2023-09-29 13:29:22
It was at the IFA, a trade fair dedicated to new technologies in Berlin, that the Korean Samsung unveiled an update to its portable video projector The FreeStyle. No revolution in the program, but this second generation still introduces notable improvements.
Attention video projector enthusiasts, Samsung is launching an improved version of its FreeStyle released last year. In addition to a gain in power, we especially note the addition of a Gaming Hub and the possibility of combining two projectors to enjoy an XXL image.
But before looking at these new features, let’s go back to the basics.
A beautiful practical object
Let’s not beat around the bush, the Samsung FreeStyle 2n Gen video projector is a real gem. First of all, its particularly refined design, coupled with its reduced dimensions (140x243x137 mm) and its limited weight (1.4 kg) make it a very beautiful, easily transportable object. An aspect highlighted – with good reason – by the South Korean manufacturer.
Note that the device is supplied with an equally well-designed remote control: sleek, light and small. Its number of buttons is limited and that’s ultimately not a bad thing: everything we need is there. We thus find shortcuts for the settings, the home screen, but also Netflix or even Amazon Prime Video.
Ease of use
Once the wonder of the object has passed – what do you mean we are overdoing it? -, we were amazed once more – ah, that! – by the simplicity of installation of the device. The FreeStyle 2nd Gen indeed offers instant setup. Once it’s plugged in, getting started takes less than a minute. Entering the wifi password will take longer.
Samsung has used the Tizen interface of its televisions to shape the possibilities of its video projector. And that’s a very good thing. The home screen is cleverly organized. It includes the main streaming applications such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video and YouTube. And navigating through menus and submenus is child’s play.
The interface responds perfectly to commands made via the remote control, but also Samsung’s SmartThings mobile application. As for the apps, they launch very quickly. A real joy.
Impressive image quality
That’s all well and good, but let’s get to the facts. What regarding the projector performance of the Samsung FreeStyle 2nd Gen? Well, like everything else, the manufacturer is strong. Full HD picture quality is impressive, even in low light – complete darkness will obviously provide a better experience.
Colors are bright and contrasting, at least indoors in low light. As for outdoor use, during the day, as Samsung suggested, we are left a little unsatisfied. The result is not optimal, but except for sports competitions which project videos outside? And especially in the middle of the day?
A small weak point erased by the ability of the device to automatically adapt its display depending on the distance at which it projects – which can range from 80 cm to 2.7 m, or display a screen of 30” to 100”. The device retains the Auto Keystone, Auto Focus and Auto Leveling functions of the first generation to offer a perfectly straight, rectangular and sharp image.
On the sound side, the video projector also performs very well, with its 360-degree diffusion which allows total immersion – provided you are in a small room.
We stay on the side of the ears, with a small criticism: the FreeStyle motor is not mute. It does in fact create an audible noise which can be annoying in certain circumstances, notably in an emotional climax, but we still quibble a little.
Samsung thinks regarding gamers
Let’s get to the new stuff. With this new generation, Samsung is seeking to attract gamers with the addition of the Gaming Hub which allows you to stream your favorite games from the Xbox or GeForce Now application to a wall or ceiling (provided you have a subscription to these services , Of course). The quality of the projector allows you to take full advantage of it, but any good self-respecting gamer knows that the best way to play a video game – especially streaming – is to do it via a wired connection.
However, the Freestyle 2nd Gen does not have an Ethernet port, which is obviously a shame. We really regret that Samsung didn’t think of adding it. The experience would undoubtedly have been perfect. The mini-HDMI port present on the device is a solution, but still.
Two projectors are better than one
At least, that’s the idea defended by Samsung with the Smart Edge Blending function, another big new feature. The latter allows two devices to be synchronized to display a 21:9 screen. Unfortunately, we were not able to test it since we only received one Freestyle for testing, but if the experience is in the same DNA as the rest, we have no doubt of its effectiveness.
We still have some doubts regarding the usefulness of this functionality, especially since it involves the purchase of two devices, which still represents a lot of money. However, this can help accentuate the image in strong light. Why not ?
Conclusion
With this revisited version, Samsung is trying to appeal to a broader niche audience by targeting gamers in particular. A nice attempt which involves the addition of a Gaming Hub, but which is marred by the absence of an Ethernet port. Those who don’t mind playing over WiFi will still benefit from impressive image quality and a particularly intuitive and functional device. The experience offered by the FreeStyle 2nd Gen is indeed very impressive, in particular thanks to the particularly effective automatic adaptation of the display. Visual experience perfectly underlined by the immersive potential of sound. But Samsung’s video projector is not without its flaws. We first note its price, around €1,000, the weakness of its outdoor display – although this is precisely a point put forward by the brand – and the noise of its engine which can be annoying. Overall, this is still a great product…that comes at a price.
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