Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen Review

The new generation of Samsung's portable projector, The Freestyle, may not create the explosive effect on the market like its predecessor, but it has every chance of surpassing its success. Externally the same, but improved internally, this device has retained the same price and gained several significant benefits for the user. The main one is the extended guaranteed lifetime of the light source, which has increased by one and a half times - up to 30,000 hours, which shows the developers' confidence in the projector's reliability. A useful feature that immediately catches the eye is that the projector's remote control has a solar panel, which saves money, time (and nerves) on replacing or buying batteries. It is also made of materials that are 24% recycled plastic. Created in the era of social media and technological entertainment, the new product allows two friends, owners of The Freestyle 2nd generation, to collaborate and combine to create a 160-inch image that can be used to stream content from a smartphone. The manufacturer also claims to have increased the RAM to 2 GB and optimised the software, but it's hard to verify these improvements, as there is no difference in feel.

Of course, the other advantages of its predecessor, which allowed it to replace several gadgets, have not disappeared: a portable speaker with omnidirectional sound and a night lamp with different modes and colours. In addition to supporting the Smart TV package, which opens up the easy world of streaming video services, there is an interesting Ambient mode for creating a cosy atmosphere or, conversely, decorating a loud party. The availability of additional accessories - coloured skins (body covers), a protective case and a branded battery - allows the projector to work offline and take it with you outdoors. The main techno-magic of this portable projector that sets it apart from its competitors is its automatic image adjustments, such as focus or keystone compensation, when the angle of the device is tilted. This makes it very convenient to use and is fully in line with the idea of a projector that should not be tied to one place. And it can be directed at another wall of the room or even the ceiling at any time without any discomfort on the part of the user. Actually, if you are not interested in further details, this review could be finished, but you probably came here for them.

Five reasons to buy the 2nd generation Samsung The Freestyle

• It's a great gift for a teenager or student
• It's a cut above any other portable projector in its category
• You occasionally need an extra big screen that won't take up much space
• You often organise parties, birthdays, weddings, corporate events, etc. (including outdoor events)
• You don't like (or don't want) to configure anything in the projector at all

Three reasons not to buy the 2nd generation Samsung The Freestyle projector

• You are looking for a 4K projector for your home cinema
• You are only interested in a stationary projector scenario
• You already own the first version of Samsung The Freestyle

What's in the projector box: when unboxing can be fun

The contents of the package remained unchanged: the projector itself, a 15-watt USB-C charger (special thanks to the developer for unification - the charger can be used for anything else, and the projector can be powered by other chargers), a lens cover that turns the device into a night lamp (and also provides additional protection for the optics during transport), and a SolarCell remote control with a solar panel).

The packaging itself is made of white cardboard with a white dot for a reason. It's part of Samsung's global strategy for environmental responsibility. Usually, bright packaging has a marketing purpose and is meant to attract customers to the supermarket shelves. However, appliances such as TVs are not on shelves in stores. Therefore, all this beauty does not work in the case of technology and only wastes unnecessary resources. After all, consumers simply throw away the packaging as soon as they unpack the device. That's why Samsung, firstly, makes it out of eco-friendly corrugated cardboard. Secondly, it works only with responsible contractors who are certified by FSC (the organisation that sets the standard for responsible forestry worldwide). Third, it offers owners of a new projector not to throw away the box but to use it to create toys. To do this, there is a special website with instructions on how to create a toy from The Freestyle 2nd generation box.

Each one can be made within 30 minutes. And the white dots on the cardboard help you to make a template for cutting out. The consumer only has to connect the necessary dots on the cardboard (sounds like a child's game, doesn't it? so you can do it with your child, engaging them in a responsible attitude to the environment) and cut it out. I don't know who the author of this idea is, but I take my hat off to him.

The Freestyle 2nd generation design: an instant classic

If you put the new projector next to the previous model, even its creators will not see the difference, because in fact there is none. It's worth mentioning here that the design was carefully crafted, as the device was created as a platform to which various accessories can be connected in the future. Currently, you can buy the original battery or a suitable (50W) battery, which makes the projector not only portable but also autonomous. In general, it seems that the design is so successful that it can be immediately classified as an instant classic. However, another difference between the new product and the previous model is the absence of additional power contacts on the bottom of the case. Slide the slider to see the back of the two projectors: before and after the redesign.

