ASUS ZenBeam L2 Review: Smart portable projector with battery
Today, we’re diving into the all-new ASUS ZenBeam L2 portable LED projector. This nifty gadget has the impressive capability of projecting a formidable 120-inch full HD image from a mere 3 meters away, promising an immersive viewing experience.
The ZenBeam L2 follows the successful footsteps of its predecessor, the ZenBeam Latte L1, in terms of a sleek design and the commitment to delivering high-quality visuals. With the added advantage of a built-in battery, you can enjoy prolonged viewing sessions.
One of the features of ZenBeam L2 projector is the presence of an Android TV set-top box. This integration allows you to effortlessly access and enjoy your preferred streaming applications.
Now, let’s unbox the ZenBeam L2 and explore its intriguing features in detail to showcase what this projector has to offer.
ASUS ZenBeam L2: Video Review
| Specs | ASUS ZenBeam L2 |
| Technology | LED DLP |
| Displayed Resolution | Full HD (1920 x 1080) |
| Maximum Resolution | 3840x2160 |
| Brightness | 960 LED Lumens/ 400 ANSI Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio | 400:1 |
| Color Saturation(NTSC | 120% sRGB |
| Throw Ratio | 1.2:1 |
| Projection Distance | 0.8 ~ 3.2 meters |
| Projection Size | 30"~120" |
| Focus | Auto |
| Sound System | 10-watt Harman Kardon |
| Noise | 28dBA |
| Battery | 65Wh |
| Battery Life | Up to 3.5hr (Battery Low mode) |
| Dimensions | 3.87" x 2.25" x 3.87" (132 x 172 x 132 mm) |
| Weight | 3.4 lbs (1.57 kg) |
Unboxing
The ASUS ZenBeam L2 arrives in a white, sturdy cardboard box that might surprise you with its size if you’re accustomed to smaller portable projectors. The box features a convenient handle at the top, making it easy to carry. The ASUS logo is located on the front panel and the main technical specifications are on the back panel.
Once you open the box, you will find the ASUS ZenBeam L2 projector in a beautiful carrying case.
In addition, there is a separate box containing the HAKO Mini Android TV complete with remote control.
For power and charging, ASUS provides a USB-C power adapter along with two separate cables, one with a plug designed for EU sockets and another for British sockets.
There is also a user manual and a warranty card to ensure that you are covered in case of any unexpected problems.
ASUS ZenBeam L2: Design
The exterior of the ZenBeam L2 showcases an attractive two-tone finish, blending charcoal and dark blue, creating a visually appealing contrast. The projector’s casing is made of metal and features small perforations, not just for looks but to assist in keeping the device cool during extended usage.
On the top side of the projector, you’ll find a detachable plastic cover. This cover incorporates three buttons and a small joystick, which serve as controls for navigating the projector’s menu and settings.
Underneath this cover, you’ll discover a space that contains a micro-HDMI connector and a small USB cable. This cable is intended for connecting the bundled HAKO mini Android TV box.
Turning to the back of the projector, you’ll find a well-thought-out array of ports and features. These include a USB-C power port, a 1.5A USB-A port that can serve as a charging point for your other devices, such as a smartphone. Additionally, there’s a 7.5W USB-C port that supports display input in DisplayPort Alt mode, providing versatile connectivity options. An HDMI port and a 3.5mm audio jack are also present, catering to various input sources and audio needs.
For convenience and user-friendliness, the ZenBeam L2 incorporates a tiny LED indicator that alerts you when the projector is running low on battery. Furthermore, there’s a small reset button, allowing you to easily restore the projector to its factory settings if needed.
The projector is just 132 x 172 x 132 mm (5.20 x 6.77 x 5.20 inches) and weighs a mere 1.57 kg (55.38 ounces).
To enhance its versatility, the ZenBeam L2 is equipped with a flip-up foot at the bottom. This foot allows you to adjust the projector’s angle, catering to your specific viewing needs. Alternatively, you can mount the projector on a tripod, offering even more flexibility in positioning and setup.
Using projector
Setting up your ASUS ZenBeam L2 projector is a breeze, and here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started.
Begin by removing the lid of the projector. Now, take the Android box that comes bundled with the ZenBeam L2 and plug it into the designated port. Connect the HDMI cable to ensure you have a seamless connection. Replace the lid to secure everything in place. Plug the projector into a power source, and you’re good to go.
With the ZenBeam L2 all hooked up, let’s power it up and explore its fantastic features. As soon as you power on the projector, you’ll notice the instant autofocus and Keystone Corrections, which means you get a crisp and perfectly aligned view without any effort on your part.
