Best Mini Projector For iPhone To Fit In Your Pocket

Ian Mutuli
Updated on
Ian Mutuli

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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A mini projector that pairs perfectly with your iPhone can turn any space into a personal theater, whether you're watching movies, giving presentations, or showing off photos. The best part? You can get performance without sacrificing portability. These days there are compact, lightweight projectors that fit in your pocket, so you can take the fun wherever you go. Whether you want to show holiday movies on the road with friends or just want to have a last-minute movie night at home, the right mini projector can make the difference.

Choosing the right mini projector involves finding one that offers great image quality, easy iPhone connectivity, and long-lasting battery life, all while being small enough to slip into your bag or pocket. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the best mini projectors for iPhone that are designed to deliver big performance in a tiny package, ensuring you never miss out on an opportunity to share or enjoy content.

Let's get started!

What Is A Projector For iPhone?

Image Source: eu.xgimi.com

A projector is a device for casting an image from a device like a phone to a screen for a more extensive viewing experience. Projectors for iPhones are catered towards the iPhone ecosystem, making it easier for anyone who owns an iPhone to enjoy gaming, movies, presentations, and more.

We have enjoyed using projectors, and here is the best mini projector for iPhone we have sampled over time:

1. AuKing Mini Projector

Sale
AuKing Mini Projector 2022 Upgraded Portable...
  • ★【Superior Home Theater Projector 】2022 Upgraded mini...
  • ★【Big Screen & Built-in Speakers】The mini projector has a...
  • ★【Low Noise & Long Lamp Life】The projector is lower in...
  • ★【Multiple Devices Connection & Portable】This portable...
  • ★【2 Year Satisfied Warranty】Our team offers every customer...

The AuKing mini projector for iPhone is an excellent buy because it has built-in speakers and is made for big-screen entertainment. These best mini projectors are affordable and the most reviewed in big online stores, smashing the standards set by other mini projectors and getting ahead of the pack. We found the projector quite effective as it has a native resolution of 800x480 pixels and can support resolutions up to 1080p.

The AuKing mini projector has a 55000 lamp life and is a good choice. Although the projector is big, it can project images up to 170 inches and it is also a projector for bigger rooms. It also includes a built-in speaker, but for greater sound quality, we connected it to an external speaker. AuKing's bright lamp with excellent image quality made my movies and games more enjoyable. It also comes with a remote control for convenient operation from a distance.

Pros:

  • Low noise.
  • Long lamp life.
  • 2-year warranty.
  • Portable mini projector.
  • Full HD resolution with 1080 support.
  • Supports HDMI, VGA, USB, TF Card, AV, and TV Box.

Cons:

  • Wired connection only.

2. Meer Mini Projector

Sale
Meer Mini Projector,Portable Movie Projector,Smart Home...
  • SMALL & PORTABLE: This pocket size projector is only...
  • POWERED BY A POWER BANK: The projector does not have its own...
  • MULTI PORTS:Equipped with various ports such as USB / HDMI / AV /...
  • PERFORMANCE: 400 Lumens; Support resolution:1080P; Aspect ratio:...
  • HOW TO CONNECT : To realize direct connection with your...

The Meer company produces the best portable mini projectors designed for home entertainment. Its compact and lightweight design was handy as we could easily transport and set it up in different locations.

One of the standout features of the Meer Mini Projector is its smart home compatibility. It is designed to work with iOS devices, allowing you to easily connect your iPhone or iPad and stream content directly to the projector. This makes it a great option for watching movies or TV shows, playing games, or giving presentations.

What we don’t like about the Meer Mini Projector is that this one, unfortunately, has a native resolution of 480 x 320 pixels, which is lower than some other projectors out there. While it can only do up to 1080p, you can get access to amazingly high-quality video content. This projector can project a maximum of 60 inches enabling it to be used in small rooms or outdoors.

Besides being smart home compatible, Meer Mini Projector has different connectivity options. The HDMI, USB, and AV inputs help you connect multiple devices, such as a laptop, gaming console, and DVD player. It’s also equipped with a built-in speaker, but you can connect external speakers for improved audio response.

