Catalogs Hide
When it comes to portable projectors, the Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector is being touted as the "Hollywood Standard." But with so many options flooding the market, we have to ask: does it truly live up to that claim, or is it just another overhyped gadget promising more than it delivers? This tiny device promises a stunning 100-inch display and compatibility with everything from iPhones to gaming consoles—all while fitting in your pocket. But how does it perform in real-world scenarios, especially in less-than-ideal lighting conditions? In this review, we’ll dig into the actual experience of using this projector for movies, gaming, and presentations, and whether its compact size compromises quality. Is this the ultimate portable projector, or just a flashy toy? Let's find out.
The portability of this projector is definitely a win. I love that I can take it anywhere without it being a burden. The build quality feels solid, and it has a nice design that looks good in any setting. Plus, when it comes to tracing out drawings or doing quick presentations, it’s a helpful tool that gets the job done. I also appreciate that it can project from devices like my MacBook and iPhone seamlessly.
Cons:
On the downside, the battery life is a significant drawback. I was really hoping for the advertised two hours, but I often find myself needing to plug it in after about 30 minutes, which limits its portability. The lack of brightness at a distance is also something that could be improved. If you’re planning to use this in a larger space or with a bigger screen, you might want to look elsewhere. The absence of a Bluetooth option and the need for additional adapters can also be a hassle.
Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I think the Kodak projector is a decent little gadget for what it offers, especially considering the price point. It’s perfect for casual use, like movie nights or presentations, as long as you’re aware of its limitations. If you can work around the battery life and sound issues, it can be a fun addition to your tech collection. I’m glad I made the purchase, but I would recommend it with some reservations—especially for anyone looking for a high-end projector experience.
Spec
| Parameter | Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector Portable Projector |
|---|---|
Picture |  |
Reference Price | $179.99 |
Recommended Uses | Home Cinema, Gaming, Business |
Built-In Media | User Manual, Power Cord, HDMI Cable |
Highlight | THE HOLLYWOOD STANDARD – Advanced DLP Optical Engine Boasts Superior LED Brightness, Exceptional Color Accuracy and Pristine Picture Quality (Best Performance when used in Dark to Dim-Lit Room) PALM SIZED PERFECTION – Smallest and Lightest DLP Projector in the World Slips Conveniently Into Your Handbag, Briefcase or Back Pocket for,Home, Work, Business or Play CONTEMPORARY COMPATIBILITY – Onboard Media Player Includes Room-Filling Built-in Speakers, 3.5mm Input & Integrated HDMI, USB and MicroSD Hookup. HDMI Connect to Android, Tablets and devices (Please check with your device's manufacture if the device is HDMI compatible) PLUG. PROJECT. PLAY. – No Complicated Buttons or Menu Screens; Just Connect to Your Favorite PC or Mac, Cable Box, Gaming Console or HDMI Video Player GAMING GRADE COLOR – Capable of Displaying 16.7 Million Colors; Enjoy Rich, Lifelike Detail for Your Favorite Video Games, Movies, Photo Slideshows & More |
Screen Size | 80 Inches - 80 Inches |
Throw Distance | 5 Meters - 5 Feet |
Contrast Ratio | 1000:1 |
Maximum Resolution | 640 x 360 Pixels |
Native Resolution | 640 x 360 |
Brightness | 35 Lumen |
Display Type | LED |
Picture Enhancement | DLP |
Video Encoding | AVC |
LightSource Life | 30000 Hours |
Controller Type | android, ios |
Control Method | App |
Lamp Wattage | 5 Watts |
Wattage | 9.25 watts |
Connectivity Technology | MicroSD, USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Jack |
Hardware Connectivity | HDMI, USB 2.0 |
Compatible Devices | Laptop, Computer, Tablet |
Other Features | Built-In Speaker, Portable, Pocket, Built-In Battery, Built-In Media Player |
L x W x H | 3"L x 3"W x 0.8"H |
Item Weight | 150 Grams |
System Experience
Setting up the Kodak projector was a breeze, which I really appreciated. I love gadgets that don’t require a PhD to get started. It’s lightweight and compact enough to fit in my palm, making it ideal for travel or just moving around the house. I was a bit bummed to find out that it doesn’t come with everything I needed, like the HDMI adapter. I had to scramble to find the right cables, and that was a bit frustrating. But once I had everything ready, it was smooth sailing.Viewing Experience
To my surprise, the picture quality was quite good, especially considering its size. I expected a lot less for a projector this small! The images came out crisp and vibrant, though I did notice that it performs best in a dark room. If there’s too much ambient light, it tends to wash out a bit, which is a bit of a letdown for someone who enjoys spontaneous movie nights. I did find it somewhat pixelated at larger sizes, which is something to keep in mind if you want to watch full-length films.Other Experience
One thing that stood out to me was how easy it was to connect to my devices. I hooked it up to my iPhone without a hitch, and it was fun to project photos and videos. However, the internal speaker was a letdown. It’s quite soft, so I ended up connecting it to my portable JBL speaker, which definitely improved the experience. I also wish it had Bluetooth capabilities; having to deal with cables can be a hassle sometimes.Conclusion
Pros:The portability of this projector is definitely a win. I love that I can take it anywhere without it being a burden. The build quality feels solid, and it has a nice design that looks good in any setting. Plus, when it comes to tracing out drawings or doing quick presentations, it’s a helpful tool that gets the job done. I also appreciate that it can project from devices like my MacBook and iPhone seamlessly.
Cons:
On the downside, the battery life is a significant drawback. I was really hoping for the advertised two hours, but I often find myself needing to plug it in after about 30 minutes, which limits its portability. The lack of brightness at a distance is also something that could be improved. If you’re planning to use this in a larger space or with a bigger screen, you might want to look elsewhere. The absence of a Bluetooth option and the need for additional adapters can also be a hassle.
Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I think the Kodak projector is a decent little gadget for what it offers, especially considering the price point. It’s perfect for casual use, like movie nights or presentations, as long as you’re aware of its limitations. If you can work around the battery life and sound issues, it can be a fun addition to your tech collection. I’m glad I made the purchase, but I would recommend it with some reservations—especially for anyone looking for a high-end projector experience.
