Optoma HD146X vs Kodak Ultra Mini: Which Projector Offers Better Brightness and Portability for Your Movie Nights?

[jrstriker12]

When it comes to projectors, the battle often comes down to size versus performance. On one hand, we have the Optoma HD146X, a home cinema powerhouse designed to deliver stunning 1080p visuals and impressive brightness, making it a strong contender for dedicated movie nights. Its DLP technology promises perfect alignment and a fast response time, catering to both film lovers and gamers alike.

On the other hand, there's the Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector. Touted as the world's smallest DLP projector, it’s all about convenience and portability. While it offers great picture quality and built-in features for on-the-go use, its performance may falter in well-lit environments.

So, which one truly deserves your hard-earned money? Is it the robust Optoma that seems tailored for the home cinema enthusiast, or the compact Kodak that prioritizes flexibility and ease of use? Let’s dive into the details and find out where each projector shines—and where they might leave you wanting more.

Specs Comparison​

Basic​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X Projector​	Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector​
Picture​	​	​
Reference Price​	$659​	$179.99​
Recommended Uses​	Gaming​	Home Cinema, Gaming, Business​
Built-In Media​	AC power cord / Remote control / 2x AAA batteries / Basic user manual​	User Manual, Power Cord, HDMI Cable​
Control Method​	Remote​	App​
Highlight​	CINEMATIC PICTURE QUALITY: Enjoy crisp, high-definition images with a native 1080p (1920×1080) resolution and an RYGCWB color wheel for home cinema color calibration. PERFECT IMAGE ALIGNMENT: With the latest technology from Texas Instruments, the DLP DMD single-chip design ensures perfect image alignment combined with high-brightness for an incredible picture FAST RESPONSE TIME: Enhanced Gaming Mode enables lightning-fast response time; Game Display Mode boosts shadows and dark scenes for greater visibility of impending obstacles	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)

Display​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X Projector​	Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector​
Screen Size​	305 Inches - 301 Inches​	80 Inches - 80 Inches​
Throw Distance​	3.2 Feet - 35.37 Feet​	5 Meters - 5 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​	25000:1​	1000:1​
Native Resolution​	1920 x 1080​	640 x 360​
Maximum Resolution​	1080p​	640 x 360 Pixels​
Brightness​	3600 Lumen​	35 Lumen​
Display Type​	DLP​	LED​
Picture Enhancement​	-​	DLP​
LightSource Life​	15000 Hours​	30000 Hours​
Video Encoding​	-​	AVC​

Features​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X Projector​	Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector​
Lamp Wattage​	240 Watts​	5 Watts​
Controller Type​	Remote Control​	android, ios​
Connectivity Technology​	Inputs 1 x HDMI 1.4a 3D support / Outputs 1 x Audio 3.5mm, 1 x USB-A power 1.5A​	MicroSD, USB, HDMI, 3.5mm Jack​
Compatible Devices​	Gaming Console​	Laptop, Computer, Tablet​
Wattage​	325 watts​	9.25 watts​
Mount Type​	Ceiling Mount​	Tripod Mount​
Other Features​	Speakers, 3d-Ready​	Built-In Speaker, Portable, Pocket, Built-In Battery, Built-In Media Player​
L x W x H​	12.4"L x 9.5"W x 4.3"H​	3"L x 3"W x 0.8"H​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

System Experience​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X Projector​	Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector​
System Experience	Setting up the Optoma HD146X projector was a pretty straightforward experience for me. I really appreciated how user-friendly it was, allowing me to get it up and running without any hassle. However, I did encounter a hiccup because I usually position the projector behind the couch at eye level, which made it project too high for my space. Ideally, I prefer a setup that allows for more flexibility in height, so I wish it had a bit more room for adjustment. The limitation on the allowable angle and the need for a perfectly level setup can be a bit frustrating, and I found myself wishing for a more versatile mounting solution.	Setting up the Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector was surprisingly straightforward, which I really appreciated. It’s compact enough to fit in my palm, making it incredibly portable for my art projects. I made sure to have a sturdy tripod for stability, and I found that using an overhead mount worked perfectly. It’s important to read the manual to get everything aligned correctly, as that made a noticeable difference in the image quality. I did have to purchase an HDMI adapter separately for my iPhone, which felt a bit annoying, but I was willing to go the extra mile for the convenience it offered.

Viewing Experience​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X Projector​	Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector​
Viewing Experience	When it comes to picture quality, I was genuinely impressed. The brightness of the image is one of its standout features. I often watch during the day, and even on a non-prepped light gray wall, the clarity and vibrancy of the colors really blew me away. I didn’t expect such a high-quality image, especially considering the price point. For someone like me, who enjoys watching movies, sports, and gaming, the HD resolution is a game-changer, and I can definitely see a noticeable upgrade from my previous projector.	Honestly, I was pleasantly surprised by the picture quality for such a small projector. The image clarity was decent, especially when projecting in a dimly lit room. I found it quite suitable for tracing my drawings onto larger canvases. However, I did notice that it lacked brightness when projecting onto larger surfaces, and the picture quality started to diminish if the room wasn't completely dark. It performed best at close distances, so I had to plan accordingly for my setups.

Other Experience​

Parameter	Optoma HD146X Projector​	Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector​
Other Experience	Using the HD146X for various activities has been a fun experience. I was particularly excited about the 3D capability, and I’m happy to report that it lived up to my expectations. The 3D effects are phenomenal, and the projector’s performance in this mode is impressive, even when projected onto a simple wall. I did wish for more connectivity options, as having just one HDMI port can be limiting. And while I would have loved Bluetooth audio capabilities, I found it manageable enough to work with what I have.	Using the projector has been a mixed bag. While I enjoyed the ease of connecting my devices, the lack of Bluetooth support and the need for physical cables was a bit cumbersome. The built-in speaker was disappointingly quiet, which led me to connect it to a portable JBL speaker for better sound. I also encountered some frustrations with the battery life; it lasted about 20 minutes on a full charge, which isn’t ideal for longer sessions. I’ve mostly kept it plugged in, but it would have been nice to have a more reliable battery for portability.

Our Verdict​

Optoma HD146X Projector：​

Pros:
One of the biggest pros for me is the overall image quality—bright, crisp, and clear. The brightness is fantastic, making it usable even in less-than-ideal lighting conditions. I also appreciate the quiet operation in eco mode, which lets me enjoy movies without distraction. The remote is a nice touch too, with its backlit buttons and preset modes for different viewing experiences.

Cons:
However, there are a few things that I found less than ideal. The limited height adjustment and angle restriction can be quite limiting for my setup. I also experienced some frustration with the single HDMI port, as I need to switch between devices often. The plastic housing, while functional, feels a bit less durable than I would prefer, and it does get quite warm during extended use.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I find the Optoma HD146X projector to be an excellent choice for someone looking for a quality home theater experience without breaking the bank. The image quality and brightness are top-notch, and despite some quirks in setup and connectivity, it delivers a performance that has exceeded my expectations. I am happy with my purchase, and I feel that it provides great value for the price, especially for those who enjoy watching movies and gaming in a home setting.

Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector：​

Pros:
The biggest pros for me are definitely its portability and ease of use. The lightweight design makes it easy to take wherever I need, and the setup process is quick, allowing me to get right to work on my projects. The image quality, while not perfect, is still quite good for its size, and I appreciate the decent contrast and color it offers. It’s a handy tool for my art, allowing me to project my layouts easily.

Cons:
On the downside, I found the battery life to be a significant drawback, as it doesn’t hold up for long without being plugged in. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity means I have to deal with wires, and the built-in speaker really doesn’t cut it for anything beyond casual use. I also feel that the brightness could be improved, especially for bigger projections, as it limits its versatility in different lighting conditions.

Overall Evaluation:
Overall, I would say that the Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector is a solid choice for anyone looking for a compact and portable projector, especially for artistic purposes. It has its shortcomings, particularly regarding battery life and brightness, but for the price point, it delivers decent performance. I don’t regret the purchase, as it serves its purpose well for my needs, but future buyers should be aware of its limitations before diving in.

 

[DealsFishman]

So, I just picked up the Optoma HD146X Projector after seeing all the hype in the reviews, and I gotta say, the picture is super bright and looks awesome. But here’s the kicker – the instructions are not kidding when they say it’s got to sit perfectly flat and level. Like, the bottom of your screen has to line up exactly with the top of whatever table you’re using.

The manual is pretty blunt about it too: no tilting, no funky angles, or else you might void the warranty and mess up the lamp life. That’s a real buzzkill.