Pros:

  • It has a built-in speaker.
  • Projection size up to 60 inches.
  • It is equipped with various ports.
  • Has various connectivity options.

Cons:

  • It does not have a battery.

3. FANGOR 230" Portable Movie Projector with Tripod

Sale
1080P HD Projector, WiFi Projector Bluetooth Projector,...
  • ❤【NATIVE 1080P FULL HD RESOLUTIONS】 With native resolution...
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  • ❤【BLUETOOTH & SURROUND SPEAKER】 Build-in stereo surround...
  • ❤【COMPATIBLE DEVICES】This outdoor movie projector is very...
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The FANGOR 1080P HD Projector is a portable movie projector feature with wifi connectivity, Bluetooth compatibility and enormous projection size of up to 230 inches. It also features a tripod stand for your convenience!

With a native resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels, Full HD, the FANGOR projector can go up to 4k. We liked the fact that the mini iPhone projector has a high brightness of 6,500 lumens, and it can be used in a brighter environment. It has a high contrast ratio of 8000:It 1s allowing deep blacks and bright whites in images and videos.

Something we found particularly effective was that the FANGOR projector has lots of wireless connectivity options. That the mini projector has built-in wifi that enabled us to easily connect it to our home network and stream content from Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube was also nice.

FANGOR projector has various connectivity options such as HDMI, USB, VGA, and AV inputs. This comes with a tripod stand for extra convenience: you can easily extend and adjust its height and angle. It also packs a built-in rechargeable battery that lasts about 2.5 hours of continuous use.

Pros:

  • Has a wifi Connection.
  • It has a 65000Hrs Lamp Life.
  • Has a Built-in stereo surround speaker.
  • Has HDMI, AV, VGA, and SD Card ports.
  • It supports 4K and with a true native 1920 x 1080 resolution.

Cons:

  • Does not support Netflix, amazon prime, Disney, and Hulu.
  • Does not support Dolby.

4. Anker Nebula Capsule

Anker NEBULA Capsule, Smart Wi-Fi Mini Projector, 100...
  • Remarkable Clarity and Contrast: DLP's advanced IntelliBright...
  • 360° Speaker: Equipped with a powerful omnidirectional speaker,...
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  • Android 7.1: Run streaming and media apps flawlessly. Seamlessly...
  • NOTE: Copyrighted content from Hulu, Netflix, and similar...

The Anker NEBULA Capsule is a ultra compact yet powerful mini projector for entertainment or other multimedia use. It is designed to be sleek and lightweight that make it easy to use in different segments.

Another feature we spotted with the NEBULA Capsule is its cutting edge connectivity options. With built in wifi, you can connect to your home network and view content off of popular streaming service providers such as Netflix, YouTube, and Hulu. It also includes HDMI and USB inputs for hooking up all manner of devices — from phones and laptops to gaming consoles.

The NEBULA Capsule is also equipped with a high-quality LED light source, which provides bright and clear picture quality of up to 100 inches in size. It has a native resolution of 854x480 pixels but can support resolutions up to 1080p. Other features of the NEBULA Capsule that we liked were the built-in speaker, which produces decent sound quality, and a powerful battery lasting up to four hours of continuous use.

Pros:

  • Immersive omnidirectional sound.
  • Android OS built-in.
  • Google Assistant.
  • Autofocus.

Cons:

  • Pricey

 5. YABER Pro Y9 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector

YABER Pro Y9 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector, 15000LM 450...
  • ➤【Native 1080P & 15000LM 460 ANSI & 16000:1 Contrast】YABER...
  • ➤【Innovative Luminous Touch Buttons & Projector Screen &...
  • ➤【 5.1 Bluetooth & 2.4/5G WiFi Projector】PRO Y9 WiFi...
  • ➤【4P/4D Keystone Correction & 100%-50% Zoom】Pro Y9 4K...
  • ➤【Dustproof and Sealed Technology & 180,000 Hours Lamp...

If you're looking for a portable projector that pairs perfectly with your iPhone for on-the-go entertainment, the YABER Pro Y9 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector is a standout option. Offering impressive performance in a pocket-friendly design, this mini projector makes it easy to enjoy movies, presentations, or games anywhere you go.

