Considering the race with TV Lifestyle, Android TV mini projectors have many advantages to win the hearts of young users, such as being portable for backpacking and camping needs, having a super large screen for comfortable viewing, and being easy to install and use to watch movies from content streaming platforms such as Netflix and YouTube. In this JMGO PicoFlix review, we will learn more about this best home theater projector for small rooms to see more clearly the entertainment value and experience a portable projector brings.
JMGO PicoFlix is a full HD Wi-Fi projector priced under $450. An optimal experience requires additional investment in a projection screen and external speakers. However, if considered a home entertainment device, the price of a wireless projector is equivalent to that of a popular TV segment.
All entertainment content is now online, and we can easily watch it on personal devices such as smartphones and laptops. However, devices like TVs and projectors, though not used daily, play a unique role. They offer an immersive, relaxing experience that helps us unwind after busy days.
JMGO PicoFlix Review
Effortless Portability for On-the-Go Convenience
The JMGO PicoFlix features a unique design, unlike most other mini home cinema projectors on the market. Overall, we have a cylindrical design with a diameter of 80 mm x height/width of 240 mm, a weight of 1.5 kg, and compact enough for easy portability.
The unique point in the design lies in the flexible rotating base that can rotate up to 127 degrees (the company calls it a rotating gimbal). With the integrated rubber base at both ends, you can easily adjust the projection angle of the device flexibly from low to high above the ceiling. The point to note here is that the rubber base of the product is only stable on a flat, hard surface. A floating surface, such as a mattress, requires an insert to stabilize and fix the projection angle.
The gimbal is positioned on the left side, allowing easy adjustment by gently rotating the camera body with your hand to change the projection angle. A rubber strip on the right edge ensures stability on flat, hard surfaces. For unstable surfaces, such as mattresses, consider placing an object underneath to secure the projector during operation.
In the center of the PicoFlix body, a 1/4-inch screw hole allows for easy installation with various supports, such as tripods, monopods, or lampstands. This small yet practical feature enables effortless setup of the camera in an optimal position for capturing the best frame.
Seamless Connectivity
On the left side, you’ll find an HDMI 2.1 port (with ARC support) for connecting projection sources such as laptops, tablets, and smartphones. There is also a USB-A port for USB drives and external hard drives. Below that is the heat vent, along with an integrated 10W full-range speaker.
The right side features a USB-C port supporting Power Delivery 3.0 with 65W charging for the 4,000 mAh battery. However, this port does not support data transfer. Adjacent to it is the power button for turning the projector on and off. Below are the heat vent and the integrated speaker.
PicoFlix supports Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4 for wireless connectivity. The wifi smart theater projector includes a remote with a built-in microphone for Google Assistant and quick-access buttons for streaming apps like YouTube and Netflix.
Finding the Right Setup for Projection Screen
The key advantage of projectors, including the JMGO PicoFlix, is their ability to provide exceptionally large screen sizes from a compact design. Their price-to-screen size ratio is far more favorable compared to traditional TVs. With PicoFlix, we will have flexible screen sizes from 40″ at a distance of 1.06 m to a maximum of 180″ at a distance of more than 4 m.
A notable advantage of PicoFlix over traditional projectors is its ability to automatically recognize and adjust the frame based on the projection surface’s position and size. It features gimbal auto-image correction to prevent distortion and lossless zoom for clear images, enabled by a sensor near the projector lamp.
During my week-long JMGO PicoFlix review, I found the projector automatically adjusts for accurate framing, whether projecting horizontally or onto the ceiling. Just place it, and it does the rest.
Vibrant Image Quality
In terms of display capabilities, the full HD Wi-Fi projector uses DLP (Digital Light Processing) projection technology for a maximum brightness of 450 ANSI Lumens, equivalent to about 315 nits when converted to the brightness unit we often see on phone screens, TVs, and laptops. This brightness level is impressive, considering the product’s extremely compact size. However, we understand that PicoFlix is only suitable for projecting content in a dark room or at night if outdoors.
I opened the curtains slightly to let in natural light, but even at maximum brightness, the PicoFlix had difficulty displaying clear images.
