Skip to content
Pangu

Pangu

  • Home
  • Xiaomi phones
  • Pangu jailbreak
  • Pangu firmware
  • Telecoms finance
  • Accounts
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Privacy Policy
Watch Online
  • Home
  • Xiaomi phones
  • Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2: High style, low light, high price
  • Xiaomi phones

Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2: High style, low light, high price

Kelly Choos May 14, 2022 6 min read

It’s the rare projector that crosses my path with an aesthetically beautiful design. There is a lot of cool spotlightssome cute spotlights and even some that one might generously call “take care. “The Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 is as sleek as any projector I’ve seen, and would look at home surrounded by Apple devices on a Eero Saarinen table flanked by Corbusier chairs.

To like

  • Gorgeous design
  • Built-in Android TV
  • Looks like an Apple product

Do not like

  • Not bright enough
  • No battery
  • Price like an Apple product

Unfortunately, it’s relatively expensive, and the image quality and features don’t quite match the excellent design. It’s not very bright, the colors are a bit off, and its contrast is adequate at best. And unlike most truly portable projectorsit lacks a built-in battery.

For less money, the Anker Mars II Pro offers more brightness, the same contrast, and a battery that lets you watch movies anywhere. Overall, the Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 is a bit of a miss, but just a bit (elegant).

Specifications and others

  • Native resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels
  • HDR-capable: Yes
  • 4K compatible: No
  • 3D compatible: No
  • Lumens Specification: 500
  • Zoom: None
  • Lens Shift: None
  • Lamp life (normal mode): Not listed

The Mi Smart Projector 2 has what I consider standard specs for a projector of this price and size. Full HD resolution (aka 1080p) is good, because many inexpensive projectors are 720p or less. Whereas it is HDR compatibilitykeep in mind that it doesn’t have the contrast ratio to do anything with high dynamic content (but to be fair, many projectors are bad at HDR).

the 500 lumen rating is common for small portable projectors. However, I measured 162, lower than most of its competitors. It is weaker than the Anker Solar, Anker Mars II Pro, and even the Samsung Freestyle, all of which are rated for nearly the same lumens. Remember that higher brightness, in addition to improving image quality, also allows a projector to create a larger image that is still decent.

As is usually the case with small projectors like this, there’s no lens shift or zoom. The only way to change the image size is to move the projector. The autofocus works fairly quickly, which is good.

Android TV, HDMI and Wi-Fi, but no battery

Projector, remote control and a drink.

Geoff Morrison/CNET

  • HDMI inputs: 1
  • USB port: 1
  • Audio output: headphone output
  • Internet: 802.11a/b/g/n 2.4GHz/5GHz
  • Remote control: not backlit

It’s always nice to see a small projector with a full size screen hdmi grab. However, you probably won’t need to use it. Like several projectors we’ve seen recently, the Smart PJ 2 has Android TV built in, so you get the full version of everything. streaming services you want. netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, etc. are preinstalled. Others, including HBO Maxyou can install it through the included Google Play Store.

The sound is pretty good, thanks to two 5-watt drivers. A little too much treble for my taste, but more bass than you would expect for such a small box. Like anything this size, it collapses if you crank it up too hard. This limit ends up being very strong, however, and in a small room you’ll have to raise your voice to talk about it.

The small, thin remote has a dedicated Netflix button. Unlike several of the Smart PJ 2’s competitors, however, there’s no dedicated phone app.

My biggest complaint is that this little portable projector doesn’t have a battery. Most in this size and price range do. Those that don’t, like the Samsung Freestyle, usually have the option of running through a USB-battery, but the Xiaomi can’t do that either. You’ll need to plug it into a standard power outlet via the included power adapter. It’s the same size as a large phone/tablet charger, but connects to the projector via a small round DC power connector rarely seen in small devices like this. Meanwhile, the USB connection on the Xiaomi can charge your device if the projector is plugged in, but cannot power the projector itself.

Image quality comparisons

The Smart Projector 2 rests on a blue canvas.

The Smart Projector 2 image is created using LEDs and a DLP chip.

Geoff Morrison/CNET

The Mars II Pro is as close to a head-to-head comparison as it gets. It’s almost exactly the same size and is rated for the same 500 lumens. The Anker has a lower resolution and $50 cheaper. I hooked them up to a Monoprice 1×4 distribution amplifier and viewed them side by side on a 102 inch screen at 1.0 gain.

Read more: How we test projectors

As you’d probably expect, these projectors are much closer together than not. Their contrast ratio are almost identical. However, the Anker doesn’t have any image adjustments, so there are certain aspects of the image that are better on the Xiaomi. Shadow details, for example, look much grayer and less realistic on the Anker than on the Xiaomi.

Colors are not very accurate on both projectors. Both are about equally false, and quite cold or bluish in color temperature. On a home projector I’d have a bigger problem with this, but for a small laptop it’s probably fine. Nothing feels too natural, but everything feels a little off.

The bigger details of the Xiaomi 1080p were definitely noticeable. The Anker looked a little soft when viewed side by side. This is not a deciding factor, however, as resolution is only one aspect of image quality. If you didn’t have the two next to each other, you’re unlikely to notice.

The most noticeable difference is actually brightness. The Anker looked a bit brighter than the Xiaomi. I measured around 162 lumens on the Xiaomi and 337 on the Anker. So yes, about twice as bright. It is common for manufacturers to, shall we say, fake their brightness claims. Here’s what that means in practice. And before criticizing Xiaomi for being so inferior, Samsung rated the $900 freestyle at 550 lumens and that puts 197. Morale? Do not rely on manufacturers’ lumen claims.

