The Samsung FreeStyle projector has a very distinctive design, and upon first glance, some people could mistake it for some sort of miniature telescope. But those people are fools that have been tricked, because this is actually a clever LED-based projector that’s capable of outputting an impressive 550 ANSI lumens. The lamp life is also quite long on this model, lasting up to 20,000 hours. Doing some calculations in our head, you’ll quickly realize that this Samsung projector could last much longer than some other projector options out there.
Let me guess—you’re a discerning shopper who wants to make an informed decision before parting with your hard-earned cash? Well, you’re in luck, because I’m here to help guide you through all the technical aspects and explain what those confusing specs actually mean. So, whether you’re a tech newbie or a seasoned pro, hopefully you’ll be more well-equipped to make the right choice after you’re finished with this article. I’ll also try to point out any negatives that you should maybe be aware of.
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Unique Design
You’ve probably noticed that most projectors are simple squares and rectangles, plain as a dry cracker, just like most people. But I can tell that you’re eclectic and want something more exciting and outlandish to fit your whole, vibe, you’ve got going on there. (It works for you!) The Samsung FreeStyle offers an awesome Batman signal-like appearance, which is fitting since you’ll probably be using this in a darkened cave room. ARE you the caped crusader? Probably not, but you can still use this mini projector to summon yourself to your favorite snack/movie room.
Samsung has released skins you can apply over the outside to change the entire color of the machine. If you’re on a budget you can just slap some stickers on it or whatever though, that’d give it a real nice avant-garde style. The ability to customize the projector’s appearance is definitely a fun bonus. They also have a more protective case that looks like a Thermos if you want to protect the device while storing it or moving it to new locations.
You know how it is with online dating – photos can be incredibly deceiving. The same goes for product photos, and the Samsung Freestyle projector is no exception. Don’t be fooled by its appearance in pictures, as it’s actually much smaller in real life. (I imagine a lot of guys hear that) Measuring only 4″ x 6.8″ x 3.7″ and weighing a mere 1.8 lbs, this mini projector is perfect for on-the-go use or setting up in tight spaces. Don’t underestimate the power of small here, it has a great personality, and the Freestyle projector packs a punch despite its size.
Resolution & Visual Clarity
When it comes to projector resolution, it’s essential to know the difference between “supported” and “native” resolution. Some companies like to advertise their projectors as supporting a high resolution, but in reality, they might be running at a lower, scaled-up resolution. This can result in a blurrier image that lacks detail and definition. The native resolution of a projector, on the other hand, is what the projector is actually capable of rendering internally. Unfortunately, some companies don’t make this information readily available, so it’s essential to do your research. Always aim for a projector with a native resolution that matches your media content for the best possible viewing experience. Check out this short YouTube video for a brief overview.
Fortunately, with the Samsung FreeStyle, you won’t have to worry about any confusion since it produces a native resolution of 1920×1080 giving you a Full HD image. When compared to lower resolution projectors, the FreeStyle’s true 1080p resolution ensures that every visual detail is brought to life with exceptional sharpness and vibrancy. This is especially important when playing modern video games or watching high-quality movies. You’ll be able to see everything in stunning detail, from the tiniest blades of grass to the most intricate special effects.
Brightness / Lamp Life
Are you ready for some fun and exciting facts? Well, I don’t have any of those at the moment, but lets talk about some of the specifications. The Samsung FreeStyle offers a relatively bright picture with an ANSI rating of 550, making it perfect for use in dark or dim rooms. For an LED projector there’s a pretty decent amount of brightness here that should be adequate for varying degrees of minor ambient light. This will provide you with some flexibility to use the projector in different lighting conditions.
Now, you may be wondering, what does ANSI even stand for? Allow me to “enlighten” you (pun intended). ANSI is an acronym that stands for American National Standards Institute, but in the projector world, it’s a universal brightness rating that makes it easier to determine brightness across different brands and models. This rating system provides a more accurate representation of a projector’s brightness than other rating systems, such as lux lumens, which can be misleading.
The main benefit of buying an LED-based model is partially because of the lengthy lamp life they tend to have. This projector is no different and has a lamp that can last up to a whopping 20,000 hours. That means you won’t have to buy replacement light bulbs like on a traditional projector. So go ahead, watch all the movies you want without worrying about running out of light in the near term. If you use the FreeStyle for 4 hours a day, it could last you up to 13 years. So not only is this model a versatile device, it’s also a great investment that will last you for years to come.
Auto Picture Adjustments
When it comes to setting up a projector, one of the most important things to get right is the alignment and focus of the image. Even if you have a high-quality projector and a great screen, if the image is blurry or crooked it can ruin your viewing experience. The problem is, achieving perfect alignment and focus can be a finicky process, and it usually requires tweaking every time you move your projector to a new spot.
That’s why the Samsung FreeStyle projector is such a convenient choice. Unlike many other projectors on the market, the FreeStyle comes with a built-in system to autofocus and auto align the image which takes the guesswork out of getting the perfect picture. The projector will automatically adjust the focus and alignment to ensure that your image is crisp and perfectly positioned every time. This is a great feature for anyone who wants to be able to set up their projector quickly and easily, without having to spend a lot of time tinkering with the settings.
