TCL’s first portable projector is an affordable all-rounder with Google TV
- TCL has unveiled its first mobile projector, the Projector A1
- It’s an affordable offering with built-in Google TV smarts
- It also has 8W speakers with Dolby Audio and costs just $499
TCL, famous for its TVs, has moved into a new category: portable projectors. The new TCL Projector A1 is a low-priced mobile projector with built-in speakers, Wi-Fi and Google TV.
The A1 projector is a Full HD 1080p offering that delivers 360 ISO lumens brightness, with a screen size from 45 inches to 120 inches.
The LCD projector features auto focus and keystone adjustment for easy setup, and its dual 8W speakers let you use it as a Bluetooth speaker and as a soundtrack for your streaming shows and movies.
Another bonus of the TCL Projector A1 is that it’s powered by Google TV, including Google Assistant for voice search and smart home control, while the audio is handled by Dolby Audio processing.
Chromecast is also supported and the WiFi is 802.11a/b/g/n – so not advanced, but fine considering the screen resolution.
A new potential bargain?
There are some nice touches in the Projector A1, including a smart grip – TCL calls it VersaGrip – that is adjustable for comfort and also converts into a kickstand.
The projector is also quite portable, weighing around 2.5 kg and having compact dimensions of 5.0 inches x 7.6 inches x 10.4 inches (or 127 mm x 193 x 264 mm).
As you’d expect from TCL, the new A1 projector is competitively priced: it’s available now with a suggested retail price of $499 (approximately £395 / AU$770).
That’s considerably cheaper than our current budget pick in our guide to the best portable projectors, the LG CineBeam Q, although that model does have higher specs and resolution than the TCL.
