Which Samsung phone has a projector?
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Samsung has not released a mainstream smartphone with a built-in projector in recent years. However, in the past, Samsung did offer a few phones that included a built-in projector feature, primarily through projector modules or pico projectors embedded within the device.
Phones with Built-in Projectors (Historically):
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Samsung Galaxy Beam (2012-2013):
- Galaxy Beam was one of Samsung's smartphones that featured a built-in pico projector. It was designed to project media (videos, images, etc.) directly from the phone onto a wall or surface. The Galaxy Beam had a 15-lumen projector embedded in the phone’s body, which was decent for projecting content in low-light settings.
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Key Features:
- 4-inch display
- 5MP camera
- 15-lumen projector
- Android 2.3 Gingerbread
- Battery: 2000mAh
Unfortunately, the Galaxy Beam didn’t see much success in the market, and Samsung discontinued the device. As a result, Samsung hasn't included built-in projectors in its newer flagship or mid-range models.
Alternatives if You Want a Projector with a Samsung Phone:
Although current Samsung smartphones don’t come with built-in projectors, you can still project content from your Samsung phone by using external projectors or pico projectors that can be easily connected to your phone via USB, HDMI, or wireless casting. Here are some ways you can use your phone as a media source for projection:
1. External Mini Projectors (Pico Projectors):
- Mini Projectors are portable, compact projectors that can connect to your smartphone via HDMI, USB, or wirelessly. They can be easily paired with Samsung phones using adapters or wireless technology like Miracast or Chromecast.
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Examples:
- Anker Nebula Capsule
- ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus
- Kodak Luma 350
- Epson EF-100 (compact and portable, great for presentations or movies)
2. Screen Mirroring Apps:
- You can cast your Samsung phone's screen to a projector using wireless screen mirroring technologies:
- Samsung DeX (for compatible Samsung devices): Can mirror your phone's screen to a larger display via HDMI.
- Google Home (Chromecast-enabled projectors): Allows casting your Samsung phone’s screen wirelessly to a projector with a Chromecast.
- Miracast: Allows you to wirelessly project your phone’s display to a Miracast-enabled projector.
3. Projector Case Accessories:
- If you're interested in a unique solution, some third-party companies sell projector cases or pico projector accessories that attach to your phone to project content. These cases are typically for older phone models and add the capability of projecting media, although the quality and brightness are often much lower than standalone projectors.
Why Samsung Stopped Making Built-in Projector Phones:
- Demand: The integrated projector feature in phones like the Galaxy Beam didn’t attract a large user base, and the demand for projector-integrated phones was low. Users often prefer separate, dedicated projectors for high-quality projection.
- Battery and Performance: The built-in projectors in phones consumed a lot of battery life, and the brightness levels were not suitable for projection in many lighting conditions.
Conclusion:
Samsung no longer includes built-in projectors in their smartphones, with the Galaxy Beam series being the last to feature a pico projector. If you're looking to project content from your Samsung phone, the best option is to use an external mini projector or screen mirroring app.
If you'd like recommendations for external projectors or need help setting up your Samsung phone for projection, feel free to ask!