Acer AOPEN Projector QH12a review: Affordable home cinema solution

Home cinemas are no longer reserved for the one per cent.

Projectors have become more affordable and accessible so that all budgets can experience the big screen experience from the comfort of their own home. These sleek and portable gadgets are an ideal solution to maximise space in compact living conditions, transforming any wall (or ceiling!) into a screen - with no bulky or expensive TV set necessary.

You’d be mistaken to dismiss the Acer AOPEN Projector as a kid’s toy. While the gadget comes in a fun blue design, I found that it is packing some seriously solid tech within its boxy exterior.

I put the purse-friendly projector to the test. Here is what I thought.

The setup, or lack thereof, simply requires plugging the device in. I was so surprised with just how easy the process was. If you can believe it, it’s even simpler if you want to connect to your laptop since all the necessary cables are right there in the box.

The boxy blue projector is unmissable in a striking shade, which should make it easy to spot and grab from storage cabinets or boxes. But while playful on the exterior, it has a wealth of handy features that I will dive into below. The gadget comes complete with a carry handle, meaning the AOPEN Projector QH12a may just be your next travel essential.

The resolution is decent, ranging from HD 1280 x 720 native to a preferable 1920 x 1280 and the brightness of 5,500 LED lumens is solid, but it's not at the top end of 4k UHD, which is to be expected considering the modest £129.99 price tag. The contrast ratio is 1,000:1, so image quality could be better - but the projector shines for its pure ease of use. It really is child’s play.

Plug in and go, and you have a wealth of apps to choose from with no set-up required. Much like a smart TV, it comes pre-loaded with YouTube, Disney+ and TED streaming apps as well as Amazon and Facebook. There is also an HDMI included that is compatible with all PCs, including Macs.

The widescreen aspect ratio 16:9 is made for films and TV, providing an immersive viewing experience, while the projection distance range of 1.08-3.10m is suitable for all size rooms.

The projector even has built-in speakers but you’ll want to add additional ones if you’re looking to create a cinematic surround sound set-up. You will also get a remote so you can control it without disturbing your comfortable position.