One of the few Wanbo sub-brands from Xiaomi has recently introduced a budget, compact projector called the Xiaomi Wanbo T2.
On my way, there were many acquaintances with various models of projectors, from the smallest ones to expensive laser devices. But how will the compact shorty, which received a price tag of $ 100, prove itself.
When I first saw the release of this projector in the vastness of Chinese sites, I immediately wanted to buy it. Luckily for me, I found this model on Aliexpress for $ 100, although the official price in China is $ 85.
Aliexpress.comIf we talk about technical specs, then you should not expect a big wow effect, since obviously a projector with such a price cannot offer anything good. Also, the marketing move hid some important details about technical data. For example, when ordering a Wanbo T2 projector, I did not find information about the native resolution, which is very strange.
Of the technical features, support for 1080p resolution was indicated. But in fact, the device has a native resolution of only 854 x 480 pixels. And it’s not even 720p. Other features are the rather good sounding of the two speakers, the projection screen was 40 to 120 inches. Besides, as for a small projector, the brightness of 150 ANSI lumens is quite enough, but only for the night time.
Therefore, let me start my detailed and in-depth review to talk about its main pros and cons. And also whether it is worth buying this projector and for what purposes it is intended.
Xiaomi Wanbo T2: Specifications
| Xiaomi Wanbo T2: | Specs |
|---|---|
| Display Technology: | LED |
| Contrast: | 2000:1 |
| Screen aspect ratio: | 1.38:1 |
| Native resolution: | 854 by 480 Pixels |
| Brightness: | 150 ANSI lumen |
| Projection screen size: | 40-120 inches |
| Video Formats: | 1080p, 720p, AVC, MPEG-2, MPEG-4 |
| Built-in Speaker: | Dual 3W |
| Lamp Life: | 20.000 Hours |
| Size: | 150 x 140 x 110 mm |
| Weight: | 900 grams |
| Price: | $102 |
Unboxing and packaging
The Xiaomi Wanbo T2 projector comes in a small box, which is made of ordinary cardboard. On the front, there is only a sketch of the device and the designation that it is a portable projector.
On the other side, there is a sticker with the main features, but they are all in Chinese. Of course, I would like to get a better look at the box with a glossy finish and main features. But how can you know Xiaomi for its simplicity and minimalist style? Therefore, most devices have a similar box, such as TVs, robotic vacuum cleaners, and other home devices.
Inside the box is the projector itself, which is well protected by black foam. In addition to the projector itself, there was a power cable, a power adapter with a power of 19 V and 3A. I also found – a small HDMI cable, remote control with batteries, a small tripod, and instructions. The instruction itself is also all in Chinese.
In general, the equipment is very good for an inexpensive $ 100 projector. There is everything you need for full use. Now let me tell you my impression of the build quality and other features.
Appearance, assembly, and materials of use
The manufacturer calls the Xiaomi Wanbo T2 portable, but I would not call it that. Since the device does not have a built-in battery but is powered by a power adapter.
Of course, it is much easier to move it from room to room due to its small dimensions – 150 x 140 x 110 mm. And the weight was about 900 grams. It is really very small and at first glance, it seems childish, but the black and white combination does not make it so.
The whole body is assembled very well from solid white plastic. During the test, I did not see any squeaks or other sounds. Therefore, I have no complaints about the build quality, as well as the materials used. The matte white plastic is very practical and durable to the environment, even in the hands of children.
There is an LED lens on the front of the projector and there are many holes through which warm air can escape. A small minus can be attributed to the design solution, the location of the lens itself is slightly at an angle to the projection screen. Then you need to use keystone correction. But it’s good that the kit includes a tripod, where you can set the angle directly to the projection screen.
The side ends on the right and left sides received one speaker with a power of 3 W. Of course, it is better to use higher quality external speakers, but if there are none, then they do not play so badly. Even a little distant bass is heard, although very weak.
The focus adjustment ring is located on the top and I want to say that I had no problems with its work. There is also an on and off button nearby. There are no other control buttons on the projector body.
The backside of the device has a DC port for power, USB 2.0 for reading a flash drive, a standard HDMI port, and an AV output. Below there are holes through which cold air enters.
