OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v1.0
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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.
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TCL A1S Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£310Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:?Throw ratio:1.25:1Lamp life:30000 hours

TCL A1S Review: Compare 84 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

TCL A1S
7.2/10

Overall score

Score
7.2/ 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 73% of models
Score components

90%

7.0

Technical score

10%

9.0

User score

▲Better than 73% of projectors
7.7

Value for money

Value for money
7.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

★Better than 96%
7.0

Technical score

Technical score
7.0/ 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 68% of models
Score components

42%

6.7

Image Quality

22%

6.5

Projection & Lens

12%

7.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.0

Audio & Features

8%

6.7

Connectivity

6%

7.1

Design & Power

▲Better than 68%
9.0

User score

User score
9.0/ 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
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

9.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
★Better than 92%
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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 TCL A1S

Based on 26 owners sharing their experience in online comments

65%positive23%mixed12%negative

Most praise the picture and sound, though some find the image dim or faded and audio connections limited.

What owners dislike

  • Some owners find colours look dull or faded, especially when the image is viewed from far away or in a dim room.3
  • Owners say the projector cannot pair Bluetooth audio with its own speakers at the same time, and external audio connections are limited.3

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

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Technical Specifications of projector TCL A1S

Technical score
Technical score
7.0/ 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 68% of models
Score components:

42%

6.7

Image Quality

22%

6.5

Projection & Lens

12%

7.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.0

Audio & Features

8%

6.7

Connectivity

6%

7.1

Design & Power

7.0
User score
User score
9.0/ 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
★ Better than 92% of models
Score components

70%

8.6

User ratings

30%

9.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
9.0
Popularity
Popularity
9.8/ 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 87% of models
Popularity:
TCL A1S has a popularity score of 9.8 points, which is higher than 87.5% of projectors.
9.8
Value for money
Value for money
7.7/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
★ Better than 96% of models
Score components:

70%

7.2

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.7
ANSI lumens
?
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 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
LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
1.25:1
Min throw distance
?
Max projection size
150 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 150 inch, smaller than 67.7% of projectors and equal to 10% 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
?
Auto low latency mode (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
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 5 (802.11ac)
This projector supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), more modern than 55.1% of projectors and equal to 29.4% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This projector supports Bluetooth. 49.6% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
5.1
This projector supports Bluetooth 5.1, more modern than 80.8% of projectors and equal to 7.7% of projectors.
Show more
Smart TV features
yes
This projector has smart TV features. 56.4% of projectors have smart TV features.
Google TV built in.
Operating system
Google TV
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
led
This projector uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.1% of projectors and equal to 39% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
no
This projector does not use a laser light source. 28.1% 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
120 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 120 W of power, less than 65.7% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Show more

TCL A1S 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.
    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
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    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.
    Google TV built in.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This projector supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 26% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
    Google Cast supported.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.3% of projectors support voice commands.
    Google Assistant via remote.
  • 12.3% higher user score
    User score
    9.0/ 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
    TCL A1S
    the average projector
    TCL A1S has a higher user score than the average projector (8.98 vs 8.000).
    8.98 vs 8
  • 18.2% better value for money
    TCL A1S has a higher value-for-money score than the average projector (7.69 vs 6.5).
    7.69 vs 6.51
  • 2.02x more popular
    TCL A1S has a higher popularity than the average projector (9.83 vs 4.9).
    9.83 vs 4.87
  • 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 (108% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    108% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 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.
    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
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 47.2% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • 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.
    On HDMI 2.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    This projector supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 26% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
    Google Cast supported.
  • 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.
    Google TV built in.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.3% of projectors support voice commands.
    Google Assistant via remote.
  • 60% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (16 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 x 8W.
    16 W vs 10 W
  • 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
  • 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
  • 171.9 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (128.1 mm vs 300 mm). The average projector has a width of 300 mm.
    128.1 mm vs 300 mm
  • 115 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (120 W vs 235 W). The average projector uses 235 W of power.
    120 W vs 235 W
  • 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.
    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
  • 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
  • 96.5 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    150 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • 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.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 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.
  • 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.
    1,500:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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
  • 96.5 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    150 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 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
  • 2 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (30 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    Eco mode figure.
    30 dB vs 28 dB
  • 136.6 mm taller body
    This projector is taller than the average projector (263.6 mm vs 127 mm). The average projector has a height of 127 mm.
    263.6 mm vs 127 mm

