OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v1.0
Projectors Methodology v1.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v1.0: technical specifications plus authentic consumer ratings, with 0% commercial bias.
Explore Projectors Methodology v1.0

Formovie X5 Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,150Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:?Throw ratio:1.27:1Lamp life:20000 hours

Formovie X5 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 X5
7.7/10

Overall score

Score
7.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 89% of models
Score components

90%

7.7

Technical score

10%

7.6

User score

â–²Better than 89% 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–² Better than 57% of models
Score components

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

4.4

Price

â–²Better than 57%
7.7

Technical score

Technical score
7.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components

42%

7.8

Image Quality

22%

6.7

Projection & Lens

12%

7.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.8

Audio & Features

8%

8.9

Connectivity

6%

7.7

Design & Power

â–²Better than 88%
7.6

User score

User score
7.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

5.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
â–¼Worse than 80%
  • formovie-x5
  • formovie-x5
  • formovie-x5
  • formovie-x5
  • formovie-x5
  • formovie-x5
  • formovie-x5
formovie-x5
formovie-x5
formovie-x5
formovie-x5
formovie-x5
formovie-x5
formovie-x5
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 X5

Based on 85 owners sharing their experience in online comments

46%positive7%mixed47%negative

Owners admire the big, impressive picture and value, while uneven focus, motion issues, and software frustrations keep opinions divided.

What owners dislike

  • Focus drifts out of place each time the projector is switched on, so owners must refocus every session, even with autofocus off; one side can also look blurred.5
  • 4K playback from a Fire TV stick can fail, dropping to 1080p even on fast connections; some streaming apps and accounts do not work.5
  • Auto keystone often does not leave the image square on the wall, so owners must correct four corners by hand every time it is turned on.4
  • Fast motion can look jerky or stutter, and the motion smoothing makes film look like video; some owners see it on 4K and fast scenes.4
  • Software can be slow or unstable; a launcher update left one owner stuck on the native menu, and the image settings menus stay in Chinese.3
  • Dark scenes lose detail and blacks look weak, especially on matte white screens.3
  • Some units fail outright: pixel columns flicker or turn white, or the projector powers on but shows no image.3

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

Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector Formovie X5

Technical score
Technical score
7.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 88% of models
Score components:

42%

7.8

Image Quality

22%

6.7

Projection & Lens

12%

7.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.8

Audio & Features

8%

8.9

Connectivity

6%

7.7

Design & Power

7.7
User score
User score
7.6/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 80% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

5.7

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.6
Popularity
Popularity
5.7/ 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
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–² Better than 55% of models
Popularity:
Formovie X5 has a popularity score of 5.7 points, which is higher than 55.4% of projectors.
5.7
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–² Better than 57% of models
Score components:

70%

7.7

Overall score

30%

4.4

Price

6.7
ANSI lumens
?
Contrast ratio
1,200:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 1200:1, lower than 84% of projectors and equal to 1% of projectors.
Full on/off 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
3840x2160
This projector supports output resolution up to 3840x2160, higher than 69.1% of projectors and equal to 26.1% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.27:1
Min throw distance
1.6 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.6 m, longer than 88.6% of projectors and equal to 1% of projectors.
Max projection size
?
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
39 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 39 ms, higher than 67.6% of projectors and equal to 0.7% of projectors.
In Game Mode at 4K/60Hz.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not support ALLM. 17.2% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support VRR. 1.6% 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
48 Gbps
Market range: <10 Gbps – >50 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 48 Gbps, higher than 90.1% of projectors and equal to 9.9% of projectors.
Different HDMI ports reach 48 and 18 Gbps.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45% of projectors and equal to 47.7% 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.
Fire TV included.
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.
ALPD 3.
Laser Light Source
yes
This projector uses a laser light source. 72% of projectors use a laser light source.
ALPD 3 Laser.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 34.4% of projectors and equal to 27.6% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
20,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 36.3% of projectors and equal to 19% of projectors.
Eco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
200 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 200 W of power, less than 53.7% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Maximum power-on rating.
Show more

Formovie X5 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers Advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). The average projector uses manual focus control.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    240 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports HDR10+
    This projector supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.7% of projectors support HDR10+.
    HDR10+ decoding supported.
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • 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 1.
  • 3x stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (30 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 x 12W.
    30 W vs 10 W
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    240 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports HDR10+
    This projector supports HDR10+, while the average projector does not. 15.7% of projectors support HDR10+.
    HDR10+ decoding supported.
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (110% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    110% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers Advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). The average projector uses manual focus control.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    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
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
    40 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 frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
  • 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
  • 2.67x higher HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a higher HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (48 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    Different HDMI ports reach 48 and 18 Gbps.
    48 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    Via eARC on HDMI 1.
  • Includes S/PDIF output
    This projector has an S/PDIF output, while the average projector does not. 17.2% of projectors have an S/PDIF output.
    Optical S/PDIF.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40% of projectors support AirPlay.
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 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.
  • 3x stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (30 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 x 12W.
    30 W vs 10 W
  • 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.
    Fire TV included.
  • Supports Dolby Atmos
    This projector supports Dolby Atmos, while the average projector does not. 14.9% of projectors support Dolby Atmos.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
    2x12W + 6W Denon three-way 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.
    ALPD 3 Laser.
  • 3.7 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (24.3 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    Quiet mode figure.
    24.3 dB vs 28 dB
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (1200:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Full on/off contrast ratio.
    1,200:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 0.58 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.6 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    1.6 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.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 5.2 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (35.2 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    35.2 dB vs 30 dB
  • No 3D support
    This projector does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55% of projectors support 3D playback.
  • 12 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (39 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Game Mode at 4K/60Hz.
    39 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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.
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not support 3D glasses, while the average projector does. 55.1% of projectors support 3D glasses.
  • 5.9% lower user score
    User score
    7.6/ 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 X5
    the average projector
    Formovie X5 has a lower user score than the average projector (7.56 vs 8.000).
    7.56 vs 8
  • 49.4% more expensive
    Formovie X5 is more expensive than the average projector (£1,150 vs £770).
    £1,150 vs £770
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (1200:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Full on/off contrast ratio.
    1,200:1 vs 10,000:1
  • No 3D support
    This projector does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55% of projectors support 3D playback.
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not support 3D glasses, while the average projector does. 55.1% of projectors support 3D glasses.
  • 0.58 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.6 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    1.6 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.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 12 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (39 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Game Mode at 4K/60Hz.
    39 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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.
  • 5.2 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (35.2 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    35.2 dB vs 30 dB
  • 28.4% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (4 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    3.98 kg vs 3.1 kg

