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Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: a big photo frame that’s not quite bright or brilliant enough
2:34 pm | December 17, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Smart Home | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch is an affordable digital photo frame that uses the third-party Frameo app to enable you to easily share your snaps via the frame. Right out of the gate, the first thing you’re likely to notice is that price; while its $149.99 / £169.99 retail price isn’t anything to write home about, during sales season we've been seeing prices around $89.99 / £89.99 – that’s a seriously low price for such a sizeable digital photo frame.

Connecting with the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame is nice and easy. Once you’ve powered it up and connected it to your Wi-Fi, you can scan an on-screen QR code to download the Frameo app. Now, simply press the "Add a Friend" button on the Arzopa’s screen, punch in the code that appears into the Frameo app, and you’re ready to start sharing pics. Even better, you can repeat this step to set up friends and family so they too can share their snaps with your frame.

Not everyone wants to share their photos with the cloud, particularly if they’re security conscious or have young children. If this is you, then the Arzopa’s offline storage will be music to your ears. The frame includes 32GB of internal storage and, should you fill this up, you can easily expand its storage capacity up to 128GB via its SD card port. This does fall short of what some of the best digital photo frames offer, but it still isn't bad, all things considered.

All digital photo frames built on the Frameo app work in the same way and, generally speaking, I’d say this is a positive. The app is easy to use: you can browse your device’s whole image library or just specific albums, adding individual photos or uploading up to 10 at a time. Unfortunately, if you want to upload more than this in one go, you’ll need to upgrade to Frameo+. The cost of this isn't exorbitant at $1.99 / £0.99 a month or $16.99 / £7.99 a year, but you'll need to bear this in mind when calculating if this frame is the right price for you.

As I mentioned in my Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review, I’m not entirely keen on the way the Frameo app handles cropping images for digital photo frame’s auto-rotate feature. When uploading each image, you’ll set a circular focal area that the frame will ensure remains in frame in either orientation. However, this can still leave some images oddly centered or cropping out details you hadn’t anticipated. I’d rather just have the option to manually set the crop for each image.

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch showing a macro image of a bumblebee in front of a muted purple rhododendron.

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Once your shots are on the Arzopa, its 15.6-inch display definitely delivers your snaps with impact; the frame feels generously sized compared to many of the other affordable frames out there. Since its 1920 x 1080 resolution is shared over that larger screen estate, pixel density does fall somewhat next to rivals such as the Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame at 212ppi. However, images still look pretty crisp; rendering my macro shot of a bumblebee, the Arzopa frame shows off every grain of pollen and every hair of her fuzzy coat in decent detail.

Image 1 of 3

The Arzopa 15.6-inch WiFi Digital Picture Frame showing a macro image of a bumblebee in front of a muted purple rhododendron.

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)
Image 2 of 3

A macro image of a bumble bee collecting nectar in a bright pink rhododendron.

(Image credit: Josh Russell)
Image 3 of 3

Bright red maple leaves with hues of scarlet, burgundy and amber.

(Image credit: Josh Russell)

Unfortunately, where things start to come undone is with color. On my iPhone 16 Pro’s screen, a photo I took of a fireworks display reveals a shower of magenta and violet stars in a glowing pink nebula. But when I uploaded it to the Arzopa, the red and pink hues looked washed out, completely robbing the image of any punch. Similarly, floral shots completely underwhelmed, the lack of vibrancy going far beyond slight variations in color profile to looking actively anemic and poorly shot.

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch does fare better when it comes to black-and-white photography at least. Thanks to its deep blacks and bright highlights, its display is sufficiently contrasty to deliver monochrome landscape and architectural shots with impressive details. The Arzopa frame definitely shows off HDR photography to a high standard.

However, even this bold contrast was slightly undermined by its screen. Perhaps even more than its muted hues, the lack of a matte finish really damages the Arzopa’s performance in bright light. Without any treatment to diffuse incoming light, my photos were always obscured by hard-edged, geometric reflections of the panel lighting in the TechRadar offices; it was almost impossible to ignore since it made it difficult to make out details in the images. Worse, this reflectiveness means the frame is almost certainly unusable in direct sunlight, further restriction its position in your home.

This tendency toward glossiness extends to other elements of the frame’s design. The Arzopa’s frame feels a little cheap and plasticky, but thanks to its black color, this doesn’t feel so in your face. However, the frame’s bezels are much harder to ignore – despite the fact their beveled edges are designed to make them look more like mounting, the white plastic is so cheap-looking and reflective that it does detract from the overall quality of the frame.

Plus, there are other unusual design choices: the frame’s stand is literally just a plastic stick that screws into one corner of the frame. While it seems to do an okay job of supporting the frame in either horizontal or vertical orientation, I’m not convinced it’s sturdy enough to withstand becoming damaged over time.

Buy it on sale, however, and the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch is available for an astoundingly good price – and it’s almost certainly better quality than some of the bargain-basement frames you’ll find on Amazon. In terms of crispness of picture, contrast and ease of use, it’s great value for money. However, its muted hues, overly reflective screen and the cheapness of its finish do make my recommendation here equivocal – if you can only find it at a higher price, some of the similarly priced best digital photo frames might make a better choice.

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch showing the screen reflecting its immediate surroundings.

(Image credit: Future)

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: price & release date

  • MSRP of $149.99 / £169.99 but currently reduced to $89.99 / £89.99
  • Available now in both the US and UK
  • Frameo app free or $1.99 / £0.99 a month for Frameo+

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch is available now in both the US and UK.

Its price varies to quite a degree, which has a huge impact on the value you’re getting. At its full price of $149.99 at Amazon US or £169.99, at Amazon UK, it effectively costs as much as the $159.99 / £149.99 Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame, which I'd argue is a much higher-quality frame, thanks to its anti-glare screen and delivery of bold colors. However, some of the sale prices we’ve seen bring the Arzopa frame down to around $89.99 / £89.99, which makes it a far more appealing option, especially if you can’t stretch to the more expensive Pexar.

One other important consideration here in terms of price is the Frameo app. While the base tier is free, to upload more than 10 photographs at a time or videos longer than 15 seconds, you’ll need to upgrade to Frameo+, which costs $1.99 / £0.99 a month or $16.99 / £7.99 a year. That will allow you to upload 100 images at a time, send two-minute video clips, and manage the content on your Arzopa remotely via the app.

The bottom of Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch showing its ports.

(Image credit: Future)

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: specs

The Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch showing a monochrome image of the Roman Bridge of Córdoba.

(Image credit: Future / Josh Russell)

Should I buy the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch?

Buy it if…

You want a big, crisp screen
At 15.6-inches, the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi delivers a lot of screen estate on which to display your snaps. And while pixel density is lower than the 212ppi of the Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame, photos still look crisp and clear.

You can get it on sale
Whether the Arzopa frame delivers good value very much depends on the price you pay for it. Pick it up for the sale price of around $89.99 / £89.99 and you’re getting a very good deal, but you don’t have to spend much more than its MSRP of $149.99 / £169.99 to get a superior product.

Don’t buy it if…

You want your colorful snaps to pop
Vibrant hues aren't the Arzopa frame’s forte – colorful subjects such as flowers and fauna can look muted at best, and downright drab at their worst. Fans of black-and-white photography needn’t worry – but if you want your walls to be a riot of color, other frames might prove a wiser investment.

You want to use it in bright rooms
The Arzopa’s glossy screen means it's entirely unforgiving when it comes to reflections – whether using it during the day or at night, I found natural and artificial sources of light completely overwhelmed the brightness of the screen. Fundamentally, if it's to sit opposite windows or under harsh lighting, you’d be better off looking for a frame with a matte screen.

Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch review: also consider

Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame
The Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame scarcely costs any more than the Arzopa at full price, at $159.99 / £149.99; however, performance is superior. It offers a 2000 x 1200 resolution across its smaller 11-inch screen, delivering higher pixel density, while colors are far more vibrant. Plus, its matte, anti-glare screen keeps reflected light to a minimum. Read our full Pexar 11-inch Digital Picture Frame review.

Aeezo Portrait 01
If you’re unable to stretch to the Arzopa – or can’t find it at a reduced price – the Aeezo Portrait 01 is a bargain alternative that also includes internal storage and costs just $69.99 / £55.99. You’ll get bolder albeit sometimes slightly unnatural, colors; but the sacrifice is resolution at only 1280 x 800, rather than the Arzopa’s 1080p. Read our full Aeezo Portrait 01 review.

How I tested the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch

I tested the Arzopa Digital Picture Frame WiFi 15.6-inch over several weeks. I uploaded a range of photos to it using the Frameo app and connected multiple other people to enable them to share images with the frame, too.

To test the performance of the frame, I uploaded a wide array of portrait and landscape images and included everything from brightly colored shots of flowers and animals to monochrome architectural shots. Additionally, I positioned the frame in multiple places around my home and the TechRadar office and changed its orientation between portrait and landscape.

I have many years of experience taking photos, both on my Canon DSLR and my iPhone 16 Pro and, over the past 15 years, I’ve taken over 40,000 photos. I’ve also spent many years working in print publishing, doing post-production on photos and preparing images for print. This means I have a lot of experience in making images look as close to their source as possible.

Formovie Cinema Edge review: a compact 4K projector that gives you big pictures on a budget
8:17 pm | December 4, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Theater Projectors Televisions | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

Formovie Cinema Edge: one-minute review

The Formovie Cinema Edge is a follow-up on the well-regarded Formovie Theater, a projector that gained fame upon release for its Dolby Vision high dynamic range support – a rare feature among the best 4K projectors. Rather than being a shiny, new upgrade, the Cinema Edge is a pared-down model with a lower price. While it launched at around $2,199 (about £1,420 / AU$2,775), it has since settled at $1,799, making it a true budget ultra short throw (UST) projector offering.

The Formovie Cinema Edge's ALPD ((Advanced Laser Phosphor Display) laser light engine delivers a reasonably bright and sharp 4K image that looks great in the dark, and decent in well-lit environments. It has Google TV for streaming and a pair of 15-watt speakers, giving you a complete package, though both elements could perform better.

While it’s relatively cheap compared to other examples of the best ultra short throw projectors, the Formovie Cinema Edge has serious competition. I recently reviewed the Hisense PX3-Pro ($3,500), and the difference in image quality between the two is stark, with the dazzling brightness, color, and contrast of the PX3-Pro’s picture beating the Formovie Cinema Edge hands-down. The PX3-Pro is considerably more expensive, but even the older but still available Hisense PX2-Pro (around $2,000) has a better-looking picture.

Formovie Cinema Edge review: price and release date

  • Release date: September 2024
  • MSRP: $2,499

The Formovie Cinema Edge’s pricing is a bit all over the place. It launched at a $2,199 (about £1,650 / AU$3,250) pre-order price, though Formovie lists the retail price at $2499. Meanwhile, both Amazon and ProjectorScreen.com in the US now have the price listed at $1,799 – a steep decrease.

Formovie Cinema Edge on table shown from above

The Cinema Edge's laser light engine viewed from top (Image credit: Future)

Formovie Cinema Edge review: Specs

Formovie Cinema Edge rear panel ports

Connections include 3 HDMI 2.1 ports (1 with eARC) (Image credit: Future)

Formovie Cinema Edge review: design and features

  • All-in-one design for a simple theater setup
  • Front adjustable feet limit angle corrections
  • Google TV cumbersome to navigate

The Formovie Cinema Edge is a compact UST projector standing just over 3.5 inches tall. Width is 17.95 inches and it’s a little over a foot deep. With a 0.22:1 throw ratio, it can sit extra close to the wall, with only a 33 cm distance needed to project a 120-inch picture.

The Formovie Cinema Edge sits on three feet with only the front two offering height adjustments. This means unless you’ve got a stand and wall that sit perfectly perpendicular (or at just over a 90-degree angle) to each other, you’ll need an adjustable console underneath the projector. The projector does support digital keystone adjustments, but these should be used only after making physical adjustments, as digital keystone processing increases latency and reduces picture resolution.

The Cinema Edge packs in the Google TV smart TV interface and 30-watt speakers, letting you quickly get up and running with all your cinema needs. That said, all-in-one packages can struggle to do everything well.

