Best Samsung Projectors: Review and Comparison

If you're in the market for a projector that brings your home theater, gaming, or outdoor entertainment to life with stunning visuals, Samsung should definitely be on your radar. Known for its quality and innovation, Samsung has a diverse lineup of projectors, each boasting unique features, styles, and price points.

In this article, we're diving into the top four Samsung projectors for 2024, giving you the lowdown on what each model has to offer, along with their pros and cons. Plus, we'll tackle some of the most common questions about these high-tech gadgets to help you make an informed decision. Stay tuned!

If you're pressed for time, here's our pick of the top 2 Samsung Projectors:

Samsung Projectors: Buyer’s Guide

Selecting the perfect Samsung projector for your entertainment needs, whether it be for a home theater, gaming, or outdoor use, involves several key considerations.

Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate through the various features and make an informed decision that fits both your requirements and budget.

Understanding Resolution

Drawing from our experience, it's clear that the resolution of a projector is a crucial factor in determining image quality. Samsung's projector lineup caters to a variety of needs, offering resolutions ranging from Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) to 4K UHD (3840 x 2160 pixels).

While Full HD resolution is more than adequate for the majority of content, including movies and games, opting for a 4K UHD projector can elevate the viewing experience with its superior detail and clarity. However, it's important to consider that 4K content availability is still growing, and fully enjoying this higher resolution requires compatible devices such as a 4K Blu-ray player or a gaming console capable of supporting 4K.

Assessing Brightness

Brightness, measured in lumens, is crucial in determining how well the image is visible under various lighting conditions. Samsung projectors span from 500 to 2800 lumens. A higher lumen count ensures better visibility in bright conditions but also increases power consumption. Ideal brightness levels depend on factors like screen size, projector distance, and room lighting. For instance, a 100-inch screen in a dark room might need a minimum of 800 lumens, while a 120-inch screen in a moderately lit room would require around 2500 lumens or more.

Considering Contrast

Contrast ratio influences the depth and realism of images by defining the difference between the darkest and brightest parts. Samsung projectors offer a range of contrast ratios, with higher values yielding deeper, more realistic imagery. This feature is particularly important for scenes with varying light levels. However, as contrast ratio measurements aren't standardized, it's advisable to focus on actual image quality rather than just numbers.

Light Source Types

Samsung projectors use either LED or laser light sources. LED projectors are energy-efficient and long-lasting, offering up to 30,000 hours of usage. Laser projectors, on the other hand, provide brighter and more vivid images and can last up to 20,000 hours. They tend to be more expensive and complex than their LED counterparts.

Throw Distance Dynamics

The throw distance determines the placement of the projector relative to the screen. Samsung offers both standard and ultra-short throw projectors. Standard projectors require specific distancing based on the zoom and lens, whereas ultra-short throw models can be placed much closer to the screen, ideal for smaller spaces but requiring a flat, smooth wall to avoid image distortion.

Sound System Significance

The built-in sound system in a projector can greatly enhance your viewing experience. Samsung's range includes various configurations, with higher channels, wattages, and speakers providing a more immersive sound. While adequate for general use, the audio quality might not match dedicated sound systems, and an external sound setup might be preferred for a superior audio experience.

Smart Features for Convenience

Samsung projectors equipped with smart features offer added functionality and ease of use. Features like Samsung Tizen TV OS, Bixby, Alexa, and Google Assistant allow for seamless integration with various apps and streaming services, as well as voice control capabilities. These features are ideal for those seeking a hassle-free entertainment setup.

Design and Portability

The design of the projector can vary from compact and portable to sleek and minimalist, catering to different usage scenarios. Compact models like The Freestyle or The Freestyle 2 Gen are suitable for those who need portability, while The Premiere 120" or  The Premiere 130" offers a more stationary, minimalist design. The choice here depends on personal preference and the intended use, affecting the need for accessories like mounts or stands.

Best Samsung Projector Models: TOP 4

Here are the top current Samsung projector models that you can find on the market:

Samsung Projectors Comparison

For easy comparison, here is a table of specifications of the best Samsung projectors:

Now let's take a closer look at each of the Samsung projector models.

Samsung Premiere 120"

Best Overall

The Samsung Premiere 120" Laser Projector is an innovative home entertainment solution that transforms any room into a cinematic experience. It features a 4K UHD Ultra Bright Laser with 2200 lumens, delivering stunning picture quality and contrast. The projector is powered by TIZEN™, offering next-gen apps and super easy control.

