We have known for some time that projectors are not necessarily heavy, bulky and only suitable for use at home. With the Yaber T2 Plus, the manufacturer now also offers a handy model that is also suitable for traveling thanks to its integrated battery and low weight. However, our test revealed more than just advantages.
Technical data
Model | T2 Plus |
Dimensions | 165 mm x 140 mm x 290 mm |
Weight | 2.5 kg |
Color | Beige-brown |
Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels (Full HD) |
Brightness | 450 ANSI lumens |
Adjustable picture size | up to 120 inch |
Throw rate | 1,25:1 |
Refresh rate | 60 Hz |
Connectivity | Wi-Fi 6; Bluetooth 5.0 |
Speakers | 2 x speakers |
Range of functions |
|
Price | MSRP: 299.00 US dollars |
Yaber T2 Plus test: Elegant design, high-quality workmanship
- elegant design
- very good workmanship
- compact and handy
There are now quite a few handy projectors. We were only able to test the impressive Nebula Mars 3 Air ourselves in December 2023. The new Yaber T2 Plus is in a similar league, which is also reflected in its dimensions.
At 165 mm x 140 mm x 290 mm and weighing around 2.5 kg, the projector is pleasantly mobile and has a practical handle with a brown rubber cover to take it with you wherever you go.
No question: with its simple and stylish beige-brown design and fabric cover, the T2 Plus also cuts a fine figure in the living room at home. How good that the workmanship is in no way inferior to the high-quality design. The fact that Yaber has provided the projector with a lens cover is also practical for when you’re on the move – even if it does sit very firmly on the lens.
But don’t be fooled, because the T2 Plus is not waterproof. If you want to use it outdoors, you should only do so in good weather, otherwise you’ll soon be done with open-air cinema enjoyment.
The handle can also be freely adjusted and also serves as a holder to set up the projector at a slight angle (ideally at an angle of 15° according to the manufacturer) to achieve the best results. The only problem is that there is no indication of where and when these 15 degrees are reached.
Otherwise, the design is as expected. Autofocus sensors at the front, connections at the back – with the power connection on the right-hand side. The manufacturer has placed the power button on the top, which also functions as an NFC field to quickly display content from the smartphone.
Connections and mediocre intelligent customization
- few connections
- HDMI occupied by TV dongle
- Object avoidance and keystone correction with problems
The Yaber T2 Plus is short on connectivity. External playback takes place via HDMI or USB A, while audio sources are connected via a 3.5 mm jack connection. It’s a shame that USB-C is not offered. This would significantly expand the connectivity.
If you prefer, you can also connect the projector to the internet via the RJ45 LAN connection, or alternatively via Wi-Fi 6. Bluetooth 5.0 is also available if you want to connect the projector to other devices or use it as a speaker for smartphones and the like.
The two speakers tuned by JLB are used for this purpose, which deliver a usable sound but lack detail in the highs and mids. We have seen this much better with integrated speakers. But it’s good enough for watching movies on the go.
Operation using the included remote control works perfectly, at least as soon as you have inserted your own AAA batteries. The Yaber T2 Plus offers intelligent automatic image adjustment including autofocus and keystone correction, which work quite quickly and reliably. Even if the keystone correction doesn’t always do a perfect job – fortunately, you can adjust it manually in the menu.
In contrast to the intelligent object avoidance, which repeatedly displays an error that the camera is covered and objects are in the picture. Very annoying, as there was absolutely nothing in the way.
Not really smart
- Smart functions and apps only via HDMI dongle
- somewhat clumsy navigation
- 2.5 hours of battery life for video playback
The Yaber T2 Plus is advertised as a smart projector, but it is not really that smart out of the box. In the main menu, you only have access to the HDMI input, as well as documents or similar that are connected via USB.
The projector only becomes smart with the included HDMI dongle, which expands the T2 Plus – hanging somewhat awkwardly downwards – to include Google TV. Only then can you access popular streaming services and thousands of apps.
So if you want to use the Yaber T2 Plus with multiple sources, you have to keep plugging and unplugging. The whole thing is not really smart. And unfortunately, the system isn’t really well designed either – many competitors do a much better job.
The operation in the lightened user interface is also a little clumsy. It’s noticeably jerkier than the Nebula projector I mentioned earlier, for example. I also found that the cast function via NFC doesn’t always work reliably. Especially when using streaming apps from a smartphone or tablet, there are always hangs. When viewing images and other content, however, everything works flawlessly.
The battery life of the T2 Plus is 2.5 hours for video playback with a brightness of around 60 percent. This means that even longer movies can be watched before the projector runs out of power. A good value, especially as it can even be used for up to 18 hours when used as a Bluetooth speaker.
Picture quality of the Yaber T2 Plus
These shortcomings are particularly unfortunate, as the Yaber T2 Plus delivers good results in terms of picture quality. With a maximum brightness of 450 ANSI lumens, it even outperforms the comparably compact competition and delivers a very detailed and colorful Full HD image.
On closer inspection, however, the image sharpness is behind the competition, which may also be due to the not completely accurate autofocus. The picture can be further adjusted in the system settings. The menu is available in German and has a clear structure.
In terms of size, the distance to the wall or surface is of course decisive. With a projection ratio of 1.25:1, the projector can achieve sizes from 40 inches from a distance of around one meter up to a maximum of 120 inches, for which it requires a distance of around 3.3 meters.
The Yaber T2 Plus therefore cuts a fine figure on camping vacations. Also because it can easily be used as a Bluetooth speaker with the display deactivated.
Yaber T2 Plus test: Conclusion
The Yaber T2 Plus projector is a device with many strengths, but also some weaknesses. On the plus side, the projector boasts a handy, high-quality design and impeccable workmanship. The simple set-up and good picture quality also speak in favor of the device, as does the more than decent battery life and the option of using it as a Bluetooth speaker when the lens is switched off.
However, there are some design decisions that detract from the overall picture. It is not smart, and if it is, then only with the included TV dongle, which blocks the only HDMI port and also has a choppy interface and mixed performance.
The sound quality is okay, but we have also seen much better in this size. Or heard it. The automatic and intelligent picture adjustment also doesn’t work as reliably as we are used to.
However, the attractive price of the Yaber T2 Plus, which is well below the competition, speaks in its favor. Even if the handy projector is not really cheap, it is still an interesting option for traveling. Whether the price is more important to you than comfort functions and picture quality is up to you to decide.
Yaber T2 Plus
Setup & Usability
Design & Workmanship
Connections & connection options
Image Quality
Sound Quality
Value For Money
84/100
Handy 1080p projector with good picture quality and built-in battery with good runtime, but with some weaknesses in picture, sound and picture adjustment.