Additionally, the ZenBeam L2 features Auto obstacle avoidance, which can detect any objects obstructing the projector’s path.
If you have an Android device, you can pair it with the projector easily. This will copy across all your account information. You’ll then go through the usual terms and conditions and select the apps you want to pre-download onto the Android TV box.
Thanks to the Android TV box, you can stream a wide variety of TV shows and movies directly through the projector over any available Wi-Fi network. This includes pre-loaded Netflix content. The user interface is user-friendly, and you can customize your favorite apps. You also have fast access to content from popular streaming services like Netflix and YouTube recommendations. The versatility continues with support for music streaming from apps like Spotify and more, all accessible through the Android TV box. If your desired app is not pre-installed, you can quickly download it from the Play Store.
Alternatively, you can stream content directly from your smartphone or other Android devices using Chromecast, adding a layer of convenience to your viewing experience. The remote control is intuitive and offers fast shortcuts to YouTube and Netflix, making navigation effortless. You can also access the Google Assistant for assistance with your queries and tasks.
Image quality
An important feature of the ASUS ZenBeam L2 projector is its use of an environmentally friendly LED light source that does not contain mercury. The LED light source ensures that the projected visuals are consistently crisp and vivid throughout the projector’s lifespan. The service life of the ASUS ZenBeam L2 light source is approximately 30,000 hours. Moreover, LED technology allows for quick on-off transitions, in contrast to traditional lamps that often require a significant warm-up and cool-down period.
The ZenBeam L2 offers impressive projection capabilities, with a native 1080p (1920 x 1080) resolution and support for a maximum 4K resolution of 3840 by 2160 pixels. Despite its portable and compact design, this projector can project images with a diagonal size of up to 120 inches (approximately 3.05 meters) from a distance of 3.2 meters (about 10.5 feet). Even at a minimum distance of one meter (3.28 feet), you can still enjoy a 40-inch image, making it versatile for various spaces.
In terms of image quality, the ZenBeam L2 excels with full HD resolution and compatibility with 4K content. It offers accurate color reproduction, covering 120% of the sRGB gamut. Even in brightly lit rooms, the visuals truly stand out, with clearly defined colors and excellent clarity. The projector’s ability to reach almost 1,000 lumens on its maximum brightness settings means that it can effectively counteract any ambient light, ensuring your viewing experience remains top-notch.
Sound
The ASUS ZenBeam L2 doesn’t just excel in visuals; it also takes care of your audio needs with a built-in 10W speaker equipped with Smart AMP technology by Harman Kardon. This audio system provides high-quality sound, particularly in smaller spaces, delivering crisp and clear audio that complements your viewing experience.
However, there’s one minor caveat to be aware of—the maximum volume of the built-in speaker may not be ideal for larger rooms or noisy environments. But worry not, the ZenBeam L2 has a solution for this. The bundled HAKO mini TV box offers Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to easily pair the projector with a more capable portable Bluetooth speaker. This way, you can enjoy powerful, room-filling audio without any hassles.
Additionally, if you prefer not to use a Bluetooth speaker, the ZenBeam L2 also features a 3.5mm audio port on its back. This port allows you to connect wired external speakers or headphones, giving you the flexibility to tailor the audio output to your liking.
Battery
The ASUS ZenBeam L2 goes the extra mile in delivering convenience by incorporating a built-in battery. This feature is a game-changer for those on the move or when you simply want to enjoy a movie under the open sky in your backyard, far from the constraints of power outlets. With the projector’s integrated battery, you have the freedom to set up your entertainment virtually anywhere.
The battery included with the ZenBeam L2 boasts a substantial capacity of 65 Wh. This capacity ensures a commendable runtime for the projector, enabling it to operate for up to three and a half hours when in economy mode.
ASUS ZenBeam L2: Conclusion
The ASUS ZenBeam L2 is not just a projector; it’s a gateway to transforming any room or outdoor camping site into your personal cinema.
With the included HAKO mini Android TV box, accessing a wide range of media content becomes a breeze. You can effortlessly stream your favorite movies, TV shows, and more on a large screen, providing you with immersive and enjoyable viewing experiences.
From its high-quality eco-LED light source to its excellent image quality, this projector consistently impresses with crisp and vivid visuals. Additionally, the built-in 10W speaker by Harman Kardon and a convenient 3.5mm audio port provide flexible audio options to match your preferences and settings.
One of the features is the projector’s portability, made even more appealing by the inclusion of a 65 Wh built-in battery.
Its ease of use, versatility, and high-quality performance make it a fantastic choice for anyone looking to elevate their entertainment experiences. When you get your hands on the ZenBeam L2, you’ll likely find yourself more than happy with what this compact yet powerful projector has to offer.
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