In this blog post, we will compare the top two models of Pulsar’s Axion on the market:
Both are laser range finding models.
What are the main differences between Axion XG35 LRF and Axion XQ35 LRF?
On the outside, the only difference between them is that the XQ model has a blue label and the XG model has a red label. There are however several distinctions between them in terms of:
- sensor,
- NETD,
- optical performance,
- detection range,
- battery life, and
- cost.
Watch Pulsar Axion 2 XQ35 LRF vs XG35 LRF Video below
Sensor
Let’s begin with the sensor since this is the most essential information. The XQ model features a 384 x 288 pixel sensor and a 17-micron pixel pitch. This is what the letter “Q” stands for in the XQ models. All the devices with “Q” have the same sensor, which has been with us for quite a long time.
The XQ35 device has an NETD below 40 mK but the older XQ devices have an NETD value of below 60 mK.
The XG35 LRF model has a sensor with a resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and 12-micron pixel pitch. The NETD value is similar to that of the XQ model, below 40 mK.
Optical Performance
In terms of optical performance, the XG device offers a wider field of view and higher magnification than the XQ model. Axion XG35 has a base magnification of 2.5 times, while the XQ35 model has a base magnification of 2 times.
XQ has a four-time digital zoom while XG has a five-time digital zoom. XG goes all the way up to 20 times magnification, while the XQ model goes up to eight times magnification with digital zoom.
The overall design, fit and finish, and level of quality are all comparable between these two devices. The lens is also the same on both devices; both have a 35-millimeter fast aperture, high-quality germanium lens.
What about the detection range?
The XQ35 LRF has a detection range of around 1.300 meters while the larger XG35 LRF model’s detection range is slightly greater at approximately 1,700 meters.
Even though they have different form factors, the XG model is almost as good as Helion XP when it comes to detection range.
Battery
The battery on the XQ35 model lasts longer, up to 11 hours. The greater battery drain of the sensor and other functions reduces the XG’s battery life to seven hours.
Take a look at our real battery life series of videos in which you can learn what the actual battery lives on these gadgets are, not just what the manufacturers claim.
Battery life of Axion 2 XQ35 LRF
Battery life of Axion 2 XG35 LRF
Display and video output
The displays are different. The more affordable XQ35 LRF has a display resolution of 640 x 480 pixels, while the XG35 LRF models have a display resolution of 1024×760 pixels.
Another distinction is the video output. Even though both devices are compatible with Stream Vision 2 and have an improved Wi-fi connection, the video output differs. With the XQ35 device, you get a display resolution of 640 x 480 pixels and a video output of 528 x 400 pixels. With the XG you have the same video output as the sensor resolution – 1024 x 768 pixels.
When you watch the videos taken with the XG35 device on a smartphone or tablet, they appear to be of the same quality as when viewed on the device itself.
I believe we will see an increase in videos posted on YouTube using XG devices. The reason being is that with all other Pulsar models, the video quality on YouTube doesn’t do the device justice. With XG however, this won’t be an issue because the quality of the video is almost the same as when you’re using the device.
What about the price?
The XQ35 LRF costs approximately 2000 euros while the XG35 LRF model is priced at around 2800 euros, making the difference between devices 800 euros. In my opinion, both are affordably priced.
When I look at Pulsar’s competition, I see that they’re all struggling to offer the same amount of features and quality in the same price range.
Final Thoughts
I think that we’ve gone through all the main characteristics and the main differences. To sum up, Axion XQ35 LRF and Axion XG35 LRF are almost alike except for their sensors, battery life, video output, and display resolution.
Please let us know if you have any questions by leaving a comment or sending us an email.
If you found this blog post helpful, you may also read individual reviews of both devices
Below, you’ll find the Start-Up time for Axion XQ35 LRF and Axion XG35 LRF
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