I’ve wanted a projector for outdoor movie nights for some time, but most projectors are just too expensive for the amount we will use it. The cheaper ones lack decent quality. I finally decided to try the MAGCUBIC HY320, which promised great value for money, and I’m thrilled with it.
First Impressions
After owning the HY320 for almost six months, I can say that it’s a fantastic budget friendly projector. The setup took only a couple of minutes. The projector is lightweight which makes it ideal for setting up in different locations, including the garden on warm summer evenings.
Image Quality and Performance
For the price, the HY320 delivers impressive image quality with a 1080p native resolution. When used in darker environments, the colours are vivid, and the sharpness is more than enough for casual viewing. Like all projectors, it performs best with the curtains closed. It also performs fairly well with some light leakage around the curtains.
One area that could be improved is the contrast. In some darker scenes, it struggles to show detail in the shadows, and the blacks aren’t as deep as you might expect from a more expensive projector. However, given its price point, it performs well enough for most content, especially casual family movies.
Portability and Design
The projector is compact, lightweight, and easy to transport, making it ideal for outdoor use or taking it with you on holiday or to a friends house.
Usability and Features
The projector runs on Android 11, which means it has built-in access to streaming services like Netflix and YouTube, much like a smart TV. This works well, however, I usually plug my firestick in for ease. The projector also supports Miracast for screen mirroring, which has been a handy feature for extending my computer screen wirelessly.
The built-in speaker was surprisingly good, however, I would definitely recommend using an external Bluetooth speaker for louder and better sound quality.
Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Affordable price for a 1080p projector
- Lightweight and portable for easy setup anywhere
- Bright enough for evening use without complete darkness
- Built-in Android system and connectivity options like Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and HDMI
- Great for casual viewing outdoors or in small spaces
Cons:
- Contrast could be better, especially for darker scenes
- The built-in speaker is adequate but an external Bluetooth speaker is recommended
Final Thoughts
The MAGCUBIC HY320 has proven to be a good entry level projector. While it’s not perfect, it has far exceeded my expectations given the low price. If you’re looking for an affordable projector for casual viewing, the HY320 offers great value for money. It’s an excellent choice for a first projector and it would also make a fantastic Birthday or Christmas present. It’s also a cheap way to see if you’ll get good use out of a projector before spending a larger amount of money on an upgraded model.
