REVIEW – Let’s face it—sometimes a gadget we review is not what I would call a necessity, or even practical. But a gadget can be both impractical—and fun! 8849 is a maker of super-rugged, outdoors Android phones and tablets. The name 8849 comes from the height of Mt. Everest—8848 meters (+1 meter). Some of 8849’s phones also double as projectors, making them perfect for watching videos while camping with a small group. Since not everyone owns a rugged projector smartphone, 8849 developed the Mars Mini Projector, a standalone projector that can be taken almost anywhere when connected to a smart device.
⬇︎ Jump to summary (pros/cons)
Price: $199.99
Where to buy: Amazon
What is it?
The 8849 Mars Mini Projector is a small (and I mean small) plug-and-play DLP (Digital Light Processing) projector that can screen-mirror any video/image when connected to a smartphone or tablet source.
It features an almost all-metal body, 720p resolution at 100 lumens brightness (when powered), and automatic laser focus. Note that brightness drops to 20 lumens when powered only by a smart device.
The bottom of the Mars Mini houses a magnetic ring for attaching an included expandable stand. There’s also an almost hidden function button that can power the unit off and show a
The Mars Mini lacks built-in speakers and smart features. It’s made for portability. A magnetic stand is included for easy angle adjustment.
What’s included?
- Mars Mini projector
- Magnetic stand
- USB-C power cable
- USB-C video cable
- USB-C to Apple Lightning converter
- USB power plug
- Magnetic sticker ring
Tech specs
- Size: 3 x 3 x ×.73 inches
- Weight: 6.3 oz.
- Display: DLP
- Resolution: 720p (1280×720)
- Brightness: 100 lumens
- Focus: Laser autofocus
- Connectivity: USB-C (wired screen mirroring only)
- Power: External power for full brightness
- Audio: No built-in speakers
Design and features
Let’s first get something out of the way. The Mars Mini Projector is tiny, and physics being physics, the image it projects is not nearly as bright as a larger projector can cast. Having said that, the Mini is bright enough for movies or videos—perfect for camping or a bedroom slumber party—if it’s dark.
The Mars Mini is well-built. Its aluminum exterior and tight tolerances feel premium. It’s a bit heavy for its size (a good thing), but still lightweight at only 6.3 oz.
The front of the device houses the projector’s lens. The right side has the power input (USB-C) and a USB Type-C video port. Since the ports are close together, the incorrect port can be easily used if the tiny printed icons are ignored. The bottom features a magnetic metal ring and a function button.
Built-in fans help keep the Mars Mini cooler, especially when connected to a power source. The fans are not needed when only connected to a smart device, because brightness is limited to only 20 lumens. Fans are required, however, when connected to power, as 100 lumens can run hot in such a small form factor. The fans can be a bit loud. Increased volume from a Bluetooth speaker can help drown out some of the fan noise.
The projected image from the Mars Mini is 100 lumens. That may seem bright, but it’s only acceptable in a dark room, especially when viewed at a 60-100-inch screen size. 8849 states that the viewable screen size (diagonal) at 3 meters (about 3.5 yards) is 100 inches. All I could get at that distance was 40 inches. A 100-inch screen size required the Mini to be about 100 inches distance. Bottom line: My math says that each yard in distance increases the screen size by 10 inches, but decreases brightness as the distance increases.
Focus and screen alignment are all automatic. There is a manual focus control, but it’s hidden in the Function button at the bottom of the Mini. A short press of the button (you hear a click) switches between USB 2 and USB 3 video. I’ve yet to see a difference. However, a long press of the button brings up what looks like a ship’s wheel that either spins clockwise or counterclockwise. Holding the button down slowly adjusts the button to bring the image either into or out of focus. It’s hard to hold the button for longer periods because it’s hard to press, period. I kept accidentally releasing it before I meant to.
However, because of the small lens, focus is never that sharp. Text is readable, but the brightness dims the farther away the projector is from the screen. So it’s a trade-off. The sweet spot seems to be about 6 ft. between the Mars Mini and the screen. You just have to keep in mind that this is a portable projector to be used in certain circumstances. It’s not intended to be a permanent projector.
The Mars Mini has no speakers, which is a good thing. It’s so small that any built-in speakers would sound like … well, you know. Audio must come from either a Bluetooth speaker or the smart device itself. Any Bluetooth audio is going to sound better than the device’s speakers.
The Mars Mini is so small and lightweight that the necessary video cable can easily shift it around, making it difficult for the Mini to remain in place. Add the recommended power USB-C cable, and the issue becomes twice as bad. I never realized how thick and unyielding USB-C cables could be until I connected them to the Mini. Yes, thinner and more flexible USB-C cables exist, but most won’t carry video signals. I used the cables supplied by 8849, and they were the thicker kind.
A sturdy and useful stand is included with the Mars Mini. It unfolds in three-part sections and can angle the Mini at 0°-180° viewing angle. The joints are stiff and stay in place at whatever height is chosen. A strong circular magnet attaches to the bottom of the Mini for a secure fit. A circular metal ring sticker is also included. It can be stuck to a flat surface, which allows the projector to remain in place despite the connected thick cables. Unfortunately, it’s not removable.
100 lumens
20 lumens
So what about the video quality? That’s a mixed bag. On the one hand—in a dark room—the video was acceptable in both image and brightness. It wasn’t great, but don’t forget, this is a tiny projector! The main issue for me was sharp focus, or lack of it. Sitting a distance away from a bedroom was fine for watching a movie I used for testing. (Staying Alive, the opening scene featuring John Travolta walking to the beat of the title song). Some of the darker scenes lacked clarity, but better-lit scenes with more contrast fared better. The video I took of the projected movie looks worse than what I saw on the wall. It’s not fair to 8849, but it’s the best I could do. For anyone looking to view video in a bedroom or a slumber party among pre-teen girls where high-res quality is not mandatory, the Mars mini performs quite well.
Final thoughts
If you understand the limitations, the Mars mini can be a fun little projector. It’s bright (again, in a dark room), extremely portable, and a decent projector for its size. Plus, it’s built like it will last for a long time.
What I like about the 8849 Mars Mini Projector
- Really compact
- Easy to set up and use
- The lens is brighter than expected
- Works well in a dark room
What needs to be improved?
- Fans are loud
- Mini can be easily shifted by the USB cables
- Focus is not the sharpest
- The Function button is hard to press and hold
- Manual could be more informative
Price: $199.99
Where to buy: Amazon
Source: The sample of this product was provided for free by 8849.8849 did not have a final say on the review and did not preview the review before it was published.
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