Samsung Freestyle Plus Portable Projector: Brightness, Features, and Specs

Thomas Ricker, a seasoned tech journalist and Verge co-founder, has a deep interest in human-centric urban design, e-bikes, and the digital nomad lifestyle. With two decades of experience in tech journalism, he provides insights into the latest gadgets and trends.

One notable product discussed is the Freestyle Plus all-in-one portable projector from Samsung. Boasting a brightness of 430 ISO lumens, Samsung claims it's "nearly twice the brightness of the previous generation," despite earlier models listing 550 lumens on their spec sheets. This discrepancy highlights a common issue in the projector industry—lumen ratings are often inconsistent, with manufacturers sometimes using different standards or marketing fluff.

Industry-wide Lumens Standardization Efforts
Projector companies are known for playing fast and loose with lumen figures. The inconsistencies have led to legal actions, notably by Epson, pushing the industry toward adopting the ISO Lumens standard. This standardization helps consumers better gauge how projectors perform under ambient light conditions, leading to more accurate expectations.

Design and Features
The Freestyle Plus retains the look and functionality of the original 1080p Freestyle, launched in 2022. Its signature rotating barrel design, integrated speaker, and Wi-Fi streaming capabilities remain intact. Modern automatic features, such as keystone correction, focus adjustment, and image calibration based on wall and ceiling patterns, are now included, enhancing ease of use.

Portability and Power Options
While the projector doesn’t have a built-in battery, users can connect compatible power banks for increased portability, making it suitable for outdoor or on-the-go use.

Availability and Pricing
Samsung has not yet released detailed specifications, pre-order information, or pricing details ahead of the big CES event. The original model was priced at $899, a figure many found steep—even more so considering market conditions prior to recent tariffs.

Stay tuned for updates on the Samsung Freestyle Plus as it prepares for its official release, promising improved brightness and smart features that cater to modern portable projection needs.