Dangbei has been making waves in the projector space for a while now, having launched the world’s first officially Netflix-licensed 4K laser projector last year. More recently, the brand introduced the Dangbei N2 mini – a portable projector that sits on the opposite end of the spectrum from its flagship Mars Pro 2, both in terms of size and price – adding an accessibly priced yet feature-rich option to its growing lineup.
The Dangbei N2 mini is one of the brand’s smallest projectors, weighing just under 3.8 pounds and standing about 9.5-inches tall. Yet despite its compact size, it packs a surprising amount of features and functionality, including Dangbei’s proprietary, AI-powered InstanPro technology – the same that’s found in its larger and more expensive models.
Unlike Dangbei’s other models, though, the N2 Mini runs on a Linux-based smart operating system rather than Google’s Android TV. One likely reason for this is to avoid Google’s costly licensing fees – a decision presumably to help keep the projector’s price accessible. It’s worth noting, however, that this doesn’t come at the expense of features or functionality. Despite its simple interface, the Linux-based operating system (OS) is both easy to use and visually appealing, and it comes preloaded with officially licensed apps including Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube. These apps can also be launched with a single click, thanks to dedicated buttons on the projector’s remote, and Dangbei says there are over 300 additional apps available to download onto the device – though, naturally, these don’t have their own dedicated buttons on the remote.
The main body of the N2 mini – the actual projector – sits on a stand that doubles up as a gimbal and offer users 190° of built-in tilt options – including ceiling projection. Simplicity is a recurring theme with the N2 and the gimbal is operated by gently pushing in the preferred direction; there’s no locking mechanism, it it simply holds itself in place.
The Dangbei N2 mini projects native 1080p visuals in sizes between 40 and 120-inches, and features 200 lumens of maximum brightness. While this doesn’t sound very bright on paper, it performs surprisingly well in daylight and excels in smaller rooms with lower light – think evenings and spaces with drawn curtains. Additionally, the included InstanPro technology means the mini will automatically resize and straighten the image to give you the best view possible, while offering automatic focusing and keystone correction.
Connectivity options include both Bluetooth 5.2 and Wi-Fi 6, with input ports consisting of one HDMI and one USB-A 2.0. There’s also a 3.5mm audio output, allowing users to connect headphones or wired speakers if the built-in six-watt speakers don’t cut it. Perhaps surprisingly, given its modest audio hardware, the N2 supports Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital and Dolby Digital Plus.
The Dangbei N2 mini is available now via the brand’s website and select retailers priced at £199 GBP / $229 USD / €279 EUR.
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