Versatility In a Very Small Package

After getting off to a bit of a slow start in the projector game, I've quickly come to really love them.

I used to think they were expensive for what they were but now that many of them offer full smart TV capabilities, when compared to the price of a physical TV, the screen-size you can achieve is an absolute bargain.

These days a half-decent projector will provide a wall-sized image of just about anything you'd watch on a conventional TV; video, streaming services, gaming... you name it.

There are a couple of major drawbacks though. Firstly, most high-quality projectors are big and heavy. Secondly, they're often really noisy too.

If that's what's been holding you back, have I got something new for you...

The Samsung Freestyle is a lot of things but it definitely isn't big or heavy. In fact it's probably only about the size, shape and weight of a large can of pet food - except way better looking. This is certainly no unwieldy giant box and you might think you can just move it around all over the place, easily shifting it from room to room or even take it with you when you leave the house. And you'd be right.

Thanks to its unique form-factor and versatile swivel stand (I'll be using the word "versatile" a lot in this review, by the way) the Freestyle can literally be placed anywhere; coffee table, shelf or even just on the bed. Why would you want to put it on the bed? I'll get to that in a minute.

The power supply required is 50W/20V USB-PD... and yes that means if you have a portable power bank capable of delivering at least that much juice, the Freestyle is just as portable. Take it camping and beam your shows on the wall of your tent if you want.

Setup is... well, there's not really any setup. While other projectors often require quite a bit of noodling around with their keystone and focus settings to achieve a good, clear image, the Freestyle takes care of all that for you. While you can adjust these things manually, I haven't managed to do a better job than the device does itself on auto-mode. You can project an image up to 100-inches in crystal clarity - you don't even need a particularly white wall; the freestyle measures how off-white the surface is and will adjust the colour-scheme accordingly. Did I mention how versatile it is?

Perhaps what's most crazy about this device is it's essentially a 2022 Samsung smart TV as well. Controlled with an ultra-slim, rechargeable remote, the Freestyle's home screen looks pretty much like that of any other late-model Samsung telly. As such, you can add all your favourite apps; Netflix, Disney+, Apple TV+, TVNZ+ - all the plusses - even apps like Plex and Spotify. As long as you have a Wi-Fi connection, the whole streaming world is at your feet... or on your wall or ceiling.

Speaking of Spotify, you may even want to consider making this your go-to smart speaker. I wasn't really expecting much from the built-in speaker system but I was wrong, wrong, wrong. The 5W omni-directional 360-degree sound is a piece of audio engineering genius. Samsung describes the aural experience as "immersive" and that sums it up precisely. Even though sometimes you'll be using the Freestyle to project from behind you, somehow it throws the sound around in a way that doesn't break the illusion of having the images in front of you. It's pretty clever. While there is a bit of fan noise, it's hardly noticeable compared to other projectors I've encountered.

Still, you can't beat a proper soundbar - or preferably even a full surround system. Luckily the Freestyle has a micro-HDMI port so you can plug one in. While I've come across mini-HDMI ports on things like laptops before, I've never encountered this even smaller option. A quick trip to PB Tech and my new eight-dollar HDMI-to-microHDMI cable meant I could now boost my soundscape accordingly.

Of course, that's not the only thing you can plug in. While you can mirror your phone with an NFC tap via Samsung's SmartThings app, if you prefer Chromecast (or a similar dongle) that will obviously connect with the right adapter or cable too.

As will your console or laptop. Giant-sized gaming on my bedroom wall? Yes please!

Back to bed though. What's the problem with watching TV in bed? Having to prop yourself up to see it, right? By plonking the Freestyle actually on your bed (or at least on your bedside table) you can beam your shows and movies directly onto the ceiling above you. No, don't get up. I insist.

Being a 2022 Samsung TV in disguise, you also get ambient mode - the screensaver option that turns other Samsung screens into works of art or photo frames when not in use. The Freestyle brings a few extra ambient tricks to the table though; maybe you'd like to beam a cosy fire on the wall? A neon cityscape for your cocktail party? How 'bout some kaleidoscopic mood-lighting on the ceiling? Done.

So. Damn. Versatile.

The only thing this thing doesn't do is daylight. While the LED projection system is rated at 550 LED Lumen - that's still not really bright enough for a lunchtime showing of the latest episode of whatever it is you're currently bingeing - but that's why they invented curtains and blinds, right?

I feel like I've reeled off at least half-a-dozen different ways you can use the Freestyle and I keep thinking up new ones every day. It isn't the brightest, clearest, most powerful projector ever produced but its easy setup, excellent sound, full range of smart TV abilities and its extreme portability definitely earn it the prize for versatility. There, I said it. Again.

    

Click here for more information and pricing on the Samsung Freestyle.