Katarzyna Petru
Wanbo, a Chinese brand known for its budget projectors, has released a new portable model that is already stirring controversy from the start. The Vali 1 is expected to cost below £300, and the manufacturer promises brightness that more expensive devices would not be ashamed 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 additional devices. It features two 6 W speakers, supports image sizes up to 130 inches, and includes a full set of automatic functions — trapezoidal correction, screen adjustment, and autofocus. Additionally, the projector has a rotating base with a range of 200°, allowing it to be positioned practically anywhere.
A declaration that sounds too good
The manufacturer states that the Vali 1 achieves a brightness of 900 ANSI lumens. By 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 verify these bold claims. The result? Actual brightness is 422 lumens, with a maximum reading of 529 lumens at the bottom of the image. That's less than half the promised value and a significant difference that may discourage many buyers.
Doubts and Unanswered Questions
Is this a flaw in the tested sample, or is it simply a marketing exaggeration? HDTVTest has not yet confirmed these results, but if they prove to be true, the vision of "vivid and saturated colours in a bright living room" will quickly fade away.
Cheap experiment for the brave
Despite the doubts, the price of £269 (1,385 zł) may attract those who are willing to take a risk and see the projector for themselves. After all, it's difficult to find equipment in this price range that lives up to all the manufacturer's promises.