The bottom of the projector features a sticker with some technical details, four non-slip feet, and a tripod or tripod hole.
The remote control is designed in a typical style, like most products from Xiaomi. It is made in black and has a minimum number of buttons. But their number is sufficient for full use. In addition, I had no issues with responsiveness, and each command was executed accurately and quickly. The remote control is powered by two AAA batteries.
Well, I figured out the appearance and I have no strong complaints about the build quality and materials used. Now I want to talk a little about the quality of the projection screen and other features that you need to know before buying the Xiaomi Wanbo T2.
Projection screen quality and other features
Before talking about picture quality, I want to talk a little about the noise generated by a projector. On my test, the noise from the device was not constant. As I understand it, a sensor is installed inside the case, which regulates the operation of coolers from the degree of temperature rise.
For example, when I watched a movie or TV series, the noise from the projector jumped either stronger or less. Strange as it may seem, at this moment you pay much attention, even if the noise from a high level has passed to a low one. If we talk about numbers, then at a distance of 1 meter, the noise was about 41 dB. And next to the projector the noise will be about 52 dB.
Of course, if you hang the projector on the ceiling, then when watching movies, you will not hear a lot of noise from the Xiaomi Wanbo T2 projector itself.
Another important point I can point out about the inside of the projector. I have a Xiaomi Wanbo T2 device on the test without any operating system. But you can also choose the Wanbo T2 Pro with built-in Android OC.
In my case, I only have a primitive menu with different sections. Such as movies, music, text, and others. But the settings menu is standard, like most inexpensive projectors. Here you can set the color temperature, choose the aspect ratio, the type of projection on the screen, and much more. Including settings include sound settings, language selection, reset settings, time setting, and much more.
Since I have a regular version without using the system OS, there are no built-in wireless networks onboard the Wanbo T2 projector, such as Wi-Fi. But if you ask yourself the version of Xiaomi Wanbo T2 Pro with the Android operating system, then the Wi-Fi module will be present.
As for the quality of the projection screen, at first glance, the native resolution of 854 x 480 pixels is quite enough for watching videos. But if you suddenly want to read something, then this projector will not suit you. The same goes for video games. For example, when you are playing a difficult game where you need to monitor your performance or read the text, it will be very difficult to do this. But if you plan on playing light games without any reading, then it will be possible to do so.
Indeed, depending on the size of the projection screen, the pixels are very visible, both in the menu and when choosing films or TV series. But as I said, when watching films where there are no texts, but there is a dynamic scene, then I did not pay attention to the pixels at all.
The throw ratio of the projector is 1.35: 1 and the projection screen size is 40 to 120 inches. As my practice has shown, the best screen size is 90 inches. In this case, the brightness will be sufficient for comfortable viewing, and the pixels will not be as visible as at 120 inches. To achieve a 90-inch screen size, the projector must be 2.8 meters from the screen.
Below you can see the quality of the projection screen in a dark room with the lights on. Overall, I am completely satisfied with the result of an inexpensive projector.
If we talk about the quality of color rendering, then I have no complaints at all here. The colors are very realistic and have the correct shade. Below I will leave a few examples of photos, where you can see the result yourself and analyze it.
The same goes for the focus, in my case, it was very accurate and without any blur around the edges of the projection screen.
Conclusion, reviews, pros, and cons
Xiaomi Wanbo T2 is an inexpensive projector that surprised me a little with both its color reproduction and a good indicator of the brightness level.
Despite its low cost, the assembly and materials used are quite high. The entire body is made of monolithic plastic, and the plastic itself is not the cheapest.
This projector is easily suitable only for watching movies, cartoons, or TV series. You won’t be able to use it for work or educational purposes, since the number of pixels will be small.
After testing the new Wanbo T2 compact projector, I was impressed with a positive and vivid impression. And I also think that this projector will be a good toy for both adults and children.
Price and where to buy cheaper?
Currently, everyone can buy Xiaomi Wanbo T2 at a low and favorable price for only $ 102.89 with a 30% discount. The version with Android OS Wanbo T2 Pro – will cost you $ 111.22.
Of course, higher native resolution projectors such as 720p can be purchased for this price. But you will not get a high-quality assembly, compact size, and thoughtful appearance.
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