Key Points
- There is no native 4K resolution option supported out of the box.
- The Bluetooth support is spotty at best.
- Overall compatibility with streaming devices could be improved.
- The autofocus is lacking.
- WiMiUS has packaged very weak speakers in the device.
- The manual and other supporting documents lack clarity and are poorly written.
What are some reasons to avoid a WiMiUS projector? WiMiUS has made a name for itself by providing affordable outdoor projectors. However, there are some valid reasons you might want to avoid purchasing one for your outdoor movie-watching.
Picking an outdoor projector can be rough going, especially as nothing is uniform in terms of specs. However, if you’re looking for the perfect fit for your outdoor viewing, you might have to spend a good bit to get a suitable choice.
WiMiUS Outdoor Movie Projector: Overview
The WiMiUS Outdoor Movie Projector is quite affordable, routinely retailing for $299.99. That affordable price nets you Wi-Fi 6 support, Bluetooth 5.2 compatibility, and autofocus. WiMiUS does claim the projector itself is 4K capable, but that is a bit of misleading spec.
It has autofocus, which promises to get things calibrated correctly depending on your viewing surface. The 500 ANSI brightness rating is adequate for certain lighting conditions. It comes with the requisite inputs you’d expect of a modern display, with HDMI and USB inputs.
Reasons to Avoid a WiMiUS Outdoor Movie Projector
Here are some valid reasons to avoid a WiMiUS outdoor movie projector.
1. No Native 4K Support
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The native display of the WiMiUS projector is 1080p. Retailer descriptions denote 4K compatibility, but it isn’t true 4K. The native maximum supported resolution is always going to be half of 4K, so it seems a bit odd to tout it as a selling point.
It certainly displays a clear picture on suitable viewing surfaces. There is a distinct lack of clarity when comparing it to other true UHD displays and projectors, however.
Now, for the price, you can’t really expect 4K resolution from a projector like this. As with televisions, certain price brackets are going to come with features over their cheaper counterparts. This is just one of many reasons to avoid a WiMiUS projector.
2. Poor Bluetooth Support
A consistent trend with the WiMiUS is spotty Bluetooth connectivity. It does support 5.2 protocols out of the box, but actually making a viable connection is another matter. If you’re running Bluetooth speakers or a soundbar, this is one of many reasons to avoid a WiMiUS projector.
Users of the product have indicated it is highly situational as to which devices connect and the strength of the said connection. As such, you might find your nice new soundbar isn’t connecting to your movie projector. You’ll want external sound as well, as the speakers on this device are quite weak.
3. Iffy Compatibility with Streaming Devices
WiMiUS touts wide compatibility with streaming devices like the Amazon Fire Stick, Roku, and Apple TV. However, quite a few users have indicated that compatibility with these streaming devices is less than stellar.
There have been issues noted with video playback, sound output, and a host of other things that might hamper your viewing experience. This also extends to disc-based playback options like Blu-Ray players and gaming consoles.
As such, if you’re looking for watch media, this might be one of many solid reasons to avoid a WiMiUS projector.
4. Auto Focus Lacks Focus
It is a crying shame when one of the major selling points for a product isn’t that great. The autofocus touted by WiMiUS is less than stellar, however. WiMiUS claims that it should get your picture in focus in less than five seconds after initializing the device.
However, many users have noted they have to manually adjust the picture to fit their needs. As such, if you’re looking for an autofocusing projector this might not be a great fit. While this might not be among the key reasons to avoid a WiMiUS projector, it is a sticking point.
There is a consistent theme in user impressions regarding actual performance, and the autofocus is a sticking point even among stellar reviews.
5. Weak Speakers
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For an outdoor projector, you want killer, powerful sound. Imagine if you’re spending on a device that only has 12 watts of power driving in the internal speakers. This is tragically the case with the WiMiUS outdoor projector. The speakers lack power, and they certainly lack dynamic range.
