There are many people who want to watch videos, movies, games, games or even presentations at work with a big screen. But they can't or don't want to buy a TV, for example because they don't have enough space at home to keep it occupied by a gadget, they move around a lot, they go from one office to another or they simply like camping and don't want to let go of content consumption there.
For them, the so-called smart projectors were invented, which product range has become increasingly popular in recent years. Xiaomi is an absolute pioneer in this field and is constantly adding new models to its range. Visit Mi Smart Projector 2 Pro for example, is a perfect example of what to expect from a smart projector today, and gives you an idea of what you can expect from such a device today.
Compact design, stylish exterior
Many people are looking for a projector that takes up little space and is lightweight, making it easy to move around. The Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 Pro, for example, is just 21.5 centimetres wide, 20.1 centimetres deep and 14.2 centimetres high, so it can fit in a bag. And it weighs just 3.7 kilograms, so portability is no problem.
Image quality
It used to be true that smaller projectors forced users to make serious compromises, but this is no longer necessarily the case. Full HD resolution is no longer unattainable in this category either, as the Xiaomi product in question perfectly demonstrates.
What's more, this smart projector boasts a maximum brightness of 1300 ANSI lumens, which means it can produce a perfectly enjoyable image even in a room that's not completely dark. Thanks to the DLP technology used, colours are natural and bright, and motion reproduction is just as good. This model even supports high dynamic range content and, all in all, we can say that we are now at the point where a projector this small is capable of replacing a television.
Image size
In fact, in terms of picture size, these devices perform even better than the average TV. They can produce up to 120 inches of picture, which is an insurmountable hurdle for today's TVs at that price.
Trapezoidal correction
If you are thinking about buying a smart projector, you must consider the trapezoidal correction function. This means that the proportions of the image can be freely adjusted within certain limits, so that a rectangular projected image can be created even if the projector itself is not perfectly perpendicular to the screen or wall.
Built-in sound system
Nowadays, an integrated sound system is a standard requirement for a projector of this design, which is not necessarily fixed and can be easily moved at any time. This eliminates the need for an external dedicated sound device such as a speaker, soundbar or home theatre set. The Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 Pro, for example, features dual 10W, 1.75" high-frequency, high-quality speakers with a large passive diaphragm, so the low frequency can go below 60Hz. That means it can create the right dynamics and a powerful enough soundstage on its own.
Bluetooth support
If a smart projector has Bluetooth support and built-in speakers, it can even be used as a replacement for a dedicated sound system. This means that audio content can be sent wirelessly from compatible devices.
Smart features
It's worth choosing a projector with an integrated smart platform. The Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 Pro, for example, is built on Android TV, which supports voice control, comes with pre-installed media player software, and allows you to access and run thousands of web applications.
These include Netflix, YouTube and HBO Go, making it easy for users to watch an unprecedented number of films, series and other videos. Games are also available, so a device like this can double up as a console.
Is it worth it?
The answer is clearly yes! A smart projector is now practically a complex entertainment system. What's more, the picture quality is superb, the sound doesn't need a separate device, the screen size is huge, and the price is absolutely reasonable.
