Samsung The Freestyle 2 review

This second iteration of Samsung’s Freestyle compact LED projector affords some delicate upgrades over its predecessor, however rewards with the identical excessive affect pictures and nice versatility.  

Nonetheless very a lot a causal beamer, it could actually flip any clear wall, or ceiling, right into a big-screen show with minimal fuss or set-up trouble – and because of Samsung’s Tizen good TV platform, you’ll be able to rapidly undertaking your favorite streaming exhibits.  

Whereas the Freestyle 2nd Gen (SP-LFF3) is HD decision solely, it’s appropriate with varied HDR (Excessive Dynamic Vary) sources, be they HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG.  

Big dimension viewing wherever in the home? Perhaps you don’t must put money into that 85-inch telly in spite of everything…   

Design & Options

• Auto keystone correction 
• Auto focus 
• Tizen good TV platform 

Sharing the identical cylindrical chassis as the unique The Freestyle, with similar connectivity, this Freestyle reboot has apparent enchantment.  

Perched atop a round base, it could actually pivot a full 180 levels, permitting you to undertaking onto partitions and even the ceiling. Auto-focus ensures the image is all the time sharp, whereas highly effective keystone correction routinely straightens the show and focuses the picture, no matter your angle. 

This geometric correction isn’t all the time flawless, however in most cases you’ll be able to anticipate a transparent, sharp image. 

If the projector is positioned on an uneven floor, new auto-levelling involves the rescue. In the case of throw distance, 2m is required to offer you a 75in picture. From round 2.7m, you’ll hit the complete 100in however you can begin at simply 30in from 0.8m.

Wi-fi connectivity covers Wi-Fi and Bluetooth 5.2; there are bodily ports for Micro HDMI and a USB-C energy provide.  

Steve Might / Foundry

The projector comes with a slim, solar-powered distant management, that includes devoted buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+ and Samsung TV Plus.

There are additionally on-body contact delicate controls in case you choose. The Second Gen works with Samsung SmartThings, and Apple AirPlay 2 – with Faucet View for mirroring Galaxy gadgets with Android 8.1 or later by way of NFC. It additionally has built-in far-field mics that allow voice assistant management for Amazon Alexa and Samsung’s Bixby. You can too display mirror with appropriate Samsung TVs.  

A plastic cap is offered to guard the lens, however this will also be used to create a diffuse, ambient lighting impact. It might be a prism, scene (Samsung’s web site exhibits an aeroplane window) or considered one of your individual pictures.

The Freestyle 2nd Gen works off the mains (battery base offered individually), however might be powered by both a bespoke battery case accent or a USB energy financial institution with a 50W/20V output or above. 

The projector’s default color is white, however fashionistas can customise their Freestyle with non-compulsory colored covers, in Beige, Pink, or Inexperienced. 

In the event you’re tempted to take your Freestyle outdoor, it could be value investing in Samsung’s non-compulsory IP55-rated carry case. 

Steve Might / Foundry

Adjustments beneath the hood embody an improved processor and software program. 

It will probably additionally edge-blend pictures (Good Edge Mixing) from two completely different Freestyle 2023 projectors, to create an extremely broad 21:9  picture. To activate, you’ll want two 2023 projectors paired utilizing the SmartThings app on a Samsung smartphone. 

A graphical setup routine helps sync the Freestyles. When little cartoons overlap, the smartphone takes a snapshot of the outcome and uploads it for processing. As if by magic, the 2 projectors start syncing their output collectively.  

The catch is you’ll be able to’t use this mode with any outdated content material. It really works with some ‘scope clips on YouTube however is most reliably used to show your individual images. Footage are cropped to suit the side ratio, however the impact is compelling. It’s very troublesome to identify the place the be part of is.

Samsung

Image High quality

• LED gentle engine 
• Black stage limitation 
• Crystal Engine processor  

So let’s speak visuals. The Freestyle 2’s pictures seem vivid and punchy, at the very least when considered in low gentle. Whereas its output is OK for non-critical, quasi-daylight viewing, it shines brightest in a darker setting.  

The projector makes use of a DLP chip with an LED gentle supply, stated to final at the very least 30,000 hours. 

Steve Might / Foundry

Regardless of being restricted to a Full HD decision, The Freestyle 2 manages to impress with crisp element and vibrant hues, courtesy of Samsung’s Crystal Engine and PurColor processing.

I watched a mix of pure historical past footage, motion pictures and sport exhibits, and all had been displayed with equal enthusiasm.   

There are inevitable limitations. Black-level efficiency is predictably constrained, with The Freestyle 2 delivering a darker shade of gray than something inky. However that is trumped by a constantly excessive common image stage and photo voltaic vibrancy. 

Image presets cowl Dynamic, Customary, and Film. For many content material I felt that Customary setting supplied essentially the most balanced efficiency. Movement dealing with is easy, with minimal artefacts or color fringing. 

Sound High quality

• 360° soundstage 
• 5W amplification 
• Bluetooth  

The Freestyle utilises a rear-facing, 5W sound system that spreads the soundstage surprisingly broad. It sounds higher than the overwhelming majority of extra standard, sometimes gaming-oriented, compact projectors, I’ve heard.  

There’s sufficient oomph to its output to forestall it from sounding overly skinny. It’s greater than ample to entertain a small viewers, and generate sufficient hubbub to masks its low stage fan noise, which is round 30dB. 

In the event you fancy a extra immersive audio expertise, you would join a soundbar or exterior sound system utilizing ARC over the mini HDMI connection, though this does begin to battle with the simple use ethos of The Freestyle 2.

Pairing with Bluetooth headphones might be a extra smart choice and there’s help for Multi Bluetooth Pairing. 

Samsung

Value & Availability  

The Samsung Freestyle Gen 2 comes with a price ticket of $799.99/£699. That’s cheaper than the unique’s launch worth of $899.99/£999.

Whereas it’s not essentially the most budget-friendly Full HD decision choice within the projector market, it affords a singular set of options that units it other than rivals, particularly for individuals who prioritise portability. 

You should buy it from Samsung, Amazon and BestBuy within the US.

You should buy it from Samsung and Currys within the UK.

Do you have to purchase the Samsung The Freestyle 2?   

The Freestyle 2 is a uniquely succesful compact projector with a multiplicity of abilities. It’s nice for film nights, youngsters events, sports activities occasions and even patio BBQs.   

Although restricted to Full HD, image high quality is usually spectacular, with uniformly vivid and detailed pictures. 

The availability of Good Edge Mixing is a intelligent embellishment, though there’s in all probability not sufficient of a person case to warrant shopping for two Freestyles to implement. 

Whether or not you’re projecting on a wall or ceiling, the Samsung Freestyle 2nd Gen bends actuality in all the proper methods.  I feel it’s properly value auditioning. 

Specs

• LED projector with a DLP engine
• 30-100in display dimension
• Decision: 1920 x 1080 
• HDMI: Micro HDMI 
• HDR help: HDR10, HLG, HDR10 
• Tizen Good Platform 
• Dimensions:102.4(w) x 172.8(h) x 95.2(d)mm        
• Weight: 0.83kg