Its ultra-short throw technology and compact design allow it to be placed just inches from a wall, seamlessly integrating into your space. The 2.2 channel system, including a powerful subwoofer and 30W speakers, elevates the audio experience, providing room-filling sound.

This projector also includes multiple voice assistants like Alexa and Bixby, enabling voice control and additional functionalities. The UHD processor and PurColor technology ensure optimized performance and crystal clear, vivid colors.

For gamers, it includes a Game Enhancer mode and comes with a sleek One Remote for convenient control of connected devices. Additionally, its wireless connectivity includes HDMI, USB, Ethernet, Optical, and RF, offering versatile options for setup and use. Our analysis of this product revealed that it's designed for those seeking a high-quality home cinema experience with the convenience of smart technology.

Summary: As indicated by our tests, the Samsung Premiere 120" Laser Projector stands out as a premium home cinema solution, delivering exceptional 4K picture quality, an intuitive design, and a comprehensive feature set. Although it is priced at the higher end of the spectrum, its superior performance and convenience justify the investment for home entertainment enthusiasts seeking top-tier quality.

Samsung Premiere 130"

Premium Choice

The Samsung Premiere 130" Laser Projector represents a pinnacle in home cinema technology, designed to transform any room into a state-of-the-art movie theater. Featuring a 4K UHD ultra-bright triple laser, it offers an unparalleled visual experience with a striking resolution of 3840 x 2160 and a luminosity of 2800 lumens, providing heightened contrast and impeccable detail. The projector is powered by TIZEN™, giving access to next-gen apps and simplified control, enhancing the overall user experience.

One of its most notable features is its ultra-short throw and compact design, enabling placement just inches from the wall without compromising picture quality. The powerful 4.2 channel audio system, with 40W speakers, delivers a comprehensive sound experience, creating an immersive audio environment with front, center, and surround sound capabilities.

In addition, it offers multiple voice assistants, including Alexa, Google Assistant, and Bixby, for versatile and convenient voice control. The projector's UHD processor and PurColor technology ensure optimal performance and vivid, natural colors. For gaming enthusiasts, the HDR and Game Enhancer features provide enhanced visuals and smooth gameplay.

Summary: Through our practical knowledge, we've found that the Samsung Premiere 130" Laser Projector is a luxurious choice for home cinema, blending outstanding visual and audio quality with smart technology and user-friendly features. Although its high price and substantial space requirements are factors to consider, its impressive overall performance and capabilities establish it as an excellent option for those passionate about home theater experiences.

Samsung Freestyle 2nd Gen

Author's Choice

The Samsung Freestyle 2nd Gen with Gaming Hub is a versatile and portable home cinema projector designed for a range of entertainment needs. It features a 1080p resolution display and offers unique flexibility with its 180-degree rotatable cradle stand, allowing for floor-to-ceiling projection in various environments. Its portability is further enhanced with compatibility for external batteries, making it suitable for both indoor and outdoor use.

Setting up the Freestyle 2nd Gen is straightforward, thanks to its Auto Leveling, Auto Focus, and Auto Keystone technologies, which automatically adjust the picture for optimal viewing without the need for manual setup. This projector also stands out in the realm of smart entertainment, providing access to a wide array of apps, streaming services, and other content through built-in Wi-Fi and Samsung's SmartHub.

For gaming enthusiasts, the Gaming Hub feature aggregates console and streaming games, offering easy access and recommendations, although this requires an internet connection and possibly additional gaming service subscriptions. The projector's 360-degree audio capability delivers immersive sound, and its audio experience can be further enhanced by connecting to external Bluetooth speakers, Samsung Sound Tower, or Soundbar.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen's screen can scale from 100 to 30 inches, maintaining a level image even on uneven surfaces or walls. This feature, combined with its portability and smart capabilities, makes it an excellent choice for a portable home cinema experience.

Summary: The Samsung Freestyle 2nd Gen with Gaming Hub offers a unique blend of portability, ease of use, and smart features, making it ideal for a variety of entertainment purposes from movies to gaming. While its 1080p resolution and additional requirements for certain functionalities might be limiting for some, its overall versatility and user-friendly design make it a compelling choice for those seeking a flexible, portable projector solution.

