fitting buyer.

{Hardware}

The AGM Glory G1S is a giant cellphone, measuring 315 grams. Given the cameras, massive battery, and rugged options, it is smart. When you’re figuring out within the area, it’s good to have a giant show for viewing info, and the excessive stage 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 digital camera. The show could be very vibrant and simply viewable outdoors, fortunately. There are some wider bezels on the high and backside, however I’m really impressed by the slim aspect bezels for such a rugged cellphone. An orange line highlights the body of the show.

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

Along with a microphone opening, a singular purple laser pointer is located on high of the cellphone. 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 potential to function a laser vary finder.

Extra: Why you need an Android smartphone with a thermal and IR camera

A rubber port cowl will 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’ll want to have a USB-C wire that matches into the port for charging.

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

The again of the AGM Glory G1S is among the most distinguished options of the cellphone, with a radical higher rear half that homes 5 openings: three cameras and a flashlight. The digital camera system features a 48MP Sony IMX582, a 2MP macro, and a 20MP Sony IMX350 infrared evening imaginative and prescient lens.

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

Additionally: Best rugged phones that can take a hit

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 assessment unit. I have never heard any plans from AGM concerning Android updates however having such an previous safety replace on the cellphone isn’t a superb signal for long-term help. The underside line with this cellphone is to purchase it for those who like what’s at present on the cellphone, 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 extra apps are centered on the particular software expertise, together with a compass, FM radio, and ‘IRCamera’ for thermal imaging. The laser pointer controller seems as an elective tile within the notification shade.

Apart from the entire inventory Android settings, there’s a setting for the left aspect user-defined key. You may set this key for push-to-talk, audio play, and opening companies just like the digital camera, LED torch, laser pointer, and even Google Assistant. I at present have it set for the laser pointer.

Extra customization is discovered within the thermal imaging digital camera software program. Professional and Traditional choices seem on the backside of the thermal imaging software program. You may change the thermal shade palette, create timelapse pictures, toggle measures on and off, combine GPS information, spotlight areas on the picture, and extra. 

Efficiency

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

On the whole, the software program is straightforward to make use of, and really purposeful for freshmen, too. The thermal imaging software additionally permits for video creation, which I recognize the flexibleness. 

I attempted watching films on the Glory G1S, too, they usually regarded nice on the large show. I am not a fan of the one 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

In case you are in search of a tool that may seize thermal imaging footage and movies, be used to see and seize objects at evening in infrared imaginative and prescient, and function a rugged Android smartphone, then the Glory G1S is the one to purchase. The Amazon $599 worth could be very enticing for such a strong mid-range cellphone. Now if solely the corporate is usually a little extra proactive with Android security and firmware updates.

Alternate options to contemplate

Need extra rugged cellphone options? These are your finest choices: