OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
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Formovie S5 Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£400Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:1100Throw ratio:?Lamp life:30000 hours

Formovie S5 Review: Compare 84 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Formovie S5
6.8/10

Overall score

Score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 60% of models
Score components

90%

6.8

Technical score

10%

7.0

User score

▲Better than 60% 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Score components

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

▲Better than 86%
6.8

Technical score

Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 64% of models
Score components

42%

5.7

Image Quality

22%

6.2

Projection & Lens

12%

9.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.7

Audio & Features

8%

7.2

Connectivity

6%

9.5

Design & Power

▲Better than 64%
7.0

User score

User score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

5.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 90%
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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 owners say about the Formovie S5

Based on 194 owners sharing their experience in online comments

32%positive15%mixed53%negative

Owners praise its picture and sound, but visible pixels, early failures, and difficult repairs often undermine confidence.

What owners dislike

  • Several owners report sudden shutdowns, frozen screens, or a dead unit within months, often after a firmware update, a power cut, or a fan-related fault.26
  • Owners say firmware updates changed the menu, removed the game mode, or reset settings such as audio output and picture alignment.15
  • Owners say dark scenes look washed out, with blacks that appear grey or too bright, so contrast is weaker than expected.15
  • Owners say pixels are clearly visible on a screen, with jagged edges, because the chip is lower resolution than advertised.12
  • Owners report Wi-Fi dropping, apps failing to load, and HDMI or streaming devices not working properly with the built-in Android system.12
  • Owners say repair is hard to get, since the warranty may not cover them and sending the unit back to China is costly.12
  • Owners say the focus drifts after a few minutes of use or when the unit heats up, and one corner may stay blurry.11
  • Owners say keystone correction leaves a visible border or spill of light, and it can fail or reset when game mode is on.9
  • Owners say light spills past the edge of the screen as a grey or bright border, especially when the image is smaller than the projector's full output.8
  • Owners report colour shifts, a green or red tint, and washed-out highlights, which some link to a hot power supply or a faulty optical unit.8

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of projector Formovie S5

Technical score
Technical score
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 64% of models
Score components:

42%

5.7

Image Quality

22%

6.2

Projection & Lens

12%

9.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

7.7

Audio & Features

8%

7.2

Connectivity

6%

9.5

Design & Power

6.8
User score
User score
7.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▼ Worse than 90% of models
Score components

70%

7.8

User ratings

30%

5.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.0
Popularity
Popularity
5.0/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 51% of models
Popularity:
Formovie S5 has a popularity score of 5 points, which is higher than 50.5% of projectors.
5.0
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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 86% of models
Score components:

70%

6.8

Overall score

30%

8.4

Price

7.3
ANSI lumens
1,100
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 1,100 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 67% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
1,500:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 1500:1, lower than 80.8% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Native contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 59.7% of projectors.
Output Resolution
1920x1080
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 24.9% of projectors and equal to 41% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
?
Min throw distance
1.3 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.3 m, longer than 72.4% of projectors and equal to 3.3% of projectors.
Max projection size
120 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 120 inch, smaller than 80% of projectors and equal to 11.1% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
12 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 12 ms, lower than 80.1% of projectors and equal to 2.5% of projectors.
In Game Mode.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
yes
This projector supports ALLM. 82.9% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
yes
This projector supports VRR. 98.5% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
2.1
This projector supports HDMI 2.1, more modern than 82.3% of projectors and equal to 17.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10 Gbps – >50 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 47.7% of projectors and equal to 40.1% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 55.1% of projectors and equal to 41.6% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This projector supports Wi-Fi. 47.2% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax)
This projector supports Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), more modern than 84.6% of projectors and equal to 13.4% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This projector supports Bluetooth. 49.6% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
5
This projector supports Bluetooth 5, more modern than 63% of projectors and equal to 17.7% of projectors.
Show more
Smart TV features
yes
This projector has smart TV features. 56.4% of projectors have smart TV features.
Android-based smart OS.
Operating system
proprietary
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 18.8% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.2% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
laser
This projector uses laser light source technology, more advanced than 74% of projectors and equal to 26% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
yes
This projector uses a laser light source. 72% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
30,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 69.1% of projectors and equal to 25.3% 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 62.5% of projectors and equal to 33.2% of projectors.
Eco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
65 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 65 W of power, less than 81% of projectors and equal to 6.4% of projectors.
Show more

Formovie S5 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 15 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (45 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
    45 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers Advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). The average projector uses manual focus control.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Supports VRR
    This projector supports VRR, while the average projector does not. 1.6% of projectors support VRR.
  • Supports ALLM
    This projector supports ALLM, while the average projector does not. 17.2% of projectors support ALLM.
  • 15 degrees greater horizontal keystone correction
    This projector offers more horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (45 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of horizontal keystone correction.
    45 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    Via eARC on HDMI 2.
  • Built-in smart TV features
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.7% of projectors have built-in smart TV features.
    Android-based smart OS.
  • Supports frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
  • 12.3% better value for money
    Formovie S5 has a higher value-for-money score than the average projector (7.31 vs 6.5).
    7.31 vs 6.51
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • 15 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (45 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
    45 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers Advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). The average projector uses manual focus control.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • 15 degrees greater horizontal keystone correction
    This projector offers more horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (45 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of horizontal keystone correction.
    45 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 47.2% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • Supports VRR
    This projector supports VRR, while the average projector does not. 1.6% of projectors support VRR.
  • Supports ALLM
    This projector supports ALLM, while the average projector does not. 17.2% of projectors support ALLM.
  • Supports frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
  • 15 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (12 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Game Mode.
    12 ms vs 27 ms
  • Modern HDMI standard
    This projector offers Modern HDMI standard than the average projector (2.1 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
    2.1 vs 2.0
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    Via eARC on HDMI 2.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40% of projectors support AirPlay.
  • Modern USB standard
    This projector supports a newer USB standard than the average projector (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2). The average projector supports USB USB 2.0.
    Also includes USB 2 ports.
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • 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
  • Modern Wi-Fi standard
    This projector supports a newer Wi-Fi standard than the average projector (Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)). The average projector supports Wi-Fi Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n).
    Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) vs Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
  • Supports Miracast
    This projector supports Miracast, while the average projector does not. 45.1% of projectors support Miracast.
  • Includes memory card slot
    This projector includes an external memory slot, while the average projector does not. 10% of projectors include an external memory slot.
    Supports external media playback or storage expansion through a USB-attached memory device.
  • Built-in smart TV features
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.7% of projectors have built-in smart TV features.
    Android-based smart OS.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
    Dual 5W speaker.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.3% of projectors support voice commands.
    Far-field voice control.
  • Uses laser light source
    This projector uses a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
  • 5 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (23 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    23 dB vs 28 dB
  • 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
  • 73.2% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.8 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    0.83 kg vs 3.1 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.
    Eco mode rating.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 170 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (65 W vs 235 W). The average projector uses 235 W of power.
    65 W vs 235 W
  • 125 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (175 mm vs 300 mm). The average projector has a width of 300 mm.
    175 mm vs 300 mm
  • 79 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (48 mm vs 127 mm). The average projector has a height of 127 mm.
    48 mm vs 127 mm
  • 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
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (1500:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Native contrast ratio.
    1,500:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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
  • 126.5 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • 50% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,100 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    1,100 vs 2,200
  • 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
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    Higher-resolution input is downscaled to the native image.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No 3D support
    This projector does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55% of projectors support 3D playback.
  • 14.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.0/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
    When it matters
    When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
    Score distribution
    ▼▼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    Formovie S5
    the average projector
    Formovie S5 has a lower user score than the average projector (6.96 vs 8.000).
    6.96 vs 8
  • 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
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (1500:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Native contrast ratio.
    1,500:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 50% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,100 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    1,100 vs 2,200
  • 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 support
    This projector does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55% of projectors support 3D playback.
  • 0.24 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.
    0.23 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 126.5 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (120 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    120 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • 0.28 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.3 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    1.3 m vs 1.025 m
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    Higher-resolution input is downscaled to the native image.
    4K/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
  • No RS-232 control
    This projector does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 52.1% of projectors support RS-232 control.