Samsung Freestyle

People's Choice

The Samsung Freestyle is a dynamic and versatile smart projector designed for diverse entertainment experiences. This projector, with its Full HD 1080p resolution, offers clear and crisp visuals, making it twice as sharp as other personal projectors with standard HD. Its standout feature is the flexible cradle stand that allows almost 180-degree rotation, enabling you to project on walls, ceilings, or tables with ease.

The Freestyle is equipped with innovative technologies such as Auto Leveling, Auto Focus, and Auto Keystone, simplifying the setup process and ensuring the perfect picture every time. Its Smart Entertainment capabilities allow you to stream shows, play games, and access various apps with just a few clicks, thanks to its Smart TV functionalities powered by Tizen.

In terms of audio, the Freestyle boasts Premium 360 Sound, delivering high-quality audio that fills the room, elevating the viewing experience. Additionally, the projector is compatible with external batteries, enhancing its portability for indoor and outdoor use.

The Freestyle's ability to optimize screen size and automatically adjust focus and leveling, even when angled, is a key feature. It also adapts to different projection surfaces, calibrating color temperature and brightness through the SmartThings app. This level of customization ensures an optimal viewing experience, regardless of the surface or environment.

Summary: Based on our observations, the Samsung Freestyle projector emerges as an extremely adaptable and user-friendly option, ideal for diverse entertainment needs. It offers a blend of Full HD resolution, straightforward setup, smart functionalities, and superior sound quality, positioning it as an outstanding choice for those in search of a portable and flexible projection solution. Although it lacks 4K support and needs an external battery for full portability, the overall performance and feature set of the Freestyle projector render it an attractive choice for entertainment aficionados.

FAQ about Samsung Projector Models

What is the difference between The Freestyle and The Premiere projectors?

The Freestyle and The Premiere are two different series of projectors from Samsung. The Freestyle projectors are smart portable projectors that can project a full HD image up to 100 inches in size, with HDR support and a 360 sound system. They also have a built-in battery and a wireless charging pad.

The Premiere projectors are ultra short throw projectors that can project a 4K UHD image up to 130 inches in size, with HDR10+ support and a 2.2 channel surround sound system. They also have a single laser light source and a long-lasting lamp life.

How do I connect my Samsung projector to my devices?

You can connect your Samsung projector to your devices using various methods, such as HDMI, USB, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Miracast, AirPlay, or SmartThings. You can also use the Samsung Tizen TV OS to access various apps and streaming services, such as Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, and more. You can also use voice control and integration with Bixby, Alexa, or Google Assistant to control the projector and other devices.

How do I set up and adjust my Samsung projector?

You can set up and adjust your Samsung projector using the remote control, the touch panel, the gesture sensor, or the voice control. You can also use the Samsung SmartThings app to set up and control the projector from your smartphone.

You can adjust the image size, focus, brightness, contrast, color, sound, and other settings using the menu or the buttons on the projector or the remote control. You can also use the built-in stand or the tripod stand to adjust the projection angle.

How do I maintain and clean my Samsung projector?

You can maintain and clean your Samsung projector by following these steps:

• Turn off and unplug the projector before cleaning;
• Use a soft cloth or a microfiber cloth to gently wipe the projector body and the lens. Do not use any liquids, solvents, or cleaners that may damage the projector;
• Use a soft brush or a vacuum cleaner to remove any dust or debris from the air vents and the fan. Do not block or cover the air vents or the fan;
• Store the projector in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated place. Avoid direct sunlight, heat, humidity, and dust;
• Replace the lamp or the battery when they reach the end of their life span. Follow the instructions in the user manual or contact Samsung customer service for assistance.

Best Samsung Projectors: Conclusion

In 2024, Samsung projectors stand out as top choices for home entertainment, offering a blend of high quality, smart functionality, and versatility. Models like The Freestyle 2nd Gen cater to those seeking portability and gaming compatibility, while The Premiere series provides a premium, immersive viewing experience.

These projectors boast full HD or 4K UHD resolution, HDR support, and robust sound systems. Enhanced with smart features, they enable seamless streaming, gaming, and voice control. Samsung projectors are user-friendly, easy to set up and maintain, ensuring reliable and long-lasting performance for a superior big screen experience at home.

Go Deeper:

• Best HP Projectors Review
• Best ASUS Projectors of 2024
• Best Philips Projector
• Optoma Projectors: Comparison
• Best AMOOWA Projectors List