Compact and portable smart projectors have become hugely popular for on-the-go entertainment and business use. Their integrated connectivity and smart features allow easy wireless media streaming from devices. Many models like the budget-priced Vacasso boast an impressive spec sheet with 1080p support, lamp life of 30,000 hours, and 4K compatibility. But specifications don‘t tell the full story.
When selecting a portable projector, key considerations include:
- Image Quality – brightness (ANSI lumens), resolution, contrast ratio
- Connectivity – WiFi, Bluetooth, USB, HDMI ports
- Sound Quality – built-in speakers, decibel output
- Battery Life – duration, recharge time
- Ergonomics – size, weight, noise levels
- Warranty – 1 year, 2 years+
This guide compares the Vacasso Smart Movie Projector against the above metrics to explain why you may want to avoid this model.
The Vacasso comes at an affordable price point but demonstrates significant downsides across key categories:
1. Mediocre Brightness and Image Quality
The Vacasso touts native 1080p resolution and support for 4K content. However, its LED lamp produces only 300 ANSI lumens brightness compared to 400-500 lumens for higher-end portable models. This limits content visibility in anything but dark environments.
Video quality is especially poor in shadow detail and color accuracy. Fine text lacks sharpness. Large format graphics and presentations would suffer from muted colors and a distinct lack of fine details, as comparative testing reveals below:
| Projector | ANSI Lumens | Native Resolution | 4K Support? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vacasso | 300 | 1080p | Yes |
| Anker Capsule II | 200 | 720p | No |
| Xgimi Mogo Pro | 300 | 1080p | Yes |
| LG PH550 | 550 | 1080p | Yes |
Considering its positioning as an entertainment-focused smart portable projector, the Vacasso‘s visual capabilities are below par.
2. Underpowered Speakers Can‘t Compete With Fan Noise
The integrated dual speaker system outputs only 8 watts peak with no Dolby virtual surround. This suffers when trying to overcome the noise from the projector‘s internal fan.
How loud is loud? Multiple user reviews on Amazon report noise levels between 45-50 decibels measured from a 10 foot viewing distance. That‘s equivalent to the ambient noise of an average office. Coupled with the poor audio, this impairs the overall viewing experience both indoors and outdoors.
Here‘s how the speaker output compares with other portable projectors in the same price segment:
| Projector | Speaker Output | Noise Levels* |
|---|---|---|
| Vacasso | 8W (2 x 4W) | Loud (4/5) |
| Anker Nebula Solar | 10W | Quiet (2/5) |
| LG PH550 | 5W | Moderate (3/5) |
| Viewsonic M1 Mini | 6W (Harman Kardon) | Very Loud (5/5) |
*user reported noise on scale of 1(quiet) – 5(very loud)
Clearly, there are better audio and acoustic design choices among competing portable projector models.
3. Battery Life Underwhelms at Just 2.5 Hours
Built-in batteries are a major selling point for smart portable projectors. However the Vacasso‘s 4200 mAH battery only lasts 2.5 hours on a full charge. This is 30-50% lower than equivalent models as shown below:
| Projector | Rated Battery Life | Wireless Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Vacasso | 2.5 hours | 20% Less |
| Anker Nebula Solar | 3 Hours | 15% Less |
| Xgimi Horizon Pro | 4 Hours | 10% Less |
| LG PH550 | 5.5 Hours | 5% Less |
Battery life also takes a further hit of 15-20% when using wireless connections. So real-world longevity on a single charge is no more than 100 minutes for the Vacasso. That may be inadequate for movies or lengthy gaming sessions.
4. Basic Warranty Lags Industry Standards
Most home electronics in 2022 come with a 1 year manufacturers warranty. However premium smart projectors aimed at business users offer extended 2 or 3 year coverage:
- Anker Nebula Cosmos – 2 years
- LG PH550 – 3 years
- BenQ GV30 – 2 years
- Optoma UHD35 – 3 years
The Vacasso ups the ante with smart functionality but provides only a 1 year warranty. This highlights a lack of long term confidence even for what‘s considered non-serviceable components. Upgrading or extending protection entails further costs.
5. Light Leakage From chassis Affects Image Quality
User reviews also highlight light leakage from the air vents and chassis edges. This ambient glow can distort darker images and blacks:
*The Vacasso Smart Movie Projector‘s leaks distort image quality in dark viewing environments
Careful chassis design eliminates such problems in premium projectors. This further confirms the budget build quality of the Vacasso.
Given these shortfalls compared to competing models in the same price category, what are some better alternatives worth considering?
Anker Nebula Capsule II Smart Mini Projector
Standout Features:
- 200 ANSI Lumens
- 720p Resolution w/ HDR10
- Android TV built-in
- Quad Core A53 +1GB RAM
- USB-C Power Delivery & HDMI input
- Auto Focus and Keystone Correction
- Dual 8W Speakers
Despite lower native resolution, the Capsule II delivers excelllent contrast and color gamut covering 100% of Rec. 709. This results in vibrant images even in low light conditions. Its completely silent operation, lengthy 2.5 hour battery life on a single charge, and lightweight 490 gram chassis make it ideal for outdoor viewing sessions.
XGIMI MoGo Pro Portable Projector
Standout Features:
- 300 ANSI Lumens Brightness
- Native 1080p Resolution
- 2GB RAM + 16GB Storage
- Android TV 9.0
- Autofocus and Auto Keystone Correction
- Built-in Harmon Kardon Tuned Speakers
- 2.5 Hours Video Playback on Single Charge
With a higher brightness rating than the Vacasso coupled with 1080p support, the MoGo Pro delivers sharp, beautiful images in backyard or campsite environments. The integrated Android TV platform offers access to thousands of apps for big screen entertainment. Its auto focus and keystone correction ensure hassle-free setup. Harmon Kardon speakers and well tuned acoustics provide an immersive soundscape.
LG Minibeam LED Projector (PH550)
Standout Features:
- 550 ANSI Lumens Brightness
- Native 1080p Resolution
- Manual Focus and Vertical Keystone Correction
- 2.5 Hour Battery Life
- Wireless Screen Mirroring
- USB, Ethernet, HDMI Connectivity
- Built-in Battery
- 3 Years Parts & Labor Warranty
LG‘s Minibeam PH550 shines with class-leading 550 lumens brightness and native 1080p support. This allows clear visibility even in daylight. Manual adjustments like focus and keystone corrections are quick and intuitive. It matches the Vacasso‘s 2.5 hour battery duration but offers noticeably better image quality and viewing experience. A standard 3 year warranty provides peace of mind.
Can this projector be used outdoors in daylight?
The 300 ANSI lumen LED light source will likely appear washed out if used before sunset or on bright days. For best image quality use outdoors only after dusk.
How suitable is the Vacasso for gaming?
The Vacasso supports a 1080p signal which works reasonably for gaming. However frame rates are capped at 60fps. Input lag is also slightly higher than premium gaming projectors. Casual single player games are fine but fast-paced FPS games show visible motion artifacts.
Can I connect smartphones or tablets for screen mirroring?
Yes, Wi-Fi based projection of iOS or Android screens is supported. But this will further reduce battery life. For longest uninterrupted usage, mirror wirelessly only to launch apps then switch to a wired HDMI connection.
Is there a risk of eye strain from LED projectors?
Like LCD monitors, LED light sources have reduced blue light emissions that lower eye fatigue risks compared to lamp projectors. But be sure to take regular breaks when viewing for prolonged periods.
