What are the features that make the best Samsung Projectors? Samsung projectors offer great image quality, excellent dynamic range, and enough resolution to deliver crisp images at your chosen image size. These home theater projectors are flexible when it comes to installation and positioning, which might involve keystone correction, lens shift, and wireless capability. Samsung projectors also excel in terms of connectivity, offering built-in Wi-Fi and ethernet. Finally, they have enough brightness to work well even with variable ambient light.
With HDR10+ high dynamic range options and Dolby Atmos sound, a Samsung projector can turn your home theater into more of a cinema experience. Samsung’s top-rated projectors feature a unique design and an ultra-short throw ratio, letting them project a 100-inch image from just inches away from the screen. Thus, they offer an immersive view different from even the largest TVs and monitors.Keep reading to learn more about the best Samsung projectors and how they stack up to the best projectors from other major brands, like Sony projectors.
WHY WE LIKE IT: An ultra short throw distance enables placing this projector very close to the screen, while Wi-Fi provides access to streaming services and apps. The projector uses advanced lamp technology, offering excellent runtime and it boasts 30W speakers and a subwoofer.
Pros
Ultra short throw distance
Durable laser lamp system
TIZEN-powered smart features
Cons
Not as bright as some models
Equipped with a laser lamp system, the Samsung The Premiere SP-LSP7TFAXZA projector offers brilliant visuals and extra-long lamp life. It produces up to 2200 lumens, so it’s ideal for low-light and moderately lit rooms. With an ultra short throw distance, this projector can be placed near the screen, making it a good choice for small home theaters and bedrooms. This projector boasts 4K resolutions, providing vivid, detailed imagery. However, this projector doesn’t get as bright as some other models.Built-in Amazon Alexa enables changing the settings of this device with your voice. This model has an excellent built-in 2.2 channel sound system that features 30W speakers and a subwoofer. The projector upscales low-resolution videos flawlessly to 4K and it boasts HDMI and USB inputs, allowing users to connect to computers, gaming consoles, and storage drives easily. This model also has a LAN port for connecting to the network and it has smart TV features powered by TIZEN.
WHY WE LIKE IT: This projector has an ultra short throw distance that’s suitable for home cinemas and classrooms. It uses advanced DLP lamp tech and gives users access to thousands of apps and streaming services.
Pros
Short throw distance
Impressive built-in sound quality
4K resolution
Cons
Lacks common physical lens shift controls
The Samsung The Premiere SP-LSP9TFAXZA projector has a compact body that’s easy to transport. It uses laser technology, providing gorgeous visuals, while long-life laser lamp tech offers a low maintenance home theater solution. With a 130-inch screen size, this projector is suitable for home theaters, classrooms, and conference rooms. It produces detailed 4K imagery that will appeal to movie and gaming enthusiasts. This projector comes with remote control for simple operation, but it lacks physical lens shift controls.This model has a maximum brightness of 2800 lumens, making it a good choice for well-lit rooms. Thanks to an ultra-short throw distance, the projector can be placed close to the screen or wall, so it’s ideal for small rooms. It uses DLP tech to deliver vivid images with natural colors. This Samsung projector features HDMI and USB ports for connecting computers, consoles, and storage drives. A built-in RJ-45 Ethernet port enables connecting this device to a wireless network.
WHY WE LIKE IT: This compact projector has a 180-degree rotating cradle, allowing users to angle and tilt the projector as needed for great performance. It features built-in Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, giving access to a number of streaming services.
Pros
Amazingly compact design
18-degree rotating cradle
Powerful built-in sound system
Cons
Doesn’t support 3D content
Designed with frequent travelers in mind, the Samsung The Freestyle SP-LSP3BLAXZA projector has a portable design that supports simple transportation. It has a high-quality cradle that rotates 180 degrees, allowing users to tilt and angle the projector as needed. With built-in Wi-Fi and a number of built-in apps and streaming services, this projector enables users to get access to content without connecting to a computer or console. However, this model doesn’t support 3D content.This projector has a built-in 360-degree sound system with bass enhancers that will fill any home theater with high-fidelity sound. It supports a wide variety of voice assistants, including Bixby, Amazon Alexa, and Google Assistant. This Smasung projector is compatible with an external battery pack (not included) for off-grid operation. It has a sleek design that will add a touch of elegance to any space. Featuring auto leveling, autofocus, and auto keystone correction tech, these devices can be set up in seconds.
WHY WE LIKE IT: This projector produces up to 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, providing great performance in both low-light and brightly-lit environments. It boasts a huge selection of ports, including VGA, component video, HDMI, and USB.
