Samsung The Freestyle+ finally with a solid upgrade. Brighter, smarter, but is it still portable?

Calendar 1/5/2026

Samsung The Freestyle+ is the next generation of Samsung’s portable projector, offering higher brightness of 430 ISO lumens, AI OptiScreen image enhancements and the Tizen smart TV system. We take a closer look at what’s new in the model unveiled ahead of CES 2026.

After a long break, Samsung has finally presented the new generation of its portable projector. The model The Freestyle+ is the third iteration of the device known since 2022, which finally addresses the biggest shortcomings of its predecessors. The list of changes includes higher brightness, new AI features, and a refreshed smart TV system. However, the question remains whether Samsung has actually improved the mobility of its projector.

The first Freestyle debuted in 2022, and a slightly refreshed version appeared a year later. Since then, Samsung has been silent, while the competition has not been idle. In the meantime, models such as Xgimi MoGo 4, JMGO O3, and Leica Cine Play 1 Plus have entered the market, raising the bar in the compact projector segment.

Clearly brighter than before

The most important novelty in The Freestyle+ is the increased brightness to 430 ISO lumens. That's almost twice as much as the 230 ISO lumens offered by the second generation. Previous models were often criticized for having too dark an image, which forced viewing only after dark or in a perfectly darkened room.

430 ISO lumens still does not make the Freestyle+ a projector suitable for comfortable viewing in full daylight, but the difference should be noticeable. The image is expected to be clearer, colors more vibrant, and the projector itself less finicky about lighting conditions.

AI Improves Image and Wall Fit

Samsung strongly emphasizes the new technology AI OptiScreen. It includes:

  • automatic keystone correction,

  • auto-focus,

  • automatic image calibration for wall color and texture.

The projector analyzes the surface on which the image is displayed and tries to minimize distortions and color inaccuracies. In practice, it works best on light, neutral walls. With dark or highly saturated colors, the effect may be limited.

For users utilizing classic projection screens, there is also the Screen Fit feature, which automatically adjusts the image's proportions and size to the screen surface

New Tizen, Bixby, and Q-Symphony

The Freestyle+ operates on an updated Tizen system, enhanced with new capabilities of the Bixby AI assistant, which is designed to better understand natural voice commands. There is also support for Q-Symphony, allowing the projector to work with Samsung soundbars, synchronizing sound.

Samsung has not yet revealed the full technical specifications and unfortunately does not mention a built-in battery. This is quite disappointing, as competing projectors increasingly offer a battery as standard. Samsung still sells an external battery module as an accessory, which raises the cost and limits user convenience.

Premiere and Price

The Freestyle+ will hit the market in the first half of the year in the United Kingdom and other countries. The exact date and price are not yet known, but we should learn more information with the start of CES 2026. Samsung is likely aiming for a price of below 1000 pounds, considering the history of previous models.

Samsung The Freestyle Prices – Comparison

Model

USD

AUD

EUR

GBP

PLN

Freestyle (2022)

~1,250

~1,850

~1,150

999

~5,300

Freestyle Gen 2 (2023)

~1,100

~1,650

~1,050

899

~4,700

Freestyle Gen 2 – currently

~540

~820

~500

429

~2,200

Freestyle+ (forecast)

~1,100

~1,700

~1,000

~899

~4,600

Approximate conversions, prices may vary depending on the market and taxes.

Katarzyna Petru Avatar
Katarzyna Petru

Journalist, reviewer, and columnist for the "ChooseTV" portal