AGM Glory G1S assessment: 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 assessment. 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. Nevertheless, with an enormous rugged protecting case on these telephones, there is not a lot distinction in measurement and weight. The Glory G1S is constructed for individuals searching for a device to resolve a particular downside. In the event you’re searching 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 think about.

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

Jack offered 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 precise buyer.

{Hardware}

The AGM Glory G1S is an enormous cellphone, measuring 315 grams. Given the cameras, massive battery, and rugged options, it is sensible. When you’re understanding within the area, it’s good to have an enormous show for viewing data, 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 may be very brilliant and simply viewable outdoors, fortunately. There are some wider bezels on the prime and backside, however I’m really impressed by the slender facet 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

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

Along with a microphone opening, a singular pink laser pointer is located on prime of the cellphone. This may be toggled on and off by a fast management button within the notification shade. From my use, the laser pointer was very helpful for mentioning 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 want to have a USB-C wire that matches into the port for charging.

You too can cost up the AGM Glory G1S by 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 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 definitely useful for getting by 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 successful

Software program

The AGM Glory G1S launches with Android 11, which is sort of two generations behind the most recent 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 relating to Android updates however having such an previous safety replace on the cellphone shouldn’t be a very good signal for long-term help. The underside line with this cellphone is to purchase it in case you like what’s at the moment 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 centered on the particular device 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 facet user-defined key. You’ll be able to 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’ll be able to change the thermal colour palette, create timelapse photographs, toggle measures on and off, combine GPS information, 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 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 necessary.   

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

I attempted watching motion pictures on the Glory G1S, too, and so they regarded 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 searching 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 may be very enticing for such a strong mid-range cellphone. Now if solely the corporate could be a little extra proactive with Android safety and firmware updates.

Options to think about

Need extra rugged cellphone solutions? These are your greatest choices: