Katarzyna Petru
Optoma has launched a projector on the American market that has been making waves in Europe for several months. The Photon Go is a pocket-sized ultra-short throw projector with three lasers, a battery, and Google TV, which fits in a bag and produces a 100-inch image from almost the edge of a cabinet.
The equipment measures just 25 x 15 x 6 cm, yet it can project Full HD diagonally up to 100 inches, standing just 25 cm from the wall. It may not be 4K, but it is still impressive – especially since it covers 110% of the BT.2020 gamut, supports HDR10 and HLG, features autofocus, autokeystone, and runs on Google TV with full support for Netflix, Disney+ and Prime Video.
What about Europe and Poland?
Photon Go has been available in Europe since February – it costs around 799 euros in Germany, 899 pounds in the United Kingdom, and in Poland it can be purchased for around 3899–4199 zł, depending on the store. The price for a UST with a triple laser and Android TV is very competitive.
User reviews in Europe are mostly positive, although everyone agrees on one thing: the battery is the biggest limitation. 1.5 hours of viewing is barely enough for one episode of a series or a shorter film. However, the image quality, sound (20 W with Dolby Atmos), responsiveness, and simple setup are praised almost everywhere. In Poland, the most significant advantages are mobility, quiet operation, and access to Google Cast. Downsides? Aside from battery life – the lack of 4K and too high latency for gamers (27 ms).
What do Americans get?
In the USA, the device has just landed on Amazon and at B&H Photo with a price of 999 dollars, making it one of the cheapest UST projectors with triple laser on the market. Optoma is mainly targeting it at those who want a portable entertainment centre: for the allotment, garden, student dormitory, training room, or as a handy screen for holidays.
Not perfect, but bloody convenient
The Photon Go is a device with a clearly defined mission – not for home cinema, but for cinema everywhere. With power from a power bank, Netflix built into the system, and automatic image adjustment, you just need to place it on the table, click “play,” and enjoy the show. If you don’t mind the lack of 4K and the short battery life – this could be the best gadget you take outdoors this summer.
