OVERALL
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
ALTERNATIVES

TCL A1S Review | 85 Data compared

double-arrow
  • Avg. price in UK: ~£310
  • Avg. price in US: ~$400
  • ANSI lumens: ?
  • Native panel resolution: 1920x1080
  • Throw ratio: 1.25:1

TCL A1S review. Compare 85 technical specifications and user reviews to see how it ranks among projectors and if it is worth buying.

6.8

Overall score

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 components:

90.0%

6.8

Technical Score

10.0%

?

User score

Good
6.8

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

6.6

Image Quality

22.0%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12.0%

9.1

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

7.4

Audio & Features

8.0%

6.4

Connectivity

6.0%

6.8

Design & Power

Good
?

User score

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 components:

70.0%

?

User reviews

30.0%

?

Popularity

  • 6.6
    Gaming

    Score components:

    35.0%

    ?

    Input lag

    25.0%

    1.0

    Refresh rate

    20.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    10.0%

    10

    HDR10 support

    10.0%

    8.0

    Audio output power

  • 9.3
    Portable

    Score components:

    35.0%

    9.1

    Weight

    20.0%

    ?

    Has A Built-In Speaker

    15.0%

    10

    Bluetooth connectivity

    15.0%

    10

    Wi-Fi connectivity

    15.0%

    10

    Smart TV features

  • 7.2
    Home theatre

    Score components:

    30.0%

    8.6

    Output Resolution

    25.0%

    10

    HDR10 support

    20.0%

    1.0

    Dolby Vision support

    15.0%

    ?

    ANSI lumens

    10.0%

    7.2

    Audible noise

  • No image
No image

Best prices in UK

Best rankings

?

Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).
All: ranking among all products in the database.

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.

Technical Specifications of TCL A1S

Technical Score

What it is: An assessment of the projector's technical performance, covering eight key areas: image quality, brightness, contrast, connectivity, gaming features, smart features, audio, and design.

When it matters: When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.

Score components:

42.0%

?

Image Quality

22.0%

?

Projection & Lens

12.0%

?

HDMI & Gaming

10.0%

?

Audio & Features

8.0%

?

Connectivity

6.0%

?

Design & Power

6.8
TCL A1S has a technical score of 6.76 points, which is higher than 76.5% of projectors.
User score

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 components:

70.0%

0.0

User reviews

30.0%

1.0

Popularity

?
Popularity
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.
1.0
TCL A1S has a popularity of 1 points, which is lower than 55.3% of products in this category.
Ratio quality/price

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 components:

60.0%

6.8

Overall score

40.0%

8.9

Price

7.4
TCL A1S has a quality-to-price ratio of 7.4 points, which is higher than 95.6% of products in this category.
ANSI lumens
What it is: Brightness output measured in ANSI lumens.
When it matters: When you watch with ambient light or on a large screen, higher brightness matters.

Importance: HIGH

?
Contrast ratio
What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

Importance: HIGH

1,500:1
TCL A1S has a contrast ratio of 1500:1, lower than 80.8% of projectors and equal to 2.9% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
What it is: Native resolution of the display panel or imaging device.
When it matters: When picture sharpness matters enough that you want to know the projector's true native imaging resolution, not just supported input formats.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
TCL A1S uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 60.1% of projectors.
Output Resolution
What it is: The resolution the projector can actually display through its imaging system.
When it matters: When you want to know the actual image detail the projector can put on screen rather than just the source format it accepts.

Importance: HIGH

1920x1080
TCL A1S supports output resolution up to 1920x1080, higher than 24.9% of projectors and equal to 41% of projectors.
Projection technology
What it is: Projection imaging technology used by the projector.
When it matters: When color character, contrast behavior, and overall image personality matter before you compare brightness alone.

Importance: MEDIUM

LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
What it is: Ratio between projection distance and image width.
When it matters: When room size and screen size have to match properly instead of guessing whether the projector will fit the space.

Importance: MEDIUM

1.25:1
Min throw distance
What it is: Minimum distance required between projector and screen.
When it matters: When room depth is limited and you still need a large image from a short placement distance.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Max projection size
What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

Importance: MEDIUM

150 inch
TCL A1S supports projection sizes up to 150 inch, smaller than 67.7% of projectors and equal to 10% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
What it is: Optical zoom capability expressed as a ratio.
When it matters: When projector placement is not ideal and you need optical zoom to frame the image correctly.

Importance: MEDIUM

N/A
Motorized zoom
What it is: Motorized control of the optical zoom function.
When it matters: When the projector position is fixed but screen size or framing still needs to be adjusted from a distance.

Importance: LOW

no
TCL A1S does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
What it is: Time delay between input signal and displayed image, measured in milliseconds.
When it matters: When gaming responsiveness matters and you want controls to feel more immediate on fast titles.