With its wireless capabilities, the YABER Pro Y9 is a dream for iPhone owners. This projector is a great companion for showing off photos, playing games, and streaming movies from your device, with ease of connection and quality of display.

If you're an iPhone user preferring small, light and portable yet bang on quality, then the YABER Pro Y9 5G WiFi Bluetooth Projector is an excellent mini projector. Sharp visuals, smooth streaming, and an ideal solution for small spaces, travel and even a bit of casual entertainment make it a winner. If you don’t mind having a compact no matter where you go, this projector can be a perfect choice for protecting iPhone content.

Pros:

  • Has built-in 3W dual stereo speakers.
  • It has a lamp life of 100,000 hours.
  • Has a silent cooling system.

Cons:

  • It does not come with cables and adapters for smartphones and laptops.

Factors To Consider When Buying A Mini-Projector For iPhone

Buying a projector for my iPhone was not as straightforward as we thought. We would have bought any projector, but we wanted the best experience when watching or gaming on our iPhones. Here are the things we prioritized when buying my iPhone projector.

A) Price

We first look at the price range to avoid wasting time looking at projectors outside our scope, either on the lower or upper limit. There are many good and affordable projectors like the ones we have listed above. As long as the projector for iPhone fits our requirements, we would be good to go. The best portable projector is the one that fits our needs properly. We do not need to break the bank to find such a projector.

B) Portability

We would rather buy a TV screen without a portable mini projector. Whenever we travel, we enjoy bringing my mini projectors to different places, including the bedrooms and hotels. The projector must fit in your bag without feeling like another goad.

While most portable projectors come with their bag, small projectors should be able to fit in your bag without a hassle. Some projectors will fit in your jacket pocket, like the iPhone. This is where technology is headed, and we should embrace it.

C) Set-Up

We know that other “more important” features should precede the ease of setting up the iPhone to the projector, like the resolution. However, nothing is more frustrating and pointless such as having a really good projector that is a pain to use. If the projector is hard to set up, we would rather watch or play games from our phones. Knowing other things, like how to screen-share using a projector, will come in handy too.

A good projector has the ecosystem to set it up like the stand. A good stand should be able to pan around to make balancing the projector a bit easier. Also, the feet of the stand should balance out in case I am using the projector outdoors.

D) External Speakers

We have never felt the need for an external speaker on a projector. We love the experience we get from the AirPods. Mini projectors do not have enough speakers to compete with AirPods. However, there are moments when an external speaker would come in handy. For example, when using the projector when I have company, I use the external speaker.

Built-in speakers increase the size of the projector, which is why we have something against them. If we could find another option, we would pass on projectors with built-in speakers.

E) Resolution

There are many things we can let a projector fall short on. However, the projector resolution is where we are most strict. Imagine going to a movie cinema only for them to screen a movie in 1080. We would be mad. Technology today has evolved to a point where we are experimenting with 8k. The minimum we would want our projector to have is HD or 1080 if we have no choice. 4k would be nice.

Resolution test

Image credit: lazada.com.ph

Since we use an iPhone, 1080 would be fine because the clarity does not reduce up to 10 feet. We do not see a scenario where we must project a long distance from our phone. We would better get a larger projector for such a case.

F) Screen Throw

Screen throw is the projection distance between the iPhone and the screen. The best projector can handle throws of above 10 feet. However, we do not think we would need a larger throw than necessary.

It is vital to remember that the throw will depend on the resolution. If the resolution is higher, we can experiment with long throws. Each resolution has a maximum throw. There are projectors with an ultra-short throw for small rooms.

G) Screen Size

We are getting a projector because our iPhone screen is not large enough. Therefore, we try to look for a screen with decent real estate. A projector that can project images on the whole wall in high resolution would be the first one we would go for.

Most projectors’ screen sizes are adjustable, and the throw will determine the screen size after setting up. So be sure to check the projector’s maximum screen size before buying it.

H) Brightness Output

Often confused with the resolution, the projector’s brightness is one of the most important things we check in a projector. Brightness is measured in lumens, but other projectors refer to brightness as lux. Lumen is the amount of light the projector emits, which is not similar to mglux.

