Portable projector and mini projector are two terms that buyers who are looking for portable projection devices come across. While the two expressions seem to refer to the same category, they are not actually the case. There are many differences between portable projectors and mini projectors. The right device for a buyer will depend on their requirements and what features they are willing to sacrifice.
What is the difference between a portable projector and a mini projector?
The main feature that differentiates a portable projector from a mini projector is the size. Portable projectors are designed to provide a big-screen experience to viewers on the go. They come with an integrated battery and do not require a power source, making them equally suitable for a night out in the backyard or outdoors. Most of them have handles, making them easy to carry. However, they may not necessarily be small and can be heavy. This also means that they do not necessarily compromise on features or hardware.
Mini projectors, also known as pico projectors, micro projectors, or pocket projectors, are designed to be very compact and lightweight. Most of them are no bigger than a tennis ball and can easily fit in the palm of your hand. Many of their versions can fit in the pocket of a bag or even in your pants, making them very easy to carry. The size limits the amount of hardware and features that can be packed into the device. Due to the size restrictions, mini projectors often compromise on attributes and specifications. Therefore, the image quality and brightness will be lower compared to larger portable projectors.
Which one should I choose, portable projector or mini projector? For buyers, the right choice between portable projectors and mini projectors will depend on usage requirements.
1. Image Quality - Portable Projectors
Buyers who prioritize image quality over all other features should choose portable projectors over mini projectors. The former models have a resolution of at least 720p (HD), and some models produce 1080p (Full HD) images. They also have better display engines, enabling the enjoyment of content in HD and premium picture quality. On the other hand, mini projectors have a resolution of up to 360p or 480p. The display technology used is also far inferior to that of their portable counterparts. Therefore, their image quality is inferior and they are more suitable for casual viewing.
2. Screen Size - Portable Projectors
When choosing between portable projectors and mini projectors, the supported screen size is an important consideration. You have to decide how big a screen you want. While not all models have the same specs, most portable models are still capable of producing images between 80 and 100 inches. Mini projectors support an image size range of 24 to 60 inches. However, their image quality becomes worse when projecting large images. Users must keep the screen size below 40 inches to get a satisfactory viewing experience. Therefore, if you need a large screen and a good quality picture, a portable projector is the obvious choice.
3. Brightness - Portable Projectors
Since all portable projectors have built-in batteries, their brightness is not the same as that of a standard home or office projector. Their brightness ratings can vary greatly. Most of them are rated between 200 and 500 ANSI lumens, with a few models reaching 700 ANSI lumens. Mini projectors have weak light sources and small batteries, and rarely exceed 200 lumens. Another problem is that manufacturers specify brightness ratings in lumens rather than ANSI lumens, which can be very misleading.
4. Features - Portable Projectors
Portable projectors generally outperform mini projectors in terms of features. Their larger size allows for more hardware. The number of ports will be greater, the size and quality of the integrated speakers will be better, and focus and zoom adjustments will also be present. The feature set of a mini projector is limited by its size, making it less profitable overall.
5. Battery Life - Portable Projectors
Battery life is an important factor in deciding whether a portable or mini projector is right for your needs. Larger models consume more power, but they also come with larger capacity batteries. Their runtimes range from 2 to 4 hours, depending on the model. Due to their compact design, mini projectors have limited battery capacity. They may run for 1 to 2 hours on a single charge. So if battery life is an important consideration, then choose a portable projector over a mini projector.
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