Get ready to rethink what a 4K projector can be, and how much it can cost! The JMGO N1S 4K is here to challenge all your assumptions, packing impressive features into a surprisingly compact package with a price tag that's as flexible as its design.
This isn't just another projector; it's the entry-level model in JMGO's N1S series, designed for true room-to-room portability. You might expect a 4K projector to be bulky, but the N1S 4K is remarkably small and light, even when compared to many 1080p models. It boasts a color gamut that's 10% wider than the standard for 4K UHD projectors, meaning you'll experience a richer, more vibrant spectrum of colors. And the price? It's a bit of a moving target, which can be a good thing! While the list price might appear to be $1,299, JMGO advertises it as "permanently discounted" to $899, and you might even find it for less.
But here's where it gets interesting: Even at its most affordable, the N1S 4K doesn't quite unseat our current top pick for budget 4K projectors. However, it stands as a solid alternative that offers fantastic value and won't break the bank. Just keep a close eye on those fluctuating prices!
Design: So Light, So Small, So Easy to Set Up!
Imagine a 4K projector that's a shrunken-down version of its larger counterparts. That's the N1S 4K. Its nearly cube-shaped body is permanently attached to a gimbal stand, allowing you to tilt it up or down through an impressive 127-degree range. While it doesn't offer horizontal swivel, its lightweight design (just 4.9 pounds) means you can easily pivot it left or right with one hand. Measuring a mere 7.5 by 7.3 by 6.6 inches (HWD), it's a breeze to move from room to room.
Under the hood, it uses a display chip with a native 1,920 by 1,080 resolution. But don't let that fool you! Thanks to TI's XPR fast-shift pixel shifting technology, it projects a full 3,840 by 2,160 pixels onto your screen. The tri-color laser light source is a powerhouse, covering 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut, a standard for 4K UHD displays. And for longevity, the light source is rated for an incredible 30,000 hours.
Setting up the N1S 4K is a dream. Simply plug it in, power it on, and follow the on-screen prompts to get your fully integrated Google TV up and running. For internet connectivity, Wi-Fi is your go-to. If you're connecting external sources, you'll find one HDMI port and one USB port on the back, perfect for media files. Plus, the built-in Chromecast makes streaming from your Android or iOS devices seamless.
JMGO has loaded the N1S 4K with automatic setup features: auto focus, auto vertical and horizontal keystone correction, auto screen-fit, and smart object avoidance. While I primarily used auto focus during my testing, the other features worked exactly as advertised. And this is the part most people miss: While these digital geometry adjustments are convenient, be aware that they can reduce brightness and potentially introduce visual artifacts. So, use them wisely!
Audio to Match the Visuals
The built-in Dolby audio system features dual 5-watt speakers, supporting Dolby Digital Plus and DTS-HD. The sound quality is quite decent and provides enough volume for a small to medium-sized room. For those seeking a more immersive audio experience, you can easily connect to an external sound system via Bluetooth or the HDMI port's eARC support. (Note: there's no 3.5mm audio out.) You can even use the N1S 4K as a Bluetooth speaker for other audio sources!
And here's a clever touch: the box the N1S 4K comes in is designed to double as a protective carrying case, making it even more convenient to transport.
Image Quality: More Than Acceptable, It's Impressive!
Navigating the menus, you'll find six predefined picture modes that apply to both SDR and HDR content. While most settings are consistent, some, like frame interpolation (labeled "MEMC"), are unavailable in specific modes like "Office." But here's where it gets controversial: The picture mode names are the same for both SDR and HDR, and while JMGO states they store settings separately, my tests confirmed this. You can fine-tune gamma settings for each independently, and they'll switch automatically when you change input types. Do you prefer a more cinematic look or a brighter, more vivid image? Let me know your preference in the comments!
During my initial viewing tests, I found myself torn between "Movie" mode for its color accuracy and shadow detail, and "Standard" mode for its better shadow detail, good color, and brighter image. Ultimately, I leaned towards Standard mode, making two key adjustments: I calibrated the brightness (black level) and disabled frame interpolation. Why? Because even at its lowest setting, frame interpolation created an obtrusive "soap opera effect" that made film content look like digital video.
With my adjustments, the SDR image quality was more than satisfactory for most viewers. Colors were pleasing, black levels were suitably deep, and shadow detail was excellent, allowing me to appreciate the nuances in dark scenes. While contrast in bright scenes was a bit low, leading to slightly flatter colors, the overall image was more than acceptable for the price point.
Now, for a point of contention: I did notice relatively frequent rainbow artifacts. These are those fleeting red/green/blue flashes common in single-chip DLP projectors. If you're particularly sensitive to these, I highly recommend purchasing from a retailer with a good return policy so you can test it yourself.
For HDR viewing, I also opted for Standard mode and disabled frame interpolation. The image quality was remarkably similar to SDR, with the notable improvement being enhanced contrast in brighter scenes, which gave colors a more vibrant "pop." The propensity for rainbow artifacts remained the same.
Gamers, rejoice! The N1S 4K offers lag times low enough for casual gaming. With the ultra-low-latency setting, I measured input lag at a snappy 18.3ms for 4K/60Hz and 18.4ms for 1080p/60Hz. While JMGO claims support for 240Hz, my test equipment couldn't sync at that refresh rate.
Brightness: Powering Your Viewing Experience
The N1S 4K is rated at 1,100 ISO lumens. However, as is often the case with projectors, using the absolute brightest setting can introduce a green bias that might not be ideal for all viewing scenarios. For my preferred settings, Movie mode delivered brightness comparable to 550-600 ISO lumens, while Standard mode was closer to 725-775 ISO lumens. Both were more than capable of illuminating a 90-inch screen in a dark room. Standard mode even provided a watchable 85-inch picture in a family room at night with the lights on, and was still discernible, albeit washed out, on a bright afternoon.
Here's a crucial detail for your viewing strategy: For my official disc-based viewing tests, HDR content appeared significantly dimmer than SDR content at the same image size. This meant I had to opt for a smaller image for HDR, around 56 inches diagonally. The good news? This dimming issue wasn't present in my ad hoc streaming tests. What's your preferred screen size for different content types? Share your thoughts below!
