Gone are the days where high-quality projectors have to be massive and difficult to setup up or use. The Samsung Freestyle looks to be one of the most complete portable projectors we’ve seen in the country, and you’ll be paying for the enhanced quality. However, with its many use cases, it makes a case for people that need more flexibility from their main content consumption device.
Read: Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra Review: Predictably prestigious
The Samsung Freestyle weighs about 800 grams, runs the same TizenOS software as Samsung’s televisions, has a 180° tilt for flexible viewing, and features autofocus and auto-keystone for a projection that accommodates any wall. In our in-depth review we look at what this means in day-to-day use and how good the quality of the projection actually is.
Design & Build
The Freestyle projector stands out with its sleek and compact design, resembling more of a stage light than a traditional projector. Its cylindrical body not only adds to its aesthetic appeal but also enhances its functionality.
The rounded sides and lightweight construction make the Freestyle highly portable, allowing users to place it on tabletops, bedside tables, or even on the floor without any compromise in its projection quality. To further enhance its durability and prevent overheating during extended streaming sessions, the projector is coated with a soft-touch rubber finish. While rubber finishes can often attract dust and particles, the polished texture of the Freestyle keeps it visually clean.
The unique form factor of the projector offers two significant advantages: a 180° tilt capability and 360° speakers. Users can easily adjust the projector to project horizontally, diagonally, vertically, or any angle in between. While projecting video onto the ceiling may seem unconventional, it serves purposes such as creating ambient atmospheres for events like parties or displaying stars in a child’s bedroom. Additionally, with the optional light-diffusing lens cap, the Freestyle can transform into a smart lamp, adding versatility to its functionality.
The projector features two rows of speakers surrounding it, delivering omni-directional sound at five watts of amplification. There is also an additional set of speakers on the base of the barrel. Regardless of how the projector is positioned, users can enjoy a consistent sound stage on both sides of the room.
On the right side of the Freestyle, there are various ports and switches. These include a Micro USB-C port for power connection, a Micro HDMI port for wired playback, and a switch to control the built-in microphone, which can be used to interact with voice assistants like Bixby or Amazon’s Alexa. Samsung has also announced an upcoming external Battery Base, offering a cordless experience with the Freestyle. Alternatively, users can power the projector using third-party batteries that support USB-PD and have a minimum output of 50W. Otherwise, the included wired power cable is sufficient.
the Freestyle projector combines style, portability, and innovative features to provide a unique and immersive projection experience. Its versatile design and high-quality sound make it a compelling option for users looking for a portable projector that goes beyond traditional functionality.
Setup
Setting up the Freestyle projector was a breeze, taking less than five minutes. Samsung’s inclusion of an autofocus, auto-keystone, and auto-levelling sensor made the process incredibly smooth, with the only task being plugging in the power cable. The accessibility and user-friendly setup of this technology deserve recognition.
One impressive feature of the Freestyle is its ability to resize projections without physically moving the device. Upon turning it on, users are given the option to scale and adjust the display within a 16:9 box, ranging from 30 inches to 100 inches. It’s important to note that unlike OLED TVs, projectors emit light for darker areas, even if they are not being used. So, if the projection is decreased in size, a gray area will still be visible where the projection doesn’t reach.
However, the calibration of the Freestyle is not flawless. While the sensor does a decent job of adapting to various distances and angles, manual tuning of the focus is often necessary to ensure sharp images on both the left and right sides.
The projector comes with a rechargeable remote control, which is the sole physical input for the media player. The projector itself lacks buttons or touchpads, which may be inconvenient for some users. The remote features standard navigation controls, volume and channel keys, a microphone toggle, and shortcuts to Samsung TV Plus, Netflix, Disney+, and Prime Video. It charges conveniently via USB-C, a widely adopted standard across tech products that eliminates compatibility issues.
The inclusion of a versatile remote control enhances the user experience, even though physical controls on the projector itself are absent.
Software & Performance
The Samsung Freestyle projector operates on Samsung’s Tizen OS, the same software platform used in the brand’s QLED and OLED TVs. This choice brings both advantages and disadvantages. On the positive side, the Tizen OS provides a wide range of streaming service options, including pre-installed apps like Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and more. Users can also easily cast content from their Android or iOS devices using Samsung SmartThings and AirPlay 2. The Tizen interface is generally user-friendly, with a straightforward navigation system and a home page that conveniently curates your current shows.
However, it appears that the Freestyle may require more powerful hardware to fully support the Tizen OS. The projector experiences occasional lag and delays of a second or two when responding to button presses. This becomes most noticeable when navigating through the settings menu to make adjustments to focus and keystone settings. Whether scrolling through menus or switching between channels and apps, it feels like the projector’s processor is constantly struggling to keep up with the demands of the operating system.
Additionally, Samsung’s recent changes to the Tizen OS no longer allow users to navigate while keeping video content playing in the background. As a result, if you need to modify a display setting, you must exit the video, access the settings, make the changes, and then relaunch the video app. While this inconvenience may be tolerable for some users, it could be a potential drawback for those seeking a smoother and more seamless user experience. Nonetheless, for the majority of consumers, these minor issues are unlikely to pose significant problems.
Image Quality
The picture quality delivered by the Freestyle is truly impressive, living up to its high price tag. The single-chip DLP (digital light processing) technology excels at presenting images with excellent contrast and vibrant colours, providing an enjoyable viewing experience for TV shows and movies. The projector’s cooling fans operate quietly, ensuring internal components remain stable without causing any distractions.
During a display test, I found the Freestyle’s colour reproduction to be natural, avoiding excessive saturation often associated with Samsung’s displays. This balanced approach is a positive attribute. It’s important to note that, like most DLP projectors, the Freestyle may display black pixels with a slight grayish tone, akin to LCD technology found in televisions rather than the deep blacks of OLEDs.
After manual focus adjustment, all four corners of the projection exhibited impressive sharpness and clarity. Despite its peak resolution of 1080p, the Freestyle performs exceptionally well in downscaling 4K content, delivering crisp and vibrant images.
I also tested the Freestyle by watching CGI-intensive shows featuring fast-paced camera movements, shifting focus, and intricate background details. Even in a completely dark room, the projector rendered all the details, colour transitions, and movements between characters and scenes with impressive accuracy.
While a completely dark room provides the ideal viewing environment for any projector, the Freestyle still performed admirably with drawn curtains during daylight (as shown in the image below). Of course, it will not replace your television for daytime viewing, but if you can sufficiently darken your home theatre or bedroom, it remains suitable for enjoying various types of content.
Conclusion
The Samsung Freestyle projector successfully fulfils its purpose of delivering a portable and reliable projection experience for mainstream consumers. Since its initial launch, the price has significantly decreased, particularly in local markets like South Africa. Samsung often runs promotions, allowing consumers to purchase the Freestyle for as low as R9,000. At this price point, the projector becomes an attractive option for most individuals.
If you’re seeking a hassle-free and straightforward projector that offers a plug-and-play experience, the Samsung Freestyle is the one to consider. Its versatility and potential for creative applications make it particularly appealing in a post-pandemic world, where gatherings and social events are more prevalent. Currently, the Freestyle serves as a tested and reliable entertainment system that can greatly enhance any home setup.
