The Dangbei Atom review: A pocket-sized powerhouse for casual gamers

The projector market shines bright at present, as manufacturers consistently strive to entice enthusiasts and gamers away from flat-screen TVs and displays, notorious for gobbling up valuable space in the home. The compact laser projector exemplifies the remarkable progress in shopper technology over the past few years, seamlessly integrating Google TV and an extensive library of applications within a device measuring just over seven inches wide.

Launched at the outset of 2024, the Atom compact projector solidifies Chinese AI pioneer Dangbei’s reputation as a formidable force in producing high-quality home entertainment solutions. However, how does it compare to the perfect gaming projectors? In this evaluation, I’ve thoroughly tested it for several months to determine its strengths and weaknesses.

Among Atom’s most alluring advantages is its adjustable screen size, spanning 40-180 inches, allowing for seamless setup in almost any room with a suitable blank wall space (preferably of neutral or sunny color). Its luminosity can sometimes prove overwhelming, however; clever features such as autofocus and auto-keystone are engineered to help you capture remarkably crisp and well-defined images, effortlessly adapting to any environment as you move the Atom between rooms. While on-paper performance is a crucial factor, I’d like to highlight my hands-on experiences with the Dangbei Atom.

Dangbei Atom Specs:

Design

The Atom’s compact design makes it an ideal fit for most gaming rooms or bedrooms, while its lightweight construction allows for effortless placement on a desktop without applying undue pressure. Additionally, a rubber ring on its base prevents scratches to polished surfaces such as glass.

The atom is crafted from dark grey plastic with a subtle sheen, its square base providing stability for the intricate sculpture that follows. Casing is neat; the exterior presents a clean, fingerprint-resistant finish that belies its lightweight construction, exuding a sense of premium quality despite being unexpectedly resistant to smudges, which can be easily wiped away. Without any protruding components to accidentally knock into, there is minimal risk of sustaining an injury over time.

On the back are located an HDMI, two USB ports, an energy port, and a 3.5mm audio jack for headphones or PC audio systems. Despite initial reservations, this projector can be used as a standalone device, featuring dual 5W Dolby audio systems situated on either side of the unit. A tripod thread is integrated into its base, allowing for easy mounting on a camera tripod or similar stabilising device, thereby providing a secure and elevated position. This thread also accommodates ceiling or wall mounts, making it an excellent choice for those planning to install it as a permanent fixture.

There are no controls on the Dangbei Atom; navigation of the Good TV projector is solely facilitated by the included remote control. This peculiarly shaped television remote control is unexpectedly substantial, resembling a significantly larger fireplace controller despite its slender profile? As expected, the remote control features intuitive buttons for adjusting display settings, such as brightness and volume, alongside access to popular streaming services like Google Assistant, YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video. Two quick-access keys provide instant entry to focus and audio settings; unfortunately, you cannot switch to your HDMI input without navigating through the Google TV interface?

Efficiency

The image proved most effectively viewed in a dimly lit environment, rendering it difficult to discern on a bright, sunny day; this peculiarity is not uncommon among high-end projectors. The projector can display measurements ranging from 40 to 180 inches, with Dangbei’s recommendation being 60 to 100 inches for optimal performance. At opposite ends of the spectrum, I found the image to be impressively sharp and vivid, with the smaller throw distance proving ideal for compact spaces like small spare rooms where other projectors had previously faltered.

The Dangbei’s most striking feature lies in its automated picture correction capabilities, with only minor manual adjustments required through a comprehensive menu. In mere seconds – often under 5 – Auto Keystone Correction produced a crisply angled image whenever I repositioned the device for verification.

Without a projector screen, but with walls predominantly painted in soothing shades of white or light grey, the projected images consistently appeared vibrant and lifelike. While appreciating darker TV shows on platforms like Amazon Prime, the definition of shadowed regions could have been more pronounced. As the darkness crept in, playing video games against formidable foes became a thrilling experience, their silhouettes barely discernible under the faint glow of the screen. Google TV arrives with an assortment of fundamental, free video games that can be played exclusively using the remote control, which have proven to be both brilliant and vibrant.

Despite its limited connectivity options, solely featuring a USB 2.0 port and HDMI-in, the Atom’s plug-and-play functionality still impresses, effortlessly connecting to laptops, mini gaming PCs, and consoles within mere seconds. While connectivity is crucial, the value of this unit’s features ultimately outweighs any minor delays in displaying the content, which typically takes around 10 seconds via the Google TV app.

Ought to You Purchase?

Alternate options

BenQ X500i. While its unconventional design may lack portability, the device offers a range of versatile ports and impressive, high-quality display capabilities for a seamless visual experience. The 4K decision takes issues up a notch additional.” data-logo=”https://www./wp-content/websites/pcgamesn/2024/05/benq-x500i-lens.jpg” data-gamename=”” data-affmerchant=”” data-affprevprice=”” data-affprice=”” data-affctatext=”Learn our assessment” data-afflink=”https://www./benq-x500i-review” data-affmessage=”Community N Media earns affiliate fee from qualifying gross sales.” data-widget-type=”star”>

Verdict

The Dangbei Atom is a versatile projector designed for casual gaming, capable of projecting TV shows, movies, and video games up to a large 180 inches in size. It excels particularly in smaller spaces due to its compact 40-inch screen size. The Google TV ecosystem seamlessly integrates a wide range of popular apps, including Netflix, Prime Video, and Disney+, alongside a selection of enjoyable, complimentary video games available through the Google Play Store.

While the Atom excels in portability, it’s essential to note that batteries are not included. Its ease of setup and navigation make it a convenient option, but the slower response rate and limited 1080p resolution may deter competitive gamers. It’s truly a great deal of fun! If you’re looking for an affordable all-in-one streaming solution rather than a high-end gaming projector or monitor replacement?