Video reviews

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

8.0
Thousand Hobbies
≈ estimated
25/09/2023
Hands-on review · likes and dislikes, Wi-Fi and power tests
Verdict
Formovie X5 is a very good projector overall, though its Wi-Fi and automatic power-on are real drawbacks.
9.0
JoelsterG4K
≈ estimated
14/09/2023
Hands-on review · picture, sound, OS and gaming tests
Verdict
Formovie X5 delivers a strong picture from a compact body and is worth the money, though no 3D support and a weak US operating system are drawbacks.
7.0
ProjectorTop
≈ estimated
11/01/2024
Comparison · image, gaming and smart features versus a rival
Verdict
Formovie X5 is a viable, cheaper choice for budget buyers, though its gaming and smart features lag behind.
9.0
Thousand Hobbies
≈ estimated
31/08/2023
Hands-on review · setup with Google TV dongle and remote
Verdict
Formovie X5 is bright, quiet and fully automatic with a single remote, making it a strong choice for movie watching.
Overview video
Shop video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

projectorcentral.com
25/08/2023
Lab test · Portable 4K laser
Verdict
The Formovie X5 is a bright, compact laser projector with no lamp to replace, but its Chinese-language FengOS system needs a separate streaming stick.
projectorreviews.com
23/10/2023
Measured review · Cube laser projector
Verdict
The Formovie X5 is a stylish cube projector whose Movie mode is accurate straight out of the box, but its menus are mostly in Chinese.
mondoprojos.fr
27/04/2023
Lab test · Laser DLP projector
Verdict
The Formovie X5 is a bright laser projector with sharp detail and smooth motion once motion smoothing is switched on, but its colour range trails triple-laser rivals.
M
mondoprojos.fr
15/06/2023
Summary of the review
FORMOVIE X5 Video Review
(Translated)Show original

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Formovie X5

  • High brightness (up to 2,450 CVIA lumens) allows for viewing in moderate ambient light.
  • Superior integrated sound system developed by Denon with impressive bass and a wide soundstage.
  • ALPD 3.0 laser technology provides a sharp 4K image without observable laser speckle.
  • Excellent automated setup features, including fast autofocus and accurate auto-keystone correction.
  • Compact and lightweight cube design makes it highly portable for indoor or outdoor use.
  • Very quiet operation, measuring as low as 35.2 dB in night mode.
  • Includes a free Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K Max to provide reliable access to international streaming apps.

What customers don't like about Formovie X5

  • Native FengOS operating system is Chinese-centric and difficult for international users to navigate.
  • Average black-level performance, with some users noting blacks appear more like charcoal gray.
  • Noticeable heat build-up that can be uncomfortable if sitting too close to the device.
  • Lack of 3D support, which may disappoint users with legacy 3D content collections.
  • No built-in Color Management System (CMS), limiting options for professional-grade calibration.
  • Input lag is acceptable for casual gaming but too high for competitive fast-paced players.
  • Design and software are primarily aimed at the Chinese market, requiring extra steps for global functionality.

Verdict

The Formovie X5 is a compact 4K UHD portable projector utilizing advanced ALPD 3.0 laser technology to deliver a high brightness of 2,450 CVIA lumens (approximately 2,000 to 2,450 ANSI lumens) and a 1,200:1 contrast ratio. Main characteristics include a 0.47-inch DLP chipset, a 1.27:1 throw ratio capable of projecting images up to 1,000 inches, and a premium built-in Denon 270° surround sound system featuring two 12W speakers and one 6W speaker. Key pros include its exceptional brightness for ambient light use, highly accurate laser autofocus and omnidirectional auto-keystone correction, and a long-lasting light source rated for 20,000 hours. However, notable cons include its Chinese-centric FengOS operating system which often requires an external streaming stick for international use, the lack of 3D support, and a high input lag of approximately 39–42ms that may not satisfy competitive gamers.

Compare Formovie X5 with other products in the Projectors category

1Product to compare no. 1
VS
2Product to compare no. 2
VS
3Product to compare no. 3 (optional)

Graphic comparison of Formovie X5 and other products in the Projectors category

No results found