I have always wanted a big cinema screen at home. However, the price of giant TVs always held me back. Then, I received this projector from TCL. It’s clearly designed to solve this problem. It promises a large cinema screen at home for a low price. Today, I’m talking about the TCL C1. It’s a compact and very lightweight projector. It weighs only 1.77 kg. Its price is also very attractive. It is offered for only €279. After several days of use, I’m giving you my detailed opinion. Most importantly, I’ll explain why it has transformed my evenings.

1. Smart Image Correction That Does Everything For You

The first thing that absolutely blew me away was its technology. The projector features smart image correction. In other words, the TCL C1 does all the work for you. From the very first time I turned it on, the experience was amazing. I placed it on a coffee table, without trying to find the perfect angle. It immediately adjusted itself automatically to my wall. I had to do absolutely nothing.

The projector manages everything on its own. It adjusts the focus for perfect sharpness. Then, it performs keystone correction if the projector isn’t straight on. It also aligns the screen for a perfect rectangular frame. Even more impressively, it handles obstacle avoidance. I have a small piece of furniture near my projection wall. The TCL C1 detected the obstacle. It then optimized the image size to avoid it. This is a feature rarely found on competing models at this price. It saves you from hours of frustrating manual adjustments. With this system, I get a sharp, perfectly framed image on any surface. It even works on a wall that isn’t perfectly flat.

Furthermore, its design is very well thought out. It includes a stand that is adjustable up to 285°. This allows you to adjust the projection angle very easily. You can project on the wall or even on the ceiling. A carrying handle is also included. It enhances its portable nature. I moved it from one room to another without any effort.

2. More Than a Projector, a Complete Entertainment Hub

The second major strength of this projector is its intelligence. It’s not just a device that projects an HDMI source. It is a true standalone entertainment center. Indeed, you don’t need an extra streaming stick. There’s no need to plug in an Apple TV or a Chromecast. The TCL C1 comes equipped with Google TV right out of the box. This is a considerable advantage.

Additionally, it is Netflix certified. This ensures perfect compatibility and optimal streaming quality. You can access your content without any external devices. Everything is managed from the projector and its remote control. You set it up, connect to the Wi-Fi, and that’s it. You have instant access to over 1,000 platforms. I found all my usual apps. There was Canal Plus, Prime Video, Disney Plus, and many others. You can access a universe of movies and series on a giant screen. You can do this anytime and anywhere.

The integration of Google TV also brings the Google Assistant. The remote has a dedicated button and a microphone. I tested several voice commands. I asked, “Find me a video from the Gigatop channel.” The projector immediately found the channel and displayed the latest videos. I also tried, “Launch the Netflix app.” The application opened in seconds. It’s smooth, fast, and very convenient for daily use. Finally, Google TV also means Chromecast is built-in. I can therefore cast content from my phone directly to the projector. This is ideal for quickly sharing holiday photos or videos.

3. Surprising Image and Sound Quality

Now let’s get to the heart of the matter: the audiovisual quality. The projector offers a native 1080p resolution, which is Full HD. It also supports 4K sources. This image quality is enhanced by TCL’s True Mension technology. It calibrates the image in real-time. It optimizes contrast and colors for a vibrant and natural result. I tested it with wildlife documentaries. The colors were rich and the details were sharp.

Regarding brightness, it offers 230 certified ISO lumens. This is perfectly suitable for projection in a dark or dimly lit room. One of the most remarkable aspects is its edge-to-edge clarity. Many entry-level projectors suffer from blurriness on the sides. That is not the case here. The TCL C1 delivers perfect sharpness across the entire image surface. Text in the corners is just as readable as text in the center.

On the audio side, I was very pleasantly surprised. It is equipped with a powerful 8W speaker with Dolby Audio. The sound is rich and well-balanced. The bass is present without being overwhelming. Voices in dialogues are perfectly clear. For a movie night, you can easily do without an external audio system. The sound produced by this small device is truly impressive.

4. Built to Last, Indoors and Out

A projector is a long-term purchase. TCL has understood this well. The C1 is built to last. It has a fully sealed optical engine. It is IP5X certified, which makes it dust-proof. This is a crucial point. Dust is the number one enemy of projectors. It creates black spots on the image over time. With this system, the image will remain clean and sharp for years.

TCL guarantees a lifespan of up to 30,000 hours of viewing. This represents years of daily use. The product has also been rigorously tested for its durability. It can withstand extreme temperatures. It operates from -30°C to +55°C. It is therefore perfect for an outdoor projection during a summer evening. You can take it almost anywhere without fear of damaging it.

5. Portability at the Heart of the Experience

Finally, its portability is a major asset. Its light weight and small size make it very easy to move. I can set it up on a nightstand, a shelf, or even on the floor. As you can see, I often placed it on my coffee table. In seconds, it projects a huge image on the wall. It is incredibly versatile.

A fun feature allows you to display TikToks or Reels in a vertical format. You can enjoy your short-form content on a giant 120-inch screen. This is perfect for livening up a party with friends. Moreover, the “Lazy Night In” mode allows for direct projection onto the ceiling. This is ideal for comfortably watching a movie while lying in bed.

In terms of connectivity, it is very complete. It includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0. You can therefore connect wireless headphones or a soundbar via Bluetooth. It also has an HDMI port and a USB port. I was able to connect my game console and an external hard drive without any problem.

To sum up, the TCL C1 video projector is an ideal and affordable solution. It combines smart technologies in a compact format. Its slogan fits it perfectly: “Smart lighting, wider vision.” It is the perfect product to upgrade your home entertainment without breaking the bank. For its price, the image quality, the sound, and especially the built-in intelligence make it a choice that I warmly recommend.