Pros
Huge collection of ports
Bright imagery up to 4,000 ANSI lumens
DLP tech provides excellent visuals
Cons
Bulky
Relatively low screen resolution
High power consumption
The Samsung SP-D400 Projector uses advanced DLP technology to deliver colorful, vibrant imagery. This projector is ideal for a wide number of settings, including home theaters, classrooms, and events. This device is a 350W lamp that produces an astounding 4,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, enabling setting up this device both indoors and outdoors. The projector has a sleek design that will add visual interest to any space. However, this model is a bit heavy.Ports on this model include VGA, component video, and HDMI, connecting easily to a wide variety of computers and video game consoles. The device also boasts a USB interface, allowing users to plug external storage drives directly onto this projector. It has intuitive controls that enable navigating the OSD display effectively. This projector boasts a 3,000:1 contrast ratio, delivering deep blacks. A 1024 x 768 native resolution provides daily detailed imagery and it supports a wide variety of aspect ratios, including 4:3.
WHY WE LIKE IT: Compared to other Samsung projectors, this device is affordable and produces Full HD imagery that is suitable for home and small business users. The projector features a DVI port for simple connectivity.
Pros
Excellent contrast
Simple interface
Zoom and vertical keystone correction
Cons
Doesn’t get bright
Low image resolution
Users seeking a basic display for home or small business use will be pleased with the Samsung SP-H710AE projector. This projector uses DLP tech to deliver vivid, vibrant imagery with rich colors. It has a DVI port that simplifies connecting to computers and video consoles. A native resolution of 1280 x 720 with a 16:9 native aspect ratio makes this model suitable for home use. However, with a maximum brightness of 700 lumens, this projector doesn’t get very bright.Leveling feet on this model enables placing it on slightly sloping ground. This model features a number of controls that enable navigating the OSD menu fast. It has vertical keystone correction and 1.3 x zoom to simplify the setup. A well-ventilated design optimized airflow helps prevent overheating. This projector boasts a high 2,800:1 contrast ratio that is ideal for movies and gaming and it comes with a 250W UHP bulb that provides up to 2,000 hours of runtime.
WHY WE LIKE IT: This projector has a 1024 x 768 resolution and 4:3 native aspect ratio, so it’s suitable for conference rooms, classrooms, and events. It gets bright enough to fight glare in well-lit rooms.
Pros
Huge selection of inputs
Presentation-optimized aspect ratio and LCD chip technology
3,000 ANSI lumen pictures are suitable for brightly lit spaces
Cons
Low contrast ratio
Mediocre speakers
So-so lamp life
Using 3-chip LCD tech, the Samsung SP-L300 delivers sharp text and natural colors suitable for presentations and movies. It works with a selection of analog and digital sources, featuring DVI, S-Video, and HDMI inputs. A native 4:3 aspect ratio is suitable for conference rooms, places of worship, and events. With two built-in 3W speakers, the projector offers decent audio playback, although it lacks bass and doesn’t get very loud.Featuring up to 3,000 ANSI lumens, this projector gets bright, and is ideal for both dark well-lit spaces. The projector has a 8-bit color system that produces natural hues and it operates quietly. It supports up to 1.2x zoom and has a manual focus system that simplifies setup. With a throw distance as short as 4.6 feet, this projector is suitable for small rooms and it has an expected lamp life of about 2,000 hours.
Introduction to Samsung Projectors
Founded in 1938 as a trading company, Samsung is now South Korea’s largest conglomerate and one of the top-grossing mobile device manufacturers in the world. It entered the electronics business in 1969. Now the world’s largest producer of LCD screens, Samsung supplies nearly a third of the world’s TVs and has a large share in the global smartphone market as well, with well-known mobile products such as the Galaxy device.Samsung operates numerous divisions in various industries and is involved with many joint ventures, including a partnership with Sony involving optics and display technology. The brand had a similar collaboration with the German electronics firm Bosch, which focused on batteries for mobile devices and electric vehicles.Samsung projectors benefit from the company’s vast economy of scale when it comes to image processing chips and LCD technologies. Samsung’s current projector lineup consists of their 4k-capable “Premiere” home theater projectors.Known for their unusual, minimal design and stylized form factor, Samsung’s laser-based short throw projector models stand out for feature availability. Capable of up to a 120-130 inch image size, they use a laser light source and offer rich color depth and great sound quality from their built-in speakers. They also aim for easy installation with automatic focus and built-in wall distance sensors.
How Samsung Projectors Compare to Other Brands
(Pro 1) Refreshing Minimal Design: Samsung’s Premiere home projector line offers a break from the relatively plain styling of most home theater projectors. Its streamlined, sleek design makes it stand out from the crowd, but it fits with designer furniture and stylish smart home devices.(Con 1) Fewer Custom Options: Compared to some other brands in their price range, like Optoma projectors, Samsung units still provide fewer custom controls and interchangeable parts. Hobbyists might miss manual zoom and color gamut adjustments, but Samsung’s light engines generally do a pretty good job with color accuracy.(Pro 2) Easy Installation: With automatic distance sensing and focus adjustment, Samsung’s ultra-short throw projectors tend to be easier to set up and install than standard projectors. They don’t require special brackets or placement at a particular height relative to the screen.(Con 2) Few Budget Projector Models: Compared to rivals, like top RCA projectors with similar mid-range offerings, Samsung has little in the way of budget projector options. However, their 4K short throw laser projectors are in some ways a bargain, if your budget permits.(Pro 3) Advanced List of Features: Equipped with more sensors and automatic functions than most projectors, the Samsung Premiere line is super versatile and innovative. Billed as an eye-safe laser projector, the Premiere automatically dims the light source when it detects a person (or pet) walking in front of the device.(Con 3) Lacking Portable Projector Range: Samsung offers great home theater models but few options for those needing a more portable or outdoor projector. Other leading brands have begun offering mini projectors and pico projectors with more resolution and features.
