We all love how versatile mobile phones have become. The latest versions of Android phones can do more than just make or take calls on them – we can listen to music, watch videos, and even use features like the flashlight.
However, you may be surprised that you can now get additional devices to attach to your Android phones – devices such as endoscopes and thermal imaging cameras.
Imagine your washing machine suddenly stops working. With an endoscope camera attached to your Android phone, you should be able to see immediately what the issue is.
This article will look at some of the best endoscope cameras for Android phones. We will also provide advice for when you want to buy such a piece of equipment.
Best Endoscope Cameras for Android Phones
1. Depstech Wireless Endoscope IP67
Once installed, connect this device to your phone through its Wi-Fi feature and then turn the app on. Once the app is on, you can use it to inspect hard-to-reach places in your home or car.
The endoscopic camera provides you with quality, real-time images as long as a Wi-Fi connection remains intact.
The Depstech Wireless Endoscope IP67 includes an HD inspection camera with a 2.0MP borescope, ensuring you can see images at very close range. Plus you can adjust the inspection camera’s resolution when using the video or imaging formats.
This product is waterproof and comes fitted with six adjustable LED lights. So you will find that this provides more than enough illumination in even the darkest areas you may need to inspect.
Pros
- The built-in semi-rigid cable can extend to various areas of your home
- The addition of a 2.0MP borescope produces clear HD video and JPG format images even in a tight space
- With six adjustable LED lights, it will help to increase visibility for you in both low light and dark areas
Cons
- It doesn’t maintain its charge for very long
2. USB Endoscope For OTG Android Phone
Unlike other devices, this one comes with a semi-rigid cable rather than a soft one, so moving it forward is easy, even in very narrow spaces.
Like the other endoscope inspection cameras for Android devices in this article, this one is easy to use. All you need to do is download the app and install it on your phone. Once installed, open the app, and it will immediately connect with the camera via the USB type C connector.
As with other endoscope cameras, this one is fitted with six adjustable LED lights.
It is also waterproof and can be used in water of up to a depth of three meters. However, it is recommended that you don’t allow it to stay underwater for too long.
Pros
- It features a 720P HD camera
- It comes with a semi-rigid cable
- It has three kinds of port interfaces, including a USB connection
- Fitted with six adjustable LED lights
- It can be used in water up to a depth of three meters
Cons
- The camera only comes with two different resolutions to select from
- It cannot be used wirelessly, and it needs to be connected to your phone using the provided cable
3. Nidage Wireless Endoscope
Unlike the previous version, this one comes with a 5.5mm borescope rather than an 8.5mm one, which means it can be used in tight areas.
This particular endoscope camera is fitted with a 2.0MP 1080 P HD camera. Through it, you can record high-quality HD videos using its AVI format and take fabulous images using the MJPEG format.
You can also adjust the resolution to suit your needs from 1920×1080 to either 1280×720 or 640×480.
Like other endoscope cameras for android phones, this one is also fitted with six adjustable LED lights so you can use it in areas where light is limited. Plus, you can adjust the brightness to make viewing dark spaces easier, no matter the situation.
Pros
- It can be used in conjunction with Android devices, iPhones, iPads that are IOS6 or above, and Samsung phones and tablets.
- It can support two mobile devices at the same time
- It has a battery life of around three to fours hours before it needs recharging
- It is fitted with six adjustable LED lights
- It comes with a 2.0MP CMOS camera
Cons
- It only has a focal range of between three and 10 cm
- It can only transmit to your device within 15 meters
4. Fantronics USB C Endoscope
You can also use it on various tablets, laptops, and computers including the Macbook. However, it is not compatible with an iPhone.
To use this endoscope with your Android phone, it needs to have USB UVC and OTG functions. Make sure to check that your phone has these before you purchase this particular endoscope camera from Fantronics.
It also comes with a 5M semi-rigid cable (16.4 feet), that you can rotate through 360 degrees to obtain the best image possible of the water pipes, vent pipes, or bathtub pipes you want to inspect.
As for the camera itself, it is a super-high vision 2MP CMOS model that can capture both video and a high-quality image.
One of the main features you will probably like about this model is that it is fitted with eight LED lights that can easily be adjusted, instead of the usual six. This means you will get much clearer images even in very dark areas where little or no light is available.
