portable video projector for a large image that can be installed almost anywhere

Samsung The Freestyle SP-LSP3 video projector is a compact device that can be easily moved to project a Full HD image up to 2.5 m diagonally in all directions thanks to the 180-degree rotation system. Accessing the Tizen-related interface for animation with access to streaming content platforms, it wants to bend to all situations based on automatic image settings and integrated speakers.

Samsung Freestyle SP-LSP3

Type: Full HD LED DLP projector
ON-mag review: (4/5)
Price during test: 799 €

>>> SEE ALL OUR TESTS OUR GUIDES AND ONLINE MAGAZINES

Samsung The Freestyle mobile projector comes in a fully recyclable box. The latter includes the device with a lens cap, USB-C to USB-C cable, power supply and remote control. The projector is extremely compact. Cylindrical in shape, 10 cm in diameter and 17 cm in height with support, the projector is only available in white, but Samsung also sells different colored soft cases and other transport separately as accessories.

The stand is particularly well thought out as it allows you to tilt the projector at different angles to find the most suitable position in relation to the surface you wish to project the image on.
Stabilization is perfect and the device is unlikely to tip over in one direction or another. The projector weighs only 800 grams, which makes it extremely easy to carry. The power cable provided by the brand is 1.80 m, which is quite large. However, Samsung recently released an additional battery (€169) that allows you to place the device more freely.

Installation and configuration of Samsung The Freestyle is made very easy thanks to the automatic settings offered by the device. Place it in front of the area you want to project and the system will automatically adjust the keystone and focus. The result is satisfactory in most cases. If necessary, it is possible to adjust the keystone manually. However, keep in mind that just by placing the device on the axis of the screen, we get the correction of the keystone, which reduces the quality and definition of the Full HD image. There is no zoom option, which means that the projector must be installed at a distance, taking into account any diagonal. With a distance of 110 cm, we get a picture with a diagonal of 100 cm. In order for the diagonal to be 180 cm, it is necessary to place the projector at a distance of 200 cm. Choose a darker environment to take advantage of the colors and contrast of the image produced by Samsung The Freestyle, rather than a bright room where it will struggle to display high-contrast scenes.

Device configuration goes through the Samsung SmartThings app, from where you just need to scan a QR code to integrate the projector into the interface.

For connections, the projector is satisfied with the minimum. It has a USB-C slot for power supply and a mini-HDMI 1.4 connector. Also note the presence of a push button to physically mute the built-in microphone used for voice commands from Amazon Alexa or Bixby assistants. The device is compatible with WiFi and Bluetooth. We use a WiFi wireless network for the vast majority of media distribution. The system also supports Apple’s AirPlay 2 standard.

The remote control is small and ergonomic

It’s the same as the ones that accompany the brand’s TVs: it’s quite small and very ergonomic. Unfortunately, it’s not illuminated, but it does benefit from buttons dedicated to the streaming platforms Samsung TV Plus, Netflix, Disney + and Prime Video. Practically speaking, it charges via a USB-C port and incorporates a microphone for voice commands.

Tizen on board for entertainment

People who already operate Samsung TVs are familiar with the Tizen connected interface, which is offered here as an entertainment and media access platform. We reserve the right to have a main page with content offers and several applications. As is the equivalent for televisions, there is a lot to choose from in this area, as all the most popular services are available.

In the absence of a DTT tuner, the Samsung TV Plus portal is offered, as well as Samsung applications, an Internet browser and a media player that allows you to play content shared especially on the home network. To pass the time or enliven an event, for example, the system offers Ambient mode, which projects several surrounding images in sequence. If Tizen is complete in terms of content, unfortunately, you sometimes have to wait a few minutes to access certain menus or services.
Allow about 8 seconds for the main page to display when turning on the device and 4 seconds for turning off the device.

The system offers a Game mode, which optimizes the device’s settings and achieves a screen delay of 44 ms, which corresponds to three frames more than the tolerable lag for casual gamers. , but not for the most demanding.

Image quality will depend on distance and ambient light

The Freestyle projector uses a mono-DLP system with an LED light source for Full HD imaging. It is really designed to be installed almost anywhere, even for projecting a picture on the ceiling, for example on a plate or vice versa, while lying in bed, the image towards the ceiling. In addition to its specific configuration, it should be remembered that the darker the atmosphere of the room with the projector, the better the image quality. The brightness offered by The Freestyle is not as great as conventional projectors. This means it struggles to produce a high-contrast image in daylight. The diagonal of the image is also important, because the larger it is, the more washed out the rendering is and loses contrast. For satisfactory results, we recommend no more than 2 meters. The image provided by the projector is quite accurate and we benefit from excellent motion compensation. Sports programs are nice to watch because there are few works. Several picture modes are available: Standard, Dynamic or Cinema. It is the latter that offers the best image quality for watching movies or series, while Dynamic mode is quite useful for projecting presentations.

The rainbow phenomenon can be seen by people who are sensitive to it, but it remains so limited that it is not too important to worry about.

Audio, system noise is difficult to suppress

The video projector is a standalone device in the sense that it is equipped with a speaker that emits sound more than 360 degrees from its rear. We have a 5-watt audio system, but it makes a bigger impression. Indeed, thus it is possible to enjoy it in the middle room with a certain balance. On the other hand, unfortunately, you shouldn’t expect to benefit from high sound quality. Indeed, it sounds flat on the whole, without any relief and lack of bass, offering a fairly clear image. For example, connecting to a Bluetooth speaker allows you to get better sound. However, it may be enough to enjoy an audio presentation in a meeting room, for example.

When it comes to noise pollution, we found the projector to be quite noisy. Our sound level meter was attached to it, we recorded an average of 40 dB of noise. This may be appropriate in the office when there are people talking around, but it is more difficult when it comes to watching a movie or series in peace.

summary

Extremely easy to set up and configure, Samsung The Freestyle portable projector can be perfect for users who travel a lot for presentations or those looking for a compact portable system that can be used immediately. Image quality is satisfactory, especially in the dark, and we appreciate the content offered by the Tizen platform, even if it could benefit from being more responsive. The speakers certainly provide 360-degree sound, but let’s finish by noting only the additional and almost overlooked ventilation system, especially at home.

Samsung The Freestyle SP-LSP3 video projector by ON-mag

Official images of the Samsung The Freestyle SP-LSP3 projector

>>> ALSO READ: ALL OURS VIDEO PROJECTOR TESTS

Specifications

• Reference: SP-LSP3BLAXXE
• Type: Full HD LED DLP projector
• Source: LED (20,000 hours)
• Brightness: 550 lumens (peak, according to Samsung)
• Dynamic Contrast: 100,000:1
• Image size: up to 100 inches
• System: Tizen
• Voice control: yes
• Connectivity: WiFi, Bluetooth, 1x mini-HDMI 1.4 input compatible with eARC, 1x USB-C slot (power supply)
• Sound level: 40 dB according to measurements (30 dB according to Samsung)
• Dimensions (WxHxD): 102.4 x 172 x 95.2 mm
• Weight: 0.8 kg
• Price: 799 €
• Manufacturer’s website: Samsung

Our opinion

Other articles that may interest you on ON-mag and the rest of the web