A convenient and sturdy (it's hard to move it with a careless movement) stand that allows you to rotate the device 180°, a built-in 5-watt speaker system with omni-directional sound, touch control buttons next to the lens, a microphone mute button, and a microHDMI connector that is more suitable for a portable device. All of this is truly admirable and deserves maximum praise as it has the hallmarks of a market-driving, trendsetting design.

The Freestyle 2nd generation interface: not only the TV can be smart

The projector menu will be familiar to all Samsung TV users. It's a Tizen-based Smart TV interface with all the benefits of an app store ( Netflix, Amazon Prime, Apple TV, and local SweetTV or Megogo video services are pre-installed) and integration capabilities and the proprietary SmartThings smart home control system. In general, do you know many portable projectors with Smart TV support? Modern interfaces try to keep things simple and hide settings that are used once a month and leave everything that needs to be used every day in the field of view. This is the interface of this projector - everything is clear and convenient. Even if you've never used a Tizen TV before, there's no need to get used to the controls. But if you do, you can start setting up SmartThings scenarios or manual image correction, or play around with different image modes (they're not hidden deep in the menu jungle, by the way).

The Freestyle 2nd generation picture and sound: meet expectations

The main magic of the projector is undoubtedly its unconditional adaptability, which left the most vivid impressions from the first model of The Freestyle. Images with a diagonal of up to 100 inches can be redirected from one wall to another or to the ceiling in one motion. In a second, the image is automatically adjusted - focusing and compensating for the keystone effect, a headache for all projector users. If this device were a medicine, it would probably work as the best painkiller. Every time it works its magic, the song " Shine On You Crazy Diamond" starts playing in my head because it was the best fit for the situation. The only drawback (if it can be attributed to drawbacks at all, but I have to say something about them in this review) is that you can see not only a clear rectangle on the wall, but also a grey, barely noticeable trapezoid around it (it is better visible in complete darkness, not visible at all during the day), which confirms every time that there is compensation and it works.

In general, the projector is very easy and convenient to use, for example, by placing it on the bedside table in the bedroom and directing the projector at the wall of the room. In this way, you can comfortably watch movies right in front of you (or even on the ceiling) and forget about the need to install the projector strictly in front of the "screen" or manually adjust the keystone. The image quality is hardly extraordinary, it's rather the norm in this price category, but this projector doesn't need to be the best or brightest - it has its own clear and useful advantages for the consumer.

In terms of sound, the capabilities of a portable projector are not very great, but the hero of the review demonstrates exactly what you expect from it - powerful enough sound to comfortably watch a film in a room and with a volume margin. Of course, in the audio speaker mode, omni-directional sound allows you to place the device in the centre of the room and hear everything from any side or distance - it simply has no blind spots for sound. In addition, the projector's acoustics support adaptive sound (there are additional microphones on the case for this), which allows you to automatically increase the volume when loud sounds appear in the room. Together with HDR 10+ support, this captures a certain level of technology that corresponds to the notion of "modernity" of the device.

Additional features of The Freestyle 2nd generation:

One of the interesting additional features is the Ambient mode, but we have a separate article on our website where you can read about it. Therefore, in this review, it is better to focus on the new feature of this particular model - the panoramic image function together with the second such projector. This allows you to create images with a diagonal of up to 160 inches! And this is a certain technical challenge that I was personally interested in exploring.

After connecting the projector, a new Smart Edge Blending item appears in the SmartThings app, which is responsible for the two-device configuration.

First, you need to choose one of two options for placing the shared image - in portrait (vertical) or landscape (horizontal) orientation. Then connect the second projector (I added the word left to its name for clarity). Next, point both projectors at the wall so that the common image fragments are combined.

The next step (and this is a very sophisticated engineering solution) is to point the smartphone camera at the image on the wall so that all 8 squares are in the frame. They look partly like rhombuses, but this is exactly what a smart algorithm needs to calculate the compensation of images from two sources to create a single image.

If the algorithm is satisfied with your image, you'll see an approval screen. Next, you can optionally correct the joint image a little (I simply didn't need to) and choose how to direct the sound to the projectors - separately for each or create a stereo pair from their speakers. As you can see, everything turned out to be simple and worked the first time (I wish it was always like that with new technologies and features).

The only drawback of the panoramic view function is that the image source is limited to your smartphone. That is, all that can be directed to this large image from two projectors is either a photo from the smartphone gallery. Or you can switch it to screen mirroring mode and show some actions (or content) from the smartphone itself. In this way, you can run Netflix on it and watch a film on a screen with an extraordinary diagonal of up to 160 inches. But the smartphone must support screen mirroring, which not all models seem to be capable of.

What else can you do with the app? Perform automatic image calibration. Or set up the projector to work with the screen in non-standard conditions, for example, when using it outdoors.

It should be noted here that this portable projector was designed with camping (or glamping) in mind. This is a very popular topic not only in South Korea, but also in Germany, for example. And not only among young people. That's why the manufacturer pays so much attention to this particular scenario. It also sells a branded portable battery for this purpose, by the way. If you are not familiar with the term glamping, it is the same type of outdoor recreation, but in more comfortable (often stationary) conditions - with buildings and ordinary furniture instead of sleeping bags. The difference can be illustrated as follows:

The Freestyle 2nd generation gaming options: try the 100-inch screen

The new product can also be used for gaming by connecting the output from a computer or monitor ( microHDMI cable required). The projector has a separate image mode for gaming, adapted for dynamic scenes. But unfortunately, there is no separate mode with reduced response time and ALLM support, so it doesn't get the highest score in the review for gaming. Perhaps this is too much for a portable projector. Or maybe not, and we will get this mode in the next models. I think it will depend on whether users will often use the projector for gaming and demand support from the manufacturer.

SolarCell remote control: powered by light

In addition to the minimalism and thoughtful usability of the remote control, which allows you to quickly learn how to work "blindly" (for example, the volume keys protrude above the body, making it easy to find them with your fingers and adjust the volume in one motion without changing the position of your finger), the remote has a solar panel. This immediately throws it into the conditional "big league" of all remotes, because it provides two big advantages. Firstly, if you hold the remote with the solar panel facing up, it will probably never need to be charged. Secondly, it has an impact on environmental protection, as the disposal of used batteries is a big problem for humanity. If you do need to charge the remote control, it has a standard USB-C connector, which allows you to use the same charger and cable that came with the projector.

Value for money and willingness to recommend a purchase

Speaking of the price, of course, I would like it to be as low as possible. But now it's 32,999 UAH (and this is exactly the price at which the previous model was sold, which is very good), it doesn't look too low or, conversely, too high. There is nothing to compare this projector with, no one else can offer you such a set of features except Samsung. Neither for the same money, nor for more, nor for less. Therefore, the price can be considered quite justified. But my desire to recommend the purchase of The Freestyle 2nd generation after the (second) acquaintance with it has not diminished. This is a very emotional device that causes real delight from the possibilities, technologies and their implementation. This is influenced by the first-class thoughtful design and smooth operation of the application (even such a procedure as combining two devices to create one image is clear and easy - the hardest part is taken care of by algorithms). That's why The Freestyle 2nd Generation gets our editorial "we recommend" award.

Six things to know about Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation

• It's a portable projector that you can easily bring to a party or take on a trip
• It allows you to create images with a diagonal of up to 100 inches and rotate 180°
• Wi-Fi connectivity and a Smart TV package extend its video and entertainment capabilities
• Built-in browser allows you to watch videos on websites
• It has a solar-powered remote control
• The Freestyle differs from the first generation of The Freestyle by having a one-and-a-half times longer warranty on the light source, increased memory capacity up to 2 GB and optimised software

For those who want to know more

• More than just a portable projector: 6 professions of Samsung The Freestyle
• Samsung SmartThings: why this ecosystem of smart home devices has the best chance of success in the future
• Samsung The Premiere SP-LSP9T laser 4K projector review: a real home cinema
• How to choose a laser projector for your home
• Lord of Dreams: Samsung S95C 65-inch OLED TV with quantum dots review