The processor running Google TV on the Formovie Cinema Edge is fairly weak. It stumbles when opening settings while content is playing, and that can be trouble if you’re trying to tweak picture settings while evaluating the impact of your adjustments on the picture. Navigating the operating system can prove a little tedious as well. Sluggishness is a common ailment for projectors running Android or Google TV, and the Cinema Edge falls prey to it.

It’s small fries, but if you’re hoping to take the Formovie Cinema Edge out of the box, set it down, and experience its magic right away, you’ll need to temper your expectations. The configuration, regardless of whether you’re going for the full Google TV streaming experience or just basic HDMI input setup, takes a long time.

Around the back, you’ll find enough HDMI 2.1 ports for a solid home theater setup, including support for eARC on one of them. Optical digital audio output is also available. A pair of USB ports are located on the back, providing power for a streaming stick or external storage for local media playback.

Like many laser projectors, the Formovie Cinema Edge has a feature that detects when someone gets too close to the laser output and automatically dims the display. It promptly activates, though oddly doesn’t go as black as on some others.

  • Design and features score: 4/5

Formovie Cinema Edge showing cartoon on screen

The Cinema Edge's picture quality shines in a dark viewing environment (Image credit: Future)

Formovie Cinema Edge review: picture quality

  • 1900 ISO lumens plenty for dim and dark environments
  • Not as color-rich as RGB laser competitors
  • Motion smoothing by default, but picture controls to compensate

The Formovie Cinema Edge readily projects a 100-inch picture with crisp 4K detail. It looks best in a very dim or dark room, though it’s also bright enough to watch some content during the daytime. RuPauls’ Drag Race, for instance, is typically bright, and it’s easy to watch even in a well-lit room, though sunlight can still be a bit much.

Contrast is also fairly strong. Alien was a joy to watch, with the intricate, H.R. Giger-designed mechanical details of the ship shining brightly while the nooks and crannies sank effectively into darkness.

Alas, the Formovie Cinema Edge is a simple ALPD projector that doesn’t deliver the same color richness of the Formovie Theater or Hisense’s PX3-Pro, both of which are specced to achieve around 100% of BT.2020 color gamut coverage. Watching Avatar 2, it was painfully apparent how much more drab the visuals were by comparison, with the many blue hues looking dull and the flora and fauna throughout failing to exude their characteristic vibrance. This isn’t to say the Formovie Cinema Edge looks bad, but there are better options on the market for picture quality.

I also noticed plenty of blown-out highlights in the earlier scenes after the Sully family joins the water tribe in Avatar 2. The Formovie Theater had some tone mapping issues in our hands-on testing, and it appears that’s the case again here. HDR is also limited to HDR10 and HLG on the Cinema Edge – there’s no Dolby Vision or HDR10+.

The Formovie Cinema Edge has a fairly aggressive motion smoothing feature (called MJC) enabled in most of its picture settings by default. It’s not the worst-looking implementation of motion smoothing I’ve seen, but it looks better set to Low or disabled outright. Either way, the projector can struggle a bit with motion. Fight sequences looked choppy at times with or without MJC enabled. At Low, it subtly smooths out camera motion, though action can still look a little overdone.

For what it’s worth, the Formovie Cinema Edge includes a veritable trove of picture settings to adjust. It does little to explain what any of them are, though, so it may be difficult to dial in things to your liking. Thankfully, the picture generally looks good without getting into the weeds.

The sound put out by the Formovie Cinema Edge’s modest built-in speakers isn’t explosive, but they deliver a half-decent volume level for a small living room. The soundstage isn’t very wide, and there’s no deep bass, but it’s fine for casual viewing. For a more serious movie-viewing setup, external speakers will be an obvious upgrade.

  • Picture quality score: 3.5/5

Formovie Cinema Edge remote control on table

The Cinema Edge comes with a basic remote control to operate its Google TV interface (Image credit: Future)

Formovie Cinema Edge review: value

  • Good value at the current reduced price
  • Older UST projectors pose a competitive threat

The Formovie Cinema Edge has a suggested retail price of $2,499, but that has since been reduced to $1,799. This discounted price is essential to the value of the projector, as it goes up against the Hisense PX2-Pro, which is now cheaper thanks to the launch of the PX3-Pro. It also faces off against Formovie’s higher-end projector, the Formovie Theater, which has also fallen in price since its launch, now seeing discounts as low as $2,299.

  • Value score: 3/5

Formovie Cinema Edge on table

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Formovie Cinema Edge?

Formovie Cinema Edge on table shown from top

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

You want a compact projector: The Formovie Cinema Edge is small and sits close to the wall, giving you a big picture without taking up much space.

You want advanced picture customization: If you know just how you like images to look and don’t mind fiddling with settings, the Formovie Cinema Edge has plenty for you to dig through to adjust the picture to your liking.

Don’t buy it if… 

You want comprehensive HDR support: The Cinema Edge doesn't have extended color gamut coverage and it lacks HDR10+ and Dolby Vision HDR support.

You want the best all-in-one projector: While the Cinema Edge has a good picture, decent speakers, and okay streaming capabilities, demanding viewers may end up wanting an external streamer and speakers, which will add to the price.

Also consider...

Hisense PX2-Pro
The Hisense PX2-Pro has better picture quality and features but costs at least $200 more. It also uses the Google TV smart interface for streaming. It's a less compact option than the Formovie, and its built-in speakers don't offer any better sound quality.

Here's our full Hisense PX2-Pro review

Epson LS650
The Epson LS650 uses a 3LCD laser light source to beam a bright 3,600 lumens image, though its color isn't any better than the Formovie and the built-in Android TV system is worse than Formovie's Google TV platform. Both projectors are currently priced at the same level.

Here's our full Epson LS650 review

Hisense PX3-Pro
The Hisense PX3-Pro is our choice as the best ultra short throw projector for most people. It has a brighter, more color-rich picture than the Formovie and more comprehensive HDR support. At just over $3,000, it’s somewhat on the pricey side, though it’s much less so than other UST projectors from Samsung and LG.

Here's our full Hisense PX3-Pro review.

Formovie Cinema Edge rear panel ports

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Formovie Cinema Edge

  • Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
  • Presented the display with a variety of media and formats
  • I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the Formovie Cinema Edge at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, as well as ambient noise that both the projector and speaker systems had to overcome. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with both SDR and 4K HDR streamed content.

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models that I and my colleagues at TechRadar have tested.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer.

First reviewed: December, 2024

BenQ W5800: A stellar but pricey 4K projector for dedicated home theaters
5:00 pm | August 4, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Theater Projectors Televisions | Tags: | Comments: Off

BenQ W5800 projector: one-minute review

The BenQ W5800 provides a strong reminder that there’s nothing quite as dazzling as a home theater, especially one with a specialized projector, a screen that covers a full wall, cozy chairs, and a top-notch speaker setup. At $5,999 (£4,599, AU$8999), the W5800 is aimed at hardcore cinephiles who demand very few compromises on visuals and do not need on-board speakers or built-in smart TV platforms. To that end, the W5800 is a display and nothing else. 

Make no mistake – the BenQ W5800 is a fantastic display. It provides hardware adjustments for image placement and sizing to make it easy to get a perfect image wherever the projector is set up. And as you'd expect from the best 4K projectors, it has a dazzling, color-rich picture that looks great with a broad variety of content. Many cheaper projectors offer automatic image adjustment, but they almost invariably do so by simply cropping or distorting the image digitally – compromises the BenQ W5800’s manual hardware adjustments avoid.

Still, the BenQ W5800 suffers from the diminishing returns of many a premium product. You can get brighter projectors for the price, but you might miss out on some of the professional setup flexibility found here. For example, an ultra short throw projectors like the Epson EpiQVision Ultra LS800 easily beat it when it comes to brightness, but they can be fussier to set up for a geometrically perfect image. 

If you already have a big home theater that’s aching for a projector upgrade, the BenQ W5800 will be a fantastic option. But for most people, other, cheaper solutions should suffice.

BenQ W5800 projector review: price and release date

  • Release date: May 2024
  • MSRP: $5,999 (£4,599 / AU$8999)

The BenQ W5800 was launched in May 2024 at a starting price of $5,999 (£4,599 / AU$8999). Given the W5800’s premium status and relative newness, it’s unlikely to see major price changes anytime soon. 

BenQ W5800 projector close up of lens

BenQ's W5800 supports the HDR10+ high dynamic range format (Image credit: Future)

BenQ W5800 projector review: Specs

BenQ W5800 projector rear panel

Input connections include two HDMI ports (one with eARC) (Image credit: Future)

BenQ W5800 projector review: design and features

  • Sizable, with a stylish design
  • Lacks built-in sound and streaming
  • Motorized zoom, focus and offset

The BenQ W5800 immediately lets you know it means business. It’s a large, regal projector, nearly every bit as large as the Epson Pro Cinema LS12000, with a symmetrical design and a massive lens sitting at the center. This is flanked by loads of air intakes and ventilation slots that occupy much of the surface area. The benefit here is that the projector’s cooling fans are low-pitched and practically inaudible from even just a couple of feet away.

Around back, the projector features a small handful of ports. For many, the two HDMI ports, one of which supports eARC, and the S/PDIF audio output will be doing most of the work. Two USB-A ports can power streaming devices, and there are LAN and RS-232 ports for more specialized setups.  The projector’s 3D Sync Out port may come in handy, too, as it supports a variety of 3D formats. 

For many, the W5800’s HDR support will be most crucial. You get the basic HDR10 and HLG, but BenQ also steps up with HDR10+ support. Dolby Vision isn’t supported, unfortunately. 

The projector has some handy hardware for setup, with motorized control over zoom, focus, and horizontal and vertical offset. This allows you to shift the projection to perfectly fit your space, which is incredibly convenient. Keystone adjustments are digital, but they are thankfully less necessary because of the adjustable offset. All adjustments can be made with the included remote, which has a backlit keypad and convenient shortcuts to many settings in the projector’s menus. Several controls are also available directly on the projector. 

Even with its conveniences, the BenQ W5800 lacks many that other popular projectors offer. There’s no smart TV operating system, so you’ll have to source media from a separate device, and there are no built-in speakers. The W5800 is not the complete solution that something like the BenQ X3100i is, and that can make it a tricky proposition for many more casual users.

  • Design and features score: 3.5/5

BenQ W5800 projector showing image from Spider-man movie

With 100% DCI-P3 coverage, images on the W5800 have rich, detailed color (Image credit: Future)

BenQ W5800 projector review: picture quality

  • Specified 100% DCI-P3 coverage, 2600 ANSI lumens brightness
  • Highly adjustable 4K picture
  • Excellent, natural motion processing

The BenQ W5800 is an excellent projector for home theater. It shines big and bright and readily adapts to a great many installation situations. It provides impressive color, though the occasional rainbow effect – a common artifact of the projector’s DLP imaging tech – can mar the viewing experience for those sensitive to it. 

At the heart of the BenQ W5800 is a laser light source shining through a 0.47-inch DLP micromirror array, and this is responsible for the sharp, 4K visuals and 2600 ANSI lumens brightness. BenQ rates the projector for a full 100% coverage of the DCI-P3 color space, and I’ve seen little lack of color to make me doubt the rating. Animated programs like X-Men ‘97 benefit greatly from the wide color gamut, appearing thoroughly vibrant, but the same applies to just about any content. 

Between its color and sharp 4K picture, the BenQ W5800 has a lot to work with, and it’s bright enough to look good in well-lit rooms and excel in dark ones. Shadows sink to a satisfyingly deep level, and they can maintain that depth alongside bright visuals elsewhere on the screen. 

Thanks to the W5800’s hardware controls, it is exceedingly easy to get an image squared up perfectly onscreen with sharp detail from edge to edge. A long-throw projector like the W5800 is less sensitive to small surface imperfections and misalignment than short-throw and ultra-short-throw projectors. I noted a similar level of flexibility with the Epson LS12000, which is a long-throw projector the BenW W5800 competes with. 

The BenQ W5800’s full DCI-P3 color space coverage gives it one critical edge over the Epson LS12000, which is rated only for 100% sRGB coverage. Of course, this still leaves room for improvement next to triple-laser projectors like the Hisense PX2-Pro, which is rated for 100% coverage of the even wider BT.2020 color space.