Here’s the deal – to get that sweet 120” screen size, the projector needs to be like 13 feet away from the wall. That’s cool, but we’ve got a couch right in front of it. So, since we can’t ceiling mount it, that basically means no one can sit on the couch while we’re watching. I’ve always been able to raise projectors up high and angle them how I want, but this one? Nope.

The only other option is to shove the projector in front of the couch, which means a way smaller picture. Super frustrating! Honestly, I’m seriously thinking about sending this thing back. Definitely feels like a major design flaw to me.

 

[Happy7User]

Yo, check out the Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector! Honestly, it’s pretty cool. Just one little bummer – there’s some weird discoloration in the lower left corner of the picture. Not sure if it’s messed up or if that's just what you get when they make it so tiny and budget-friendly.

Oh, and heads up: this thing doesn’t work with the Kodak Luma app. If you wanna hook up your phone, you’ll need to grab a USB-C to HDMI cable. No biggie, just a little extra step!

 

[AlrightMister]

So, I picked up the Optoma HD146X Projector after hearing all the hype about how awesome it is for gaming because of its super low input lag. And yeah, I get that’s a thing, but there’s a catch. Once I flipped on the "Gaming Mode" to get that low latency, it tossed all my digital tweaks out the window—like keystone adjustments and digital zoom.

What this means for me is that I have to set the projector up *exactly* level with the screen—like, no room for error—otherwise I’m stuck with a wonky image. And guess what? In my cramped room, getting it at the right height and distance from the screen is a total nightmare. It's way too close, even with the lens zoomed all the way in, so I still have to use digital zoom just to make the image fit. Plus, I can’t get it low enough to avoid needing a keystone adjustment. So yeah, that Gaming Mode? Kinda pointless for me.

I know this might just be my situation and not everyone will run into these problems, but I figured it could help someone else out there who’s in a similar spot.

That said, the projector itself isn’t bad at all. The picture is bright and clear, and if you’re using a grey screen, it really kicks up the contrast. With the blinds down, it looks pretty sweet even during the day. I’ve been gaming on it too, and honestly, even without the gaming mode, I don’t notice much input lag at all in the regular settings. So, it still works fine for me despite the hiccups!

 

[GreatKangaroo]

So, I was on the hunt for a little pico projector to help me blow up my drawings for some oil painting, right? I tried three different brands, even a Phillips one, and let me tell you, they were all a total bust. The instructions were a mess—full of fancy talk and grammar fails that made zero sense. Plus, two of them needed a QR code scan for the manual, but when I tried it, the websites were totally dead. I couldn't get any of them to project a picture or video, no matter how hard I pushed it. Super frustrating!

Then I got my hands on the Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector, and wow, what a game changer! I took it out of the box, and it was ready to go. Setting it up was a breeze—super easy to understand. The image quality is solid, with nice contrast and color. Honestly, if you’re looking for a mini projector, I can’t recommend this Kodak one enough. It’s seriously the best!

 

[Elfman72]

Okay, so let’s talk about the Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector. First off, forget about those harsh reviews – they’re just way too picky. Remember, this thing is a tiny, budget-friendly pico projector. It’s not gonna blast you with crazy brightness or come packed with all the bells and whistles. But honestly, it’s a super cool little gadget!

It’s sturdy and feels really well-made, which is a pleasant surprise compared to some pricier brands that feel kinda flimsy. I actually grabbed a few of these for a projection mapping class I’m teaching, and my students are totally digging them. For what we’re doing – art installations and gallery setups – they’re just spot on. You can mount it on a tripod and it fits perfectly in smaller spaces.

Plus, it’s a breeze to use, and the battery life isn’t too shabby either. We usually get around 2 hours on a single charge, give or take. Honestly, for the price, it’s a steal, and I totally recommend it for anyone into video art!

 

[NetworkingJesus]

So, I just got my hands on this super cute Kodak Ultra Mini Portable Projector, and let me tell you, it's a little powerhouse! Sure, the resolution isn’t mind-blowing and it’s not the brightest thing out there, but come on, it’s TINY! I snagged a USBC to HDMI cable for my phone, and now I can watch any movie or TV show anywhere I want. It’s seriously the best! I’m obsessed—it’s definitely my favorite new gadget. If I could give it six stars, I totally would!