Katarzyna Petru
Wanbo, a Chinese brand known for budget projectors, has released a new portable model that is already stirring controversy from the get-go. The Vali 1 is set to cost under 300 pounds, and the manufacturer promises brightness that pricier devices would be proud of.
Equipment that has everything at hand
The Wanbo Vali 1 is a portable Full HD 1080p projector with Android TV 11, so we can launch Netflix or YouTube without any additional devices. It comes with two 6 W speakers, supports image sizes up to 130 inches, and includes a full set of automatic features — keystone correction, screen adjustment, and autofocus. Additionally, the projector has a rotating base with a range of 200°, allowing us to set it up practically anywhere.
Declaration that sounds too good
The manufacturer states that the Vali 1 achieves a brightness of 900 ANSI lumens. In comparison, the Samsung Freestyle Gen 2 offers 230 lumens, the XGMI MoGo 3 Pro – 450, and the LG CineBeam Q (4K) – 500. If these figures were true, Wanbo would offer twice the brightness of most competitors at a similar price.
Reality vs Marketing
The editorial team at Projector Central decided to test these bold claims. The result? Actual brightness is 422 lumens, with a maximum reading of 529 lumens at the bottom of the image. This is less than half of the promised value and a significant difference that could discourage many buyers.
Doubts and unanswered questions
Is this a flaw in the tested unit, or just an exaggeration by marketing? HDTVTest has not yet confirmed these results, but if they prove to be true, the vision of “vibrant and saturated colours in a bright living room” quickly fades away.
Cheap experiment for the brave
Despite the doubts, a price of £269 (1,385 PLN) may attract those willing to take a risk and see the projector for themselves. After all, it's tough to find equipment in this price range that lives up to all the manufacturer's promises.
