As known, traditional projectors use powerful lamps as a light source. Unfortunately, they have a limited resource and high cost. In addition, their high heat dissipation requires a large internal volume and a powerful cooling system with a high noise level. But the rapid development of semiconductors has greatly expanded the capabilities of companies, allowing them to develop LED projectors using LEDs as light sources.
Today, companies usually produce modern LED projectors in the form of a compact thin parallelepiped, which easily fits even in your pocket. Moreover, the modern market also offers smartphones with the function of an integrated projector.
The modern market offers a huge number of different LED mini projectors. Of course, this factor is positive for the market, but it sometimes complicates the choice of the optimal model.
Of course, various TOPs simplify this task. As a rule, today consumers mainly focus on the latest innovative models, TOPs from experts and reviews of other consumers. This review offers models of the latter group.
This listing includes:
– VANKYO LEISURE 3 Mini Projector;
– DR. J Professional HI-04;
– DBPOWER Mini Projector;
– QKK (2019 Upgrade) Mini Projector;
– TOPVISION Mini Projector.
Unfortunately, sellers rarely provide objective data about image quality at max projection size. As known, color saturation and image contrast directly depends on the brightness of the projector and the lighting in the room. But many companies often incorrectly indicate its value, for example, in Lux (in fact, this is illumination, but not the traditional Lumen Output) or peak brightness, which significantly exceeds Lumen Output. Nevertheless, a huge number of positive reviews indicates that most users are satisfied with the image quality and size.
Vankyo Leisure 3 Projector
Today, this model is the undisputed Best Seller.
Vankyo projectors first appeared in December 2017. Today the company offers several series, including LEISURE, PERFORMANCE, PASSPORT, and BURGER SERIES. Leisure series contains Vankyo Leisure 3 and Vankyo Leisure 510 models. Vankyo Leisure 3 became Best Seller in Amazon in 2018 and continues to lead in popularity in the budget segment.
With an unprecedentedly low price less than $ 90, this projector supports 1080p, projects an image width up to 170 inches, has Dual Speakers and provides ± 15 ° Keystone Correction. But its native resolution is only 800 x 480. The projector’s contrast reaches 2,000: 1 (full on / off).
Of course, these specs may seem exaggerated given the very low price. But, given the huge number of positive reviews, this model really provides a fairly high quality. In this case, unprecedented dumping will please many potential buyers.
Its projection distance varies between 4.9 ft to 16.4 ft.
But a company recommends 6.5 ft for maximum image quality.
The model provides 2400 Lux, which corresponds to approximately 75 Lm (LED Beam Angle: 120 °). This model uses the efficient MStar Advanced Color Engine. According to the company, it increases brightness by 60%.
Connection Panel contains MemoryCard, USB and HDMI (MHL). Connecting to iPhone requires an extra Lightning to HDMI adapter (not included). When connect with android phone, you need an extra Micro USB/Type C to HDMI adapter (not included).
Unfortunately, the model does not have a built-in battery and runs on an AC power cord. Of course, this greatly limits its use, for example, in the yard.
DR. J Professional HI-04 Projector
This model also first appeared on the market in 2017.
At a price of $ 70, the projector has 800 x 480 native resolution with 1080p support, and provides a contrast ratio of 2,000: 1 (full on / off).
Unfortunately, the company does not indicate brightness. According to the company, Watching Size ranges from 32” to 176” (up to 100” diagonally) with projector distance 5 -16 ft. But image quality, including its sharpness and colors saturation, depends on the projector brightness.
Surprisingly, the model comes with a 100 Inch Projector Screen. Today this extra option is unique.
DR.J projector is compatible with TV Box, PCs, Laptops, Tablets, Blue-ray DVD player, SD Card, USB Flash Drive, Video Games, Media players (Music, Pictures, Video, TXT), Smartphones ( Wireless HDMI Dongle not included).
Additionally, the company provides a 3 year warranty.
DBPOWER Mini Projector
This projector from a Chinese company first appeared on the market in 2018.
At a price of $ 80, the projector has 800 x 480 native resolution with 1080p support, and provides a contrast ratio of 2,000: 1 (full on / off). In addition, it provides Manual Keystone correction ± 15 °. According to the company, the brightness of DBPOWER reaches 2400 Lux (up to 100 lm), and the image width varies from 32” to 176” (up to 100” diagonally.)
The model uses an efficient Dual Fan Cooling System with low noise.
Unfortunately, when connect with iPhone, the projector requires an extra Lightning to HDMI adapter (not included), and when connect with Android phone, you need an extra Micro USB / Type C to HDMI adapter (not included). In addition, projector provides connectivity with laptops, USB drives, DVD players, Amazon Fire TV Sticks, and Xbox.
QKK (2019 Upgrade) Mini Projector
This model first appeared in 2017. Today the company offers its improved version.
At a price of about $ 75, the projector has a 800 x 480 native resolution with support for 1080p, and provides a contrast ratio of 2,000: 1 (full on / off).
According to the company, QKK projector supports up to 170” projection width at the distance of 16 ft. But to get the max picture quality, the company recommends screen size in 100” at the distance of 10 ft.
In addition, QKK projector has HDMI, AV, VGA, SD Card port, which allows you to use it with laptop, PCs, TV box, TV stick, Chromebook, tablets, blue-ray DVD player, SD card, USB flash drive, media players (music, pictures, video), smartphones (wireless HDMI dongle not included).
TOPVISION Mini Projector
This model 2018 costs a little more than $ 100.
This projector supports 1080p and provides a contrast ratio of 2,000: 1 (full on / off). In addition, TOPVISION provides ± 15 keystone correction and an illumination of 2400 Lux, which corresponds to approximately 75 Lm (LED Beam Angle: 120 °).
Projection distance varies from 5 to 17 ft, providing a screen width of up to 176” (up to 100” diagonally.) Company recommends an optimal distance of 6-10 ft.
Moreover, projector provides stream multimedia, including smart phone, TV stick, PS3/PS4 and other video game consoles with the HDMI input.
Conclusion
Thus, the modern market offers a wide selection of budget mini LED projectors at prices ranging from $ 60 to $ 100, with brightness up to 100 lm and 800 x 480 native resolution (1080p supported), and contrast ratio of 2,000: 1. Usually, their optics provide a projection of up to 100” diagonally, but without specifying image quality. As known, clarity, contrast and color saturation are inversely proportional to the screen size. Thus, the user can adjust these values based on individual preferences.
Almost all modern models support a fairly wide range of connections. Some models, for example, Vankyo Leisure 3 have quite powerful dual speakers and provide Keystone Correction, which simplifies setup. DR. J Professional HI-04 projector comes even with a 100 Inch Projector Screen, which is unprecedented in this segment.
This video demonstrates the capabilities of DR. J Professional HI-04 Mini Projector.