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adept-grumblefish28 t1_j2cmitq wrote

Reply to comment by dkf295 in ELI5: Why can't cell phones come standard with a thermometer? by [deleted]

Not sure on the external probe bit. I have a garmin watch that does ambient air temperature without an external probe.

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Skusci t1_j2cojr9 wrote

Your Garmin probably tends to run a decent bit cooler than a cell phone. Or like at least a modern smartphone running a game. I've had my phone gets pretty dang hot before.

Though I'm also pretty sure if a phone MFG wanted to they could figure out how to make an ambient sensor work with reasonable accuracy. Probably just not worth it though

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dkf295 t1_j2dxbaw wrote

According to Garmin -

“The Temperature widget will display the ambient air temperature near the barometric altimeter port. This reading can be affected by body heat. To get the most accurate temperature reading, remove the watch from your wrist, place it on a temperature neutral surface, and wait 10 minutes or more.”

As another user stated, a smartwatch also runs a lot cooler even than an otherwise idle smartphone. It also spends time on your arm as opposed to in your pocket which helps it cool.

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