Samsung The Freestyle
So much potential, but…
29/03/2022 09:54
I was so excited for this the Freestyle. I travel quite a bit and wanted this projector as an entertainment companion.
We'll start with the good stuff:
- I love that the freestyle runs a complete TV operating system. Quite often with portable projectors, they either run a stripped down OS or are missing some of the key streamings services. This has everything you need without having to plug something in a streaming stick.
- It's flexible, the build in stand means you don't need a tripod to adjust it's viewing angles.
- The built in speaker is actually surprisingly good. The sound is full bodied and I don't feel the need to pair a bluetooth speaker to enjoy it.
- It has built in airplay which allows me to use the speaker as an airplay speaker and to cast films to the projector too.
- The remote control, while simple is fully featured and does the job.
- Projecting onto the ceiling is a very cool experience.
Unfortunately, that's pretty much where the good stuff ends. Now onto the aspects that could be improved:
- Build quality is not great. It feels cheap to the touch and on my model some of the plastic is deforming already. The hinge is also very squeaky. Not ideal for a what is a 'premium' product.
- Start up is a little slow, takes maybe 15 seconds to get going.
- The hinge doesn’t hold at all positions.
- In the Samsung’s press material they show the freestyle being used in bright environments, I can tell you now, that isn’t going to happen. The projector simply isn't bright enough. It can only be used in very dark environments. It doesn't work well with certain coloured walls. For example, I have a light blue wall and it really doesn't work well. Much better performance on white walls.
- Dark scenes in films and tv shows appear very washed out.
- There are occasional autofocus issues.
- Unfortunately, auto keystone does not work very well, resulting in some distorted videos.
All in all, I think the Freestyle is full of potential and is one of the most innovative products in years. Unfortunately, it's simply not ready. The brightness is the number one issue and unless you live in a cave or have a perfectly pitch black room, I can't really recommend this projector to anyone.
williamhawken
London , Spojené království
Age: 28
Gender: Female