Kodak Ultra Mini vs AAXA Pico+: Which Portable Projector Delivers Better Performance on the Go?

When it comes to portable projectors, the Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector and the AAXA Pico+ are two contenders that often spark debate among users. On one hand, you have Kodak’s offering, boasting a Hollywood-standard DLP optical engine that promises exceptional picture quality, but it's best used in darker environments. It’s palm-sized, making it incredibly easy to carry around, but is that convenience worth sacrificing brightness?

On the other hand, the AAXA Pico+ claims to deliver ultra-bright 30 lumens with a respectable 720p resolution, along with the versatility of wireless screen mirroring for both Android and iOS devices. However, it’s important to note its limitations regarding streaming copyrighted content.

In this comparison, we’ll dive into the practicalities of each projector—examining which features truly enhance your viewing experience and whether the Kodak's cinematic quality outweighs the AAXA’s portability and connectivity options. Let’s see which projector stands out in real-world usage.

Specs Comparison​

Basic​

Parameter
Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector​
AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector​
Picture​
KodakUltraMiniPicoProjector.jpg
AAXAPico+PortableProjector.jpg
Reference Price​
$179.99​
$159.99​
Recommended Uses​
Home Cinema​
Education​
Built-In Media​
HDMI Cable​
mini-HDMI to HDMI cable​
Control Method​
-​
App​
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)
Ultra Bright 30 Lumens, High Definition 720p HD (1280x720) Native Resolution (1080p Supported), Vibrant Color Technology with 20,000 hour LEDs
Ultra-portable with 2 Hour Built-in Rechargeable Lithium-ion Battery that can be charged via supplied USB to USBC charging cable.
Direct Wireless Screen Mirroring compatible with Android and iOS devices. NOTE: DMCA content cannot be mirrored such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and other copyright streaming content

Display​

Parameter
Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector​
AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector​
Screen Size​
5 Inches - 80 Inches​
6E+1 Inches - 60 Inches​
Throw Distance​
5 Meters - 5 Feet​
5 Feet - 5 Feet​
Native Resolution​
1920 x 1080​
1280 x 720​
Maximum Resolution​
640 x 360​
60 inches​
Brightness​
-​
30 lumen​
Display Type​
LED​
LCoS​
LightSource Life​
-​
20000 Hours​
Video Encoding​
AVC​
H.264 or H.265​

Features​

Parameter
Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector​
AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector​
Lamp Wattage​
5 Watts​
-​
Controller Type​
Button Control​
Button Control​
Connectivity Technology​
HDMI
USB, HDMI
Compatible Devices​
Android, Tablets, HDMI-compatible devices​
Smartphone, Laptop​
Wattage​
5 watts​
5 watts​
Mount Type​
Tripod Mount​
Tabletop Mount​
Other Features​
Portable​
Built In Speaker, Portable​
L x W x H​
3.46"L x 3.46"W x 0.91"H​
5.3"L x 2.75"W x 0.7"H​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

System Experience​

Parameter
Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector​
AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector​
System ExperienceGetting the Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector set up was a breeze for me. I appreciate how solidly it's built and how lightweight it feels, making it incredibly portable. It’s truly a plug-and-play device, which I love because it eliminates any fuss or complicated setups. However, I did find that the absence of keystone adjustments or brightness settings was a bit limiting. I’m used to having a bit more control over the picture quality, and I can see how that might frustrate someone looking for more customization options.I recently got the AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector, and I must say, setting it up was a breeze. The compact design makes it incredibly easy to pack and take along on trips, fitting perfectly into my daypack without adding any unnecessary bulk. I was pleasantly surprised by how seamlessly it connected to my devices, including my old Fire TV stick and my iPad. The HDMI connection is definitely the way to go for streaming services like Netflix, which I found works well. I appreciate that it supports both wired and wireless connections, giving me flexibility depending on my setup.

Viewing Experience​

Parameter
Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector​
AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector​
Viewing ExperienceI was pleasantly surprised by the picture quality of this little projector. Despite its compact size, the clarity is impressive, making it perfect for movie nights in the yard or even for my kids to enjoy their favorite shows in their rooms. It’s nice to have such a high-quality image without needing a massive projector setup. For casual use, it really delivers on visuals, which is a significant plus in my book.When it comes to picture quality, I was genuinely impressed. The 1080p resolution really makes a difference, providing clear, vibrant images that pop even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. I particularly enjoyed projecting my Excel spreadsheets; everything was legible and looked professional. However, I do have to mention that while the image is bright enough for my needs, it’s not going to replace my home projector for larger viewing experiences. For travel or small gatherings, though, it’s more than sufficient.

Other Experience​

Parameter
Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector​
AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector​
Other ExperienceUsing this projector has been a lot of fun, especially for family movie nights or for my boys to watch cartoons. It's been a joy to see their faces light up when we set it up in the backyard with friends. Additionally, I found it useful for my art projects; it’s nice to have something that meets my needs without breaking the bank. The fact that it connects via cable only is a slight downside, as having Bluetooth would be a nice touch for easier connectivity.My overall experience with this projector has been quite positive. I love using it for cookie decorating, as it allows me to project templates directly onto my cookies, ensuring precision in my designs. It’s become a daily tool for me, and my clients appreciate the added ambiance it brings to my space, especially since I work in an environment with no windows. I did run into some minor issues with the battery life—it tends to last around two hours, which is okay, but I often find myself keeping it plugged in just to be safe. The Bluetooth audio was a slight letdown as there’s a noticeable delay, but I didn’t mind using wired speakers instead.

