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

ASUS P1 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£300Native panel resolution:1280x800ANSI lumens:200Throw ratio:1.16:1Lamp life:30000 hours

ASUS P1 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 5 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS P1
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
6.7

Value for money

Value for money
6.7/ 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 60% of models
Score components

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 60%
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%

4.6

Image Quality

22%

4.8

Projection & Lens

12%

4.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

3.8

Audio & Features

8%

3.4

Connectivity

6%

7.1

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 7.8 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%

7.5

Popularity

Grades by review (5)
5 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 1 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
  • asus-p1
  • asus-p1
  • asus-p1
asus-p1
asus-p1
asus-p1
Where to buy
    N/A~ £300
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 ASUS P1

Based on 5

Reviewers like how small and light it is, with quick startup and auto keystone, but limited connectivity and weak colour disappoint.
Praised
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector ASUS P1

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%

4.6

Image Quality

22%

4.8

Projection & Lens

12%

4.8

HDMI & Gaming

10%

3.8

Audio & Features

8%

3.4

Connectivity

6%

7.1

Design & Power

4.6
Reviews score
4.6
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.7/ 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 60% of models
Score components:

70%

5.7

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

6.7
ANSI lumens
200
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 200 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 93.6% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
2000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 2000:1, lower than 72% of projectors and equal to 7.3% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1280x800
This projector uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 73.7% of projectors and equal to 8.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1280x800
This projector supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 74.8% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.16:1
Min throw distance
0.5 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.5 m, shorter than 87.1% of projectors and equal to 3.2% of projectors.
Max projection size
120 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 120 inch, smaller than 80.2% of projectors and equal to 10.7% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
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
N/A
Max HDMI bandwidth
N/A
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
0
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 0 HDMI port/s, fewer than 97.2% of projectors and equal to 2.8% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
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
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
no
This projector does not include a remote control. 98.6% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
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
30,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 67.9% of projectors and equal to 25.9% of projectors.
LED light source life.
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.
Same across modes.
Operating power consumption
?
Show more
What reviewers say

ASUS P1 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 0.51 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (120% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    120% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 10,000 hours longer lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 86.1% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.4 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.415 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 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.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 171.5 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (125.5 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    125.5 mm vs 297 mm
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 88.5 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (33.5 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    33.5 mm vs 122 mm
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (120% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    120% NTSC % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 0.51 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 10,000 hours longer lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 86.1% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.4 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.415 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 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.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 171.5 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (125.5 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    125.5 mm vs 297 mm
  • 88.5 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (33.5 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    33.5 mm vs 122 mm
  • 90.9% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (200 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    200 vs 2,200
  • 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 7.8 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%

    7.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    5 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 1 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
  • 2 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (0 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    0 vs 2
  • 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
  • 130 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 250 inch
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • 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 7.8 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%

    7.5

    Popularity

    Grades by review (5)
    5 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 1 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
  • 90.9% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (200 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    200 vs 2,200
  • 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
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (2000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    2,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 10 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2011 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    December 2011
    2011 vs 2021
  • 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.
  • 0.02 inch smaller DMD chip
    This projector has a lower DMD chip size than the average projector (0.5 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.45 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 11.8% lower refresh rate
    This projector has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (75 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    75 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 130 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 250 inch
  • 2 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (0 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    0 vs 2
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No headphone jack
    This projector does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 84.4% of projectors offer a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • 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.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This projector has fewer USB ports than the average projector (0 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    0 vs 1
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector does not have a built-in speaker, while the average projector does. 87% of projectors have one.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • No remote control
    This projector does not include a remote control, while the average projector does. 98.5% of projectors include a remote control.
  • 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

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
VuugoTV
≈ estimated
17/04/2012
Hands-on review · demo with laptop and image tests
Verdict
ASUS P1 is a good small portable projector, but its lack of HDMI is a real limitation.
Brand video
Overview video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

7.0
laptopmag.com
✓ explicit
06/03/2012
Hands-on test · Travel projector
Verdict
The ASUS P1 is a bright, easy-to-use travel projector that boots fast, but it needs a laptop and has a fixed, single-angle foot.
10
expertreviews.co.uk
✓ explicit
07/04/2012
Lab test · Laptop projector
Verdict
The ASUS P1 is a bright, sharp pico projector for laptop presentations in dim rooms, but its short cable and lack of zoom limit where it fits.
9.0
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
13/04/2012
Hands-on review · Mini projector
Verdict
The ASUS P1 is a light, quiet, fast-starting mini projector for small meetings, but it has no speaker, no HDMI and no remote.
3.2
01net.com
✓ explicit
01/03/2012
Lab test · Compact projector
Verdict
The ASUS P1 is a neat little projector with sharp HD images, but dim, flat pictures, a VGA-only connection and no remote hold it back.
7.0
xataka.com
≈ estimated
21/03/2012
Hands-on review · Pocket projector
Verdict
The ASUS P1 is a neat, light LED projector for presentations in controlled light, but weak contrast and VGA-only inputs make it poor for movies.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS P1

  • Extremely compact and lightweight (0.9 lbs), easily fitting into a briefcase or backpack.
  • Short throw ratio (1.16:1) produces a large 40-inch image from just 3 feet away.
  • Long-lasting LED light source rated for up to 30,000 hours of use.
  • Fast 5-second startup and instant-off functionality with no cool-down period.
  • Compatible power supply with many ASUS laptops, allowing users to carry only one adapter.
  • Native WXGA (1280x800) resolution provides higher clarity than many other pico projectors in its class.
  • Effective auto-keystone correction for quick image squaring.

What customers don't like about ASUS P1

  • Lacks an HDMI input, being limited to legacy VGA and composite video connections.
  • No internal speaker, requiring external audio output for presentations or movies.
  • Low brightness (200 ANSI lumens) requires a nearly dark room for best viewing.
  • No remote control included, and the unlit, flush top-mounted buttons are difficult to use in the dark.
  • Fixed lens with no zoom capability, meaning image size can only be adjusted by physically moving the unit.
  • Auto-keystone settings do not save after power-off, requiring manual readjustment upon every restart.
  • Proprietary 30-pin adapter cable is short and perceived as fragile by some users.

Verdict

The ASUS P1 is an ultra-portable LED-based DLP pico projector featuring a native WXGA (1280 x 800) resolution, 200 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a 2,000:1 contrast ratio. Its compact 14.6-ounce frame and short-throw ratio of 1.16:1 allow it to project a 40-inch image from just one meter away, while the mercury-free RGB LED light source provides a long lifespan of up to 30,000 hours. Notable pros include its 'Set-n-Go' 5-second instant on/off capability, automatic keystone correction, and compatibility with standard ASUS laptop power adapters for reduced travel weight. However, common cons include a lack of modern HDMI connectivity—relying instead on a proprietary 30-pin cable for VGA and composite inputs—the absence of an internal speaker, and the lack of a remote control or built-in battery.

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