Importance: MEDIUM

?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
What it is: Automatically reduces input lag when gaming.
When it matters: When you play fast games, lower latency matters.

Importance: LOW

?
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
What it is: Support for variable refresh rate to reduce screen tearing.
When it matters: When gaming matters and you want the projector to handle variable frame rates with less tearing or stutter.

Importance: LOW

?
HDMI version
What it is: Version of the HDMI standard supported.
When it matters: When source devices push newer HDMI features, refresh rates, or bandwidth levels that older ports may limit.

Importance: LOW

2.1
TCL A1S supports HDMI 2.1, more modern than 82.3% of projectors and equal to 17.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
What it is: Maximum bandwidth supported by HDMI inputs, measured in Gbps.
When it matters: When newer consoles, gaming PCs, or media boxes need more HDMI throughput than older projectors can handle.

Importance: LOW

48 Gbps
TCL A1S supports HDMI bandwidth up to 48 Gbps, higher than 90.2% of projectors and equal to 9.8% of projectors.
Different HDMI ports reach 48 and 18 Gbps.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

Importance: LOW

1
TCL A1S has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.6% of projectors and equal to 42.2% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
What it is: Support for Wi-Fi network connectivity.
When it matters: When the projector should handle network features, updates, or streaming functions without needing wired Ethernet only.

Importance: LOW

yes
TCL A1S supports Wi-Fi. 47.4% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
What it is: Supported Wi-Fi standard version.
When it matters: When wireless stability and throughput matter for streaming, updates, or projector ecosystem features.

Importance: LOW

Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac)
TCL A1S supports Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), more modern than 55.6% of projectors and equal to 29.2% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

Importance: LOW

yes
TCL A1S supports Bluetooth. 50.1% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
What it is: Supported Bluetooth version.
When it matters: When wireless accessory compatibility and connection quality matter beyond Bluetooth being a simple checkbox.

Importance: LOW

5.1
TCL A1S supports Bluetooth 5.1, more modern than 80.8% of projectors and equal to 7.8% of projectors.
Show more
Smart TV features
What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

Importance: LOW

yes
TCL A1S has smart TV features. 56.3% of projectors have smart TV features.
Google TV built in.
Operating system
What it is: The built-in software platform that runs the projector interface, streaming apps, and smart features.
When it matters: When you care about which apps are available, how modern the smart interface feels, and whether the projector includes a built-in streaming platform.

Importance: LOW

Google TV
Android OS

Importance: MEDIUM

no
Dedicated smartphone app
What it is: Availability of a dedicated smartphone control app.
When it matters: When you want setup, input switching, or basic control handled from your phone without always reaching for a remote.

Importance: LOW

no
TCL A1S does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.6% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
What it is: Comes with a dedicated remote control for operation.
When it matters: When you want easier everyday control without extra gear, built-in convenience features matter.

Importance: LOW

yes
TCL A1S includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

Importance: LOW

led
TCL A1S uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.1% of projectors and equal to 39% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
What it is: Whether the projector uses a laser light source instead of a traditional lamp.
When it matters: When lower maintenance, faster startup, and a lamp-free light engine matter over the long term.

Importance: LOW

no
TCL A1S does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in standard mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

30,000 hours
TCL A1S offers lamp life of 30000 hours, shorter than 68.9% of projectors and equal to 25.4% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
What it is: Expected operational lifespan of the lamp in eco mode, measured in hours.
When it matters: When you care about running costs and maintenance intervals, light-source lifespan matters.

Importance: LOW

30,000 hours
TCL A1S offers eco-mode lamp life of 30000 hours, shorter than 59.6% of projectors and equal to 35.6% of projectors.
Eco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
What it is: Average power consumption during normal operation.
When it matters: When electricity use and heat output matter because the projector runs for long sessions or frequent daily use.

Importance: LOW

120 W
TCL A1S uses 120 W of power, less than 65.5% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Show more

TCL A1S vs the average projector

  • 15 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    TCL A1S 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.
    What it is: Range of vertical keystone correction supported.
    When it matters: When the projector sits too high or too low relative to the screen and vertical image correction becomes necessary.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TCL A1S 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
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    TCL A1S supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
    On HDMI 2.
    What it is: Support for HDMI ARC to send audio to external devices.
    When it matters: When you use a soundbar, receiver, or speakers, audio output options matter.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • 15 degrees greater horizontal keystone correction
    TCL A1S 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.
    What it is: Range of horizontal keystone correction supported.
    When it matters: When the projector cannot line up perfectly with the screen and you need side-to-side image correction.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S 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
  • Built-in smart TV features
    TCL A1S 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.
    What it is: Includes built-in Smart TV functions or operating system.
    When it matters: When you prefer built-in apps and streaming convenience instead of adding an external media stick or box.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.7% of projectors have built-in smart TV features.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    TCL A1S supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 27.3% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
    Google Cast supported.
    What it is: Built-in Chromecast support for wireless casting.
    When it matters: When you stream directly from phones, tablets, or laptops, wireless casting matters.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 27.3% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    TCL A1S has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
    What it is: Built-in stereo speakers for audio playback.
    When it matters: When casual use should include left-right sound without automatically adding an external audio setup.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Supports voice commands
    TCL A1S supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support voice commands.
    Google Assistant via remote.
    What it is: Supports voice command input for control and navigation.
    When it matters: When hands-free control sounds more useful than relying only on buttons or the remote.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support voice commands.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    TCL A1S supports Bluetooth, while the average projector does not. 49.9% of projectors support Bluetooth.
    What it is: Support for Bluetooth wireless connectivity.
    When it matters: When you plan to pair wireless speakers, headphones, remotes, or other accessories directly with the projector.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S supports Bluetooth, while the average projector does not. 49.9% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • Supports HLG
    TCL A1S supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • Wider color gamut
    TCL A1S 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.
  • 15 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    TCL A1S 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.
  • 15 degrees greater horizontal keystone correction
    TCL A1S 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.
  • Motorized focus
    TCL A1S supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 47.2% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • Modern HDMI standard
    TCL A1S offers Modern HDMI standard than the average projector (2.1 vs 2.0). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
  • 2.67x higher HDMI bandwidth
    TCL A1S has a higher HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (48 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    TCL A1S supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • Built-in Chromecast
    TCL A1S supports built-in Chromecast, while the average projector does not. 27.3% of projectors support built-in Chromecast.
  • Supports Bluetooth
    TCL A1S supports Bluetooth, while the average projector does not. 49.9% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • Includes memory card slot
    TCL A1S includes an external memory slot, while the average projector does not. 34.9% of projectors include an external memory slot.
  • Built-in smart TV features
    TCL A1S has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.7% of projectors have built-in smart TV features.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    TCL A1S has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Supports voice commands
    TCL A1S supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support voice commands.
  • 60% stronger audio output
    TCL A1S 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.
  • 10,000 hours longer lamp life
    TCL A1S 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.
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    TCL A1S 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.
  • 171.4 mm narrower width
    TCL A1S is narrower than the average projector (128.1 mm vs 299.5 mm). The average projector has a width of 299.5 mm.
  • 113.9 W lower power use
    TCL A1S uses less power than the average projector (120 W vs 233.9 W). The average projector uses 233.9 W of power.

Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Audio & Features
Design & Power
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    TCL A1S has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
  • Lower contrast ratio
    TCL A1S has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (1500:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    TCL A1S has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
  • 100 inch smaller image size
    TCL A1S has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
  • Limited HDMI format
    TCL A1S 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.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    TCL A1S has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
  • No RS-232 control
    TCL A1S does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 52.1% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • Basic light source
    TCL A1S has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
  • 2 dB louder eco mode
    TCL A1S 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.
  • 136.6 mm taller body
    TCL A1S is taller than the average projector (263.6 mm vs 127 mm). The average projector has a height of 127 mm.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    TCL A1S has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    What it is: Number of bits per color channel for color depth.
    When it matters: When you care about accurate tones and refined image quality, color precision matters.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S 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
    TCL A1S has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (1500:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    What it is: Ratio of brightest white to darkest black displayed by the projector.
    When it matters: When you watch movies in a dark room, stronger contrast matters.

    Importance: HIGH

    TCL A1S 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
    TCL A1S has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    What it is: Number of available HDMI input ports.
    When it matters: When you need a console, streamer, set-top box, and another source connected at the same time without swapping cables.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.1 vs 2
  • Basic light source
    TCL A1S has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    What it is: Type of light source used by the projector.
    When it matters: When maintenance expectations, startup behavior, brightness stability, and long-term running costs all matter in the buying decision.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.led vs laser
  • 100 inch smaller image size
    TCL A1S has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    What it is: Maximum supported image size for projection, measured diagonally.
    When it matters: When you want a cinema-size picture, maximum projection size matters.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TCL A1S has a lower projection size than the average projector (150 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.150 inch vs 250 inch
  • 29.4% lower refresh rate
    TCL A1S has a lower refresh rate than the average projector (60 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    What it is: Number of screen refreshes per second, measured in hertz.
    When it matters: When motion clarity matters for gaming, sports, or fast-moving video instead of slower cinematic content only.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TCL A1S 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
    TCL A1S 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.
    What it is: Highest HDMI input format supported by the projector.
    When it matters: When you want to confirm the exact signal format the projector can accept from high-end modern sources.