Our Verdict​

Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector:​

Pros:
One of the standout features for me is its portability—being lightweight makes it easy to take anywhere. The picture quality is fantastic for such a small device, and it works seamlessly with my USB-C to HDMI cable, which I really appreciate. It’s also incredibly straightforward to use, meaning I can focus more on enjoying the experience rather than getting bogged down in technical issues.

Cons:
On the downside, I do wish there were some adjustment options available. The lack of keystone correction and brightness settings can be a bit limiting if you're trying to optimize the picture in different settings. Additionally, I found it somewhat inconvenient that it only connects via cable, as having Bluetooth would have made it even more versatile for my needs.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I’m really pleased with my experience using the Kodak Ultra Mini Pico Projector. It meets my needs for casual viewing and art projects quite well, and despite a couple of minor drawbacks, it stands out as a reliable and fun little device. It’s perfect for family gatherings and impromptu movie nights, and I would recommend it to anyone looking for a compact projector that delivers solid performance without a lot of hassle.

AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector:​

Pros:
There are plenty of pros to this projector. Firstly, its portability is a huge plus; I can take it anywhere without feeling weighed down. The image quality is impressive for such a small device, and it’s incredibly easy to use, which is great for someone like me who isn't overly tech-savvy. I appreciate the quick and responsive email support from AAXA, which gave me confidence in my purchase. Plus, the wireless mirroring feature is a game-changer, eliminating the need for extra cables when connecting to my phone or tablet.

Cons:
However, there are some drawbacks I need to mention. The battery life could definitely use improvement, as two hours isn’t always enough for my longer decorating sessions. Additionally, I wish it came with a remote for easier adjustments instead of having to fiddle with the buttons on the projector itself. The included tripod feels a bit flimsy, and I’ve had a few moments where I wished it offered a bit more stability.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I really like the AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector. It’s a solid investment for anyone looking to add a portable projection option to their toolkit, especially for hobbies like cookie decorating. While it may not fully replace my home setup, it serves its purpose wonderfully for travel and small presentations. Despite some minor issues, the value it brings to my creative process makes it worth every penny, and I would definitely recommend it to others in similar situations.
 

ZacRedact

New member
Alright, so let me tell you about the AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector. I’ve been checking out the 1080p pico max that just dropped a few months ago, and honestly, it’s pretty cool! They pumped up the lumens compared to the last version, which I think really tackled some of the critiques I saw in a PC Mag review about the earlier model.

This little guy is super lightweight and takes up hardly any space in my daypack, so it's perfect for traveling. It works like a charm with my old Fire TV stick, plus I can easily hook up my iPad or Android via HDMI – or even mirror them. And let me tell you, my Excel spreadsheets looked sharp on it! If you’re planning to binge-watch Netflix, HDMI is definitely the way to go.

I was able to project a nice, big, clear image that was bright enough for my needs. Just a heads up, though – this isn’t gonna replace my home projector, but it’s definitely coming with me on my trips. Plus, AAXA’s email support is super quick to respond, which is a bonus.

Now, about the Bluetooth audio – there’s a tiny delay when I use my little Bluetooth speaker, but honestly, it’s not a big deal. I didn’t notice any lag when I was using the projector’s built-in speaker or when I plugged in a wired speaker. One thing I did find a bit annoying is that there’s no way to tell how much battery life is left. But if you’re near an outlet, you can just power it through the USB port, so not a huge issue.

Oh, and the included tripod? It's kinda whatever, to be honest. But if you’re a traveler who needs a projector for business stuff, this could be perfect – just make sure you have a USB power source nearby. Overall, I’m really digging this projector! It feels solid, it’s super portable, and the image quality is nice and bright.
 

pricelesslambo

New member
The AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector has a solid picture and is super easy to connect, which is great. But man, it takes forever to actually get it to project! I’ve had to turn it off and on like 10 times just to see the screen pop up. For $180, I really thought it would just work right away. Honestly, I’m pretty let down.
 

Roy_Knable

New member
So, I recently snagged the AAXA Pico+ Portable Projector, and let me tell you, it was a game-changer for my cookie decorating hobby! I was seriously about to grab the older version since it was pretty budget-friendly, but all those extra cords I’d have to buy to connect my iPhone had me second-guessing. Then, boom! I found out they dropped this new WIRELESS version, and it was still super affordable compared to other wireless projectors out there. I couldn’t resist, so I ordered it the very first day it launched!

Honestly, I was a bit anxious about using it because tech isn’t really my strong suit. But connecting it to my iPhone? Wow, it was a breeze! Seriously, one of the easiest things I’ve ever done. It’s perfect for making my cookie decorating even more fun!
 
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