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 S1 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£280Native panel resolution:854x480ANSI lumens:200Throw ratio:1.1:1Lamp life:30000 hours

ASUS S1 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 11 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS S1
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 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
Score components

35%

4.3

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.4

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 84% of projectors
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

â–²Better than 64%
4.3

Technical score

Technical score
4.3/ 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
Score components

42%

3.8

Image Quality

22%

4.2

Projection & Lens

12%

5.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.2

Audio & Features

8%

3.9

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 99%
8.4

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.4/ 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

80%

8.3

Average grade

20%

8.4

Popularity

Grades by review (11)
8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–²Better than 63%
?

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 ASUS S1

Based on 8 · 4

Reviewers praise the long battery life and portable, solid build, but the low resolution and fiddly focus are common complaints.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector ASUS S1

Technical score
Technical score
4.3/ 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
Score components:

42%

3.8

Image Quality

22%

4.2

Projection & Lens

12%

5.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.2

Audio & Features

8%

3.9

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Design & Power

4.3
Reviews score
8.4
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

9.0

Price

7.3
ANSI lumens
200
This projector reaches 200 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 93.6% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
1,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 1000:1, lower than 85.9% of projectors and equal to 7.5% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
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
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.1:1
Min throw distance
0.73 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.73 m, shorter than 78.4% of projectors.
Max projection size
100 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
What reviewers say
Input lag
16.6 ms
This projector has input lag of 16.6 ms, lower than 71% of projectors.
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
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
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% 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
This projector offers lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 67.9% of projectors and equal to 25.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
30,000 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
32 W
This projector uses 32 W of power, less than 96.5% of projectors.
Maximum power-on rating.
Show more
What reviewers say

ASUS S1 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 %
  • 0.28 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.
    0.73 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Includes built-in battery
    This projector has a built-in battery, while the average projector does not. 6.3% of projectors have one.
  • 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.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 198 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (32 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Maximum power-on rating.
    32 W vs 230 W
  • 13.5% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.4
  • 88.5% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.3 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.342 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 10.4 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (16.6 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    16.6 ms vs 27 ms
  • 13.5% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.4/ 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

    80%

    8.3

    Average grade

    20%

    8.4

    Popularity

    Grades by review (11)
    8 reviews: 5 with a printed score, 3 estimated from the review. 3 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    8.4 vs 7.4
  • 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 %
  • 0.28 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.
    0.73 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 10.4 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (16.6 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    16.6 ms vs 27 ms
  • Includes built-in battery
    This projector has a built-in battery, while the average projector does not. 6.3% of projectors have one.
  • 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.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 198 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (32 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Maximum power-on rating.
    32 W vs 230 W
  • 88.5% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.3 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.342 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.
    Same across modes.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 186.5 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (110.5 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    110.5 mm vs 297 mm
  • 91.3 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (30.7 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    30.7 mm vs 122 mm
  • 119.3 mm thinner body
    This projector is thinner than the average projector (30.7 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    30.7 mm vs 150 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
  • 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
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 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.
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (1000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    1,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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
  • 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.
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (1000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    1,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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.
  • 0.17 inch smaller DMD chip
    This projector has a lower DMD chip size than the average projector (0.3 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.3 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 7 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2014 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    January 2014
    2014 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.
  • 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 (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/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 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 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.
  • 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
  • 1 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (32 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    32 dB vs 31 dB

Video reviews

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

9.0
Tech Newsday
≈ estimated
29/07/2014
Short review · setup, battery and projection test
Verdict
ASUS S1 is probably the best projector you can buy, with strong image quality for its size.
8.0
KLAGER
≈ estimated
16/05/2017
Unboxing and review · features and mobile use
Verdict
ASUS S1 is a good mini projector for mobile use, worth considering if you don't need sharp text.
8.0
Gogi Tech
≈ estimated
26/08/2016
Short review · features, design and battery
Verdict
ASUS S1 is a strong portable choice for business users, though projectors in this class remain expensive.
Overview video
Overview video
Brand video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
pcmag.com
✓ explicit
25/04/2014
Lab test · Mini projector
Verdict
The ASUS S1 is a stylish mini projector with long battery life and phone charging, but small text looks blurred and brightness is low.
8.0
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
15/05/2014
Lab test · Palm-sized projector
Verdict
The ASUS S1 is a palm-sized projector with good colors and a sharp, watchable image, but its single HDMI input may not suit laptop use.
9.0
lbtechreviews.com
≈ estimated
12/09/2020
Hands-on test · Travel projector
Verdict
The ASUS S1 is a compact travel projector that is among the brightest in its class, with natural colors and a short throw, but its black level is limited.
9.0
techsmart.co.za
≈ estimated
07/04/2014
Hands-on test · Portable projector
Verdict
The ASUS S1 is an ultra-portable projector with a stylish aluminum body, quick start-up and a 41-inch image from one meter, but it cannot square a tilted image.
5.4
01net.com
✓ explicit
12/02/2014
Lab test · Travel mini projector
Verdict
The ASUS S1 is a handsome, travel-friendly mini projector, but its dim image and low 854 x 480 resolution make it weak for sharp detail and movies.
9.0
geeknetic.es
✓ explicit
16/04/2014
Hands-on review · Mobile use
Verdict
The ASUS S1 is a light, battery-powered mini projector for phones and presentations on the road, but its 854 x 480 resolution rules out home cinema.
9.0
madboxpc.com
≈ estimated
28/09/2014
Hands-on test · Second screen
Verdict
The ASUS S1 is a portable projector that works well as a second screen for presentations and Netflix, but it is not made for gamers.
9.0
tuttodigitale.it
✓ explicit
01/02/2015
Hands-on test · Pocket projector
Verdict
The ASUS S1 is a simple, compact pocket projector that throws a 100-inch image from 2.7 meters, but its dim, low-resolution picture suits presentations more than movies.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS S1

  • Extremely portable, palm-sized design with a premium aluminum finish
  • Impressive 3-hour battery life, sufficient for most full-length movies
  • Doubles as a 6,000mAh power bank to charge mobile devices
  • Surprisingly low input lag (approx. 16.6ms), making it viable for casual gaming
  • Short throw distance, capable of projecting a 41-inch image from just one meter away
  • Long-lasting LED light source rated for up to 30,000 hours

What customers don't like about ASUS S1

  • Low native resolution (854x480), which makes small text difficult to read
  • Limited brightness (200 lumens) requires a near-completely dark room for best results
  • Sparse connectivity options, limited primarily to a single HDMI/MHL port
  • Built-in 2W speaker is relatively soft and lacks depth, making external audio recommended
  • Struggles with shadow detail and color accuracy in very dark movie or game scenes
  • Lacks a zoom lens, requiring physical movement of the device to adjust image size

Verdict

The Asus S1 is an ultra-portable LED projector featuring a native resolution of 854x480 pixels and a maximum brightness of 200 lumens. Weighing only 0.75 lbs with a compact 1.2-inch profile, it includes a built-in 6,000mAh battery that provides up to 3 hours of projection and doubles as a power bank for mobile devices. Key characteristics include a best-in-class short-throw ratio capable of projecting a 41-inch image from just 1 meter, a long-lasting 30,000-hour LED light source, and HDMI/MHL connectivity for seamless mobile device integration. Its main pros are its premium aluminum design, exceptional portability, and surprisingly low input lag of 16.6ms, which is beneficial for gaming. However, its notable cons include limited connection ports, soft audio from the single 2W speaker, and a low resolution that can make small text difficult to read.

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