Let’s dive into the INFGO P1 projector, a device that’s been making some waves with its unique features and budget-friendly price tag. If you’re navigating the crowded projector market, this one might have already popped up on your radar, especially with its eye-catching 360-degree stand. This projector isn’t just another box that throws an image on the wall.
The INFGO P1 aims to stand out with a few key highlights, including its incredibly flexible 360° rotatable stand, a dust-proof sealed optical engine for better longevity, and a bright, clear picture thanks to its 800 ANSI lumens and native 1080p Full HD resolution. Furthermore, it comes packed with smart features like pre-installed Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, and even the Google Play Store, all at an affordable price point that, with an Amazon, can be around $199.99. So, it looks pretty good on paper, but how does it perform in the real world? We got our hands on one to find out.
Design and Build Quality
The projector’s dimensions are 240mm x 185mm x 170mm, and it weighs in at 2015 grams (or about 4.44 pounds). It would be even more compact without its gimbal stand, but that stand is a core part of its appeal and doesn’t seem to be removable. The 360-degree gimbal stand is genuinely impressive; it’s big, sturdy, and allows for incredibly versatile positioning. It moves smoothly, though I did notice a slight squeaking sound during rotation – a minor point considering its price. The base of the stand has four rubberized feet to keep it from sliding around, and there’s a 1/4-inch mounting screw hole on the bottom, so you can attach it to a tripod if needed.
The main body of the projector is made of plastic, but the front panel features a fabric finish, which adds a touch of premium feel. The lens is protected by a film that you’ll need to remove. Centered below the lens is a camera system for auto-focus and auto keystone correction, alongside an infrared (IR) receiver for the remote. The INFGO logo is also on the front. The user manual indicates the speaker is also located on the front, likely behind the fabric under the logo.
The back panel is quite minimalist, housing only the power connector and a second IR receiver. All the connectivity ports are conveniently located on the left side (when looking from the front), including a LAN port for Ethernet, an HDMI port, a USB port, an S/PDIF (optical audio out) port, and a headphone jack. It’s great to see both LAN and S/PDIF ports on a projector in this price range, offering more robust connectivity options. The air intake vent is on the right side, and the cooling vent is on the left, near the ports. The only physical button on the projector is the power button, located on the top.
The remote control is pretty standard but functional, including essential navigation buttons, volume, home, a cursor button (mouse mode), and importantly, focus adjustment buttons. Compared to other projectors with similar gimbal stands, the INFGO P1 is relatively compact, though not the absolute smallest we’ve seen.
Smart System and User Interface
When you power on the INFGO P1, you’re greeted by the INFGO logo, followed by an “Android TV” animation. However, upon digging into the settings, it’s revealed to be running Android 12, with a system identification of “ZUI Smart projection version 1.0.” This type of smart system is common on many budget-friendly projectors. The home screen is user-friendly, with popular apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Spotify readily accessible. There are also sections for Trending Apps and Recently Viewed.
The “Apps” section reveals more pre-installed utilities such as a File Manager, a Bluetooth Speaker function (to use the projector as a standalone speaker), iOSCast for Apple device screen mirroring, Miracast for Android device screen mirroring, the Google Play Store, a separate “App Store,” an Office Suite, and VLC player.
Network and Connectivity
Network settings are comprehensive. You can connect via Wi-Fi, which supports dual-band Wi-Fi 6, or use a wired Ethernet connection thanks to the LAN port. There’s even an option to turn the projector into a Wi-Fi hotspot. In the Bluetooth menu, you can connect external devices like wireless earbuds or speakers, which is a welcome feature if you want a more immersive audio experience.
Projection Settings
The projection settings menu is packed with options to fine-tune your image. For screen focus, you have choices like Power On Auto Focus, Displacement Auto Focus (which refocuses if the projector is moved), a dedicated Auto Focus function, and Manual Focus. You can also use the Digital Zoom to reduce the image size without physically moving the projector. Keystone correction options are plentiful, including Power On Auto Keystone, Displacement Auto Keystone, Automatic Obstacle Avoidance, Automatic Screen Fit, a dedicated Auto Keystone Correction function, Manual Keystone Correction, and a Keystone Correction Reset.
Additionally, there’s Automatic Vertical Correction and various Projection Modes such as Front Desktop, Desktop, Front Ceiling, and Rear Ceiling. You can also adjust language, date, system updates, and other miscellaneous settings.
Performance
Screen mirroring is a key feature for many, and the INFGO P1 supports both Android devices via Miracast and iOS devices via iOSCast. For iOSCast, ensure your iPhone and the projector are on the same Wi-Fi network. Then, simply select screen mirroring on your iPhone and choose the INFGO projector. I tested this with an iPhone, and the latency was remarkably low – scrolling through Instagram felt almost instantaneous on the projected screen.
The Bluetooth speaker mode works as advertised; connect your smartphone to the projector via Bluetooth, and the projector becomes a speaker for your phone’s audio. This is handy, as the projector’s speaker is significantly louder than any phone speaker.
Audio Quality and Fan Noise
The built-in speaker is quite loud, which helps to overcome the fan noise. However, the audio quality itself is average – it gets the job done for casual viewing but lacks richness and deep bass. For a more cinematic experience, connecting external speakers via Bluetooth or the S/PDIF/headphone jack is recommended.
Unfortunately, the fan noise is noticeable. I measured it at around 53 decibels when close to the projector and about 47 decibels from a meter away. While the speaker can often drown it out during movies, the hum will be audible in quieter scenes.
Image Quality
This is where a projector truly shines or falls short. The INFGO P1 has a native 1080p Full HD (1920 x 1080 pixels) resolution. This means it displays a true high-definition image without downscaling, which is excellent for a budget projector. The manufacturer claims a brightness of 800 ANSI lumens and a contrast ratio of 20,000:1. While the contrast ratio figure might be a bit on the optimistic side (as is common with many projector specs), the image is indeed quite bright. You can comfortably watch it even in a room with some ambient light, although, like all projectors, it performs best in a dark environment where colors appear more vibrant and blacks are deeper.
I tested the projection at around 80 inches, and then expanded it to approximately 120 inches, and the image quality held up well. The colors are generally vibrant and pleasing to the eye. One thing I couldn’t find were specific picture mode settings (like Cinema, Vivid, Standard); it seems the projector handles image processing automatically, or perhaps these settings are buried deeper, but they weren’t obvious.
Final Thoughts on the INFGO P1
The INFGO P1 is a compelling budget projector, especially when you can find it for around $160. Its unique 360° gimbal stand offers fantastic placement flexibility, and the good image quality, stemming from its native 1080p resolution and decent 800 ANSI lumens brightness, makes for a clear and enjoyable viewing experience. The comprehensive smart system, running Android 12 with pre-installed Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Google Play Store, and robust screen mirroring options, adds significant value. The dust-proof optical engine should contribute to a longer lifespan, and its connectivity options, including LAN, HDMI, USB, S/PDIF, and a headphone jack, are quite good for the price. Its compact design also makes it easy to move around or store.
However, it’s not without a couple of downsides. The fan noise is louder than some competitors, which could be distracting for some. Also, while the speaker is loud, the audio fidelity is average. For its affordable price, the INFGO P1 offers a lot. The combination of a versatile design, good image quality, and a capable smart system makes it a very attractive option for anyone looking for a home entertainment projector without breaking the bank. If you can manage the fan noise (perhaps by using external audio), it’s a solid performer.
