At some point, nearly every tech enthusiast has looked at new TVs and thought a large screen would be ideal not only for gaming, but also for movies and TV shows. For those who lack the space, however, the idea often remains just a wish. An increasingly popular alternative has been to use a projector, which takes up significantly less space while providing comparable video quality at larger sizes when set up properly.
So when JMGO offered its new N1S 4K projector, I was quick to take the opportunity to try it. The device boasts features such as Google TV, 4K maximum resolution, built-in speakers, gimbal projection and a wide range of projection angles. With all of that, my wish for a large display to watch my videos and shows on had the potential to come true.
Starting with the unboxing, I was surprised to see the JMGO N1S 4K packaged inside a hard-foam carrying case. While not the most durable material, it should be more than enough to protect the projector and its accessories during transport. Opening the case reveals the projector itself, along with a remote and a power adapter roughly the size of a mid-range laptop charger.
“The video quality exceeded my expectations, with playback looking smooth and sharp.”
Looking at the JMGO N1S 4K itself, it comes with a built-in adjustable stand with a tripod screw mount on the bottom base. This adds extra flexibility for mounting options, such as using the projector in a classroom or for outdoor use. Along the back of the projector itself, you find the HDMI 2.1 and USB Type A ports for connecting laptops, gaming consoles or DVD/Blu-ray players or other devices. Along both sides are the impressive 10W Dolby speakers, but we will dive into those more later in my review. As a whole, I appreciated the overall compactness and minimalistic appearance of the projector, as many projectors are often much larger in size.
To keep the spec nerds happy, let’s get some of the details of the projector on the table straight away. The JMGO N1S 4K has a total brightness of 1100 ISO Lumens, capable of projecting up to a 200” screen. It is powered by a Mediatek MT9629 chipset with 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage, ensuring you can have a wide range of sources of video content, potentially minimizing the need for extra cables. The JMGO N1S 4K has a respectable contrast ratio of 1600:1 and a throw ratio of 1.2:1. The inclusion of Wi-Fi and Bluetooth provides added connectivity for those wanting to cast video from portable devices such as phones or tablets.
Setting up the projector was straightforward, similar to installing a Google Chromecast. After entering my Google account details and downloading the apps I use to watch content, the entire setup took less than 10 minutes and was seamless. As an iPhone user, I needed to install a couple of additional apps not typically included on my phone, so Android users may find the setup even faster.
One of the first features that impressed me during my time with the JMGO N1S 4K was its gimbal projection. This proved especially useful when setting the projector on my nightstand or other surfaces that were not directly aligned with the wall or screen. While I occasionally needed to scale or pan the image to fit better, as long as I did not move the projector, the adjustment only had to be made once.
“Thanks to JMGO designing the N1S 4K to run on Google TV, I rarely ever find myself needing to run any additional cables.”
The video quality exceeded my expectations, with playback looking smooth and sharp. Even when watching in daylight with the blinds open, I was impressed by how vibrant and clear the image appeared. In many cases, the quality was better than what I had seen on some laptops I have reviewed. While 1,100 ISO lumens is about as low as I would consider acceptable for a home projector, I found it provided enough brightness to enjoy all types of content. Those looking to use a projector in bright or direct sunlight may want to consider a higher-lumen model.
Colour accuracy was equally strong, with the projector delivering 110 per cent of the BT.2020 colour gamut. This made colours pop with vibrancy, while blacks and darker tones appeared deep and realistic. Because of this, I often used the JMGO N1S 4K as a TV replacement in my room, whether for watching movies or playing video games.
Thanks to JMGO designing the N1S 4K to run on Google TV, I rarely ever find myself needing to run any additional cables to the projector to watch videos from sources such as Netflix, YouTube, Plex and many other popular streaming services, something I found myself making use of every time I used it. This gave me the added convenience of not having to use valuable screen space and battery life on my laptop while working or using other apps that would typically be in smaller windows while watching my content.
The included remote control features quick-access buttons for YouTube, Netflix and Prime Video. These shortcuts make it easy to handle a variety of tasks, such as changing settings, adjusting volume or switching input sources. While I would have liked the option to set custom presets, the projector was fast enough that moving between apps was quick, with minimal loading times.
Gamers will find the JMGO N1S 4K well-suited for extended sessions. With support for either 1080p at 120 Hz or 4K at 60 Hz, gameplay felt smooth and immersive. To further enhance performance, you can enable low-latency or ultra-low-latency mode. It is worth noting, however, that enabling ultra-low latency disables gimbal projection, which means the projector must be positioned directly in front of the viewing surface.
The audio quality was impressive for such a compact projector. The JMGO N1S 4K includes dual 10-watt Dolby speakers that were more than loud enough to fill my room and delivered clear sound for dialogue and effects in movies. For those with Bluetooth sound systems, the projector can connect wirelessly to provide a surround-sound experience without the need for additional wiring indoors or outdoors. Another practical feature is the ability to connect Bluetooth headphones for private listening, such as when watching a movie next to a sleeping partner.
Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed not only the JMGO N1S 4K’s features, but also the overall experience it delivered over several weeks of use. Having a projector that could serve both productivity needs and entertainment purposes made it a vital piece of tech in my small bedroom. I found myself using it for several hours every day. While higher-priced projectors may offer superior colour accuracy or brightness, the JMGO N1S 4K stands out as a strong option that is well worth considering for its price.
