No space? No problem: the short-range projector Fengmi Formovii R1 Nano in the test

Mini projectors are available for less than 100 euros, but they are usually usable from around 200 euros, as our top list of the best mini projectors with Full HD show (best list). What all these devices have in common is that they have to be installed at a certain distance from the screen. But what if there is not enough space for that? Then so-called UST projectors (Ultra Short Throw) are used, which can be installed only a few centimeters in front of and below the projection surface. Nevertheless, depending on the device, they have a screen diagonal of more than 100 inches, which is more than that of affordable televisions and is also significantly more compact than giant screens.

The extremely useful Fengmi Formuvi R1 Nano aims to prove in the test that such devices do not have to be extremely expensive.

The Fengmi Formuvi R1 Nano is currently available only for 516 Euros Including shipping from Czech Republic at Banggood with 100-inch ALR screen (Ambient Light Rejecting). 848 euros,

The Fengmi R1 Nano is an ultra-short-distance projector characterized by its particularly compact design. With a size of only 20 × 20 cm and a weight of 1.44 kg, it is the smallest of its kind, making it not only space-saving, but also extremely mobile. You can easily put it in a backpack and take it to friends’ houses to enjoy movies or games. However, since it does not have a battery, the power cord must always be with you and there must be a socket nearby.

The small black box is made mostly of plastic, but it doesn’t look cheap at all thanks to the outer mesh surface. The whole workmanship looks surprisingly good; there’s only one button to operate it.

UST projectors require a surface that is as perfectly flat as possible onto which they project content. Due to the flat angle and the short distance to this surface, any unevenness quickly becomes unsightly. We therefore recommend special ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) or CLR (Ceiling Light Rejecting) screens that were designed specifically for UST projectors. The Fengmi ForMovie R1 Nano is then placed just below the bottom edge of the screen and held 20 to 60 cm in front of the screen, depending on the desired image diagonal. The Bluetooth remote control on our model did not work initially and had to be trained first.

To do this, after inserting the batteries, press the on/off button on the projector and then the confirmation button on the remote control to start the connection. Then the Home and Menu buttons must be pressed at the same time until a beep sounds – done. It is best to keep the remote control and the projector no more than 20 cm apart. It is not possible to control the projector without the remote control.

The R1 Nano has a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, i.e. Full HD. However, it can also play content in 4K, which is reduced accordingly. At least this makes it somewhat future-proof, other models refuse to work here; the contrast ratio is 2000:1, the brightness is 1,200 ANSI lumens – not extreme values ​​and an indication that the projector should be used in dark rooms. Lasers with ALPD technology (Advanced Laser Phosphor Display) are used as a light source. This technology ensures uniform illumination.

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The projector can project image diagonals between 40 and 120 inches. This corresponds to a maximum image size of about three meters. The distance to the wall is only 20 to 60 cm, so that the UST projector can be used even in confined spaces.

Since the projector is very bright when viewed in direct light and uses a laser, safety is an important aspect. The R1 Nano has a sensor that detects motion and people in front of the projection. When a person is detected, the image automatically turns off to prevent anyone from looking directly at the light source. This function can also be deactivated if necessary.

Practical: The R1 Nano offers automatic keystone correction, which adjusts the image so that it is always rectangular and distortion-free, regardless of the installation angle. Image sharpness is also automatically controlled, which makes operation easier and always ensures an optimal image.

The connections are HDMI, USB-A and USB-C, power is supplied to the projector via the latter. The device emits sound through two 5-watt speakers; alternatively, speakers can be connected via a 3.5 millimeter jack connection (line out). Alternatively, images from a tablet or smartphone come to the big screen via AirPlay and screen mirroring.

The operating system of the R1 Nano is the in-house Feng OS, which is based on Android 9. It is designed primarily for the Chinese market and offers many functions that can only be used in China, not least the menu language can be changed to English. European users are therefore better advised to connect an external device such as a laptop, TV stick or console to use streaming services such as Netflix or Prime Video. After all, the system offers some customization options for sound and, above all, the image, so that it can be adapted to the user’s personal taste.

With a resolution of 1920×1080 pixels, it should be obvious that the Fengmi Formovie R1 Nano lacks every last bit of image sharpness when you compare it directly with a 4K projector with proper feed content. Still, the picture is overall pleasant thanks to adequate sharpness, strong colours and good contrast. However, this only applies if you darken the room the projector is running in – ideally completely. In daylight, contrast, colours and general image content are mercilessly lost, even if there is no direct light falling on the screen.

A gray contrasting screen cannot save much here – although it increases contrast as the name suggests, it also reduces brightness. Proper intermediate image calculation is also lacking. If you are sensitive to the subliminal jerkiness of 24 fps recording or cannot live with slight ghosting in football broadcasts, you should choose the significantly more expensive models. The sound from the two 5-watt speakers is not exactly full, but it is surprisingly enough for a few series episodes.

The Fengmi Formuvi R1 Nano is currently available only for 516 Euros Including shipping from Czech Republic at Banggood with 100-inch ALR screen (Ambient Light Rejecting). 848 euros. In the price widget below we show cheap and popular options.

The Fengmi Formovie R1 Nano is an impressive short-range projector that impresses with its ultra-compact size and powerful projection. With Full HD resolution, it doesn’t come close to significantly more expensive 4K models in terms of image sharpness, but at least it can play 4K content without any problems. The brightness of 1,200 ANSI lumens is also not enough to produce a good image in daylight, but in dark environments it is not a problem. Then there is a lot of fun in streaming or linear television with suitable players up to 120 inches – for just over 500 euros, no television even comes close to it, at least in terms of size.

Automatic keystone correction and image sharpening as well as security functions make the UST projector user-friendly and safe. Despite the operating system targeted for the Chinese market, the projector can also be easily used in Europe if you connect an external device such as the FireTV Stick. Anyone looking for an ultra-compact and powerful short-range projector for little money should be very satisfied with the Fengmi R1 Nano.

The following articles provide more information on the topic of short-range projectors: