Projectors are increasingly finding their place in the homes of Ukrainians. Some require careful setup, and some, like the Samsung models, are easy to carry and get up and running quickly. They do not clutter up the walls and space in the apartment or house and produce a wonderful large image. Of course, much more convenient portable solutions, like the hero of this review Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation. They are not only very easy to start, but also convenient to take with you to friends or take outside to start a movie on a sheet in the yard. They are basically easy to use and very compact.
In this partner review with Samsung, we take a closer look at the new 2nd generation The Freestyle portable projector. At the beginning of the year, we already wrote about the first version, and now we have an updated model with improvements. What exactly has changed, how it works, what the projector can do and what kind of picture it has, find out below.
Affiliate material?
Technical characteristics of Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation
Light | LEDs |
Aspect ratio of the projection | 16:9 (widescreen) |
Focusing | automatic |
HDR support | yes, HDR 10+ |
Wireless interfaces | Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
Ports and connectors | 1 x USB Type C, 1 x Micro HDMI |
Built-in sound | there is a 5 W speaker |
Features | 360-degree surround sound, loud sound, powerful bass |
Power supply | from the battery, from the network |
Lamp resource | 30 thousand hours |
power consumption | 50 W (maximum) |
Complete set | documentation, power cable, power supply unit, projector, remote control |
Dimensions | 173x112x94 mm |
Weight | 830 grams |
Packaging and assembly
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation supplied in an eco-box made of recycled cardboard of medium size.
Inside we see the projector itself with a white plastic lens cover, documentation and warranty, SolarCell remote control, USB-C to USB-C cable and a 65W power supply.
Design Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation
The design of Samsung The Freestyle of the 2nd generation does not differ at all from the first version. It is a short, stylish and ascetic cylinder in white color with perforation on the body and Samsung lettering on the front.
The body is plastic, but this is its inner part. And the white surface with perforation is an easy-to-care-for thermoplastic polyurethane skin that protects the projector from damage and allows you to customize the device by purchasing it in a different color.green, beige and pink.
The total weight of Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation is 830 grams. This and compact dimensions make the projector easy to use not only inside the apartment or house, but also outside them.
Below we see an adjustable metal stand.
On the upper glossy part of the cylinder, the lens hole, LIDAR scanner sensors, touch buttons for volume control, LED status indicator, etc. are placed. For this element of the case, a plastic matte cover is made, which protects against scratches when not in use and during transportation of the model.
A tiny microphone hole was also placed on the body.
On the left side of the projector is the microphone switch, the USB-C port for power and the Micro HDMI connector.
At the bottom there is a speaker and round ventilation holes.
SolarCell remote control
Unlike the first version of the projector, the remote control in Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation, although it looks almost the same, is called SolarCell and is equipped with a serious bonus. The compact remote has a solar panel on the back of the case, so it no batteries required and it charges from sunlight. In addition to this, the body of the remote control consists of 24% recycled plastic.
The case is compact, fits perfectly in the palm of the hand, the buttons are located in a familiar way, so the fingers immediately find the necessary functions, but even such a miniature size does not prevent it from being used comfortably even by people with large hands.
Screen, features and sound
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation is capable of displaying images diagonally 30 to 100 inches. Also, two projectors can be combined to create a large panoramic picture diagonally up to 160 inches in horizontal orientation and 120 inches in the vertical
The maximum image resolution remained the same 1920 by 1080 pixels and the maximum brightness is 550 lumens. But the resource of the lamp was increased from 20,000 to 30 thousand hours. The projector is equipped with a Crystal Engine processor and also supports image technology HDR 10+.
At a portable projector there is an instant setup function. No matter where you put it, in a few seconds the image will be clear and beautiful. The device will independently adjust the angle and focus, as well as make a calibration for the selected surface on which the image is displayed. If you do not like it, although it is unlikely, then in the settings you can adjust everything by hand.
Adjustable metal stand with an angle of inclination of the body 180 degrees allows you to turn the projector at different angles and direct the picture literally anywhere: on the wall and ceiling, curtains, floor, a sheet stretched between trees, on the wall of the house next door, and so on.
The projector is capable of creating a bright and saturated image. Of course, the darker it is indoors or outdoors, the better and more natural the picture. But even in a lit room, when a lamp, night lamp and even an overhead light are on, the projector gives an adequate image.
There are three modes: “Dynamic”, “Standard” and “Film” . As in the first version, here I prefer “Dynamic” mode, because with it the picture is the juiciest and brightest. All modes are changeable in settings. There you can also play with autofocus, image correction, zooming, and more.
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation received a built-in speaker 5 W. Despite its relative compactness, we have 360-degree surround loud sound and adequate bass. Of course, this is not a soundbar, but it is enough for watching movies, videos and series.
The portable projector now has 2 GB RAM instead of 1 GB in the first version. The manufacturer claims that this will increase the speed of the interface 22% and launching applications – on 59%.
Connection and software
The 2nd generation Freestyle works on Tizen OS and has a function Smart TV. “Out of the box” is Netflix, YouTube, Apple TV, Kyivstar TV, Megogo, Sweet TV and so on, as well as an online store with many other programs.
There is also a Mobile Mirroring function – a local version of Google Chromecast. This is broadcasting the image from the phone screen through the application SmartThingsavailable on Android and iOS. It is cool to browse social networks, watch Tiktoks, photos on Instagram and videos on YouTube Shorts.
The AirPlay 2 function for connecting Apple devices has also not gone anywhere. And if you have Samsung Galaxy smartphones, it is convenient to use the Tap View function – connecting gadgets with one touch to the projector body.
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation still has a useful and cool Ambient mode. The projector is able to broadcast various pictures, inscriptions, photos, visual effects, etc., creating an atmosphere. All this is available in one of the menu items or through a proprietary program.
As for the software, if you’ve had a Samsung TV with Tizen OS, everything will be as familiar as possible. And if it wasn’t, then the design is close to Android TV, but with some purely visual changes on the main screen. The main sections are not at the top, but on the left. There’s search, recommended content, Ambient mode, and system settings. The main part of the picture is occupied by the main screen with installed programs, online store, recommendations and history.
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation as well can be connected to other devices. This is done through the Micro HDMI port on the case. It can be various game consoles and others.
Note that the image will be 1080p with HDR10, normal refresh rate and 50ms delay. That is, it is a good option for sticking in story games, children’s projects, but not suitable for online shooters and other similar games.
The new portable projector works with the proprietary SmartThings program. It is a modern and stylish program with a clear interface and various functions. It will help you quickly set up the projector at the first connection, through it you can play with Ambient mode, and there is also a virtual remote control, if the physical remote control is somewhere far away, you are too lazy to get up, and your smartphone is nearby. Very comfortable.
Experience using Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation is just as cool as the first version. Only now various bonuses have been added to it. The increase in RAM significantly accelerated the system. Not that she was slow before, but now everything works perfectly and fast.
I liked the updated remote control. It is just as compact and easy to use, and now even more no need to spend on batteries. This not only saves money, but also engages the user in environmental sustainability.
The new portable projector is up and running quickly. Then the image is instantly adjusted and we immediately have an excellent picture regardless of the distance and type of surface.
I’m still amazed by the compactness of the projector and its ability to work on literally anything. He quickly focuses and adapts to the selected surface . The projector produces a detailed juicy picture, and if you are confused by the Full HD resolution, then this is not a problem at all. Even when watching a movie or video on a diagonal of 100 inches, the pixels are not visible at all.
Of course, it is better to watch the projector in the dark, but when you do not live alone, it is difficult. Someone is constantly doing something, walking somewhere, etc. Therefore, it is not always dark, but even such an image remains at a good level.
And the projector encourages full-fledged family leisure or watching a movie with friends. Turning off the lights and playing a movie on the projector adds to the cinema vibe. I want to take treats and not run anywhere, but concentrate on watching a movie. It’s a much better experience than watching the same movie on TV. I compared Because the TV is smaller, and you rarely turn off the light while watching it. And here is a big 100-inch picture, darkness and only you and the story on the screen.
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation significantly more economical than a TV. For example, a 43-inch model consumes 110 watts on average, and a projector consumes 50 watts, and this is its maximum. Often it is even 30-40 W. That’s why the projector will come in handy during possible power outages, it can be requested from a charging station, and can also be connected to a power bank with a power of 65 W. You definitely won’t do the latter with a TV. And you can also buy an original 32,000 mAh battery, and then there will be even fewer problems.
The projector is easy to carry inside the apartment and just as easy to take to friends, neighbors or relatives to watch football or a new series together.
Conclusions
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation has kept all the advantages of the first version and improved some other highlights. It is still a compact and easy-to-use cylinder with a replaceable rubberized softtouch skin and a metal adjustable stand. A portable projector can reproduce a high-quality, clear image on any surface from near or far. It quickly focuses and aligns the image up to 100 incheswhich looks like real magic.
I received the device 2 GB of RAM compared to 1 GB of its predecessor, it now has an ecological remote control with a solar panel and a lamp with a resource 30 thousand hours instead of 20 thousand, the model is also equipped with a powerful five-watt speaker with 360-degree surround sound. And it can work not only from a branded portable battery, but also from any power bank with a power of 65 W and above. Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation is required 50 W maximum, so it is many times more economical (which is always relevant) than a regular TV, which definitely does not work from a power bank.
Affiliate material?
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd generation
This is affiliate material. Information for this article was provided by a partner.
The editors are responsible for stylistic compliance with editorial standards.
You can order material about you in the format of a PR article here.