Nevertheless, the BenQ W5800 is a brilliant performer. It handles fast-motion content with aplomb and presents a colorful image that looks plenty vibrant. There are a few ways it could be even better, but it is nonetheless excellent.

  • Picture quality score: 4.5/5

BenQ W5800 projector remote control

The BenQ W5800's fully backlit remote control features shortcut buttons for key picture adjustments (Image credit: Future)

BenQ W5800 projector review: value

  • Expensive for a projector that does one thing
  • Performance and installation features help justify price

At  $5,999 (£4,599 / AU$8999), the BenQ W5800 is expensive for a consumer-grade projector, though it’s less than half the price of the JVC DLA-NZ800, the premium pick in our best 4K projectors guide. Even so, that’s a lot of money to ask for a projector that only provides a display and nothing else. 

The W5800 makes sense for the right audience. Its visuals are brilliant, and its flexible installation features provide a great picture with minimal fuss. Also, with many projectors that do feature built-in speakers and streaming platforms, those features often are just enough to make do, but not equal to their picture. 

BenQ’s W5800 sits alongside the exceptional Epson LS12000, which is $1,000 cheaper while offering similar brightness and capabilities, including a 120Hz refresh rate option. If a long-throw projector isn’t a must, the Hisense PX2-Pro ultra short throw model is also a stunning system with admirable speakers and even more brilliant color at half the price. And if you aren’t too picky, you might find something like the $2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690) BenQ X3100i to be more than good enough.  

  • Value score: 3/5

BenQ W5800 projector on table

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the BenQ W5800 projector?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if… 

Also consider...

BenQ X3100i
The BenQ X3100i is a gaming projector that also does an excellent job displaying movies. It lacks the long-throw capability of the W5800 and isn't as adept with handling HDR, but it's a significantly less expensive and more flexible projector option.

Here's our full BenQ X3100i review

Hisense PX2-Pro
The Hisense PX2-Pro is an ultra short throw projector designed to beam a big image from close up to a wall as opposed to from the longer distance the W5800 is capable of. It's less expensive and nearly as bright, and features both built-in speakers and the Android TV platform for streaming.

Here's our full Hisense PX2-Pro review

BenQ W5800 projector setup screen

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the BenQ W5800 projector

  • Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
  • Presented with a variety of media and formats
  • I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the BenQ W5800 at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it faced with ambient light coming in from numerous windows and in-room lighting as well as darkened conditions. The projector was tested both against a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen. It was presented with both HDR and non-HDR streamed content. 

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models that I and my colleagues at TechRadar have tested.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer. 

First reviewed: August 2024

EnGenius ECW536 review
1:25 pm | July 19, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Pro | Tags: , , | Comments: Off

EnGenius’ ECW536 brings Wi-Fi 7 to the office with a wireless access point offering a maximum aggregate throughput of 18.7Gbps.  

Specifications

Model: EnGenius ECW536

CPU: Quad-core Qualcomm 1220 CPU

RAM: 2GB

Storage: 256MB NAND

Radios: One 4x4 for 6GHz Wi-Fi 7 / 6e,  One 4x4 for 5GHz Wi-Fi 6,  One 4x4 for 2.4GHz

Wireless throughput: Theoretical 18.7Gbps

Ports: 10Gb Ethernet with PoE, 10Gb Ethernet

Weight: 1.3 kg

Dimensions: 23 cm x 23 cm x 37 mm

Power Consumption: 15W with one client connected, 38W maximum consumption

MSRP: $1199

The dual 10Gbps Ethernet ports turn the unit into a 10G switch. A large aluminum backplate acts as a heatsink, dissipating up to 35W. The only accessories provided are a mounting bracket and screws. The unit thus requires a PoE LAN or an external 12V DC adapter to work correctly.

The access point integrates three radio modules, providing Wi-Fi 7 connectivity and Wi-Fi 6, 5, and 2.4GHz backward compatibility. Antenna gains are between 5dBi and 6dBi, similar to competitive APs, while onboard radio amplifiers provide an average boost of 5dBm. All this means that the ECW536 covers a surface of 100 meters square with a throughput of 300 Mbps or more. 

EnGenius offers a range of access points that can work in a mesh. That is particularly interesting if one wants to boost the network throughput while extending the range simultaneously. The ECW536 retails for $1199 but is on sale for $499. The smaller version with a 2x2 radio configuration costs $456 while not on sale. 

EnGenius ECW536: Design

The EnGenius access point ships with one accessory box containing the mounting kit. Once installed, the unit locks to the base by rotating it. The white plastic enclosure has a metal backplate that doubles as a heat dissipator. Two Ethernet connectors and a 12V DC socket at the back connect to the network. A small hole is also present to reset the device using a paper clip. The case gets warm after some time, eventually reaching 50 degrees Celcius. The access point measures 23 cm x 23 cm x 37 mm and weighs 1.3kg.

The ECW536 uses a Qualcomm Pro 1220 multichip design. The processor is a fast quad-core ARM A73 CPU, which can support up to eight SSIDs on the 2.4GHz and 5/6GHz bands. There are also built-in VLAN tagging and a QoS for increased bandwidth management. Complementing the CPU are 2GB of RAM, 256MB of Flash, and two 10G Ethernet interfaces, which also support 5G, 2.5G, 1G, and 10/100Mbps. 

Three Wi-Fi radios each serve a specific frequency while supporting four spatial streams, the twelve paths aggregating for a throughput of 18Gbps. Maximum transmit gains, which depend on country location, vary between 24dBm and 25dBm, while antenna gains vary between 5dBi and 6dBi.

The ECW536 access point consumes 13W without connected clients, which increases to 20W when one user actively uses the AP.  A single multicolor LED gives feedback on the unit’s operation and is a departure from the past Wi-Fi 6 version, which had four LEDs. The AP is ready when the LED is green. Blue indicates that there is at least one connected client. The user can adjust the LED’s brightness through the mobile app.

EnGenius ECW536 front

(Image credit: Future)

EnGenius ECW536: In Use

Setting up the access point can be done entirely through the mobile app, which is available for Android and iOS platforms. The user needs an account to begin the installation. The AP and other EnGenius units can be added using a QR code on the back of each unit. 

To fully utilize the Wi-Fi7 bandwidth, we strongly recommend connecting the AP to a 10Gb Ethernet LAN supporting PoE with at least 50W of available power. The ECW536 LED will blink orange if the PoE switch cannot provide sufficient power. Thus, the optional power socket becomes handy with an external 12V supply and completes the setup.

The mobile application offers features similar to those available on the cloud portal. The convenience of controlling access to the Wi-Fi network at one’s fingertips is very enticing. The user can also see what device consumes the most bandwidth at any time. However, the most helpful thing remains the ability to check the access point’s health from any place with Internet access.

The ECW536 offers mesh capability to increase signal reach; the AP can connect to other ECW536 units or previous-generation models such as ECS230S. There are obvious reasons to use one against the other. In a Wi-Fi 6 infrastructure, the ECW536 will mesh using one of its four 160MHz backhaul channels, providing a maximum of 1.4Gbps as throughput. On the other hand, using several ECW536 yields the best range and throughput since the backhaul is now over Wi-Fi 7 at 2.9Gbps.

EnGenius ECW536 back

(Image credit: Future)

EnGenius ECW536: The competition

Upgrading from something other than Wi-Fi 6 to Wi-Fi 7 should be a sound investment for the next few years, mainly because of the higher throughput offered by the denser 4096 QAM encoding. Still, fierce competition in consumer-level routers continues to drive prices down. The ECW536 comes with more technical support and an overall better performance when compared to consumer products.

Based on the same Qualcomm technology, the Zyxel WBE660S provides a similar throughput and range compared to the ECW536, while the Zyxel AP costs less than the EnGenius. A second 10G Ethernet port on the ECW536 turns it into a 10G switch, something lacking on the WBE660S. The ECW536 is also more compact and lighter, making installation a breeze compared to the WBE660S. Finally, the EnGenius AP consumes less energy than Zyxel’s access point, resulting in a device that will last longer while costing less electricity.

EnGenius ECW536: Final verdict

Thanks to the new Wi-Fi 7 standard, the EnGenius ECW536 takes wireless networks to the next level by adding more range and bandwidth. The range should be as good as previous 5GHz access points. The increase in bandwidth results from using a better encoding algorithm, quadrupling the throughput compared to Wi-Fi 6. These gains come with higher power dissipation and a more expensive unit. A 10G LAN infrastructure supporting PoE is required to use the AP to its fullest potential.

EnGenius offers a 5-year warranty on the ECW536 and customer support via online chat, phone, or email. The AP has cloud access, allowing network inspection and problem resolution remotely.

Buy the ECW536 if:

You are starting a new network that requires lots of bandwidth and range. 

Dont buy the ECW536 if:

You already have a Wi-Fi 6 AP fleet from another manufacturer

We list the best Wi-Fi extenders.

JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: class-leading performance plus 8K and 3D
11:43 pm | July 18, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Theater Projectors Televisions | Tags: , | Comments: Off

JVC DLA-NZ800 projector: one-minute review

The JVC DLA-NZ800 is the latest high-end projector from the brand, combining its existing BLU-Escent laser light source with a redesigned D-ILA 4K chipset that delivers deeper blacks, brighter images, and improved uniformity. As a result, this excellent beamer builds on JVC’s established strengths, maintaining the company’s position as a preeminent maker of the best 4K projectors.

The JVC DLA-NZ800's native 4K images are crisply detailed, while the upgraded 8K/e-shiftX processing makes great content look even better. The overall picture accuracy is superb, the SDR images impressive, and the HDR performance state-of-the-art thanks to JVC's proprietary dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser features, along with support for HDR10, hybrid log-gamma and HDR10+.

Key improvements for this newly evolved model include an increased claimed brightness of 2,700 lumens and native contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1. The 8K/e-shiftX upscaling is now more sophisticated, and quieter, while the laser power setting offers greater control. The new features include a Deep Black function, a Balanced dynamic laser mode, and a Vivid picture setting.

The NZ800 supports 3D, with pictures that are bright, punchy and free of any crosstalk, and it has two HDMI 2.1 inputs with support for 8K/60p and 4K/120p. There’s an effective remote, intuitive menu system, and flexible installation – although whether stand or ceiling mounting, bear in mind that this beamer is very big and heavy.

The NZ800 is also rather expensive, although the pricing remains unchanged from the previous generation. As with the earlier NZ8 it also has no direct competitor, so if you want exceptional cinematic performance, peerless HDR tone mapping, comprehensive features and a high degree of future-proofing, this remarkable high-end projector is in a literal class of its own.

JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: price and release date

  • MSRP: $15,999 / £15,999 / AU$24,999
  • Release date: May 2024

 The JVC DLA-NZ800 (DLA-RS3200) is the mid-range model in the brand’s 4K laser-powered line-up.  It’s available now and retails for £15,999  /$15,999 / AU$24,999. The NZ800 replaces the outgoing DLA-NZ8 (DLA-RS3100) and sits below the flagship DLA-NZ900 (DLA-RS4200), which has also been given an upgrade and replaces the discontinued DLA-NZ9 (DLA-RS4100). The entry point remains the DLA-NZ7 (DLA-RS2100), which is retained from the previous generation. 

JVC DLA-NZ800 close up of lens

JVC's proprietary dynamic tone mapping and Theatre Optimiser features bring out the best in 4K movies with HDR (Image credit: Future)

JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: Specs

JVC DLA-NZ800 top panel controls

The projector has basic control buttons (Image credit: Future)

JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: design and features

  • Gen3 0.69in 4K D-ILA device
  • Gen2 8K/e-shiftX
  • Gen2 Frame Adapt HDR

The JVC DLA-NZ800’s big new feature is the third generation of the brand’s proprietary D-ILA 4K chipset, which has been redesigned to be more efficient. These refinements allow for brighter images, deeper blacks, and improved uniformity. It’s also the reason why the NZ800 has an increased claimed brightness of 2,700 lumens and an improved contrast ratio of up to 100,000:1.

