AGM Glory G1S overview: Superhero powers in a rugged smartphone

professionals and cons

Execs

Thermographic
Large show
Grippable rugged casing
Lengthy battery life
Succesful rear cameras
Strong efficiency

Cons

Heavy
Android 11 and Jan 2022 safety
Single mono rear speaker

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 overview. I spent a month utilizing the G1S within the water, on the seaside, 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 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 dimension and weight. The Glory G1S is constructed for folks on the lookout for a software to resolve a selected downside. If you happen to’re on the lookout for a cellphone that comes with a thermal imaging sensor and night time imaginative and prescient cameras, and, additionally, simply acts like a daily smartphone, then the Glory G1S is the one to contemplate.

Additionally: The most effective night time imaginative and prescient safety cameras: see in the dead of night

Jack offered all the 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 cellphone, with each of us agreeing that the Glory G1S is a strong Android smartphone for the appropriate buyer.

{Hardware}

The AGM Glory G1S is a giant cellphone, measuring 315 grams. Given the cameras, massive battery, and rugged options, it is smart. If you end up 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 digicam. The show could be very vibrant and simply viewable outdoors, fortunately. There are some wider bezels on the prime and backside, however I’m truly impressed by the slender aspect bezels for such a rugged cellphone. An orange line highlights the body of the show.

Additionally: The 5 greatest telephones you should buy proper now

Laser pointer on AGM Glory G1S. — Useful laser pointer on the highest of the cellphone.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

The amount and energy button are positioned on the appropriate 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 appropriate aspect. The 4 corners have additional TPU materials to guard the cellphone from drops, much like how protecting instances are designed.

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

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

A rubber port cowl may 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 could have a USB-C twine that matches into the port for charging.

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

AGM Glory G1S charging in the dock. — Depart the underside ports coated and cost within the dock.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

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 digicam system features a 48MP Sony IMX582, a 2MP macro, and a 20MP Sony IMX350 infrared night time imaginative and prescient lens.

Within the middle, 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 way 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: Greatest rugged telephones that may take a success

Software program

The AGM Glory G1S launches with Android 11, which is nearly two generations behind the most recent Google-made software program. The Jan. 5, 2022, Android safety replace is current on our overview unit. I have never heard any plans from AGM concerning Android updates however having such an outdated safety replace on the cellphone just isn’t a great signal for long-term assist. The underside line with this cellphone is to purchase it should you like what’s presently on the cellphone, and never what extra it may be. Safety updates are necessary for companies, so hopefully, we see some exercise right here quickly.

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

Regular image and thermal image of a machine on AGM Glory G1S. — With this mode you possibly can examine the precise picture with a thermal picture.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

Aside from all the 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 digicam, LED torch, laser pointer, and even Google Assistant. I presently 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 may change the thermal coloration 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 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 face up to the water and drop into the river is necessary.

Usually, the software program is straightforward to make use of, and really purposeful for novices, too. The thermal imaging software additionally permits for video creation, which I admire the pliability.

Regular image and thermal image of operational switchboard on AGM Glory G1S. — A view of an operational switchboard with the G1S.

Matthew Miller/ZDNET

I attempted watching motion pictures on the Glory G1S, too, and so they appeared nice on the massive 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

If you’re on the lookout for 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 value could be very enticing for such a robust mid-range cellphone. Now if solely the corporate could be a little extra proactive with Android safety and firmware updates.