Mini-projectors: Choosing Pocket-sized Small Video Projectors For Home, Review Of Compact Mobile Models, Reviews

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 05:33

For most users, projectors are large appliances that need a lot of free space. However, modern devices are not always bulky. Today, portable mini-projectors, presented in a wide range, are very popular . In this article, we will understand the features of such devices.

Pros and cons

Small portable projectors are often found in shop windows these days. Such interesting equipment is produced by many well-known brands, so consumers have plenty to choose from "their" model. The mini cinema projector has become a popular device because it has many of the virtues that appeal to consumers.

1. Small devices are lightweight, not bulky and massive. Due to their low weight, mini-projectors can be carried anywhere or taken on trips, which is very convenient for those users who are used to living in constant travel.
2. Do not think that a small projector is unable to reproduce a beautiful, high-quality and juicy picture. A properly selected branded device can delight users with an excellent image. This technique can replace a conventional TV.
3. Modern mini-projectors quickly and easily sync with other devices (for example, laptop, personal computer, tablet or phone). In the case of high-quality devices, there is no resynchronization between devices.
4. If you have a mini-projector, you can play video files with it on any level surface. If you wish, you can watch your favorite movie or cartoon right on the ceiling.
5. Small modern projectors are very easy to operate. Even a small child can cope with such a technique. If the user has any questions, the instruction manual will always come to the rescue, where you can find all the answers.
6. Today's manufacturers produce high quality mini projector models with impeccable build quality. Branded products are free from defects and designed to last.
7. The attractive design of the mini projectors should be noted. Most brands pay great attention to the external design of their products, so consumers who want to purchase a functional and beautiful thing have plenty to choose from the best option.
8. The mini projector is a multifunctional device that has many options and configurations. Different devices have different features that make them multitasking and easier to use.
9. The mini projector does not require a lot of free space. You can carry it with you in your bag or put it at home in any convenient place. The same cannot be said about standard models, which have more serious dimensions.
10. Buyers are pleased with the rich assortment of small devices.

Even the most demanding consumer can choose a decent model for himself at an affordable cost.

A mini format video projector has many advantages, but it is also not without its disadvantages

1. Many inexpensive products are not distinguished by the best quality of the reproduced image. Most often, users complain about the characteristic graininess of the picture.
2. Most mini projectors have built-in speakers. On the one hand, this is very good and convenient, but on the other hand, their power is not enough for high-quality and rich sound reproduction.
3. Often, users have to position the mini projector too far from the wall in the room to achieve a better and clearer picture. This is not very convenient.

Mini projectors have fewer minuses than pluses. Only after weighing all the pros and cons, it is worth going to buy such an interesting device.

Description of species

Mini projectors are divided into several types. Each of them has its own characteristics and performance characteristics. Let's get acquainted with them.

Pocket

Pocket types of mini-projectors are very popular among modern consumers. These are trendy devices that are produced by many well-known manufacturers. The pocket version of the projector is attractive due to a number of positive qualities.

1. Has a small size. If a person often has to travel somewhere, this device will come in handy.
2. In a wide range of such gadgets, there are instances that can support SVGA, WSVGA, SGA formats.
3. The current varieties of mini-projectors, produced in recent years, have in their design not only VGA connectors, but also HDMI, which is very popular today and is used in most devices.
4. Pocket devices contain LED lamps, which are designed for a long service life (5-10 years longer than conventional incandescent lamps).

The reduction in size affects the functional content of devices.

The disadvantages of such products include the same LED lamps ., which are at the same time their plus. These cells can only deliver 100-300 lumens. To reproduce high-quality material in a well-lit room, these parameters will not be enough. So, if you need to conduct a presentation using a pocket projector, you will need to close the curtains on all windows. For seminars, a compact device is unlikely to work, because listeners most often take notes on lectures.