Why Should You Buy a New Samsung Projector
You may want to consider a projector as part of your home entertainment setup if you’re looking for a more cinematic experience than you can get from a TV or monitor. Using a 4k or HD projector lets you experience movies in a much more powerful, theatrical way.Gamers also may want to upgrade to a projector. While projectors won’t replace a gaming monitor for hardcore action and online gamers, new models offer fast refresh rates and low input lag with options such as game mode. This allows you to experience immersive adventure and open-world games like never before.Compared to older models, current Samsung projectors provide more light output, improved dynamic contrast ratios, and true 4k UHD for a larger image with less noise and pixelation. Unlike older projectors, newer models offer lifelike color expression and cope with bright lights and fast-moving action scenes.The new Samsung Premiere 4k projectors also benefit from greater flexibility thanks to their automatic zoom and ultra-short-throw lenses, needing only a few feet of space to project a 120-inch image. The new laser light source also promises extended maintenance intervals and cooler, quieter operation.The current best-performing projectors from Samsung offer Dolby Atmos sound, digital keystone correction, auto game mode when paired with a game console, and a one-touch mirroring function for the Samsung Galaxy and other compatible smartphones.Built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth capability are also recent additions, letting these projectors connect more easily with a laptop, Smart TV, or other compatible devices.
How Long Will a Samsung Projector Last
While Samsung’s current 4k projectors haven’t been on the market long enough to earn a reputation for reliability, projectors, in general, should last anywhere from 3 to 5 years. Most schools and businesses figure on at least a 3-year service life for their projectors. Depending on the frequency of use, product specifications, and the environment, a projector installed in a home or living space can last longer.Which projector components require maintenance and wear out soonest depends on the display type, light source, and the device’s design. A typical HD home cinema projector using conventional bulbs may need a new lamp every 1,500 hours or so. In contrast, an LED portable smart projector will likely never need the LEDs replaced.Samsung’s laser projectors come with a 20,000-hour rated lamp life, competitive with other high-end laser home cinema projectors. On some projectors, you may need to replace the built-in battery eventually. Most portable projectors use rechargeable lithium-ion batteries to provide usable battery life, and these packs last anywhere from 500 to 2,000 charge cycles.
Samsung Projector Warranties
Samsung laser projectors come with a 2-year or 20,000-hour limited parts and labor warranty, along with the option of purchasing additional services and coverage through the Smart Service Experience. Eligibility for extended warranties may vary but generally extends around 30 days from the time of purchase.The basic 2-year warranty is similar to what other leading projector brands offer on their home and portable models. It covers major defects and errors in product performance and excludes accidental damage, power surge damage, and normal wear and tear.
Best Samsung Projectors Questions (FAQ)
Are projectors better than TVs?
It depends on your goals in a home theater and entertainment setup. Projectors give you the biggest images of any display type. Unlike any TV, a good home cinema projector can provide an immersive movie theater experience at home.
Do you need a special screen for an ultra-short-throw projector?
While you don't need a specialized type of projector screen to use a short-throw projector, you may want to select the right screen for the best image quality. Negative gain projector screens work best in rooms with lots of ambient light, for example.
What should you look for in a projector used for gaming?
A gaming projector needs a higher refresh rate and minimal input lag. Compared to a standard projector for watching movies or sharing data, gaming use requires a more responsive display. Look for a game mode option with low latency and at least a 60Hz refresh rate. High dynamic range and contrast help, too, for making dark scenes visible.
How many lumens do you need in a projector?
It depends on where you want to set up the projector and how big of an image you need. For a small mini projector that won't necessarily fill up a gigantic screen, you may only need 100 lumens or so if you only plan to use it in dimly-lit areas. By contrast, a living room projector or classroom projector may need over 1000 lumens to display a bright image in the daytime.
What is the Samsung Premiere?
The Premiere is Samsung's name for its line of laser 4k home theater projectors. Designed for easy setup and seamless integration with smart home devices and apps like Google assistant, these projectors also stand out for their sleek design and high resolution, as well as clever automatic keystone correction.
Ryan McBride is a writer based in Los Angeles. He has contributed work to magazines and sites including Gayot, Spy, Paper, Ladygunn, 3AM and the Crab Creek Review. He writes consumer reviews, essays, science and tech journalism as well as literary and art criticism.