Video reviews

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

8.0
Shane Lee
≈ estimated
20/11/2025
Hands-on walkthrough · settings, image and sound tour
Verdict
The TCL A1S suits portable, all-in-one movie nights; its picture is lifestyle-grade rather than reference quality.
9.0
B The Installer
≈ estimated
18/11/2025
Hands-on review · movies, sports, gaming and speaker tests
Verdict
The TCL A1S is a solid, bright projector for the money, especially in a dark room, with a few compromises.
9.0
KhanFlicks
≈ estimated
28/10/2025
Unboxing and first use · YouTube playback and sound tests
Verdict
TCL A1S is a great home projector with a sharp picture and loud sound, but it lacks a battery for portable use.
Brand video
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

touchreviews.net
20/01/2026
Hands-on test · Compact smart projector
Verdict
The TCL A1S is a compact projector with Google TV and AirPlay 2 that looks sharp in a darkened room but needs plenty of space behind it.
computerbild.de
03/04/2026
Hands-on test · Compact projector
Verdict
The TCL A1S delivers a large Full HD picture with Google TV apps, but it needs a power outlet, has no battery and is not suited to bright rooms.
chip.de
17/09/2026
Lab test · Mini projector
Verdict
The TCL A1S gives a solid Full HD picture with many streaming apps, but it needs a power outlet, has no battery and no 4K support.
frandroid.com
19/12/2025
Lab test · Compact LCD projector
Verdict
The TCL A1S is a compact LCD projector whose automatic focus and keystone work fast, but it needs a dark room and a separate power brick.
sitegeek.fr
09/12/2025
Hands-on test · Lifestyle projector
Verdict
The TCL A1S is a quiet, tidy projector whose sharp autofocus and Google TV suit a bedroom or small living room, but it needs darkness to look its best.
mds-cineson.fr
Not Dated
Hands-on test · Home theater projector
Verdict
The TCL A1S offers sharp, colorful images in dim rooms and quick automatic setup, though its single HDMI port limits how many devices you can connect at once.
univers-lampe.fr
29/12/2024
Hands-on test · Smart projector
Verdict
The TCL A1S is an easy, compact projector with Google TV that looks best in a dark room and needs a power outlet to run.
L
larazon.es
22/11/2025
Summary of the review
TCL A1s Projector Review: Brighter, Better Sound, and You'll Want to Use It Always
(Translated)Show original
larazon.es
27/12/2025
Hands-on test · Portable projector
Verdict
The TCL A1S is an easy Full HD projector with built-in Google TV and self-adjusting focus, best in a dim room, and its sound does not replace a soundbar.
siono.org
07/06/2026
Hands-on test · Portable projector
Verdict
The TCL A1S is a portable projector with built-in Google TV and fast automatic setup, though it warms up during long sessions.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about TCL A1S

  • Native 1080p resolution with decent color accuracy and contrast for its price point.
  • Integrated Google TV OS provides smooth, native access to streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+.
  • Powerful 16W dual speakers with Dolby Audio that are significantly better than most portable competitors.
  • Clever 'VersaGrip' handle design that doubles as a built-in kickstand for adjustable angles.
  • Fast and reliable automated features including autofocus, auto-keystone, and obstacle avoidance.
  • Quiet operation with fan noise levels often staying below 30 decibels.
  • Compact and highly portable; includes a high-quality protective carrying case.

What customers don't like about TCL A1S

  • Limited brightness (600 ISO lumens) makes it difficult to use in rooms with significant ambient light.
  • Lacks a built-in battery, requiring a constant connection to a wall outlet for power.
  • Issues reported with downscaling 4K files directly from USB storage, often resulting in 'codec not supported' errors.
  • Vertical form factor is awkward for ceiling mounting and may hang down too far.
  • The remote control is not backlit, making it difficult to use in the dark where the projector is best suited.
  • Autofocus can be overly sensitive, triggering at the slightest bump or movement of the unit.
  • Input lag is acceptable for casual gaming but may be too high for competitive or fast-paced titles.

Verdict

The TCL A1s is a portable smart projector featuring native 1080p FHD resolution with 4K input support and a brightness of 600 ISO lumens. It is built with an integrated 15-degree tilt handle that doubles as a stand, a sealed LED light source rated for 30,000 hours, and a dual 8W speaker system with Dolby Audio. Key pros include its seamless Google TV integration with native Netflix certification, highly responsive autofocus and auto-keystone correction, and a compact design that includes a carrying case. Main cons include the lack of a built-in battery for true wire-free use, limited brightness in well-lit rooms, and the absence of a backlit remote.

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