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 ZenBeam S2 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£400Native panel resolution:1280x720ANSI lumens:500Throw ratio:1.12:1Lamp life:30000 hours

ASUS ZenBeam S2 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 4 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

ASUS ZenBeam S2
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 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 97% of models
Score components

35%

5.1

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

5.1

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 97% 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%

6.0

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

â–¼Worse than 60%
5.1

Technical score

Technical score
5.1/ 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 97% of models
Score components

42%

4.4

Image Quality

22%

5.8

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.5

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 97%
5.1

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.1/ 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 98% of models

5.1

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

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

7.1

Popularity

Grades by review (4)
2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 2 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–¼Worse than 98%
?

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 ZenBeam S2

Based on 2 · 2

Reviewers agree on strong battery life, a compact build and reliable autofocus, with no real complaints raised.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector ASUS ZenBeam S2

Technical score
Technical score
5.1/ 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 97% of models
Score components:

42%

4.4

Image Quality

22%

5.8

Projection & Lens

12%

5.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.5

Audio & Features

8%

5.2

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Design & Power

5.1
Reviews score
5.1
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%

6.0

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

6.7
ANSI lumens
500
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 500 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 77.5% of projectors and equal to 3.3% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
400:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 400:1, lower than 97.2% of projectors and equal to 1.8% of projectors.
Typical contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1280x720
This projector uses a native resolution of 1280x720, lower than 82.1% of projectors and equal to 6.4% of projectors.
Output resolution
1280x720
This projector supports output resolution up to 1280x720, lower than 83.4% of projectors and equal to 5.8% of projectors.
Supports 1080p input.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.12:1
Min throw distance
1 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1 m, shorter than 50.1% of projectors and equal to 10% 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
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 5 (802.11ac)
This projector uses Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), which is newer than 55.6% of projectors and the same as in 27.5% 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
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone 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
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.
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
65 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 65 W of power, less than 80.7% of projectors and equal to 6.1% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say

ASUS ZenBeam S2 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • 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 %
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 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
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 83.3% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.5 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.497 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 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 %
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
    Remote-controlled electronic focus.
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • Supports Miracast mirroring
    This projector supports Miracast, while the average projector does not. 46.4% of projectors offer this.
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 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
  • 83.3% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.5 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.497 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 165 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (65 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    65 W vs 230 W
  • 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
  • 177 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (120 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    120 mm vs 297 mm
  • 87 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (35 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    35 mm vs 122 mm
  • 115 mm thinner body
    This projector is thinner than the average projector (35 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    35 mm vs 150 mm
  • 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
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (400:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Typical contrast ratio.
    400:1 vs 10,000:1
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 77.3% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    500 vs 2,200
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x720 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x720 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x720 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    Supports 1080p input.
    1280x720 vs 1920x1080
  • 31.1% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.1/ 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 98% of models

    5.1

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

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    7.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 2 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.
    5.1 vs 7.4
  • 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
  • 31.1% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.1/ 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 98% of models

    5.1

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

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    7.1

    Popularity

    Grades by review (4)
    2 reviews: 0 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. 2 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.
    5.1 vs 7.4
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (400:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Typical contrast ratio.
    400:1 vs 10,000:1
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 77.3% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (500 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    500 vs 2,200
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x720 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x720 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x720 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    Supports 1080p input.
    1280x720 vs 1920x1080
  • 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
  • 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
  • 2 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2019 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    April 2019
    2019 vs 2021
  • 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
  • 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 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
  • 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
Next Upgrade
≈ estimated
09/10/2022
Short review · image, sound and battery impressions
Verdict
ASUS ZenBeam S2 throws a 120-inch picture from a unit that fits in your bag, good for travel, parties and movie nights.
9.0
Winwyn Marquez
≈ estimated
20/03/2021
Unboxing · first impressions and setup
Verdict
ASUS ZenBeam S2 is a handy portable projector for movie nights and streaming at home.
Not graded
Shop video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
gadgetguy.com.au
≈ estimated
07/12/2019
Hands-on test · Wireless projector
Verdict
The ASUS ZenBeam S2 is a light, self-focusing projector good for wireless mirroring, but its 500 lumens look dim above a 60-inch picture.
8.0
techprincess.it
≈ estimated
15/06/2019
Hands-on review · Battery projector
Verdict
The ASUS ZenBeam S2 is a light, battery-powered projector with laser autofocus and wireless mirroring, best for film nights in a very dark room.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ASUS ZenBeam S2

  • Highly portable, lightweight 'palm-size' design
  • Fast 3-second auto-focus and 2D keystone correction
  • Versatile connectivity including USB-C, HDMI, and wireless mirroring
  • Built-in 6000mAh battery that doubles as a power bank for other devices
  • Decent image quality and color saturation for its small size
  • Short-throw lens allows for large projections (up to 120") in small spaces

What customers don't like about ASUS ZenBeam S2

  • Limited brightness (500 lumens) makes it difficult to use in well-lit rooms
  • Resolution is limited to native 720p, which can look soft at larger screen sizes
  • Fan can be noisy, especially when operating at maximum brightness
  • Large external 19V power adapter detracts from overall portability
  • Slow menu response and tricky multipurpose control buttons
  • Battery life may not last through longer films, often cutting out near the end

Verdict

The Asus Zenbeam S2 is a palm-sized portable LED projector featuring a 720p (1280 x 720) native resolution, 500 lumens of brightness, and 100% NTSC colour space coverage. Weighing just 497g, it utilizes a short-throw lens to project images up to 120 inches from only 3 metres away. Its main advantages include a built-in 6000mAh battery that provides up to 3.5 hours of operation and doubles as a power bank, rapid 3-second autofocus, 2D keystone correction, and versatile connectivity via USB-C and HDMI. On the downside, the 720p resolution is lower than Full HD standards, and its 500-lumen brightness may struggle in rooms with significant ambient light.

Compare ASUS ZenBeam S2 with other products in the Projectors category

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