The largest allowable screen size in such models is also limited .… It cannot exceed 100 inches diagonally. This is a rather modest figure, but for a small audience (up to 15 people) this will be enough. If we compare this technique with a standard laptop, then a pocket projector will clearly win both in terms of its size and screen size.

Mobile

Mobile types of mini-projectors are no less popular today. These products have kept the classic design as much as possible. Wherein their dimensions are usually no more than A4 format … The weight of mobile devices varies and often ranges from 5 to 6 kg. Not all users undertake to call these devices mobile. The term is more suitable for them - portable.

Mobile projectors are designed with conventional lamps, the resource of which is limited to 2-6 thousand hours, so they demonstrate a brighter image up to 3,500 lumens . In the case of the devices under consideration, the minimum picture resolution will be 1024x768 p.

Mobile devices are most often connected to laptops and use either an HDMI or VGA cable for this . Wi-Fi or Bluetooth modules are also useful if you want to use wireless synchronization of devices.

Mobile mini projectors also suitable for smartphones . They are often synchronized with modern gadgets, which is a very convenient and simple solution in the right situations.

Many users specifically buy the devices in question for subsequent connections to the phone.

Pico

There are also special pico projectors on sale. In most cases, these are ordinary toys, the size of which is the most modest in comparison with other projector options . The average weight of a pico model is 250 g. It is quite difficult to take such a technique seriously, especially if you want to use it for doing business. However, there are devices on sale that are capable of certain "feats" in their work.

Such high-quality devices include the model Pico PK301 … This device is characterized by a power of 50 lumens. If the device is connected with a wire or connected to a battery, it gives out 27 lumens.

Another effective copy is produced by the South Korean brand Samsung. The manufacturer offers consumers a device SP-H03 , having an indicator of 30 lumens. The technician can read all office documents.

Top Models

Today, it is not difficult to choose a high-quality and functional small-sized cinema projector, since such devices are presented in a rich assortment. If you decide to purchase this type of equipment, it is worth taking a closer look to the models from the list of the best.

Everycom S6

An interesting and popular model of a small projector, about the size of an average smartphone. The product is based on high-quality DLP-matrix … The device has a good built-in player that can read data from flash cards, the capacity of which does not exceed 32 GB.

The device contains built-in Wi-Fi module . It is possible to connect modern Bluetooth headphones. Everycom S6 runs on Android operating system , to which the user can download the necessary applications from the market. The pocket device is suitable for watching movies, making presentations, as well as participating in various games.

Asus ZenBeam E1

Another compact model that suits a wide variety of tasks. The manufacturer managed to place 4 ports in the equipment case for connection to a console, personal computer, tablet or smartphone … The device is attractively high quality material from which its body is made.

The Asus ZenBeam E1 is a metal model that is durable and durable.

A small projector has a large lens. The image size cannot exceed 3 m. The lamp life in the product is impressive. The Asus ZenBeam E1 battery can be used as a Power Bank.

True, the technique lacks brightness . Many users point out that the picture resolution could have been higher . There is no remote control included. Wireless communication is also not provided.

Acer C101i

Small projector from this world famous brand Equipped with a quality lamp with a brightness of 150 lumens . This element is enough for 20-30 thousand hours of work. The model is equipped with all the necessary current connectors. Acer C101i can sync with other devices via Wi-Fi wireless network. It can work offline.

Many users are not satisfied with the lamp brightness of this unit. The resolution of the transmitted image is also not the highest.

JMGO M6 Portable

A projector with dimensions slightly larger than pocket models. Works on the Android operating system . It has an interesting design made in the form of an imitation of a wallet. Sold complete with a remote control. In the upper part of the equipment there is an additional docking station for a smartphone. Here you can charge your gadget, if necessary.

As a content source you can use a flash card, smartphone or the Internet . There is a high-quality DLP matrix . A lamp with a high service life is installed in the device. There is a pre-installed Wi-Fi module.