The NZ800 includes JVC’s second generation 8K/e-shiftX device, which physically shifts each pixel by half a pixel in four directions (up, down, left and right), thus allowing the projector to deliver a full 8K (8,192 x 4,320 resolution) image. This updated version of the proprietary feature uses sophisticated 8K upscaling for improved sharpness and detail across a wide range of content.

In addition to the improved black levels offered by the upgraded D-ILA chipset, JVC has added a new Deep Black function that employs a revised algorithm to further enhance the contrast without crushing shadows. In addition, the dynamic laser control adds a new Balanced setting for even punchier pictures without introducing the annoying brightness fluctuations seen on earlier models.

Speaking of brightness, JVC has improved the sliding scale setting on the laser power control, and while it still goes from 1 to 100 it’s now more granular, which means you can gradually boost the brightness without a sudden increase in fan noise, thus making it more useful. JVC has also added a “Vivid” mode for watching SDR sports or gaming in a room with some ambient light.

The NZ800 retains JVC's BLU-Escent laser diode light source with its claimed 20,000-hour lifespan and greater consistency. Other features include motorised focus, zoom and shift controls to simplify installation, plus lens memories for different screen aspect ratios. There’s also a Filmmaker Mode, along with extensive ISF-certified calibration controls.

JVC’s tone mapping is state-of-the-art, with the latest proprietary Gen3 Frame Adapt HDR dynamically analysing HDR10 content on a frame-by-frame basis to optimise the image, while 18-bit gamma processing results in smoother and finer gradations. JVC also includes the Theatre Optimiser which enhances tone mapping by taking into account the size, shape and gain of your projection screen.

In addition to the existing analysis of an incoming HDR signal, the NZ800 now reads the Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata. This tells the projector’s tone mapping function the peak brightness of the display on which the content was originally mastered and is useful because the more metadata the tone mapping has to work with, the better the results in terms of the displayed HDR images.

  • Design and features score: 5/5

JVC DLA-NZ800 rear panel ports

Rear-panel ports include two HDMI 2.1 connections (Image credit: Future)

JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: picture quality

  • Detailed and cinematic 4K delivery
  • Bright and punchy HDR images
  • Exceptional image processing

The JVC DLA-NZ800 impresses right out of the gate, with the redesigned D-ILA chipset delivering images that are sharp, well defined and free of any uniformity issues. On the review sample I was testing there were also no signs of the dreaded ‘bright corners’ that have been apparent on some JVC projectors in the past, even when staring at a black screen in my dedicated home cinema.

The perceived black levels also appear slightly better when compared to my NZ8, the NZ800’s predecessor, and this was borne out by actual testing, with the NZ800 delivering contrast measurements of up to 100,000:1. The peak brightness approaches the claimed 2,700 lumens, although this was in the Vivid mode, and in the Filmmaker mode or calibrated Natural mode this is closer to around 2,000 lumens.

Out-of-the-box SDR accuracy is excellent with the white point close to the industry standard of D65, an even greyscale, and colours hitting close to their saturation targets for BT.709. This can be improved through calibration, and I was able to get a reference level accuracy, so if you’re spending this kind of money you really should get your NZ800 professionally calibrated.

This accuracy also extends to HDR, and the NZ800 covers 100% of DCI-P3 with its colour filter in place. This filter reduces the brightness by about 20% – so those extra lumens come in handy – but if you’d rather not use the filter (and with HDR10+ you don’t have a choice) then the brightness increases but the gamut coverage drops to around 90% of DCI-P3 instead.

Where JVC projectors are streets ahead of the competition is in terms of HDR tone mapping with the NZ800 not only accurately tracking the PQ curve standard, but also using dynamic tone mapping to get the best out of content based on the available metadata and real-time analysis of the HDR signal. The ability to read the Display Mastering Luminance also helps in this regard.

The new Deep Black feature certainly adds value, teasing a touch more detail out of shadows while keeping the blacks suitably inky. A Balanced dynamic laser setting also helps, creating more depth at the lower end while also boosting the brightness at the other without any ‘pumping’ in the image itself. The NZ800’s superior tone mapping ensures the highlights are also free of clipping.

Processing is also superb, taking lower resolution content and flawlessly upscaling it to the 4K panel, while the 2nd generation 8K/e-shiftX device is a revelation, shifting pixels to create images with the perceived resolution and detail of 8K. While I like the effect of e-shift I don’t use it on my NZ8 because I can hear it in operation, so I was delighted to discover it’s nearly silent on the NZ800. In addition, the 65mm all-glass lens delivers all these pixels with perfect geometry.

JVC DLA-NZ800 setup menu

The NZ800 can read Display Mastering Luminance (DML) metadata in sources to optimize its tone mapping function (Image credit: Future)

The NZ800 is equally impressive with motion handling, producing smooth pictures that are free of blurring and unwanted artefacts. An ability to handle frame rates up 120p adds to the beamer’s motion prowess, and its 36ms input lag – low for a projector that’s not specifically designed for gaming – and longer-life laser light source make the JVC a great choice for the well-heeled big screen gamer.

JVC’s NZ800 is a cracking performer with SDR content, producing detailed and natural images that enjoy added depth thanks to the awesome contrast ratios. Watching Gravity on Blu-ray revealed a remarkable image, where the whites of the space suits are juxtaposed against the black backgrounds, and every pixel of the computer-generated effects is rendered with precision.

Moving on to HDR, the NZ800 proves to be a stellar performer, delivering all the specular highlights of the sun-bleached desert landscapes of Dune Part Two, pulling out every detail in shadows during the nighttime action of The Crow, and reproducing the rich and saturated colours of La La Land, helping to replicate the Technicolor musicals to which it pays homage.

The projector’s dynamic tone mapping is very adept at optimising the performance of the NZ800, and the resulting HDR is often comparable to high-end video processors that cost more than the projector itself. When able to use the dynamic metadata of HDR10+, the results are equally impressive, and the bright flares in the nighttime scenes of 1917 are precisely rendered against the dark sky.

Finally, the 3D performance is excellent with plenty of depth and pictures that are bright, accurate, and free of any ghosting. You’ll need to purchase the optional RF transmitter and glasses, but if you’re a fan of 3D you’ll be rewarded with wonderfully layered images such as when you’re down in the streets of Iron City in Alita: Battle Angel, or floating inside the ISS in Gravity.

  • Picture quality score: 5/5

JVC DLA-NZ800 remote control

The JVC DLA-NZ800's remote control (Image credit: Future)

JVC DLA-NZ800 projector review: value

  • It’s a significant investment
  • There’s no direct competitor

The JVC DLA-NZ800 represents significant value for money, which might sound like a mad statement to make when you consider its price, but I’ll explain. The range-topper in JVC’s range is the DLA-NZ900, which costs $25,999 / £25,999, but in terms of features and performance, the NZ800 is very similar with the only real difference being the NZ900’s larger 100mm lens.

The NZ800 also doesn’t have a direct competitor, and the closest is the Sony VPL-XW7000ES in the UK (£12,999) or VPL-XW6000ES in the US ($11,999). While the XW7000ES is rated at 3,200 lumens, the XW6000ES only hits 2,500 lumens, and neither has support for 8K, 4K/120p or HDR10+, nor do they have HDMI 2.1 inputs. In addition, the NZ800 has better black levels and superior HDR tone mapping, making it the ideal choice for any discerning film fan.

  • Value score: 5/5

JVC DLA-NZ800 on table

(Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the JVC DLA-NZ800 projector?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if… 

Also consider...

BenQ X3100i
The BenQ X3100i is a gaming projector that also does an excellent job displaying movies. It lacks the long throw capability of the JVC and isn't as adept with handling HDR, but it's a significantly less expensive and more flexible projector option.

Here's our full BenQ X3100i review

JVC DLA-NZ800 setup menu

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the JVC DLA-NZ800 projector

  • Reviewed in a dedicated home cinema
  • Used Calman calibration software for measurements
  • Evaluated using SDR, HDR and 3D content

As with all my TV and projector reviews I use a combination of subjective viewing and objective measurements against the industry standards. For projectors, I also do all my testing in a dedicated home cinema with a completely blacked-out environment and high-quality screen.

The subjective testing is based on watching a variety of familiar scenes, primarily sourced from 4K, 3D and 1080p Blu-rays, plus the Spears & Munsil UHD Benchmark 4K disc. These scenes have been specifically chosen to evaluate a display’s black levels, contrast performance, colour accuracy, upscaling, image processing, motion handling, and HDR tone mapping.

For the objective testing, I measured the NZ800’s brightness, greyscale and colour gamut in SDR, before doing the same in HDR. I also evaluated the accuracy of the HDR tone mapping, along with the colour gamut coverage for DCI-P3 and BT.2020. To do this I used a pattern generator and colour meter combined with Portrait Displays’ Calman calibration software.

I measured the NZ800’s input lag in milliseconds using a Leo Bodnar tester with the low latency mode switch on.

Finally, because I currently use the JVC DLA-NZ8 as my reference projector, I was able to directly compare the NZ800 to its predecessor.

First reviewed: July 2024

BenQ X300G review: a budget 4K projector for gaming and movies
4:00 pm | May 4, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Theater Projectors Televisions | Tags: | Comments: Off

BenQ X300G 4K projector: one-minute review

If you love to sit back and enjoy movies but also like to lean in and get sweaty with the latest competitive games, the BenQ X300G could be just the projector for you. This short-throw model combines impressive capabilities in a compact package that rivals Xgimi’s Horizon Pro and Horizon Ultra. 

The BenQ X300G manages decent color from its LED light source, and puts on a strong show with bright, 4K visuals. But it can also dial up the speed, switching to a 1080p/240Hz mode for fast, responsive gaming. We’ve seen this trick in action on the BenQ X3100i, and it’s a real treat for gamers. 

Between its cinematic capabilities and gaming prowess, the BenQ X300G has a lot to offer. There’s room for improvement — the limited ports and so-so audio come to mind — but at $1,799, this projector puts up a respectable value, especially with its ability to play dual roles, something that not all the best 4K projectors can do. 

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: price and release date

  • Release date: December 2023
  • MSRP: $1,799 (around £1,400 / AU$2,720)

The BenQ X300G is a fairly new model in BenQ’s lineup. With an original price of $1,799 (around £1,400 / AU$2,720), the projector hasn’t yet seen any discounts, though its price is reasonable for a 4K model. 

BenQ X300G projector on table

Focus and keystone adjustments on the X300G can be made automatically, making setup quick (Image credit: Future)

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: Specs

BenQ X300G projector top surface controls

The projector has basic control buttons located on its top surface (Image credit: Future)

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: design and features

  • Compact and flexible design
  • Built-in speakers and streaming stick
  • Rare DisplayPort over USB-C support

The BenQ X300G takes up less than a cubic foot and has roughly cube-like dimensions. Inside that small footprint, it packs a 2,000-lumen DLP projection system, 2.1-channel speakers, an internal streaming dongle, and the necessary hardware for optical zoom. 

It’s an impressive package and not an unsightly one. Like many of BenQ’s recent designs, the BenQ X300G has a mostly white, plastic chassis complemented by a glossy black face with orange accents. In this case, those accents also extend to little LED fins that protrude from the projector’s back edges. That orange glow calls to mind heat – not a good thing for a projector – though the BenQ X300G deals with that well. Its internal fans do emit a light buzzing noise, but the sound is easily drowned out by its speakers. 

The whole unit sits on rubber feet for grip. The front foot is especially wide and built around a hinge for propping the front of the projector up to adjust its projection angle, though the feet don’t offer any horizontal tilt adjustment if the projector is set on an uneven surface. There is also a threaded hole for mounting onto a tripod or ceiling mount. 

The BenQ X300G includes a few ports on its side and uses an external brick for power. There’s an HDMI 2.0 port with eARC, a USB-C port with DisplayPort support — a rarity among projectors – and a USB 2.0 port. I found it regrettable to see neither a 3.5mm audio jack nor an optical audio output. The rear of the BenQ X300G hides a small compartment that hides BenQ’s included streaming stick. This has a built-in mini HDMI cable and micro USB cable for charging, and this fairly unusual design offers limited options for swapping the dongle out for a different unit such as a Roku or Amazon Fire TV streaming stick down the line. 