The Xiaomi has a mode that you think would increase the brightness, but instead it makes the image extremely green. Maybe you could look at a spotlight mode that makes everyone look like Kermit, but for me, it’s not easy to be…


Now Playing:
Look at this:

How to Buy the Best Home Theater Projector


5:32

Brightness aside, there’s no clear winner between the two in terms of image quality: the Xiaomi has better detail, the Anker better light output. If the Anker had image settings, that would likely push the needle in its favor. But then you’re probably not buying either based on image quality alone.

There is, however, a significant, perhaps crucial difference: the Anker has a battery. It can project an image anywhere, while the Xiaomi needs a plug. It’s big.

Close enough

I love Xiaomi’s design. It’s just an incredibly chic projector. If you put an Apple badge on it, no one would question it.

The problem with the Mi Smart Projector 2 is the Mars II Pro. It’s a little cheaper, brighter and it has a battery. It doesn’t look quite as sleek, but that’s a small downside when you’re talking about something smaller than a lunch box. It’s not like it’s going to dominate your living room. If the next version of the Xiaomi has a battery, or is two to three times brighter, it would be a real contender.

Related posts:

  1. Xiaomi and Oppo develop their very own 5G chips for smartphones: report
  2. Redmi’s gaming telephone with Dimensity 1200 might launch this month
  3. Xiaomi will launch extra Mi 11 telephones in India on April 23
  4. Android 11 rollout goes international for Asus Zenfone 7 and Zenfone 7 Professional

Continue Reading

Previous: Karnataka HC allows Xiaomi to access bank overdrafts to make payments
Next: Mi Mix Fold 2 would be the “thinnest and lightest” foldable phone

Related Stories

The first Xiaomi phones built with Leica will be launched on July 4
2 min read
  • Xiaomi phones

The first Xiaomi phones built with Leica will be launched on July 4

June 28, 2022
Nothing phone (1) to OnePlus Nord 2T: Phones expected in July 2022
4 min read
  • Xiaomi phones

Nothing phone (1) to OnePlus Nord 2T: Phones expected in July 2022

June 26, 2022
Second chance for Surface Duo 2, Xiaomi’s new Mi Band, take a closer look at the Pixel 6a
6 min read
  • Xiaomi phones

Second chance for Surface Duo 2, Xiaomi’s new Mi Band, take a closer look at the Pixel 6a

June 24, 2022

Categories

app store ios device ios ios ios jailbreak iphone ipad ipod touch jailbreak ios jailbreak tool operating system pangu jailbreak pangu team running ios united states version ios xiaomi mi

  • Accounts
  • Pangu firmware
  • Pangu jailbreak
  • Telecoms finance
  • Xiaomi phones

Recent posts

Recent Posts

  • 3 Ways to Manage Your Finances

  • The first Xiaomi phones built with Leica will be launched on July 4

  • Toku is leading efforts to root out call scams in the telecom industry, with Singapore residents still at high risk of call scams

  • Nothing phone (1) to OnePlus Nord 2T: Phones expected in July 2022

  • Second chance for Surface Duo 2, Xiaomi’s new Mi Band, take a closer look at the Pixel 6a

  • New Inclusion360™ platform launched by VantageScore® to identify financial inclusion opportunities

Archives

  • June 2022
  • May 2022
  • April 2022
  • March 2022
  • February 2022
  • January 2022
  • December 2021
  • November 2021
  • October 2021
  • September 2021
  • August 2021
  • July 2021
  • June 2021
  • May 2021
  • April 2021
  • March 2021
  • February 2021
  • January 2021
  • November 2020
  • October 2020
  • September 2020
  • August 2020
  • July 2020
  • June 2020
  • March 2020
  • February 2020
  • January 2020
  • December 2019
  • November 2019
  • October 2019
  • August 2019
  • June 2019
  • April 2019
  • February 2019
  • October 2018
  • September 2018
  • August 2018
  • July 2018
  • May 2018
  • April 2018
  • March 2018
  • December 2017
  • November 2017
  • October 2017
  • September 2017
  • July 2017
  • June 2017
  • May 2017
  • April 2017
  • March 2017
  • February 2017
  • January 2017
  • December 2016
  • November 2016
  • October 2016
  • September 2016
  • August 2016
  • July 2016
  • June 2016
  • May 2016
  • April 2016
  • March 2016
  • February 2016
  • January 2016
  • December 2015
  • November 2015
  • October 2015
  • September 2015
  • August 2015
  • July 2015
  • June 2015
  • May 2015
  • April 2015
  • February 2015
  • January 2015
  • December 2014
  • November 2014
  • October 2014
  • August 2014
  • July 2014
  • June 2014
  • January 2014
  • November 2013
  • February 2013
  • December 2012

You may have missed

The first Xiaomi phones built with Leica will be launched on July 4
2 min read
  • Xiaomi phones

The first Xiaomi phones built with Leica will be launched on July 4

June 28, 2022
Toku is leading efforts to root out call scams in the telecom industry, with Singapore residents still at high risk of call scams
5 min read
  • Telecoms finance

Toku is leading efforts to root out call scams in the telecom industry, with Singapore residents still at high risk of call scams

June 28, 2022
Nothing phone (1) to OnePlus Nord 2T: Phones expected in July 2022
4 min read
  • Xiaomi phones

Nothing phone (1) to OnePlus Nord 2T: Phones expected in July 2022

June 26, 2022
Second chance for Surface Duo 2, Xiaomi’s new Mi Band, take a closer look at the Pixel 6a
6 min read
  • Xiaomi phones

Second chance for Surface Duo 2, Xiaomi’s new Mi Band, take a closer look at the Pixel 6a

June 24, 2022