The display features include FHD resolution, a 400:1 maximum contrast ratio, and impressive color reproduction, covering 124% of the Rec.709 color gamut. In practical use, for casual entertainment with family and friends, the PicoFlix delivers satisfying image quality. It offers vivid colors, good detail in bright and dark areas during complex lighting scenes, and adequate sharpness.
In this JMGO PicoFlix review, I evaluate the image quality on the projection background of the wall and ceiling. To maximize the display capabilities of this product, consider investing in a dedicated projection screen to enhance contrast, sharpness, and color accuracy significantly.
Built-In Speakers: Adequate for Casual Use
In addition to its visual performance, the JMGO PicoFlix delivers impressive sound with two 10W full-range speakers integrated at both ends. I was pleasantly surprised by the speakers’ performance, offering good detail in the mid-range. Although the bass is not powerful enough in the movie’s spectacular explosion scenes, it still creates a clear emphasis, especially when listening to pop and country music. Another small and convenient point is that you can completely take advantage of PicoFlix as a portable speaker by connecting to your phone or laptop.
The built-in speakers on the PicoFlix produce a large volume. At only about 50% volume, it is enough to fill a 20 square meter room, winning the title of the best home theater projector for a small room. When taking it outdoors to chill during picnics, I still recommend connecting a large-capacity external speaker to this projector for a more complete sound experience.
Google TV: Streaming and Voice Assistant
More than a traditional projector, JMGO PicoFlix is also equipped with the Google TV 11 operating system, allowing the device to operate independently as a regular TV. The company equips the product with a 4-core CPU, 2GB of RAM, and 16GB of ROM, providing sufficient capacity to install various streaming applications like Prime Video, Plex, Kodi, Apple TV, etc. JMGO said PicoFlix is also certified by NetFlix for content compatibility on this famous streaming platform.
Practical use demonstrates that integrating Google TV adds significant convenience. The Android TV mini projector no longer relies on an external projection source. It operates independently through a WiFi connection, providing access to a wide range of content from the internet or an internal network.
The limitation of PicoFlix’s configuration is that it cannot play 4K resolution video files. I tested Plex and VLC with compressed H264 and H265 files but was unsuccessful. To access content from the available movie library, I had to use an external source, such as a laptop or smartphone, connected via the HDMI port or the Google Cast feature (Chromecast).
The unfortunate point in PicoFlix’s performance comes from the smartphone application called JMGO. This application has two main functions: control and support for the smart screen adjustment feature (Smart Screen Alignment). First, the Bluetooth connection is not very user-friendly, and the control interface is quite rudimentary, which makes the application less appreciated by users. I only installed it for initial testing. Using the included remote, combined with a wireless keyboard for searching advanced content, is much more convenient.
Battery Life: Long-Lasting Power for Movie Nights
PicoFlix stands out with its 10,000 mAh battery, compact design, and good sound quality. According to JMGO, it can provide up to 4.5 hours of continuous use in Eco mode. In normal mode, with brightness set to 8/10, automatic brightness adjustment enabled, and volume at 50%, I experienced about 2.5 hours of usage. This duration is sufficient for enjoying a full movie.
The built-in battery makes PicoFlix highly portable and easy to use anywhere. During charging, it supports power banks with a capacity of 65W or higher. A minor drawback is the Google TV platform, designed for TVs, which requires navigating deep into the settings to check battery life information.
Final line
If viewed as an outdoor gadget, the PicoFlix is priced at around $449 on Amazon, down from $599 at the time of writing. However, as an entertainment device for young families, it can serve as a TV replacement for evening gatherings and occasional outings, making it a worthwhile option to consider.
For young users, the JMGO portable home theater projector offers the convenience of a compact, easy-to-use device that delivers a large screen with stable image and sound quality. It provides a more versatile and engaging experience compared to a stationary TV.
In this JMGO PicoFlix review, it’s clear that this projector shines as a convenient and capable entertainment solution for casual movie nights, picnics, or travel. Whether you’re streaming content from Netflix or projecting onto your ceiling, the JMGO PicoFlix combines functionality and style for a seamless viewing experience.
