I bought the Xiaomi Smart Projector because I’d grown tired of small screens on movie nights and wanted something that could turn our living room wall into a proper cinema experience without spending a fortune. I wasn’t expecting professional-theatre quality… just something fun, simple, and good enough for big-screen movies, gaming, and weekend watch parties.
What Is the Xiaomi Smart Projector?
The Xiaomi Smart Projector is a compact home entertainment projector that combines smart streaming features with projection hardware. Depending on the version (like the L1 or Mi Smart Projector 2 models), it typically offers 1080p HD resolution, Android TV/Google TV streaming, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, auto-focus and keystone correction, and built-in Dolby Audio speakers to make setup and everyday use as simple as possible.
Why I Bought It
I was tired of lugging my laptop to an HDMI setup or constantly peering at small screens during group movie nights. I wanted a projector that could stand on a coffee table, connect to Netflix with minimal fuss, and deliver a big, clear picture without a complicated home cinema rig. The Xiaomi brand and integrated smart OS made it look like a promising “plug-and-play” solution for casual films, streaming, and weekend sports.
My Experience Using It
Setup & First Impression: Unboxing the projector felt like opening a compact gadget rather than a clunky piece of AV gear. I plugged it in, connected to Wi-Fi, and within minutes had Google TV/Android TV streaming ready to go, Netflix, and YouTube all accessible without additional dongles. The auto-focus and auto-keystone features were genuinely handy; I didn’t need to fumble with manual adjustment to get a rectangle instead of a trapezoid image.
Image & Brightness: The projected image looked crisp with its Full HD resolution, and widescreen movies filled my wall nicely at around 80–100 inches, plenty big for friends and family. Colors were decent, though brightness was a bit of a reality check. In a fully dark room, it looked great; once there was stray daylight or ambient lighting, it faded noticeably, something I learned to plan around. It’s great for night use but not a daylight-friendly projector unless you close the curtains fully.
Sound & Built-in Features: The built-in speakers are serviceable for casual viewing, bonus points for Dolby Audio, but they aren’t room-filling. For movies or bigger movie nights, I quickly paired a Bluetooth soundbar for depth and volume that matched the screen size. The smart OS and remote made navigation smooth, though I did have to sign into accounts and occasionally deal with app quirks (like casting or app login delays)… typical for Android TV in projectors.
Day-to-Day Use: Once set up, I used it several times for weekend movie nights and casual streaming. The auto-focus and alignment features were genuinely convenient, meaning less tinkering and more watching. On the downside, I did encounter a couple of annoyances: sometimes the projector freezes or stops at loading screens after firmware updates,
Overall, it delivered what I hoped for: big picture, smart streaming, easy setup, but it reminded me that smart projectors at this price (mid-range) are practical and enjoyable, not flawless.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Big 1080p projection with smart streaming built in, so no external devices needed.
- Auto-focus and keystone correction make setup much easier.
- Android TV/Google TV ecosystem gives access to favorite apps.
- Compact and sleek design… works well on shelves or coffee tables.
- Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity simplify casting and audio pairing.
Cons
- Brightness is limited and is best in fully dark rooms; ambient light washes out the picture.
- Built-in speakers are okay, but not cinema-level… external audio improves the experience.
- Occasional software or streaming app quirks. It’s not as smooth as TVs.
- Some units may develop startup or software hang issues over time.
Is It a Scam?
No, the Xiaomi Smart Projector is not a scam. It genuinely performs as a smart streaming projector with intelligent setup features and solid image quality for casual use. That said, marketing materials sometimes oversell brightness and performance relative to dedicated home theatre projectors; it’s better seen as a convenient, flexible everyday projector, not a professional cinema upgrade.
Alternatives
- BenQ TH585 Full HD Projector
- VANKYO Leisure 3 1080P Projector
- Anker Nebula Capsule II Smart Projector
Conclusion — Would I Recommend It?
Yes, with realistic expectations. If you want an easy-to-use smart projector that turns your wall into a big screen without extra devices, this is a good choice, especially if you mainly watch in darkened rooms. It’s more enjoyable and streamlined than many budget projectors without built-in streaming. Just be ready to pair external speakers for better sound, and understand that brightness in daylight is limited.
For movie nights, casual gaming, or presentations in the evening, it does what it promises and is a solid daily entertainment addition.
Read my similar review on the Fudoni Outdoor Projector