TV or Not TV? Why Portable Projectors Could Be a Better Option

 In a world where our eyes are glued to the screen like penguins watching Antarctica’s got talent, portable projectors have emerged as a bright beacon of versatility. These days even the most bog-standard device can turn any surface into a cinematic canvas. But do these pocket-sized projectors live up to the hype, or are they just a novelty? Let's shed some light on the matter.

Convenience

First and foremost, portable projectors are a marvel of convenience. Whether it’s a Fifa tournament at your mate's place or a romantic comedy with the other half, most modern devices can easily fit into your backpack or tote bag. 

With many portable projectors also now coming with built-in batteries, you can shovel down your popcorn in even the most remote locations. If your eyeballs need a well-deserved vacation from their cramped cubicle of visual monotony then it might be something you should consider.

Quality

In a world dominated by large televisions and plush cinema seats, the idea of swapping them for a portable projector might seem as appealing as trading in your luxury car for a unicycle. But hold on to your popcorn buckets, because the quality of modern projectors might just surprise you. 

With advancements in technology, today's portable projectors offer a visual feast that rivals their larger counterparts. Imagine stunning visuals with crystal-clear details and vibrant colours, thanks to high resolutions like Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) and even 4K. 

These compact powerhouses also boast impressive brightness ratings, often measured in ANSI lumens, ensuring that your projected image shines brilliantly even in well-lit environments. Worried about image size? 

Fear not, many portable projectors can transform any blank wall into a canvas of entertainment, projecting screens that range from a cosy 50 inches to a jaw-dropping 100 inches or more.

Our picks

Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro

Take, for instance, the Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro, a pocket-sized powerhouse that punches above its weight. This little beamer can project a whopping 100-inch screen, and with its built-in Android TV functionality, you can stream your favourite shows and movies with ease. 

Sporting a Full HD resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels and a brightness rating of 300 ANSI lumens, this pocket-sized wonder delivers stunning visuals with crisp details and vibrant colours. 

The MoGo 2 Pro also boasts an impressive contrast ratio of 1000:1, ensuring deep blacks and striking whites that bring your favourite movies to life. 

At $599 / €599, the Xgimi MoGo 2 Pro undercuts Samsung’s disappointing Freestyle portable projector by almost $300. 

Check out a full review here. 

Formovie Dice

The Formovie Dice is also worth mentioning.This little gem is smaller than a bag of crisps but packs a punch when it comes to entertainment. The features are impressive with a native resolution of 1080p, vibrant colors, and sharp image quality. 

The built-in speaker also delivers pretty decent audio, thanks to its two 5W speakers, but if that’s not enough you also have the option to connect external speakers for a more immersive sound experience.

It is pretty flexible with its Android TV OS too and can currently be bought straight from the Formovie website for a price of $649.

Still not convinced?

If you’re looking for an even cheaper option that still boasts 1080p projection power, Heyup is now offering the Heyup Boxe Smart Projector- for just $199. 

This pint-sized powerhouse can easily be connected to your video game console, a computer, a Mac or even an iPad or an iPhone.

So let us know whether you’d be willing to invest in one of these portable powerhouses on our community page and remember to head over to our social media to check out our latest posts and hot topics.