Pros
- It is fitted with eight adjustable LED lights
- The cable can be rotated 360 degrees providing a better focal range
- The high-quality camera is waterproof and can record videos and take images
Cons
- An Android phone needs to have OTG and USB UVC functions
- The camera only comes with two resolution settings to select from
5. Depstech 5.0 MP Endoscope
Although this camera is still fitted with only six adjustable LED lights, they now use Bluart technology and can illuminate even very dark areas and reduce the amount of exposure.
This endoscope’s 8.5mm WiFi borescope has also enhanced the focal distance. Now it can cover a length of 16 inches rather than 3 inches.
The Depstech 5.0 MP wireless endoscope has been fitted with a 2200mAh battery, meaning it will last longer before it needs charging.
The WiFi signal between it and any Android device that uses 5.0+ is perfect and will ensure that you get quality images at all times.
This Depstech endoscope is waterproof and comes with a 16.5FT semi-rigid cable that can bend easily and hold its shape, allowing you to access very difficult-to-reach areas.
Pros
- It has a great battery life before recharging is required
- The app is simple to use and allows you to easily connect your smartphone via WiFi
- The HD Camera can capture good quality images and videos that you can use on the display screen of your Android device
- This inspection camera has an IP67 waterproof rating
- It comes with some additional helpful accessories such as a side mirror, magnet, and hook
Cons
- It does not support iPhones
- The Android phone needs to have OTG and USB UVC functions
What to Consider When Buying the Best Endoscope Camera for an Android Phone
Although these types of cameras have various features and capabilities, they may seem relatively straightforward. There are specific points that you should consider before choosing one.
Below we look at some of the most important things you need to keep in mind when looking for the best inspection camera for your needs.
Type Of Cable
Endoscope cameras will come with one of three types of cable – rigid, semi-rigid, or flexible. Each of them works differently, but knowing a little more about them will help you decide which is best for your needs.
Rigid
Endoscopes that use a rigid cable are ideal for straight or vertical inspections. Since they cannot bend, you will find it challenging to use them to inspect the drainage pipes in your sink or toilet. Plus, due to their rigidity, storing them away can prove problematic.
Semi-Rigid
This type of cable has a little more flexibility but can still maintain its shape. You can use this type of cable in areas where you need to go round corners. It still has enough rigidity in it that it can be used for inspections of items above your head.
Flexible
This cable can easily get around bends and corners and can be used to reach areas you aren’t able to go. However, you may find that to move it through a pipe; you need to use a pole to help move it along.
Camera and Image Quality
This is a huge factor to consider. You must ensure that the one you choose offers quality images, especially if the area being inspected is small.
Ideally, select a camera with multiple megapixels and several different resolutions. Also, consider ones that offer at least four different resolutions for you to choose from.
Power Source
As most endoscope cameras for Android phones are battery-powered, you need to think about how long you will use them and how often they will be used.
Most tend to come with either built-in rechargeable batteries or removal rechargeable batteries. Some even come with conventional replaceable batteries.
If you intend to use yours frequently, opt for the models with built-in rechargeable batteries. With these models, you simply plug the endoscope camera directly into its charger and leave it.
FAQs
What’s the difference between flexible and rigid endoscopes?
A flexible endoscope is made in a way that makes it easy for you to move it around, so it is suitable for you to inspect curved pipes. A rigid endoscope is best suited for when you need to use it in straight areas.
What is the OTG function?
OTG relates to the adapter that you use to charge your Android device. Usually, you will use either a USB flash drive, USB-A cable, or a USB-C cable that then connects to the device charging port.
You need the USB cable or flash drive as it helps to transfer data from the endoscope through to the device you have connected it to.
Conclusion
We hope that the endoscope camera reviews we have provided above prove helpful in deciding the best one for your needs.
However, if you are still unsure what is suitable for you, that’s also okay.
But may we make a couple of suggestions that may assist you further? If you are looking for one that provides quality images, consider either of the Depstech models discussed above. However, if you are on a somewhat limited budget, then you won’t go wrong with the Fantronics USB-C endoscope.
Whichever endoscope camera you decide on, please let us know by leaving a comment below.