    Importance: MEDIUM

    TCL A1S 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
  • 2 dB louder eco mode
    TCL A1S 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.
    What it is: Sound level produced in eco or quiet mode, measured in decibels.
    When it matters: When you watch in a quiet room close to the projector, lower noise matters.

    Importance: LOW

    TCL A1S 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.30 dB vs 28 dB
Total
Overall
Image Quality
Projection & Lens
HDMI & Gaming
Connectivity
Design & Power

Graphic comparison of TCL A1S and

Attribute category
Attribute
No results found

Third-party reviews

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 dislike 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.

Expert reviews

C
computerbild.de
03/04/2026
TCL A1s Review: Mini Projector with Google TV

The TCL A1s is a robust and highly compact lifestyle projector that delivers a massive Full HD image up to 150 inches along with surprisingly capable built-in sound. Priced in the affordable three-digit Euro range, it aims to carve out a spot in the competitive portable projector market. The device operates on the Google TV platform, providing seamless native access to all major...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
frandroid.com
10/04/2026
TCL A1s Deal: 20% off this Google TV projector

The TCL A1s is a highly portable, budget-friendly Full HD (1080p) projector designed for casual cinematic viewings and travel. Weighing just 2.5 kg with dimensions of 13 x 20.7 x 19 cm, it features a practical "VersaGrip" handle that acts as an adjustable tilting stand. Setting it up is effortless thanks to its automated autofocus, digital zoom, and keystone correction. Operating...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
frandroid.com
01/04/2026
TCL A1s Review: A Compact Google TV Projector with Excellent Performance

The Frandroid review of the TCL A1s evaluates it as an evolution of TCL's first compact, mobile projector, yielding a solid score of 7/10. It is highly praised for its sleek, compact vertical tower design, weighing approximately 2.57 kg and featuring a clever retractable handle that acts as a built-in stand tilting up to 15 degrees. The review highlights excellent lifestyle...Read more

(Translated)Show original
F
frandroid.com
19/12/2025
TCL A1s Review: Our Full Verdict - Frandroid

The TCL A1s is an affordable, compact Full HD 1080p LCD projector integrated with Google TV and native Netflix support. Designed for portability, it features a lightweight 2.5 kg chassis and a versatile "VersaGrip" handle that doubles as an adjustable stand. Its setup is highly automated, utilizing efficient auto-focus, digital zoom, and automatic keystone correction. On the...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
larazon.es
22/11/2025
TCL A1s Projector Review: Brighter, Better Sound, and You'll Want to Use It Always

The review highlights the TCL A1s as a highly capable and versatile Full HD projector that offers an exceptional balance of design, technology, and price. Priced officially at 399.99 euros, it operates as a standout smart home companion by integrating a native 1080p resolution with an upgraded 600 ISO lumens of brightness, allowing users to watch content without needing a completely...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
larazon.es
27/12/2025
I tried this TCL projector and now I understand why people want to use it every day

The TCL A1s is a user-friendly portable projector designed for everyday entertainment rather than high-end professional setups, offering a hassle-free alternative to traditional televisions. Weighing 2.5 kilograms, its standout features include an integrated Google TV interface that grants instant access to streaming platforms like Netflix and Disney+ without requiring external...Read more

(Translated)Show original
L
larazon.es
08/03/2026
I tried this TCL projector and now it's hard to go back to traditional TV

The review from La Razón evaluates the TCL A1s smart projector as a highly balanced, user-friendly device that successfully bridges the gap between casual projection and traditional television convenience at its official retail price of 399.99 euros. The reviewer praises its seamless, "plug-and-play" setup, highlighted by highly responsive automatic focus and automatic keystone...Read more

(Translated)Show original

Video reviews

Best alternatives

jmgo-picoplay
JMGO PicoPlay

Projectors

6.6
wimius-p64
WiMiUS P64

Projectors

6.7
xgimi-elfin
XGIMI Elfin

Projectors

6.3
nexigo-pj40-ultra
NexiGo PJ40 Ultra

Projectors

6.5
lenovo-lecoo-lk210
Lenovo Lecoo LK210

Projectors

6.9
happrun-510g
HAPPRUN 510G

Projectors

6.5
wanbo-mozart-1-pro-2025
Wanbo Mozart 1 Pro 2025

Projectors

6.4
happrun-h11
HAPPRUN H11

Projectors

7.0
wanbo-mozart-1-pro
Wanbo Mozart 1 Pro

Projectors

6.3
aurzen-eazze-d1-max
Aurzen Eazze D1 Max

Projectors

6.3
No image
Aurzen Boom Mini

Projectors

6.2
wanbo-vali-1
Wanbo Vali 1

Projectors

5.8

Compare TCL A1S with

VS
VS

Compare