Compact high-end projectors are gaining popularity - and I wholeheartedly welcome this trend
The ultra-portable premium projector market has been eagerly awaiting a breakthrough, and it seems that 2025 is shaping up to be the year that delivers. With high-quality 4K projectors with Dolby Atmos sound starting to enter the market, movie lovers on the go are in for a treat.
One such example is the LG CineBeam S (PU615U), which began its global rollout in early August 2025. This UST projector boasts a compact design, measuring approximately 110 x 160 x 160 mm and weighing 1.9 kg, while still delivering bright, detailed images from 40 to 100 inches diagonally. The LG CineBeam S supports HDR 10 and HLG formats for enhanced picture quality and offers easy setup without the need for complex mounting or space rearrangement, making it highly flexible and portable for home or personal theater use.
Another notable contender is the Samsung The Premiere 5, which costs £1999 / AU$2999 (around $2700). However, during testing, it failed to impress, receiving a three-star rating. Meanwhile, the LG CineBeam Q, while boasting a vibrant picture quality and unique design, did not impress with its sound performance, also earning a three-star review.
Other manufacturers like Hisense are also releasing advanced laser projectors with impressive brightness, color accuracy, and large projection sizes in 2025. These developments mark the year as a pivotal one for premium portable projectors approaching or achieving 4K quality, though Dolby Atmos support specifics vary by model.
The Xgimi MoGo 4, a model that the author keeps returning to at home for its full-screen capabilities, is another contender in the market. While it offers a punchy picture, it does not have 4K picture quality or Dolby Atmos sound. The author is optimistic that it is only a matter of time before the balance is struck in the ultra-portable premium projector market.
The Anker Nebula X1 is another premium release in the portable projector category. The author has not yet reviewed LG's newest portable model, but has tested its predecessor - the LG CineBeam Q. The Xgimi MoGo 4 Laser is another portable projector with an ultra-portable design and a vibrant, crisp picture, though it too does not have 4K picture or Dolby Atmos sound.
Despite these advances, the ultra-portable premium projector market has yet to produce a model that has truly dazzled, with various shortcomings such as so-so sound and short battery life. However, with the commercial availability of premium portable 4K projectors with Dolby Atmos sound, such as the LG CineBeam S, it seems that the market is moving in the right direction.
As more portable projectors enter the market this year, the author will continue to test and review these devices, keeping readers updated on the latest developments in the ultra-portable premium projector market. Stay tuned for the review of the Xgimi MoGo 4 Laser portable projector.
- The LG CineBeam S, with its compact design and impressive picture quality, is one of the many hi-fi gadgets making headlines in the news this year in the ultra-portable premium projector market.
- Meanwhile, the Anker Nebula X1, another premium portable projector, doesn't support 4K picture quality or Dolby Atmos sound yet, but it offers a vibrant, crisp picture and is extremely portable.
- Although a deal on a projector that truly dazzles has yet to be found, technology advancements such as the LG CineBeam S with 4K and Dolby Atmos are moving the market in the right direction.
- Reviews of hi-fi speakers like the Xgimi MoGo 4 Laser and the LG CineBeam Q have revealed both advantages and disadvantages, with sound performance being an area of improvement for many models in the ultra-portable premium projector market.
- Brands like Hisense are contributing to the industry with advanced laser projectors offering impressive brightness, color accuracy, and large projection sizes, making 2025 a pivotal year for this exciting technology.