The brightness output will determine when and where we can use the projector. If the brightness is too low, we can only use the projector at night, which is not ideal. However, even at night, a projector with a low light output would require us to turn off any ambient light source in the house. This could be better.

I) Battery Life

We prefer wireless screen mirroring or projectors because we can move around or use our phones. However, for this to be possible, the projector needs to have a built-in battery for it to function at all. A good projector with a long battery life means I can go out in the woods and watch a movie without a hassle. Some projectors have the eco mode to keep the battery going for longer.

J) Contrast Ratio

Contrast is the range between the darkest and the brightest pixels. Different contrast options depend on what you do with the projector, including gaming or watching movies. The higher the contrast ratio, the crisper the image. We would go for a minimum of about 1000:1.

K) Keystone Correction

There are moments when getting the projector and the screen to cooperate is a nightmare. During those moments, keystone correction works like magic. Keystone correction ensures that the picture on the screen is balanced in all aspects.

L) Connectivity

Some projectors use a USB or HDMI port for connectivity, while others are wireless. A wireless projector has a considerable advantage over a wired one. However, a wireless connection might drain the battery faster than a wired connection for the projector and the phone. A Bluetooth projector is less messy to connect than using wires. We can easily mount a wireless projector to the ceiling.

M) LamgmgLife

Image Source: blog.bestbuy.ca

How long should a projector last you once you have made a purchase? A projector with a longer lamp life is preferable to a short one. Projectors today have good fan cooling technology to keep the lamp life longer than in the past.

N) Remote Control

A remote control will distinguish between comfort and a not-so-fun movie night. In addition, a remote control ensures you keep the perfect seating position you have already achieved.

O) Focus

It is easier to achieve focus on a projector with manual focus dials. These dials ensure that you can achieve focus once you have set the projector on a surface without moving it around.

Frequently Asked Questions on Projectors for iPhones

a) Can I connect my iPhone to a mini projector?

Yes, you can connect your iPhone to a mini projector. The process may vary depending on the type of mini projector you have and the model of your iPhone. An adapter cable is one common way to connect an iPhone to a mini projector. You can purchase an adapter cable with a Lightning connector on one end to plug into your iPhone and an HDMI or VGA connector on the other end to plug into the mini projector.

Alternatively, some mini projectors support wireless connectivity, allowing you to connect your iPhone to the mini projector using wifi or Bluetooth. You must ensure your iPhone and the mini projector are connected to the same wifi network or paired via Blumgmgoth.

Connecting Mini LED Projector to iPhone

Image credit: rickyspears.com

b)What is a good projector for iPhone?

Several projectors on the market are compatible with iPhones. You might consider a few options: Anker Nebula Capsule, The AuKing mini projector, and The PVO Mini Projector, among others mentioned above.

Ultimately, the best projector for your iPhone will depend on your specific needs and budget. When deciding, consider portability, resolution, brightness, and connectivity options.

c) Are mini projectors worth it?

Mini projectors can be a great option for people who want to enjoy movies, TV shows, or presentations on a big screen without having to spend a lot of money or deal with a bulky, heavy projector. They are generally more affordable and portable than full-size projectors, making them a convenient option for people who need a projector for occasional use or use on the go.

Mini projectors can vary in quality, brightness, and resolution, so it’s essential to research before purchasing one. Some mini projectors may not be as bright or clear as full-size projectors, and their image quality may not be as good in well-lit rooms. Additionally, some mini projectors may have limited connectivity options and may not be compatible with all devices.

d) Do iPhone projectors work?

Yes, iPhone projectors can work and provide a convenient way to watch movies, TV shows, or presentations on a larger screen. However, it’s important to note that not all projectors are compatible with iPhones, so choosing a projector specifically designed to work with iPhones or have compatible input ports is essential.

One way to connect an iPhone to a projector is to use an HDMI adapter that allows you to connect your iPhone to the projector via an HDMI cable. Another option is to use a wireless connection such as AirPlay or wifi Direct to connect your iPhone to the projector without cables.

Ian Mutuli

About the author

Ian Mutuli

Founder and Managing Editor of Archute. He is also a graduate architect from The University of Nairobi, Kenya.
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