Video reviews

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

9.0
TechDoctorUK
≈ estimated
20/12/2023
Hands-on review · sharpness, speakers, gaming and setup
Verdict
Formovie S5 is a small, bright projector with a sharp picture and surprisingly clear sound, and it is worth it for portable use.
9.5
Jayce Ooi
≈ estimated
04/07/2023
Hands-on review · image, sound, Android and gaming tests
Verdict
Formovie S5 is the best portable laser projector tested so far and highly recommended for movies, games and office work.
9.0
all things tech
≈ estimated
24/03/2023
Hands-on review · brightness, color, audio and gaming tests
Verdict
Formovie S5 is a small projector with an excellent picture for its size and is strongly recommended, though contrast and audio have limits.
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded
Shop video
Not graded
Overview video
Not graded

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

jayceooi.com
31/10/2025
Short review · Portable gaming projector
Verdict
The Formovie S5 is a portable projector for casual gaming, with 35 ms input lag in game mode and PS5 support, and it can run from a power bank.
mondoprojos.fr
07/01/2023
Owner forum · Laser projector
Verdict
The Formovie S5 is a quiet laser projector that owners find bright and good-sounding for its size, but its bundled screen has a very narrow viewing angle.
techno-science.net
09/06/2025
Hands-on test · Screen combo
Verdict
The Formovie S5 with its 100-inch ALR screen makes a bright, large cinema-style image for evenings, but struggles in strong daylight and needs extra sound.
laurentwillen.com
01/08/2023
Review · Portable laser projector
Verdict
The Formovie S5 is a bright, low-power laser projector for its size, but its input lag makes fast games hard to play.
laurentwillen.com
01/08/2023
Hands-on test · Portable laser projector
Verdict
The Formovie S5 is a bright, quiet, low-power portable projector with good sound, but its lag rules out fast games and it needs an external device for apps.
laurentwillen.nl
01/08/2023
Review · Portable laser projector
Verdict
The Formovie S5 is very bright for its size and uses little power, but its input lag makes it a poor choice for fast games.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Formovie S5

  • Extremely compact and lightweight design (approx. 0.83kg), making it highly portable
  • Excellent Full HD image quality with accurate color reproduction thanks to ALPD laser technology
  • Impressive 1,100 ANSI lumens brightness for its size, performing well in dimly lit rooms
  • High-quality built-in Denon speakers that deliver surprisingly clear and loud audio
  • Low input lag (approx. 35ms) and support for features like ALLM/VRR make it great for casual gaming
  • USB-C power port allows it to be powered by a compatible PD power bank for outdoor use
  • Advanced smart features including fast autofocus, auto keystone correction, and auto obstacle avoidance

What customers don't like about Formovie S5

  • No built-in battery, requiring an external power source or power bank at all times
  • Limited physical connectivity with only a single HDMI port and one USB port
  • Lacks native Google Play Store; users often need third-party launchers or APKs to access Western streaming apps
  • Native software (FengOS) is primarily designed for the Chinese market and may require manual language adjustment
  • Some users report 'halo' or light bleeding effects in specific dark-room scenarios
  • Lack of optical zoom means image size can only be adjusted by moving the unit or using digital scaling

Verdict

The Formovie S5 is an ultra-portable ALPD laser projector featuring a native 1080p resolution with 4K decoding, 1,100 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a 1500:1 contrast ratio. Its key characteristics include a compact 48mm-thin chassis weighing just 0.83kg, integrated 10W Denon speakers with Dolby Audio, and an intelligent setup system providing auto-focus, omnidirectional keystone correction, and obstacle avoidance. The main pros are its cinema-grade laser technology that ensures vibrant color accuracy (Rec.709), a low 12ms gaming latency, and the ability to be powered via a 65W USB-C power bank for outdoor use. However, its primary cons include the lack of a built-in battery, an older Android 9.0-based operating system (FengOS) that lacks native Google Play Services, and limited brightness that performs best in dark to moderately lit environments.

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