Having already tested the very compact X2 Pro from Wanbo, we now have an even more compact projector on the table – the Wanbo Mini Pro. Postcard format, 250 ANSI lumens and HD resolution for less than 100 euros sounds promising to say the least. The other advertised features also sound very good considering the price. We test the small projector for you.
Technical details
| Model | Wanbo Mini Pro |
| Dimensions | 16.5 x 12.3 x 8.7 cm |
| Weight | 0.62 kg |
| Color | white |
| Native resolution | 1280 x 720 pixels (HD) |
| Brightness | 250 ANSI lumens |
| Adjustable image size | up to 100 inch |
| Throw rate | 1,3:1 |
| Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
| Operating system | Android 9 |
| Connectivity | Dual-band Wi-Fi 4; Bluetooth 4.2, USB, 1x HDMI, 3.5 mm jack, AVIN |
| Speakers | 1 x speaker with 3 watts |
| Range of functions |
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| Price | Price: € 79.99 * |
Scope of delivery
The contents of a package could hardly be more concise. The Wanbo Mini Pro projector, a remote control and the DC power supply are included in the box. A short instruction manual in English is also included. Although the projector is neatly packed, a little protection for the lens would perhaps have been appropriate.
In addition, the necessary AAA batteries are not included. Anyone who has read the review of the other Wanbo projector will recognize the remote control. Not only is it the same, but both projectors can be operated with the same remote control.
Design and workmanship
Even before unpacking, we notice how light the Wanbo Mini Pro really is. As soon as we open the box, we immediately see why the packaging is so compact. The projector almost fits in the palm of your hand. At 165 x 86 x 122 millimeters, the footprint is a little larger than a postcard. On top of that, it only weighs a little over 600 grams. If desired, it can therefore disappear into your rucksack and be taken along.
The small case is kept simple in white and does not offer many eye-catching features. Only the front definitely stands out from the rest. The black front with a piano lacquer finish also has a silver ring for the lens inlet. A lever for focusing the image is located directly above the lens on the top.
There are two inlets at the rear. No stereo speakers are concealed here. Viewed from behind, the fan inlet is on the right and the mono speaker, which is intended to provide an immersive audio experience, is hidden on the left. More on this later.
To connect various devices, let’s take a look at the left-hand side. Here you will find a USB-A 2.0 port, an AV input, a 3.5 mm jack output (headphones), an HDMI input and finally the power supply. The underside is also important to see with its 1/4-inch thread and four rubber feet.
Setup, operation and practice
Although the Wanbo Mini Pro uses Android 9.0, the same operating system version as the X2 Pro (test), the interface is completely different. As this is a budget model from the manufacturer, we have to do without all possible automatic functions. We have to adjust the focus and keystone correction ourselves. However, Wanbo provides us with good tools for this. Focusing is done using the control on the top.
Technically, the projector supports WiFi 4 and Bluetooth 4.2. To test the wireless transmission via WLAN, the projector is located around ten meters and two rooms away. Data transmission works without any problems or interruptions, despite the walls. We can use Bluetooth for audio playback to support the mono speaker. Although there were no interruptions or latencies, the sound sometimes stuttered a little.
Despite Android version 9.0, we can still get apps from the Google Play Store. As only Widevine L3 is supported, most streaming providers can only be watched in 480p.
Once started, the interface is quick to use and responds quickly. The clarity is also impressive and all settings can be found quickly. However, as with the X2 Pro, some menu items on the Wanbo Mini Pro are poorly translated.
Picture quality
250 ANSI lumens and a 720p resolution promise a pleasant picture – at least in darkened rooms. Content in FullHD can at least be decoded and played back.
If the room in which the Wanbo Mini Pro is located is darkened, a really good picture is delivered. It should not be forgotten that the projector costs less than 100 euros. Focusing is somewhat laborious using the control on the top. After a few minutes, together with the manual 4-point keystone correction, we have a good projection on the wall.
Projection sizes of 40 to 100 inches are specified. With an approximate ratio of 1.3, we achieve 50 inches in our test. If we compare it directly with the X2 Pro, the image quality of the Wanbo Mini Pro is not bad. The only disadvantage here is the lower number of lumens.
Sound quality
We also want to say a few words about the sound quality. The 3 watt mono speaker is highly praised by Wanbo. We are supposed to be offered immersive cinema sound. Although the sound reproduction is not bad for the size of the projector, it lacks too much detail and generally sounds very muffled. You do have the option of making finer and more individual adjustments via an equalizer, but you won’t get a much better sound experience.
If you have a Bluetooth speaker at home, such as a soundbar, connect it to the Wanbo Mini Pro. This will take the projector to a whole new level. You can hear the projector’s fan quite well during normal operation. We measured an average of 39 dB(A) at the front and 43 dB(A) at the rear.
Conclusion
You don’t have too high demands on a projector and can do without one or two features? The Wanbo Mini Pro is really very compact and delivers a decent picture in a dark room. As soon as the room is a little brighter, the 250 ANSI lumen light source reaches its limits.
The sound is also okay. It is certainly not as good as advertised by Wanbo. However, we have various connectivity options, so it is advisable to connect a Bluetooth speaker. Overall, the Wanbo Mini Pro is quick to operate. The only thing that takes some time is setting the picture.
We can recommend the Wanbo Mini Pro as an entry-level device or as a space-saving TV replacement for the bedroom. Of course, it has its weaknesses and its brightness, but for around 80 euros you get a solid product.
Wanbo Mini Pro
Setup & usability
Design & workmanship
Ports & connection options
Image quality
Sound quality
Value for money
80/100
Strong entry-level device with some weaknesses.
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