Stellar video quality is only one component of the typical viewing experience for films and shows. You’ll want great sound, especially with rich audio balance, to come through. Now, you could ostensibly offset this with a pair of speakers or a soundbar.
However, as previously noted, it is a bit of a gamble that you even get a soundbar that is compatible with the WiMiUS. As such, this is among many great reasons to avoid a WiMiUS outdoor projector.
6. Poor Quality of Manual and Supporting Documents
Now, WiMiUS claims that most negative aspects of the projector can be directly addressed by consulting the manual. However, this is one of the most glaring reasons to avoid a WiMiUS outdoor projector. The manual and other supporting documentation is poorly written and unclear.
There are numerous submenus and options to navigate when using this projector. If you’re looking to switch off things like Dolby Sound support or adjust brightness settings, you’ll have to find the proper location. Now, one alternative is to painstakingly make notes of where each individual setting is.
However, this isn’t a valid use of anyone’s time. The onus is certainly on WiMiUS for not providing proper documentation. Navigating the menus isn’t necessarily hard, it just lacks clarity in terms of troubleshooting typical issues you might experience while using it.
Alternatives to the WiMiUS Outdoor Movie Projector
So, you’re still after an outdoor projector? Here are three great alternatives to the WiMiUS that offer up a better user experience.
YABER K2s
- 1080p native resolution
- Android TV operating system
- 800 ANSI brightness
- NFC screencasting
The YABER K2s is more expensive, retailing for double the price of the WiMiUS outdoor projector. However, you get higher brightness at a measure of 800 ANSI. Compatibility with other devices is stellar as well.
It does have weak speakers, but that is going to be common in most projectors that aren’t on the higher end of the price spectrum. However, users haven’t noted any glaring compatibility issues with external speakers or soundbars.
Android TV is supported out of the box, meaning you can forego the streaming devices if you’re wanting to keep the setup tidy. However, many users have had great experiences just using typical devices like the Fire Stick or Roku.
LG CineBeam UHD 4K Projector
- Native 4K resolution
- 1500 ANSI brightness
- webOS operating system
- Supports displays of up to 140 inches
The LG CineBeam is a high-end projector, as you might expect from the price tag. However, once you get past the sticker shock, this is a very capable outdoor projector. There is a native resolution of 4K, meaning you’re getting what WiMiUS suggested it was compatible with.
HDR10 support also comes natively supported, which shouldn’t be surprising given LG’s track record with TVs like the G3 and C3. This a fantastic projector with all the modern amenities you might expect of a smart TV.
It is nearly five times the price of the WiMiUS, but you are definitely getting what you pay for with the CineBeam.
Optoma UHD35x
- True 4K native resolution
- Low-latency gaming modes
- HDR10 and HLG support
- 3,600 lumen brightness rating
The Optoma UHD35x serves as a nice midpoint between the CineBeam and YABER K2s. You get native UHD 4K support out of the box, great low latency for gaming, and a host of other attractive features.
HLG also comes natively supported, so you’re getting great color depth to go with the 3,600-lumen output. It is an expensive projector, but you’re getting an excellent viewing experience regardless of the media type.
The only drawback to note is that the low latency mode is only supported in 1080p. However, you get an astounding refresh rate of 240Hz.
Closing Thoughts
Hopefully, you come away from this guide with a deeper understanding of why you should avoid the WiMiUS outdoor projector. There are certainly multiple options on the market for outdoor viewing.
If WiMiUS is able to improve the product, it could certainly work as an entry-level projector. However, in its current state, it is hard to recommend.
| Reasons to Avoid a WiMiUS Outdoor Projector |
|---|
| 1. There is no native 4K resolution option supported out of the box. |
| 2. The Bluetooth support is spotty at best. |
| 3. Overall compatibility with streaming devices could be improved. |
| 4. The autofocus is lacking. |
| 5. WiMiUS has packaged very weak speakers in the device. |
| 6. The manual and other supporting documents lack clarity and are poorly written. |
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Yarygin/Shutterstock.com.