Device Connectivity
If you’re like me, having a projector that can work with all your modern devices is a must-have. With the ability to connect to your Wi-Fi network, you can easily access some of your favorite apps right from the projector. The Samsung FreeStyle projector also offers versatile physical connectivity options with a Micro HDMI port and a USB-C port. Be aware that you’ll need a “micro-HDMI to HDMI” cable or adapter to use most of your media devices. You can either get something like this AmazonBasic Micro HDMI Cable, or you can get an HDMI adapter such as this UGREEN Micro HDMI to HDMI Adapter.
The HDMI port is a common interface used by devices like gaming consoles, laptops, and streaming devices. This means cinephiles can connect their Blu-ray player or streaming stick to enjoy their favorite movies and TV shows with stunning visuals on a larger screen. Gamers can also connect their console or gaming laptop to experience their favorite games in a larger-than-life format. Having these connectivity options ensures that the Samsung FreeStyle projector is a convenient and reliable choice for all your entertainment needs.
Smart OS
There’s a “SmartThings” app from Samsung you can download that lets you control the projector right from your smart phone. This includes adjusting the brightness and color settings of the projector. There’s even a smart calibration feature that will analyze the lighting conditions and wall colors of your room to automatically adjust the image. It’s pretty handy if you’re looking to get the best image quality possible with minimal effort.
You can also use the built-in Alexa voice assistance to control several aspects of the projector using voice commands. Tell it to turn up the volume or pause a movie by giving a vocal shoutout. And it’s okay if you don’t want to use this feature, but it could be a convenient way to control it. Especially if you’ve lost your remote again and don’t want to reach for your phone.
You’ll also have access to numerous apps, making it an all-in-one machine that’s great for binge-watching your favorite shows or catching up on the latest movies. Its wireless feature allows you to easily mirror the screen from your phone or tablet, without the hassle of additional cables. It’s compatible with both Android and Apple/iOS devices, thanks to AirPlay 2 support, so you can share your content with friends and family for a fun and memorable viewing experience.
Audio & Speakers
The audio quality of projectors can often be a challenge due to their compact size and limited internal capacity. However, the FreeStyle projector comes equipped with an impressive 5-watt woofer that blasts audio 360 degrees. This feature creates a fuller and more immersive sound experience in your room. There’s also Dolby Digital Plus support here if you have media that utilizes that.
There isn’t a 3.5mm audio out port like many other projectors. So the best option to pair external speakers is the Bluetooth 5.2 support. Maybe you already have some wireless headphones or a soundbar from your TV that you can use. All you have to do is pair them and you’ll enjoy even higher quality audio.
Summary
Native Resolution: 1920×1080 (Full HD)
Brightness: 550 ANSI Lumens
Lamp Life: up to 20K hours
Contrast Ratio: 100,000:1
HDR10 Support
Fan Noise: 30dB
Image Size: 30″ to 100″
Speakers: 5-watt 360 degree with Alexa voice assistance
Connectivity: 1x Micro HDMI, 1x USB-C
Dimensions: 4″ x 6.8″ x 3.7″
Throw distance: 100″ image at 8.8~ feet (2.7m~)
Model: SP-LSP3BLAXZA Lifestyle
Supports eARC
WiFi5 / Bluetooth 5.2
Dolby Digital Plus support
Streaming apps built-in
Important: You need a “Micro HDMI to HDMI” cable or adapter
Final Thoughts
There are quite a few things to like about the Samsung “The FreeStyle” projector, and it might just be what you’re looking for. It offers a lot of performance giving you a native 1080p picture with 550 ANSI lumens of brightness. The colors also seem to be vibrant thanks to the high contrast ratio of 100,000:1. For more advanced features, there’s HDR10 support, and don’t forget that the machine can self-align and focus itself upon startup. Add in the smart features like wireless screen mirroring and built-in apps and there’s a lot of versatility here.
I’ll also point out that you have the ability to power the projector using an external battery via the USB-C port, Samsung even has an accessory for a battery base. If you’d like to use your own external battery you’ll need to make sure it’s a USB-PD variety that can output 50W/20V of power. You could effortlessly bring the projector outdoors for an unforgettable movie night under the stars. Imagine inviting your family and friends to hangout and watching super-sized movies. I should mention that when the projector first launched it had a retail price of $900~, which is a bit too high in my opinion. Now it seems to have dropped a bit at some places making it a better value. If you’re in search of a versatile and convenient projector, the Samsung Freestyle model is definitely worth considering.
Samsung The Freestyle Projector Offers
To check the current pricing for the Samsung FreeStyle projector, you may find it helpful to visit the links provided below which will direct you to the product page. Additionally, to determine the total cost including any applicable taxes or discounts, I suggest adding the product to your cart.
If you’re interested in possibly saving some extra cash, you can click the button below to consider a renewed model.
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