The Wanbo X1 is a very compact and affordable projector produced in association with the iconic manufacturer Xiaomi. However, it is not as mentioned as it should be, something that can be due to many reasons, including the fact that models like the Xiaomi Wanbo T2 Max tend to take the podium in the entry-level range. That said, today we are here to correct that situation and give it the attention it deserves, so stay with us if you are interested in knowing it.
We can summarize it all by saying that the Xiaomi Wanbo X1 is a compact input projector, which projects an image with native HD quality (1280 x 720 pixels) and brightness of 300 ANSI lumens, nothing to brag about, but for a price of 100 euros or less is more than fine; especially when considering how decent its image quality is and the multiple connectivity options it has, among which we can highlight the Wi-Fi.
Compact and ready to go anywhere
Like other products in the Xiaomi ecosystem, the Wanbo X1 projector has a white plastic body with a minimalist finish . We do not have exact measurements supplied by the manufacturer, but as you can see in the images, it is very compact and easy to transport, which is always a bonus.
When detailing it, we find the lens and the manufacturer’s logo on the front. By the way, the Wanbo logo is also the infrared receiver that communicates with the remote control. In the back we will find the ports, but we will investigate them later.
On the other hand, the upper part has a control panel with direction buttons (up, down, left, right), as well as a return button. There is also keystone correction and focus wheel . Below the projector (and in the middle) is a tripod mount or any mount with a compatible screw.
There is nothing of interest on the sides, with the exception of an internal dust mesh in the ventilation grille on one of the sides, this prolongs the life of the projector without requiring much effort. And speaking of useful life, the manufacturer assures that the lamp has a hope of 20,000 hours of use .
In general, we are facing a projector that looks very good and is suitable for any place, since it does not interrupt with the decoration. As we mentioned at the beginning, the materials are mostly plastic, however, they are of good workmanship and that is ultimately what matters.
Image and Features
It is important to moderate our expectations when purchasing an entry-level product and if we do we can appreciate that the XM Wanbo X1 does a decent job for its low price, offering an appropriate solution for educational or recreational use, although obviously without displacing to a dedicated home theater system.
Going into detail, this is a projector with native 720p resolution , but it can project in 1080p @ 60Hz (with upscaling) when connected to a device that supports higher resolution. Its brightness is up for debate, some sources list it as 500 ANSI lumens, but the truth is that it is 300 ANSI lumens . Also, you can project a 40 to 120-inch image with reasonable quality.
With that in mind, we can say that the projection quality in a dark room is good. The colors are bright and the details are high. Also, the edges don’t look blurry, which is one of the common complaints with affordable projectors.
Colors are warm most of the time and the sharpness of still scenes is commendable , but there is still a bit of distortion in fast-moving scenes, a problem that can be traced to the absence of motion compensation , but for what The XM Wanbo X1 costs we will never find a model that does offer it.
Another common complaint among users of this projector is how noisy the internal fans can be , but this is something that depends on the ambient temperature; therefore, if you live in a warm region or are in the height of summer, be prepared to hear the noise of the fans.
The absence of lateral projection also detracts from the experience, but perhaps we are asking too much of its price.
Wanbo X1: Connectivity and other features
In terms of connectivity, the Xiaomi Wanbox X1 is well equipped for what it costs. In this sense, it is equipped with the typical HDMI and USB ports (one of each), but there is also a 3-5mm audio jack next to an AV input for older devices, such as a DVD player, for example. The interesting thing about it is that it includes Wi-Fi despite its low price, which allows us to conveniently project content from the mobile.
It is important to note that the version of the XM Wanbox that we are looking at lacks an operating system, supposedly there is a version that includes Android, but we have not been able to locate it. In any case, for the price it has, we cannot afford to demand such a feature.
Finally, it is worth mentioning the presence of a 3W mono speaker that does its job without pain or glory.
PROS:
- The price
- Reasonable image quality and brightness
- Various connectivity options
CONS:
- The fan can be very noisy
- No lateral projection shift
