Cheap 1080p Mudix S1 portable projector is quick to pick up and use, but it has its limitations
Amazon is currently discounting the portable 1080p Mudix video projector to $150 USD after applying the $20 coupon code at checkout. The projector is notable for being lightweight and easy-to-use with Wi-Fi video capabilities. The manufacturer has sent us a sample for our honest impressions.
Specifications:
- LED light source
- 5 W integrated speakers
- 65 W maximum power consumption
- 1920 x 1080 native resolution output image
- Approximately 7.2 x 5.3 x 7.6 inches
- 2.8 lbs
Setup is as easy as one would expect, but some aspects could have been easier. Once plugged in, users only have to adjust the lens for focusing and make sure that the unit is leveled. The included short tripod is useful, but it is prone to tipping if not careful. Users can flip the screen via the onscreen menu if the projector is mounted upside-down.
Keep in mind that this is a fixed-focus manual projector meaning that there is no automatic focusing or screen size setting. If you want to reduce or increase the size of the screen, for example, then you'll have to physically move the projector closer or further from the wall. The manufacturer has provided a very handy table of projection size and projection distance below which we highly recommend reviewing before purchasing the product. Depending on how and where you may want to position the screen, the Mudix S1 may not be compatible with your environment.
| Diagonal Projection Size (inches) | Projection Distance (inches) |
|---|---|
| 36 | 43.4 |
| 56 | 66.9 |
| 66 | 78.74 |
| 86 | 98.4 |
| 96 | 110.2 |
| 116 | 133.8 |
Another limitation to be aware of is that the Mudix offers no keystone or vertical screen adjustments. If you want to move the screen upwards, for example, then you may need invest in a taller tripod or stack bigger books underneath the unit.
Adjusting the focus is also a bit annoying because the knob is very stiff. More precise turns are difficult to perform.
Once everything is setup, the next step is to connect a video source via either HDMI or 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi. Since Wi-Fi is a main selling point of the Mudix, we decided to try this method first. Connecting our Samsung Galaxy Note 20 Ultra to the projector is thankfully a straightforward task with easy-to-follow onscreen instructions.
Unfortunately, playing content via Wi-Fi has its limitations. Most notably, video playback from Youtube, Netflix, or elsewhere would stutter frequently and audio is clearly out of sync. This feature is therefore at its best for slides, images, web browsing, and other static presentations. Users hoping to stream videos wirelessly to the Mudix for movie night may find themselves disappointed.
Playback via HDMI continues to be the best way to go for an optimal experience. Nonetheless, there are two unavoidable issues with the Mudix to keep in mind. Firstly, the loud fan noise is constant which can certainly get annoying. Secondly, the screen has focusing issues along the edges and corners. Even if the center is in focus, for example, the screen still becomes progressively out of focus when you look towards the perimeter. Playback is otherwise much smoother when compared to Wi-Fi.
Many of the above limitations are common amongst inexpensive projectors and so we can't be too harsh on the Mudix S1 for these specific drawbacks. We can certainly appreciate the bright picture, external speaker support, loud internal speaker, and all the included accessories such as the handy remote to be a perfect starter projector for children, novices, or temporary HTPC setups. The native 1080p resolution is also respectable when you consider that many competing projectors in this price range, like the Imuvi, are 720p only.
The Mudix S1 is a no-frills projector that's easy for us to recommend at the $150 USD price range. If the manufacturer can address the stiff focusing knob, focusing issues along the screen perimeter, and make Wi-Fi playback smoother, then the S1 could have towered over the competition. Extra features we'd like to see is Wi-Fi connectivity to a router for NAS access.
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