TCL A1 vs ULTIMEA Projector: Which 1080P Portable Projector Should You Choose?

Hardon Williams

New member

Introduce​

Parameter
TCL A1​
ULTIMEA Projector​
Picture​
TCLA1.jpg
ULTIMEAProjector.jpg
Price​
$499.99
$399.99
Recommended Uses​
Home Cinema​
Home Cinema​
Highlight​
Brand: TCL, #2 TV brand
Display: 1080p FHD, 360 ISO Lumens, 45” to 120”
Audio: Dual 8W speakers, Dolby Audio
Smart Features: Google TV, Netflix built-in
Connectivity: Bluetooth, HDMI, USB-A, Audio Jack
Image Adjustment: Intelligent leveling, focusing, keystoning
Experience: Cinematic and gaming immersion
Functionality: Endless entertainment options​
Brightness: 1000 ANSI Lumens
Resolution: Native 1080p, 4K Decoding
Brightness Uniformity: 90%
Streaming OS: Android TV 11.0
App Access: 10,000+ apps, NETFLIX Certified
Audio: Dual 10W speakers, independent bass radiator, Dolby Audio
Technology: ToF (Time of Flight) for automatic focus adjustment
Design Features: Portable metal handle, midnight blue design, high-transparency acrylic panel, fully enclosed optical design​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

Display​

Parameter
TCL A1​
ULTIMEA Projector​
Screen Size​
-​
80 Inches - 120 Inches​
Throw Distance​
4.13 Feet - 10.83 Feet​
2.17 Meters - 3.25 Meters​
Contrast Ratio​
-​
2000:1 Pixels​
Display Resolution​
1920 x 1080 Pixels​
1920 x 1080 Native and True 4K Decoding​
Native Resolution​
1920 x 1080​
Native 1920 x 1080 Pixels and 4K Support​
Brightness​
360 lumen​
30000 Lumen​
Display Type​
LCD​
LCD​
Picture Quality Enhancement​
Patented Optics System​
HLG, HDR 10​

Features​

Parameter
TCL A1​
ULTIMEA Projector​
Video Encoding​
AVC​
AVC​
Lamp Wattage​
-​
120 Watts​
Light Source Life​
-​
12 Years​
Controller Type​
Button Control​
Remote Control​
Control Method​
-​
Remote​
Mount Type​
Tabletop Mount​
Table Mount / Ceiling Mount / Tripod Mount​
Noteworthy Features​
Wi-Fi Ready​
Official Android 11.0 Authorisation with NETFLIX Certification, 20W Large Speaker, Design Craftsmanship, 1000 ANSI Lumens, Versatile Handle Design, ToF Technology, uninterrupted Adjustment​

Connectivity​

Parameter
TCL A1​
ULTIMEA Projector​
Connectivity Technology​
USB, HDMI​
WiFi, 3.5 mm audio, USB, Stable and fast 5.8GHz + 2.4GHz Dual-Band WiFi, Stable Bluetooth 5.3​
Hardware Connectivity​
-​
Bluetooth, USB, 3.5mm Audio​
Compatible Devices​
Laptop, Gaming Console, Speaker, Television​
Laptop, Gaming Console, Tablet, Smartphone​

Measurements​

Parameter
TCL A1​
ULTIMEA Projector​
Dimensions L x W x H​
-​
8.3"L x 6.7"W x 11"H​
Item Weight​
-​
3.15 Kilograms​

Conclusion​

Product
PROS AND CONS​
TCL A1​
Pros
• Portable design with a convenient carrying strap
• Built-in 'versagrip' stand for easy angling and transport
• Automatic keystone, focus, and correction features for hassle-free setup
• Full HD 1080p image quality with 4K playback capability
• Bright and vibrant image quality, particularly in low light conditions
• Dolby Audio compatible with decent onboard speakers
• Runs on Google TV for a modern streaming experience
• Quick navigation and transitions with the included remote
• Versatile connectivity options including HDMI, WiFi, and Bluetooth
• Good value for the price, especially with current discounts

Cons
• Brightness of only 360 ISO lumens, which is lower than some competitors
• Lack of true 4K image rendering
• Bass response is limited due to the size of the built-in speakers
• Heavier than some portable projectors, though still manageable

Overall Impression
The TCL A1 home projector is a commendable entry into the projector market, offering a well-thought-out design and user-friendly features. While it falls short in brightness and lacks true 4K rendering, it compensates with its portability, ease of use, and modern Google TV interface. At its price point, it presents a solid option for consumers looking for a reliable projector for casual viewing, especially in home environments where low-light conditions are prevalent.
ULTIMEA Projector​
Pros
• Easy setup
• Great picture quality
• Good Wi-Fi connection (strength and stability)
• Decently rugged for outdoor use
• Features MiraCast and Apple AirPlay
• Bluetooth speaker capability with decent sound volume
• Bright enough for ambient lighting

Cons
• Price may be high compared to alternatives
• Dim brightness in non-ideal lighting conditions
• Slow Android interface
• Loud fan noise
• Non-sealed lens allowing dust accumulation
• Power brick is large with short cords

Overall Impression
The P40 model offers a solid performance with great picture quality and versatile connectivity options, making it a good choice for those seeking a portable projector. However, potential buyers should be cautious about the pricing and consider the limitations regarding brightness and the noise level, as well as the concerns about dust in the lens and the cumbersome power setup.
 
Top