A large remote control operates both the included dongle and the projector. This has similarities to typical Android TV remotes but also quite a few shortcuts to projector settings. Backlighting provides helpful visibility in the dark, and activates after a button has been pressed. In addition to the remote, a set of controls is on top of the unit. Manual adjustments are made electronically, including focus, zoom, and keystone. Focus and keystone adjustments can also be made automatically, making setup quite quick.

The streaming stick BenQ includes is a first-party model running Android TV OS 11, which is a little behind the times now, though at least it saw a recent February 2024 security patch. The dongle still provides quick and easy access to the best streaming services like Disney Plus, Max, Netflix, and Prime Video. While Hulu also loaded onto the system without issue, I couldn’t successfully use it as all clicks on the Sign In button failed to register. 

  • Design and features score: 3/5

BenQ X300G projector showing Super Mario movie

The BenQ X300G is designed for gaming, but it also does a good job of displaying movies (Image credit: Future)

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: picture and sound quality

  • Short throw provides big picture in smaller rooms
  • Good image with movies and games
  • Average sound quality

The BenQ X300G is a capable little projector that’s ready to beam a big and bright picture without much fuss. It’s plenty bright for a dim room and excels in the dark, where it can readily produce a gorgeous, large image. In fact, you’ll likely have a hard time getting anything less than a huge picture due to the projector’s short throw. 

This projector is better suited for small rooms or coffee table installations. During setup, I already had a 77-inch diagonal image at a little under 4 feet from the screen. The projector’s optical zoom can shrink that down a bit, but if you place the projector at the back of a room, you’ll be sacrificing image quality quickly as it relies on digital zoom to shrink images down beyond the optical zoom range.

Once positioned, the BenQ X300G is a strong projector. Color rendition isn’t the best I’ve seen – BenQ rates it for 84% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut – with that crown going to triple-laser models like the Hisense PX2 Pro and LG Cinebeam HU915QE, but it’s not far off. The Na’vi looked plenty blue when I watched Avatar: The Way of Water, and the colorful world of Final Fantasy VII: Remake Intergrade was presented quite well throughout my testing. 

A main perk of the BenQ X300G is its flexibility. It can provide a cinematic image with 4K HDR movies and shows at 24 or 60Hz, but also dial up the speed by dropping to 1080p at 240Hz for gaming. The projector’s DLP chip not only provides a high refresh rate but a stunning pixel response time that’s virtually free of ghosting. If competitive gaming is your speed, the BenQ X300G can keep up. 

Speed is a critical advantage for the BenQ X300G, as it has competition from other models like the JMGO N1 Ultra and Hisense C1. Both models come in at similar prices and use triple-laser light sources to provide 4K visuals with far more stunning color, but they lack the option to ramp up to 240Hz in game mode. 

The BenQ X300G speakers complement the imagery. While not amazing, they do a decent job, pumping out plenty of sound in the small rooms this projector is ideal for. They’ll fall flat unless you’re sitting close in larger rooms, and the sound is grating at high volumes. But at middle volume, they sound clear and full. 

  • Picture quality score: 4/5

BenQ X300G projector rear panel ports

Ports include HDMI with ARC, USB type-C, and USB type-A (Image credit: Future)

BenQ X300G 4K projector review: value

  • Has major competition at $1,799
  • Powerful for the price

The BenQ X300G is a strong all-around option. Cinema-focused projectors like the Hisense C1 can do better for the same price but lack the gaming capabilities that set the X300G apart. The BenQ X300G does a great job with both, upping its value for anyone who wants that flexibility. It does cut some corners on the hardware front, so it that’s a concern, the BenQ X3100i offers extra hardware adjustments and image upgrades, but costs $600 more. 

  • Value score: 4/5

BenQ X300G projector remote control

The BenQ's large remote control has a backlit keypad (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the BenQ X300G 4K projector?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if… 

Also consider...

BenQ X3100i
The BenQ X3100i has the same gaming features as the X300G but provides a higher level of visual quality. It also has useful hardware for setup, but comes at a considerable uptick in price. 

Here's our full BenQ X3100i review

BenQ X300G projector showing Avatar 2

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the BenQ X300G 4K projector

  • Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
  • Viewed with a variety of media and formats
  • I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the BenQ X300G at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it challenged by ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, and ambient noise that the projector’s speaker system had to overcome. The projector was tested on both a bare, white wall and an Akia Screens CineWhite screen and was presented with streamed HDR and non-HDR content and console gameplay. 

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance and takes into consideration its price and competition from other models.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer. 

First reviewed: May 2024

LG CineBeam Q review: a portable 4K projector with style
2:00 pm | April 28, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Theater Projectors Televisions | Tags: , | Comments: Off

LG CineBeam Q: Two-minute review

The LG CineBeam Q is an ultra-compact portable projector that, like Samsung's super-popular Freestyle, features the same streaming platform found in the company’s TVs – in this case, WebOS. At $1,299 /  £1,299 / AU$2,499, it’s pricier than Samsung's portable projector, but brings the benefits of 4K resolution and an RGB laser light engine for enhanced brighness and color. Picture quality is surprisingly good for such a tiny projector, and it can beam images large enough to light up the side of a garage, though the lack of a battery power option makes it best suited for indoor use.

The LG CineBeam Q stands out from the best portable projectors thanks to its 4K resolution in particular. Most are cheap HD-resolution models with a built-in rechargeable battery that run Android TV and can be used indoors or outdoors – even the great Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen, an ultra-compact projector that offers both portability and a superior streaming and gaming platform in an innovative design, is HD. The best 4K projectors have always been pricey, bulky and meant for indoor use – a different proposition. The LG changes this.

With an all-aluminum case and carrying handle, the LG CineBeam Q’s retro-industrial design makes it look good even when turned off. When turned on, an auto screen adjustment feature with autofocus allows for quick setup, and there are plenty of manual adjustments to dial in picture geometry and focus. Beyond that, the projector’s 22-point white balance adjustment duplicates the picture calibration controls found on LG’s OLED TVs, though its Filmmaker Mode picture mode also provides a high level of accuracy at its default settings.

WebOS offers most popular streaming apps such as Netflix and Disney Plus, though Hulu and Max are missing. Both AirPlay 2 and Android Screen Share allow for wireless streaming from a phone or tablet, and there are also USB type-C and HDMI inputs for connecting external sources such as one of the best 4K Blu-ray players or a games console.

While most portable projectors provide built-in speakers out of necessity, audio is an afterthought on the LG CineBeam Q, which produces tinny, anemic sound from its 3-watt mono speaker. Fortunately, it supports Bluetooth pairing with Dual Audio Output, allowing for wireless audio streaming to multiple Bluetooth speakers and headphones, or a soundbar.

LG Cinebeam Q projector WebOS interface

The LG Cinebeam Q projector's WebOS smart TV interface. (Image credit: Future)

LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Price and availability

  • Release date: April 2024
  • MSRP: $1,299 / £1,299 / AU$2,499

LG’s CineBeam Q sells for $1,299 /  £1,299 / AU$2,499, which is significantly higher than the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen, another stylish portable projector. 

The LG is a 4K resolution model, however, and that feature alone justifies its higher price bracket – most 4K projectors cost a lot more than this!

LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Specs

LG Cinebeam Q projector held with carrying handle

The CineBeam Q's rotating metal stand allows for a range of placement options and also serves as a carrying handle. (Image credit: Future)

LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Design and features

  • Stylish design and sturdy build quality
  • RGB laser light engine
  • LG WebOS streaming platform

The LG CineBeam Q is about as cool-looking as portable projectors get. LG appears to have designed it to be a conversation piece as much as a projector, with the LG CineBeam Q’s compact aluminum case and 360-degree rotating aluminum stand giving it an appealing, Braun-like industrial style.

At 5.3 x 3.1 x 5.3 inches (H x W x D) and 3.3 pounds, the LG CineBeam Q is easy to tote from room to room (the rotating stand does double-duty as a carrying handle), though with no built-in rechargeable battery (or accessory battery pack) you’ll need to carry its external power brick along with it to plug in. LG includes an IR remote control, though it’s a regular version and not the “Magic Remote” kind that comes with LG TVs where you can just point at what you want on-screen.

The LG CineBeam Q uses an RGB laser light engine combined with a DLP chip to produce images with up to 500 ANSI lumens specified brightness. An auto screen adjustment feature with autofocus can be used to make images look rectangular and crisp without effort when pointing it at a wall or screen, and there’s also manual digital keystone correction with 4, 9, or 15-point warping options.

LG’s WebOS platform is used for streaming on the CineBeam Q, with Disney Plus, Prime Video, Netflix, Apple TV Plus, and YouTube all present. Strangely, there’s no Hulu or Max, which are popular streaming apps that I use regularly. The projector supports both AirPlay 2 and Android Screen Share, however, which lets you stream from apps on your phone to the projector, or you can connect an external source to its HDMI or USB type-C input.

The LG CineBeam Q has a built-in 3-watt speaker, though it doesn’t sound good and can’t play loud. A better option is to use the Bluetooth pairing with Dual Audio Output feature, which lets you simultaneously connect up to two Bluetooth devices like a speaker, headphones, or soundbar.

  • Design and features score: 4.5/5

LG Cinebeam Q projector showing butterfly image on screen

The Cinebeam Q has highly accurate color in Filmmaker Mode (Image credit: Future)

LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Picture Quality

  • Stylish design and sturdy build quality
  • RGB laser light engine
  • LG WebOS streaming platform

I went into this review with pretty low picture quality expectations for the LG CineBeam Q, and ended up pleasantly surprised by how good images looked. The main benefit the LG has over other ultra-compact portable projectors is 4K resolution with HDR10 and HLG high dynamic range support. That factor made a big difference in its picture, especially when watching movies, which is something I did on a 92-inch, 1.1 gain Stewart Filmscreen Cima matte white projection screen.

The LG CineBeam Q’s brightness was another surprise. Peak brightness measured on a white 10% window pattern was 60 nits in Filmmaker HDR Mode. Although that’s half the peak brightness you’d get from a more conventional home theater projector such as the BenQ v5000i, it’s very good for a portable model. The LG’s measured contrast ratio was 500:1, which is a typical result for a portable DLP projector.

Color performance was excellent, with the CineBeam Q’s grayscale and color Delta-E (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) both averaging under our target level of 3 in Filmmaker Mode. Coverage of the UHDA-P3 colors gamut was also excellent at 98.7%, while BT.2020 coverage was an equally impressive 95%.

Input lag in Game Optimizer mode was 56ms, which is typical for projectors that aren’t specifically designed for gaming.

Watching reference 4K Blu-rays on the LG CineBeam Q, dark scenes in the James Bond film No Time to Die showed good contrast, and scenes with camera pans or fast motion looked solid and judder-free. Dark scenes in Dune were equally satisfying, though shadow detail wasn’t as good as what you can expect from the best larger 4K projectors. In both cases, the LG’s accurate color rendition made skin tones look completely natural, and brighter colors such as red, and orange, and yellow looked rich and clean.

  •  Picture quality score: 4.5 / 5

LG Cinebeam Q projector remote control

LG's included remote control is a basic version and not the "Magic Remote" type that comes with its TVs. (Image credit: Future)

LG CineBeam Q 4K projector review: Value

  • Less expensive than other 4K portables
  • Better picture than other ultra-compact projectors
  • Superior design for a portable projector

At $1,299 /  £1,299 / AU$2,499, the LG CineBeam Q is pricier than regular HD portable projectors such as Samsung’s The Freestyle 2nd Gen, but less expensive than other 4K portables such as the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K. And while its overall picture quality is very good, brightness is limited, and there’s no battery power option for true portability.

The LG CineBeam Q scores value points for having an all-metal exterior as opposed to the cheap plastic casings used for most portable projectors. If you’re looking for a portable projector with a classy design that you can leave out in your living room when not in use, the LG is one of the few worth consideration. If that’s not the case, you can easily find cheaper models, though they’ll have a less attractive design and a less impressive picture.

  • Value score: 4 / 5

LG Cinebeam Q projector on table with power supply

With no built-in battery, the CineBeam Q relies on an external power brick for power (Image credit: Future)

Should you buy the LG CineBeam Q 4K projector?

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if… 

Also consider...

Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K
This powerful portable has a laser-based light engine with a whopping 2,400 lumens brightness, though it costs significantly more than the LG. It also has an appealing design, though there’s no built-in battery for easy outdoor use. See our full Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K review.

LG Cinebeam Q projector

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the LG CineBeam Q

  • Tested at home, in a room with controlled light where I always test projectors
  • Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
  • A 1.1 gain Stewart Filmscreen Cima matte white projection screen was used for evaluation and measurements

When I test projectors, my first step is to use it for casual viewing to assess the out-of-box picture presets. The next step is to select the most accurate-looking preset (typically labeled Filmmaker, Movie or Cinema) and measure the white balance (grayscale), gamma, and color point accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and allow for an assessment of the projector’s s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using a 10% white window pattern. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the projector can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources. The final measurements are contrast ratio, which is the ratio of the brightest white to the darkest black that the projector can display, and input lag, which is measured using a Leo Bodnar 4K HDMI input lag tester.

The LG CinemaBeam provides a full range of adjustments to calibrate its picture, although its Filmmaker mode preset is accurate enough that most people will find it to be perfectly adequate. For my evaluation I calibrated the LG’s picture and relied on both reference 4K Blu-ray discs and streaming via AirPlay 2 to test its performance in the Filmmaker and Standard preset picture modes.

My projector testing experience spans almost three decades, going back to the early three-gun CRT models.

First reviewed: April, 2024

BenQ X3100i review: a potent 4K projector for gaming and movies
10:14 pm | April 9, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Theater Projectors Televisions | Tags: , | Comments: Off

BenQ X3100i 4K projector: one-minute review

The BenQ X3100i is the company’s latest top-of-the-line gaming projector and boasts a 4K DLP chip that can switch to 1080p to deliver a highly responsive 240Hz refresh rate. Between that and its bright 4LED light source, this $2,399  (around £1,900 / AU$3,690) projector has plenty to distinguish it among the best 4K projectors.

It all comes packed into a somewhat stylish, albeit plastic cube that is at least trendier than the many office space-esque projectors on the market. With plenty of setup options and optical adjustments, the X3100I is a powerful projection system with an edge over some of its more fashionably built competitors.

The X3100i won’t be the best option for folks who prioritize watching TV and movies, but it does a great job at that task. And given its gaming chops, it’s an easy choice for gamers who also want a home theater projector.

BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: price and release date

  •  Release date: November 2023  
  • MSRP:  $2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690)

The BenQ X3100i is available now for $2,399 (around £1,900 / AU$3,690). It’s still a very recent model, so it hasn’t seen major price shifts or deals during sales events.

BenQ X3100i on table facing front

The BenQ X3100i is large for a portable projector but can be easily moved from room to room (Image credit: Future)

BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: Specs

BenQ X3100i close up of manual controls

Manual controls let you dial in focus, zoom, and vertical lens shift (Image credit: Future)

BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: design and features

  • Good, but not stunning looks
  • Flexible optical adjustments
  • Potent speakers

The BenQ X3100i is a modestly sized cube of a projector, with almost square dimensions. BenQ adds a touch of style by using an interesting pattern of cutouts for venting plus a dark finish on the front that’s accented in orange. That said, it’s virtually identical to the earlier BenQ X3000i and X1300i. It’s hard to ignore that the projector’s chassis is made from plastic — similar to any office projector — but the X3100i’s design flourishes give it a bit more visual appeal than models from Epson or Optoma.

For some projectors, a more stylish design has meant fewer optical controls, but BenQ hasn’t omitted them. It has a physical dial to vertically shift the lens, plus optical zoom and focus control rings. Digital adjustments are becoming commonplace on projectors, but these sacrifice actual picture resolution, which is why the BenQ X3100i’s optical adjustments are a great addition. It does have digital keystone adjustments, but since these add latency, hardcore gamers had best avoid them.

BenQ’s setup features don’t stop there. The projector has two adjustable feet up front to help angle it just right. Cleverly, it includes attachable feet and a rubber bumper should you want to set the projector upside down someplace like a high shelf. Since there’s a vertical offset to the lens, high placements require the X3100i to be upside-down, and these design features let you do that without having to opt for ceiling mounting. 

BenQ includes a fairly basic remote for easy navigation of the projector's menus and the menus of an attached streaming stick. The side panel controls are handy if you can’t find your remote and want to make adjustments in a pinch, but they’re cheap-feeling and not very responsive.

The included streaming stick is a basic Android TV dongle that tucks into a compartment inside the projector with a built-in HDMI port and a micro USB power connector. Annoyingly, It doesn’t come pre-installed, forcing you to unscrew the projector’s top cover to insert it.

The battery compartment of the included remote control is also difficult to get into. BenQ stretched the cover across almost the remote’s whole length, and it's tricky to grasp it.

In addition to the internal HDMI port, the BenQ X3100i includes two more HDMI ports on the rear, including one that supports eARC. There are also 3.5mm analog and optical digital audio outputs, so your connection options are well covered. The projector’s built-in speakers are surprisingly potent and they provided impactful sound before maxing out in my 200-square-foot room.

  • Design and features score: 3.5/5

BenQ X3100i showing Avatar 2 on screen

The BenQ's focus is on gaming performance, but it also does a great job displaying movies (Image credit: Future)

BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: picture and sound quality

  • Bright 4K picture
  • Flexible and responsive gaming options
  • Somewhat finicky HDR

The BenQ X3100i’s compact size hides mighty capabilities. A 4LED light source pipes out a rated 3,300 ANSI Lumens, working with a single DLP chip to produce a bright, crisp, and colorful 4K image. Movies and TV look awesome with this projector, especially when viewed on a 100-inch or larger screen. 

If you want to make the most of it, you’ll want to pair the BenQ X3100i with a different streaming stick such as the Roku Streaming Stick Plus or Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max. The included one didn’t seem to deliver HDR, and a third-party option was also inconsistent when displaying movies and shows with HDR, taking a lot of fussing around to get the projector’s settings right. 

All the same, the BenQ X3100i is up to the task of providing a killer image. It may not deliver the same rich color as triple-laser projectors like the Hisense PX2 Pro, which shoots for full coverage of the huge Rec. 2020 color space, but its color is still impressive. (BenQ's specifications cite 100% UHDA-P3 color space coverage.)

Gaming performance is a key aspect of the BenQ X3100i, which can run 4K at 60Hz or 1080p at 240Hz. With that option, if I wanted luscious visuals, I could select 4K, and then if getting sweaty in Overwatch 2, flip over to 240Hz mode. The projector’s DLP chip is incredibly responsive. Whipping around the battlefield and snapping at different targets was a breeze, and it was made all the better by the fact that targets can be downright huge with a large projected image.

Regardless of what picture mode I used (save the unsightly Bright setting), the BenQ maintained a relatively consistent noise level, with fans whirring quietly and never ramping up madly to disrupt my experience.

  • Picture quality score: 4/5

BenQ X3100i 4K projector review: value

  • $2,399 is premium territory
  • Respectable capabilities for the price

The BenQ X3100i may not be a class leader in any category, but it’s a flexible option that finds ways to give you more for your money and is a respectable projector for home theaters and gaming dens alike. Its $2,399 price tag may put it at odds with other projectors that can game or entertain equally well, but few can do both at the level BenQ achieves here.

  • Value score: 4.5/5

BenQ X3100i hidden compartment for streaming stick

The hidden compartment that holds the included Android TV streaming dongle (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the BenQ X3100i 4K projector?

BenQ X3100i Android TV interface

The X3100i's Android TV smart interface provides popular streaming apps including Netflix (Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if… 

Also consider...

Hisense PX2 Pro
Ultra short throw projectors like the Hisense PX2 Pro are a great option if you want a big image from a setup that takes up minimal space. It's not the same gaming powerhouse as the BenQ X3100i, but it does look great with both games and movies. Here's our full Hisense PX2 Pro review.

BenQ X3100i showing first person shooter game onscreen

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the BenQ X3100i 4K projector

  • Tested at home in multiple, real-world viewing conditions
  • Viewed with a variety of media and formats
  • I have tested numerous projectors and displays over the last half-decade

I tested the BenQ X3100i at home, in real-world conditions. This saw it challenged by ambient light coming in from numerous windows, in-room lighting, and ambient noise that the projector and its speaker system had to overcome. The projector was tested both on a bare, white wall and with an Akia Screens CineWhite screen and was presented with streamed HDR and non-HDR content, as well as PC gameplay. 

My testing evaluates the projector’s performance with respect to its price and competition from other models that I and my colleagues at TechRadar have tested.

I have been testing projectors since 2021 and displays for even longer. 

First reviewed: April 2024

Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress review
5:00 pm | March 24, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Health & Fitness Mattresses Sleep | Tags: | Comments: Off

Cloverlane Mattress: two-minute review

The Cloverlane Mattress debuted in late 2023 as Resident Sleep's new luxury label. (Resident is the company behind Nectar and DreamCloud – two of the best mattress brands around.) It's available as a hybrid or all-foam bed and comes with three firmness levels: Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, or Firm). 

For one month, I slept on a twin Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress in Plush Soft, which is deemed the best level of firmness for pressure relief. In addition to my experience, I asked four volunteers to nap on it as well and conducted a series of objective tests. My full Cloverlane Mattress review is below but if you're short on time, here's the abridged version...

Cloverlane Mattress in reviewer's bedroom

(Image credit: Future)

The Cloverlane either has a bed of 8-inch wrapped coils surrounded by dense foam (hybrid) or a 9-inch foam core (memory foam). The core of the Cloverlane Mattress influences its level of firmness. Both versions of the Cloverlane Mattress have multiple foam layers, a latex lumbar support strip, and a polyester-blend cover.

My fellow testers and I found the Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid most suitable for side sleeping, but it has a firmer-than-advertised feel. You'll need to give it at least a month before you start to feel more settled into it – and even then, it may still feel firm. Fortunately, you get 365 nights to break this mattress in.

The Cloverlane's lumbar support system – a half-inch thick strip of latex and specialized quilting in the center of the bed – kept me from waking up with stiffness in my lower back. There's all-over pressure relief with the Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid, which increases the more you sleep on it.

My drop tests showed that the Cloverlane Hybrid has above-average motion isolation. That result is likely to be even better with the Cloverlane Memory Foam Mattress. However, the hybrid should sleep cooler than the foam version since it has springs to increase airflow along with the breathable cover and 16 brass air vents. (I didn't overheat with my Cloverlane Hybrid at all.)

Cloverlane Mattress

(Image credit: Resident)

Edge support, however, was hit-or-miss on my twin test unit. I found the Cloverlane Hybrid supportive enough to keep me from rolling off the bed when I rolled too close to the edges, but some of my testers didn't feel as steady when sitting along the middle perimeter. This could be a different story on larger versions of the bed, but I believe sturdy edges should be a feature of any mattress, regardless of size.

Does the Cloverlane Hybrid do enough to overtake the Saatva Classic as TechRadar's #1 mattress? I don't think so. The Cloverlane is a comfortable bed but it's not meticulously hand-crafted like the Saatva. (The Cloverlane still comes in a box, despite arriving flat.)  The polyester-blend cover doesn't feel as luxe as the organic cotton cover that kept our reviewer comfortably cool in our Saatva Classic mattress review.

The Cloverlane Mattress is always on sale for up to $700 off – a queen-size goes for $1,499 in either hybrid or memory foam. (This is interesting to point out because hybrid mattresses generally cost more than their foam-only counterparts.) It comes with White Glove Delivery plus optional mattress disposal, a one-year risk-free trial, and a lifetime warranty.

Cloverlane Mattress review: Design & materials

  • Available as a 15-inch hybrid or all-foam mattress
  • Support coils affect the Cloverlane's firmness level
  • More utilitarian than luxurious but still well-made

The Cloverlane comes in one height (15 inches), two builds (hybrid and memory foam), and three firmness levels (Plush Soft, Luxury Firm, and Firm). The Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid is what's being reviewed here.  

The bottom half of the mattress either has 8-inch wrapped coils surrounded by a dense foam wall for edge support or a 9-inch foam core instead. The core of the mattress influences the level of firmness. On top are 2.5 inches of transitional support foam plus 2 inches of gel-infused memory foam. In between those layers is a half-inch thick strip of latex that runs across the center of the mattress for lumbar support.

