In the past two years, projection products have become extremely popular. One of the main reasons is the growing demand for large screens, while the price of large TVs remains high. Additionally, as many internet companies have entered the TV industry, projectors have become a new platform for these brands—companies like Micro Whale, Xiaomi, LeEco, and others continue to launch innovative products. These not only help educate the market but also bring improved user experiences, breathing new life into the traditional projector industry.
Micro Whale, an internet brand that initially made its mark in the television sector, entered the projector market last year with impressive sales records. Its first product, the Micro Whale Rubik's Cube K1, was also developed by Tianji.com. In-depth reviews (click to view detailed evaluation) highlight that one of the product’s main drawbacks was its relatively low brightness compared to other micro-projectors. To address this issue, Micro Whale launched the Smart Projector F1 in June of this year, boasting up to 1200 ANSI lumens—setting a new benchmark for micro-projectors and nearly matching the brightness of standard home projectors (Click to view detailed evaluation). Two months later, the company released the upgraded version: the Micro Whale Smart Projector F1 PLUS. How does this new model perform? What improvements has it brought over the F1? Let’s take a closer look.
The F1 PLUS retains the same design as its predecessor but features a new color scheme: glacier ash, giving it a more sophisticated and elegant look. The top of the body is silver-gray, while the rest is white, making it appear softer and more refined. During an interview with the product manager, we learned that the design was inspired by Lake Geneva in Switzerland. The goal was to blend craftsmanship and aesthetics, reflecting the beauty of the lake and the precision of Swiss watchmaking. At the top of the device, instead of a flat surface, there are water ripple-like folds, adding a unique visual touch.
Measuring 210 x 200 x 50 mm and weighing just 1.2 kg, the F1 PLUS is still easy to handle with one hand, despite being slightly larger than the original model. From a configuration standpoint, the F1 PLUS is largely similar to the F1, featuring 1200 ANSI lumens of brightness, 1280x800 resolution, 10000:1 contrast, a 125% sRGB color gamut, and a light source lifespan of 30,000 hours. It uses DLP technology, supports a 1.2:1 projection ratio, and can project images from 40 to 300 inches. The lens is a highly transmissive glass lens, supporting ±40 degrees of vertical trapezoidal correction.
On the performance side, the F1 PLUS is powered by a 64-bit dual-core Cortex-A53 processor, with low-power technologies like adaptive voltage regulation (AVS) and dynamic frequency regulation (DVFS). The GPU supports H.265 decoding and 4K video playback. It also includes Bluetooth 4.1 and dual-band WiFi (2.4G/5GHz), ensuring smooth streaming even in crowded networks.
The interface is simple, with only a power button, focus button, a USB 3.0 port, an HDMI 2.0 port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. While it lacks a full range of ports, this reflects the product's positioning as a portable entertainment device rather than a high-end home theater system. Despite this, the F1 PLUS offers excellent portability and convenience.
The packaging is also well-designed, using high-quality black foam to protect the unit and a drawer-style layout for accessories, giving it a premium feel. The color gamut and contrast deliver excellent image quality. With 1200 lumens of brightness, the colors are vibrant and rich, offering a fresh, natural look that aligns with the style of previous Micro Whale TVs.
Testing showed that the F1 PLUS handles fine details well, with sharp edges and clear fonts. While it doesn’t match 4K or 1080P resolutions exactly, it performs impressively for a micro-projector. In dark environments, the contrast is strong, with deep blacks and good detail retention. Even when ambient light is present, the image remains clear and vivid, thanks to the high brightness.
The user interface is based on the familiar WUI system, which is smooth, intuitive, and supports voice control. Content libraries include platforms like Tencent Video, Mango TV, BBC, and more, along with exclusive VR content. A one-year diamond membership comes free with purchase, offering access to 4K content and live shows.
Sound quality is another standout feature. The F1 PLUS features dual 5W speakers with a 36mm active speaker and a 40mm passive bass cone, delivering stereo sound and immersive audio. Whether watching movies or listening to music, the audio experience is rich and balanced.
The device also supports screen mirroring, allowing users to cast content from their phones directly onto the big screen. This makes it ideal for gaming, presentations, or casual viewing. It also works offline via a hotspot, making it versatile for different scenarios.
Power consumption is low, with a measured wattage of around 65W, and noise levels are minimal at about 33 dB. The temperature remains manageable, with the top panel reaching around 31°C after extended use.
In conclusion, the Micro Whale Smart Projector F1 PLUS represents a significant step forward for micro-projectors. With its high brightness, compact size, and enhanced features, it transforms micro-projectors from novelty items into practical, everyday devices. It’s a great choice for anyone looking for a portable, high-quality entertainment solution.
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