Samsung Freestyle 2 test: the projo that replaces your TV and your game console

Allison Murray/ZDNET

There is a saying that says: “Don’t fix what isn’t broken”. I firmly believe in it. Especially when it comes to technological products and the arrival of new versions is sometimes unnecessary.

However, after trying the new generation of the Samsung Freestyle 2, I can say that this portable projector may win the palm of the best technological gadget that I have tried so far in 2023.

But first, what are the changes? There are not many significant differences between the original model and the second generation projector, but here are some that deserve to be highlighted: the Smart Edge Blending that allows you to use two Freestyle projectors to create a single and very large image with a ration of up to 29.3:9, the solar remote control instead of a battery-powered remote control, more memory for faster performance, and the difference that seems to me the most notable, the Samsung Gaming Hub.

The power of autonomy

I’m not a player. But my husband is a casual gamer. So I put it to the test to test this feature. What is very interesting about the Samsung Gaming Hub is that you don’t need a physical console to play a game, but only Freestyle 2, internet access and a gamepad.

You will have to subscribe to streaming services like Xbox or GeForce Now, but there are also free games.

My husband was able to play at Rocket League thanks to a free subscription to GeForce Now, and other free games like Fortnite were also available. The overall gaming experience will depend on your Wi-Fi connection of course. But the graphics were smooth, and the Samsung Freestyle 2 loaded the games quickly with virtually no problems.

Indoors or outdoors

And it’s a unique experience to be able to play games on the outside wall of your house, or to project them on the ceiling above your bed, without being tied to a specific room or a particular game console.

Allison Murray/ZDNET

In addition to the playful aspect, the Samsung Freestyle 2 is a quality projector. It is very easy to install and use. All it takes is a Wi-Fi connection. And you don’t need to bother with an extension cord since the device can use an internal battery, which allows you to use it practically anywhere.

The device is preloaded with many streaming services such as Netflix, Disney+, Hulu, Prime Video and many more. Which allows you to quickly log in to your accounts and start watching various streaming content.

What impressed me the most, by far, was the sound

But what impressed me the most, by far, was the sound. It comes from the built-in 5W 360-degree speaker and, for such a small speaker, it packs a punch. During a night viewing of a movie outdoors in high winds, we could hear the sound clear and loud, almost as if we were inside and the sound surrounded us.

In short, the Samsung Freestyle 2 blew me away, also by its image quality and its ability to autofocus, whether projecting on an inclined ceiling or on a projector screen. Not to mention the overall experience of installing and streaming video. For me, technology needs to make things faster and more accessible, and that’s exactly what this device does, especially thanks to its portability.

ZDNET’s buying tips for the Samsung Freestyle 2

If you are a gamer and you want to be able to play games without a console, the Samsung Freestyle 2, currently sold at € 800, is an excellent option that allows you to play camping, outdoors, literally anywhere (as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection).

However, if you are buying a Samsung Freestyle for the cinematic experience, the specifications of the first generation are similar enough that you can save your pennies and still get the best projector possible. Whichever model you choose, if you are looking for a portable or outdoor projector, this is, in my opinion, the best on the market.

Source: “ZDNet.com “