The Cloverlane Mattress has a Euro-top: 1.75 inches of plush foam wrapped in a blend of polyester, cotton, and polyethylene. Specialty quilting in the middle third complements the latex lumbar layer.

All of the foams in the Cloverlane Mattress are CertiPUR-US certified, meaning they've been tested for harmful chemicals and the VOC (volatile organic compound) emissions that result in off-gassing odors. (I didn't detect any obvious smell from my Cloverlane Hybrid mattress.) It's unclear whether the Cloverlane Mattresses have fiberglass.

The poly-blend cover isn't uncomfortable, but compared to a luxury mattress with a tufted organic cotton cover (Saatva Classic) or a soft cashmere-blend cover (DreamCloud), the Cloverlane appears less shiny. However, the side-carry handles are a convenient touch, and the 16 brass air vents are a good way to boost airflow.

  • Design score: 4 out of 5

Cloverlane Mattress review: Price & value for money

  • Has been on sale for up to $700 off from the time it launched
  • An upper mid-range mattress, a queen sells for $1,499
  • White Glove Delivery and a risk-free one-year trial

The Cloverlane Mattress has been on sale for up to $700 off from the time it launched late last year. Like most Resident brands, you can ignore the MSRPs. A queen Cloverlane mattress sells for $1,499, which is right on the border between TechRadar's upper mid-range and premium pricing brackets. Prices are the same for the all-foam version of the Cloverlane.

Here is the official sale pricing for the Cloverlane Mattress, at time of writing:

  • Twin MSRP: $1,199 (usually on sale for $699)
  • Twin XL MSRP: $1,499 (usually on sale for $999)
  • Full MSRP: $1,999 (usually on sale for $1,399)
  • Queen MSRP: $2,199 (usually on sale for $1,499)
  • King MSRP: $2,699 (usually on sale for $1,999)
  • California king MSRP: $2,699 (usually on sale for $1,999)

Add-ons include a specialty cooling cover with extra heat-wicking fibers for $199 and a discounted bedding bundle with down pillows, percale sheets, and a mattress pad from $199 (up to a $696 value).

Compared to the Saatva Classic, you're paying about $200 to $400 less, depending on the type of Saatva mattress sale running at the moment. That's not a significant differential. Cloverlane and Saatva both offer a one-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and free White Glove Delivery with optional mattress removal. (Saatva also adds foundation removal.)  Cloverlane offers free returns, while Saatva charges a $99 fee.

Among the broader luxury mattress market, Cloverlane's extras make it an excellent value for money. Side-by-side with the Saatva Classic, however, the difference is negligible. If you have the money to spare, I'd recommend just going for the luxe, handcrafted Saatva and its free mattress and foundation removal. Otherwise, the Cloverlane is a sound choice if you want to spend a few hundred dollars less.

  • Value for money score: 4.5 out of 5

Cloverlane Mattress review: Comfort & support

  • Expect a firmer-than-advertised feel at first
  • However, the mattress starts to soften after a month
  • Endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association for back pain

The Cloverlane Mattress comes in three firmness levels (based on a 10-point firmness scale):

  • Plush Soft (4): Side sleepers, lightweight sleepers, maximum pressure relief
  • Luxury Firm (5-7): Couples, back/combi sleepers, sleepers with back pain
  • Firm (8): Stomach sleepers, heavyweight sleepers, subtle pressure relief

For the first half of my month-long testing period, my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress felt decidedly firm. I double-checked the mattress tag and my order details to make sure I knew what I was sleeping on. However, by the fourth and final week, I noticed more give around my shoulders and hips. It still wasn't supremely plush – and I definitely wouldn't rate it a 4 out of 10 on the firmness scale – but it's slightly softer than when I first laid on it. 

I'm not the only one who noticed this, either. One of my lightweight volunteers tried my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress twice. During her initial trial in week two, she rated it a 10 out of 10 on the firmness scale, but when she tried it again during week four, she knocked that down to a 9 and said she felt more settled. You'll need to make the most of your year-long trial because the Cloverlane may take quite a while to fully break in.

Cloverlane Mattress in reviewer's bedroom

(Image credit: Future)

But is the Cloverlane Mattress comfortable otherwise? My fellow testers and I think so. I rate the Plush Soft Hybrid I tested the best for side sleeping for its pressure relief from the top foam layers. I was also comfortable stomach sleeping, particularly during the first couple of weeks when it was much firmer. If you strictly sleep on your stomach, though, choose the Cloverlane Firm.

Most of the back sleepers in my group liked the Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress but you'll want to go for the Luxury Firm version for the best balance of support and relief. One of my older back sleepers with arthritis, who tried my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid during week three, said she would have liked more lumbar support.

Cloverlane Mattress in reviewer's bedroom

(Image credit: Future)

To objectively test the Cloverlane Hybrid's pressure relief, I placed a 50lb weight at the center of the mattress, where it sank about three inches. That seems on-brand for a Plush Soft hybrid mattress. Moving the weight towards the bottom half of the mattress yielded a similar level of sinkage. 

Is the Cloverlane a good mattress for back pain? After transitioning from the Saatva RX – which is one of the best mattresses for back pain I've ever slept on – I think the Cloverlane's latex lumbar strip and specialty quilting do a good job of picking up where the Saatva left off for me. I didn't wake up with any stiffness or pain in my lower lumbar at any point during testing. By the way – the Cloverlane Hybrid is endorsed by the American Chiropractic Association.

Cloverlane Mattress review: performance

  • Will keep most sleepers at a comfortable temperature
  • Absorbs most movement well – good for couples
  • Edge support is a mixed bag

For one month, I slept on a slept on a twin Cloverlane Hybrid mattress in Plush Soft and asked four adult volunteers of varying body types and sleep preferences to nap on it for at least 15 minutes to help provide a broader perspective. I also tested its temperature regulation, motion isolation, and edge support. Here's what I found...

Temperature regulation

I tested the Cloverlane Hybrid between December 2023 and January 2024, so I endured plenty of frigid nights. Of course, I kept the heat running (around 72 degrees F) and layered up with a polyester blanket and a mid-weight polyester comforter atop my 100% cotton sheets.

Cloverlane Mattress in reviewer's bedroom

(Image credit: Future)

The Cloverlane Hybrid did a good job of maintaining temperature-neutral sleep throughout the month I slept on it. I wouldn't say it's profoundly cooling but I'm willing to bet it's more breathable than the all-foam Cloverlane Mattress. (It's a hybrid, after all.) If you deal with regular night sweats, you can add a specialty cover with extra heat-wicking material for $199 more.

Still, the Cloverlane Mattress is built with breathability in mind. In addition to the aforementioned cover, there are 16 hand-installed brass vents along the base to boost airflow. (The vents are on the hybrid and memory foam versions.) It may not have the same effect as a dedicated cooling mattress but for most people, the Cloverlane Mattress should be comfortable enough.

  • Temperature regulation score: 4 out of 5

Motion isolation

To test the motion isolation of my twin-size Cloverlane Hybrid, I performed a drop test with an empty wine glass and a 10lb weight. I dropped the weight from six inches above the surface from three distances to simulate three levels of motion transfer. In addition to that, I also noticed how quickly the weight settled.

When I dropped the weight from four inches away, the glass fell over. I repeated this drop for insurance and the glass didn't drop but it did wobble quite a bit. These results suggest that it's perhaps not the best choice for couples with a restless partner.

Fortunately, the empty glass remained steady when I dropped the weight from 12 and 25 inches away. This means you're unlikely to be disturbed if your partner gets in or out of bed. Meanwhile, the 10lb weight settled into the surface after a few short bounces, indicating good absorption of movement. 

The all-foam version of the Cloverlane likely performs even better here, but the Cloverlane Hybrid has a nice bouncy rhythm while maintaining a low level of motion transfer. Either way, I think the Cloverlane Mattress will allow most couples to sleep uninterrupted.

  • Motion isolation score: 4 out of 5

Edge support

To test the edge support of my Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid mattress, I placed a 50lb weight on the middle perimeter, where it sank about three inches. It was the same result when I put the weight at the very foot of the bed. That's the same level of sinkage I measured at the center of the bed – which is usually a good thing, but that's quite a deep drop for the edges.

Cloverlane Mattress in reviewer's bedroom

(Image credit: Future)

Among my fellow testers, opinions were mixed. Along the middle, my lighter and taller volunteers said they were comfortable but the shorter sleepers in my group felt unsteady. (Everyone felt at ease sitting at the foot of the bed.) Meanwhile, I tend to roll toward the edge when I sleep, but the Cloverlane's edges kept me from falling overboard.

Of course, I can only speak for a twin-sized Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid. There's a possibility larger, firmer versions perform better here. There currently aren't any reviews that mention the Cloverlane's edge support. But if you want a mattress that's known for strong edges on even the smallest bed sizes, read my Awara Natural Hybrid mattress review, which I also tested in a twin.

  • Edge support score: 3.5 out of 5

Cloverlane Mattress review: Customer service

  • Arrives flat but still comes in a box
  • Includes White Glove Delivery and mattress removal
  • One-year trial with free returns

The Cloverlane Mattress arrives flat via free White Glove Delivery. The most I had to do was schedule a delivery time, which was not the smoothest experience. However, your mileage may vary here as you'll be dealing with a local logistics company. Fortunately, the day of the delivery went off without a hitch as the delivery crew arrived right on time. The whole process took less than 10 minutes, and that even included the free mattress removal. 

Interestingly, my Cloverlane Hybrid arrived flat but still came in a box. The two delivery drivers removed my mattress from a giant brown box from the back of their truck before taking it into my home. I peeked at the mattress tag, which says it was manufactured in August 2024. I received my mattress in December 2024, about four months later. Despite that, my Cloverlane Hybrid Mattress didn't have an obvious off-gassing smell, and it was ready to sleep on right away. It's not your typical bed-in-a-box. 

The Cloverlane comes with a one-year warranty, with free returns if you're not happy with it. There's also a lifetime warranty, which includes a free replacement with a factory defect for the first 10 years you own the mattress. Beyond that, you'll just have to pay a $50 transportation fee each way for repairs.

  • Customer service score: 4.5 out of 5

Cloverlane Mattress review: Specs

Should you buy the Cloverlane Mattress?

Buy it if...

✅ You have a bad back: Between the free in-room delivery and the specialized lumbar support, the Cloverlane should relieve many sleepers with back pain. I didn't wake up with stiffness in my lower back throughout my month of sleeping on the Cloverlane Hybrid. The American Chiropractic Association gives it its seal of approval.

✅ You want to customize your comfort: The Cloverlane is available as a hybrid (reviewed here) or all-foam mattress in three firmness levels. There's no price difference between the two types of builds, either, which is rare. (Hybrids are usually more expensive than foam beds.)

✅ You want a bed that's easy to move: The side carry handles will make rotating your mattress much less of a challenge. They're also handy if you move house often or like to rearrange your space regularly.

Don't buy it if...

❌ You can afford a Saatva: The Saatva Classic boasts better craftsmanship and a more sumptuous appearance than the Cloverlane Mattress. If you have enough for Saatva, make that your choice. It's only about $200 to $400 more than either version of the Cloverlane Mattress. Plus, Saatva offers free mattress and foundation removal.

❌ You don't want a bed with a long break-in period: My Plush Soft Cloverlane Hybrid was definitely firm at first, and one month later I'd downgrade it to a medium-firm. You'll need to be patient and allow yourself time to fully break this mattress in. Fortunately, Cloverlane gives you a year to do that.

❌ You'd rather buy a mattress without fiberglass: Cloverlane doesn't make it clear if it uses fiberglass in its mattresses. If you're sensitive to fiberglass or simply don't want to sleep on a bed that has it, check out our vetted list of the best fiberglass-free mattresses.