As with most things, this cute gadget doesn't have the brightest lamp. On sale in Russian stores, the device is quite rare.

Rif6 Cube pico

An adorable tiny video projector . Made in the form of a cube. The width of each side is only 5 cm. If you put the device in your pocket, it will remain almost invisible. Rif6 Cube pico can be operated from a memory card, playing presentations or movies from it . Of all the possible ports here there is USB, as well as HDMI , so that the equipment can be synchronized with a personal computer.

The product is equipped with speakers, which, unfortunately, do not produce the best sound quality. The device comes complete with a very comfortable stand.

The brightness of the lamp is poor. The duration of the work of equipment in offline mode can be as little as 1.5 hours.

The image resolution is too low.

Criterias of choice

Small projectors, like any other technique, should be selected very carefully, paying attention to several main criteria

1. Before going to the store, the buyer must decide for himself for what purposes he will use the small device. A home gadget can be simple and inexpensive. If a device is being selected for holding presentations or seminars, then it makes sense to spend money on a more functional and high-quality model than in the case of home appliances.
2. Check out all the technical specifications of the device. Pay attention to the type and resource of the lamp, the resolution of the reproduced image and other basic parameters. Understand the equipment of the equipment (this includes speakers, necessary connectors and other useful components). Make sure the small projector is really useful and has all the components you need.
3. Make sure you are comfortable using the device you choose. Hold the projector in your hands and examine it carefully. Check the selected model for damage. The device should in no case have such shortcomings on itself: scratches, chips, scuffs, poorly fixed spare parts, frizzy cables, clogged connectors clogged with debris, a "stained" lens. If you find such problems in a mini-projector, it is better not to risk it and refuse to buy.
4. Pay attention to the design of the product you choose. This criterion should not be neglected. It will be much more pleasant for each person to use the beautiful device that he liked the most.
5. Test the equipment and check for proper operation. If the check cannot be done in the store, do it at home. Usually, a home check is given about 2 weeks. Try to meet this time and check all the functions of the purchased device.
6. Give preference to exclusively branded products of high quality. Today, many well-known manufacturers produce high-quality and durable models of mini-projectors, many of which have an affordable price that is attractive to every customer.

For the purchase of high-quality equipment of original branded origin, it is recommended to go to a trusted store.

It can be a point of sale selling household, audio or video equipment. In such places, it will be possible to purchase a device accompanied by warranty card.

It is not recommended to buy a mini projector in the market or in a tiny second-rate store . It is unlikely that at such a point of sale you will find a high-quality and original product that will serve you for a long time. And the warranty card is usually not issued in such places.

Review overview

Today's mini projector models are very popular. Many consumers buy them and leave both positive and negative reviews about them.

Let's take a closer look at what the buyers found good for themselves in the considered compact devices:

• small size, which most users found very convenient;
• pleased buyers and low power consumption of devices;
• democratic price attracted many users;
• the sound quality of some devices pleasantly surprised their owners, as well as the image quality (people leave such reviews about the AUN-C80 mini-projector);
• quiet, almost silent operation is another parameter noted by the owners of mini-projectors;
• excellent build quality is noticed by buyers for modern branded devices.

Most of the buyers were satisfied with the mini-projectors they bought. But not without unpleasant impressions. Consider a list of claims that consumers have about such devices:

• most often, people are dissatisfied with weak LED lamps present in mini-projectors;
• some models show the picture clearly only in well-darkened rooms, which many users attributed to their shortcomings;
• too prominent pixels - a flaw that buyers noticed on the YG300 mini projector;
• many buyers, "buying" at a surprisingly low price, ended up regretting their purchases, because too cheap devices never show a high-quality picture;
• in many devices the power supply heats up quickly;
• in some units, the IR sensor is located in an inconvenient place, which is also not pleasant to users.

In order not to be disappointed in the perfect purchase, you need to take into account all the features and disadvantages of small projectors, choosing only high-quality, branded models.