OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Acer C202I review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£210Native panel resolution:854x480ANSI lumens:300Throw ratio:1.3:1Lamp life:20000 hours

Acer C202I Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 3 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Acer C202I
5.7/10

Overall score

Score
5.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

35%

4.6

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

4.6

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 99% of projectors
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 57%
4.6

Technical score

Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components

42%

4.1

Image Quality

22%

3.9

Projection & Lens

12%

5.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 99%
4.6

Reviews score

Reviews score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

4.6

Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.9

Average grade

20%

6.7

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 99%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Acer C202I

Based on 3

Reviewers agree the battery life is the standout, lasting long enough for comfortable viewing without a power outlet.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Acer C202I

Technical score
Technical score
4.6/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 99% of models
Score components:

42%

4.1

Image Quality

22%

3.9

Projection & Lens

12%

5.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

7.5

Design & Power

4.6
Reviews score
4.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

9.4

Price

6.8
ANSI lumens
300
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 300 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 86.7% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
5,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 5000:1, lower than 59.1% of projectors and equal to 1.9% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
854x480
This projector uses a native resolution of 854x480, lower than 95.3% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Output resolution
854x480
This projector supports output resolution up to 854x480, lower than 95.5% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.3:1
Min throw distance
0.7 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.7 m, shorter than 78.7% of projectors and equal to 2.1% of projectors.
Max projection size
100 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 100 inch, smaller than 92% of projectors and equal to 6.7% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This projector connects to Wi-Fi networks for streaming. 46.7% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This projector uses Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than 50.1% of projectors and the same as in 5.4% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 63.3% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
EZCast app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
led
This projector uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.6% of projectors and equal to 39.9% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 35.2% of projectors and equal to 25.8% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
30,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 64% of projectors and equal to 31.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
30 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 30 W of power, less than 96.6% of projectors and equal to 0.2% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say

Acer C202I vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (100% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    100% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    EZCast app.
  • 0.31 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.7 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.7 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
    Requires built-in Wireless Projection app.
  • Includes built-in battery
    This projector has a built-in battery, while the average projector does not. 6.3% of projectors have one.
  • 200 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (30 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    30 W vs 230 W
  • 88.3% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.4 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.35 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 3 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (25 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    25 dB vs 28 dB
  • 3.14x cheaper
    Acer C202I is cheaper than the average projector (£210 vs £660).
    £210 vs £660
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (100% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    100% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 0.31 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.7 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.7 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
    Requires built-in Wireless Projection app.
  • Supports Miracast mirroring
    This projector supports Miracast, while the average projector does not. 46.4% of projectors offer this.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    EZCast app.
  • Includes built-in battery
    This projector has a built-in battery, while the average projector does not. 6.3% of projectors have one.
  • 200 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (30 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    30 W vs 230 W
  • 88.3% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.4 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.35 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 3 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (25 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    25 dB vs 28 dB
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (29 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    29 dB vs 31 dB
  • 147 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (150 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    150 mm vs 297 mm
  • 118 mm thinner body
    This projector is thinner than the average projector (32 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    32 mm vs 150 mm
  • 80 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (42 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    42 mm vs 122 mm
  • 86.4% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (300 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    300 vs 2,200
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 37.8% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

    4.6

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    6.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.6 vs 7.4
  • 150 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (100 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    100 inch vs 250 inch
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1600x1200/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1600x1200/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • 37.8% lower review score
    Reviews score
    4.6/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 99% of models

    4.6

    Mark 7.7 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.9

    Average grade

    20%

    6.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    4.6 vs 7.4
  • 86.4% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (300 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    300 vs 2,200
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    This projector has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    60 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 0.27 inch smaller DMD chip
    This projector has a lower DMD chip size than the average projector (0.2 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.2 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (5000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    5,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 2 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2019 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    2019 vs 2021
  • 150 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (100 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    100 inch vs 250 inch
  • 10 degrees less vertical correction
    This projector offers less vertical keystone correction than the average projector (20 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    20 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 10 degrees less horizontal correction
    This projector offers less horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (20 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers horizontal keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    20 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1600x1200/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1600x1200/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No RS-232 control
    This projector does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • 80% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (2 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 W vs 10 W
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
ungeek.ph
✓ explicit
18/02/2019
Hands-on test · Portable LED projector
Verdict
The Acer C202i is a hand-sized projector that handles presentations and Nintendo Switch games well, but PS4 games and dark scenes look soft.
7.0
computerbild.de
≈ estimated
04/12/2018
Hands-on test · Portable mini projector
Verdict
The Acer C202i is a small, quiet projector for presentations and photos, but its 854 x 480 resolution and 250 lumens hold back big pictures.
7.0
heimkinocheck.de
≈ estimated
12/08/2025
Hands-on test · Mini projector
Verdict
The Acer C202i is a travel projector with strong colors, but its 854 x 480 resolution and weak brightness in lit rooms hold it back.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Acer C202I

  • Extremely compact and portable 'palm-sized' design
  • Excellent battery life, lasting up to 5 hours on a single charge
  • Versatile connectivity options, including wireless projection and USB display
  • Quiet operation with minimal fan noise
  • Fast setup and immediate on/off functionality with no cool-down period
  • Includes helpful accessories like a tripod, remote, and carrying pouch

What customers don't like about Acer C202I

  • Weak and 'anemic' built-in 2W speaker; external speakers are recommended
  • Low native resolution (WVGA/480p) which may result in 'fuzzy' images for some users
  • Brightness (300 lumens) is insufficient for large screen sizes or bright rooms
  • Wireless screen mirroring can be difficult to set up or unstable for some users
  • Manual focus can be difficult to dial in perfectly across the entire screen
  • Does not include an HDMI cable in the box

Verdict

The Acer C202i is an ultra-portable, palm-sized DLP LED projector weighing just 350g with dimensions of 150x150x32mm. Key specifications include a native WVGA (854x480) resolution, a brightness of 300 ANSI lumens, and a 5,000:1 contrast ratio. Its major strengths are an integrated 9,000 mAh rechargeable battery providing up to 5 hours of runtime, a long light-source lifespan of up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode, and versatile wireless projection capabilities for iOS and Android devices alongside HDMI and USB ports. However, its primary drawbacks are a relatively low native resolution compared to modern HD standards, limited brightness that requires a dark room for optimal viewing, a weak 2-watt built-in mono speaker, and a fixed zoom lens that lacks motorized controls.

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