Cloverlane Mattress review: Also consider

The DreamCloud Mattress
This is the most affordable luxury mattress out there, with a queen going for as low as $665 in recent DreamCloud mattress sales. You'll lose out on the free White Glove Delivery but you'll still get a one-year trial, a lifetime warranty, and free shipping and returns. It comes in one medium-firm comfort level that's comfortable for back sleeping. Motion isolation is ace, as well.
Read more: DreamCloud mattress review

Helix Dusk Luxe Mattress
If you want a softer mattress with a shorter break-in period than the Cloverlane, check out the Helix Dusk Luxe. It has a medium comfort level that our reviewer says gives it "a cloud-like feel and lots of support" for back and front sleepers. (Side sleepers may fare better with the deep pressure relief of the Helix Midnight Luxe.) A queen normally sells for $1,780 after 20% off. It comes with a 15-year warranty and a 100-night trial.
Read more: Helix Dusk Luxe mattress review

Saatva Classic Mattress
The Saatva Classic is Cloverlane's main rival. This handcrafted mattress comes in three firmness levels and two heights. You won't find much foam but there are two layers of wrapped coils, an organic cotton Euro pillow-top, and a dedicated lumbar zone (which includes a strip of memory foam). If you have the money for it, buy the Saatva since there's not that huge of a price difference – but if you want a bed with better motion isolation and more foam, consider the Cloverlane.
Read more: Saatva Classic mattress review

How I tested the Cloverlane Mattress

I slept on a twin Cloverlane Hybrid mattress in Plush Firm every night for one month between December 2023 and January 2024. My review is a combination of real-world experience and objective tests.

In addition to my perspective as a 5-foot-4, 145lb side/stomach sleeper with a lower back issue, I asked four adult volunteers to nap on the Cloverlane for at least 15 minutes in their usual positions. Our testers ranged in size from 5ft 4 and 125lbs to 6ft and 185lbs, and one of them deals with arthritis. 

It's another cold winter here, so I'll sometimes add a polyester blanket to my regular setup: a mid-weight polyester blend comforter and 100% cotton sheets. My bedroom temperature is usually around 72 degrees F.

  • First reviewed: February 2024
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen review: the best portable projector gets even better
2:00 pm | February 25, 2024
Author: admin | Category: Computers Gadgets Home Theater Projectors Televisions | Tags: , | Comments: Off

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen: one-minute review

Samsung’s first The Freestyle projector created quite the buzz with its compact, cylindrical form and superior streaming capabilities compared to other portable projectors. Notably, it featured the same Tizen smart TV interface found in the company’s TVs, which let viewers easily stream from a wide range of apps while also allowing for voice control via Samsung’s Bixby or Amazon Alexa voice assistants. Beyond that, the original The Freestyle could beam images as large as 100 inches, and it provided auto focus and keystone adjustments to quickly align pictures on any surface you pointed it at. We liked it so much when we tested it, that it rocketed to the top of our list of the best portable projectors.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen doesn’t stray too far from the original, but does get a key update with Samsung’s Gaming Hub, a section of the smart interface that houses a range of cloud-based gaming services such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Utomik, and more. This new feature lets you pair the projector with wireless gaming controllers and play premium games without having to connect a physical console – something the Freestyle 2nd Gen’s single micro-HDMI connection doesn’t make easy anyway.

Samsung offers a range of accessories to pair with its portable, including a rechargeable battery base that will give you around 3 hours of playback time and an adaptor to plug it into a standard ceiling light socket for power. While most users won’t need to have images beamed down from the ceiling onto a table or floor, having that capability is just one of the things that makes the Freestyle 2nd Gen a more flexible and fun option than typical projectors.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s LED light source provides only limited brightness, which means you’ll get the best picture when viewing in a dim room, or at nighttime if viewing outdoors. Even in those conditions, the projector’s picture lacks the detail and punchy contrast you can expect from the best 4K projectors, making it more of a convenient means to project a big image than a high-quality one. But the Freestyle Gen 2’s compact design and excellent feature set still make it a great portable projector, one that will easily fit in your backpack.

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: price and release date

  • Release date: August 2023
  • MSRP: $799 / £649

Samsung’s The Freestyle 2nd Gen sells for $799 /  £649. At this writing it is not currently available in Australia, and availability appear to be limited in the UK. The $799 list price is somewhat high compared to other 1080p HD-res compact portable projectors, though it does offer some unique features not found in the competition such as Samsung’s Gaming Hub. 

The Freestyle 2nd Gen gets regular discounts during holiday sales events, where it sells for around $599. That price makes Samsung’s portable projector a much better value than at its $799 list price, so sales are worth seeking out and waiting for.

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Gaming Hub interface

The new Samsung Gaming Hub interface (Image credit: Future)

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: Specs

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen on table with battery base

Samsung's optional battery base accessory provides around 3 hours of power before needing a recharge (Image credit: Future)

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: design and features

  • Compact and lightweight design
  • Tizen smart TV interface for streaming
  • Samsung Gaming hub for cloud-based gaming

The Freestyle 2nd Gen sports the same white cylinder form factor as its predecessor. At just 1.8 pounds, it’s easy to tote around the house and is compact enough to easily stash in a backpack. An included cradle stand rotates 180 degrees and can be tilted 90 degrees, giving you plenty of flexibility as to where you beam images, ceilings included. 

Samsung includes a SolarCell remote control that doesn’t require batteries (as the name suggests, it draws energy from available light sources, as well as from your home’s wireless network) and the projector can also be controlled via Samsung’s Bixby or Amazon Alexa voice commands. Such commands can be executed by pressing and holding the Mic button on the remote, but the projector also has built-in far-field mics for hands-free voice control.

The single-chip DLP projector uses an LED light source that Samsung specs for 30,000 hours of use. Auto focus and keystone adjustments let you position the projector even at extreme angles from the wall or other surface you’re projecting on and The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s image will automatically align itself to a 16:9 aspect ratio. Those adjustments can also be carried out manually (and in many cases you'll want to tweak the keystone and focus settings), and there’s the option to shrink the image to a smaller size without physically moving the projector.

Samsung offers a range of accessories to use with The Freestyle 2nd Gen. A socket adaptor lets you plug the projector into a light socket, and is mainly intended for projecting from the ceiling onto a floor or table. There’s also a battery base, which provides several hours of charge and lets you use the projector indoors or out without having to connect to power. A carrying case is another accessory and one that will protect The Freestyle 2nd Gen if you’re bringing it outdoors or to another location.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen is all about streaming and features the same Tizen smart interface found in the company’s TVs. This provides pretty much any streaming app you could want and also has Samsung’s Gaming Hub onboard for cloud-based gaming from services such as Xbox, Nvidia GeForce Now, Utomik, and others. The projector uses the somewhat dated Wi-Fi 5 standard for streaming, although I didn’t have any issues during my time with it.

As a streaming-centric projector, connections on The Freestyle 2nd Gen are limited to micro-HDMI. No HDMI-to-micro-HDMI cables or adaptors are included, so, like me, you’ll probably need to order one online to be able to plug in an external gaming console, Blu-ray player, or other HDMI source. The micro-HDMI connection supports HDMI-ARC, which allows you to connect it to a soundbar or other audio system. Another option is Bluetooth, with dual Bluetooth supported for both wireless input and output connections, and there’s also wireless app casting from iPhones and Android phones.

Samsung calls The Freestyle 2nd Gen’s built-in 5-watt audio system “360 Degree” sound, and during my use, it did provide surprisingly spacious sound, although with unsurprisingly limited bass. The projector can also do double-duty as a wireless speaker for streaming music via AirPlay or Bluetooth, boosting its already impressive features list.

  • Design and features score: 4.5/5

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen beaming picture at screen

With The Freestyle 2nd Gen, you'll get the best picture quality results when viewing  in a dark room (Image credit: Future)

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen review: picture quality

  • Limited brightness
  • Relatively accurate Movie picture mode
  • Plentiful picture adjustments

Lower-cost LED-based portable projectors typically don’t put out a very bright image, and having seen The Freestyle 2nd Gen in action before starting this review, I knew I would have to temper my expectations. With the picture blown up to maximum size on a 100-inch screen, it was noticeably dim, even when viewed in a completely dark room. Using an ambient light rejecting screen with 0.8 gain, I measured a mere 7.3 nits in Dynamic mode on a 10 percent white window test pattern, and 6.6 nits in Movie mode. By way of comparison, a standard home theater projector such as the BenQ v5000i ultra short throw model I recently tested can deliver 125 nits under the same circumstances.

Image brightness got a boost when I positioned the projector for a smaller picture (there is no zoom lens, though images can be digitally scaled to a smaller size), though it still seemed relatively dim. Picture contrast was decent, with blacks in images showing a good degree of depth, though shadows lacked detail, appearing as more of a dark gray mass.

Colors were most accurate in the Movie picture mode. With that selected, I measured color Delta-E (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) at 5, and the grayscale Delta-E at 14.1. They were notably less so in the Standard and Dynamic modes, but even so, I preferred Standard because it provided a slight brightness advantage over Movie. Watching Asteroid City streamed on Amazon Prime, the film’s hyped-up color scheme came through with all its garishness intact, though there was also a softness to the picture, which was being downscaled to the projector’s native 1080p format.

The projector supports HDR10+, HDR10, and HLG high dynamic range, but I didn’t see much of a picture quality difference when viewing in HDR from standard HD format – something the above peak brightness measurements, which were taken with the projector displaying in HDR backs up. As for other measurements, Samsung’s projector managed 88.5% P3 color space and 68.9% BT.2020 color space coverage, and input lag was 62ms with Game mode active. That last number is a relatively high one compared to what you’ll see from the best gaming TVs, as well as certain projectors such as the BenQ v5000i, though I didn’t have any issues when playing Xbox games in Samsung Gaming Hub.

  • Picture quality score: 3.5/5

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen inputs section

Side-panel connections include one HDMI with eARC and a USB-C port for power (Image credit: Future)

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review: value

  • Pricier than portable competition
  • Frequently gets discounts
  • Enhanced value for gamers

At its $799 / £649 list price, the Freestyle 2nd Gen sits in an awkward spot value-wise. It costs twice as much as other portable 1080p LED projectors with similar brightness specs such as the Anker Nebula Solar Portable. And spending around $1,000 more will get you a 4K model with a significantly brighter laser light engine such as the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K.

If you find the Freestyle 2nd Gen selling at a discounted price, while still not cheap, it’s value gets a boost. The main advantages Samsung’s projector holds over similar models are its highly flexible setup options, easy portability, and superior smart interface for streaming and gaming. If limited brightness won’t be a big factor in your buying decision, there’s plenty to recommend the Freestyle 2nd Gen.

  • Value score: 3.5/5

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen remote control held in hand

The projector's remote features a built-in mic for voice commands (Image credit: Future)

Should I buy the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen?

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen close up of lens and controls

(Image credit: Future)

Buy it if...

Don’t buy it if… 

Also consider...

Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K
This powerful portable has a laser-based light engine with a whopping 2,400 lumens brightness, though it costs more than twice what you’ll pay for the Samsung. It also has a stunning design, though there’s no built-in battery for easy outdoor use.

Read our full Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K review

Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen smart interface

(Image credit: Future)

How I tested the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen

  • I spent about 5 hours in total measuring and evaluating
  • Measurements were made using Calman color calibration software
  • Used with an Elite Screens Kestrel Tab-Tension 2 CLR 3 projection screen

When I test a projector, my first step is to spend a few days using it for casual viewing for break-in and to assess the out-of-box picture presets. The next step is to select the most accurate-looking preset (typically labeled Filmmaker, Movie or Cinema) and measure the white balance (grayscale), gamma, and color point accuracy using Portrait Displays’ Calman color calibration software. The resulting measurements provide Delta-E values (the margin of error between the test pattern source and what’s shown on-screen) for each category, and they allow for an assessment of the TV’s overall accuracy.

Along with those tests, I make measurements of peak light output (recorded in nits) for both standard high-definition and 4K high dynamic range using a 10% white window pattern. Coverage of DCI-P3 and BT.2020 color space is also measured, with the results providing a sense of how faithfully the projector can render the extended color range in ultra high-definition sources.

Unlike many portable projectors, the Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen provides a full range of adjustments to calibrate its picture. And while most users aren’t likely to bother using these, it’s nice to know they exist. Knowing that Samsung’s portable will almost exclusively be used for casual viewing, I bypassed a calibration and relied on both streaming reference 4K Blu-ray discs to test its performance in the Movie, Standard, and Dynamic preset picture modes

My projector testing experience spans almost three decades, going back to the early three-gun CRT models.

First reviewed: February, 2024

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