Reviews |Yaber Projector T2 Plus review

Yaber Projector T2 Plus review

Portable projector with full HD, auto-adjustments, and built-in battery for versatile use.

Yaber Projector T2 Plus review
Review

Price when reviewed

£349

$349

Our Verdict

The T2 Plus is a compact, portable projector that offers full HD projection and a host of features. It’s an excellent choice for photographers and videographers who want to present their work to an audience. It’s especially useful for presentations and workshops. A standout feature is its built-in two-and-a-half-hour battery, which allows you to project your work without needing an AC power supply, a great feature for a device of this size and power.

The T2 Plus enables you to project in locations where other projectors wouldn’t be feasible, and despite including an integrated battery, it remains highly portable. The design is really clever and features a handle that doubles as a stand, making it extremely easy to position, unlike other projectors that can be tricky to set up. Additionally, it has a 3-inch thread on the base, allowing you to mount it easily on an unused tripod.

When it comes to projection size, you can project from 40 to 120 inches. While projecting at 120 inches requires really dark conditions to avoid a dim image, nighttime projections create a cinematic display ideal for showcasing video work.

There are some quirks, particularly with the Google TV dongle, which may need updating and tweaking to work properly. However, the projector’s overall quality is outstanding, and the ability to plug any HDMI source into it just adds to its appeal.

UPDATE: The version of the projector that I looked at in the review was a production sample and as such there were a few small quirks in the software, most noticably with the dongle. However, after the latest firmware which was applied on the 5th of September 2024 and some extensive testing all issues with the dongle seem to be resolved with apps loading quickly and most notably the strength of the connection being boosted and far more robust. This has not only boosted the performance of the small projector but also means that I have boosted the review score.

While its quirky, retro design might not appeal to everyone, there’s something aesthetically pleasing about it. Its small, compact, and lightweight nature means you can take it virtually anywhere. If you’re in the market for a portable projector, the T2 Plus is a great solution, although for photographers and videographers, it might be worth holding out for 4K.

For

  • Compact design
  • Built-in battery
  • Auto-focus & auto keystone

Against

  • No 4K resolution
  • Limited brightness
  • Occasional Wi-Fi issues

What is the Yaber Projector T2 Plus?

The Yaber Projector T2 Plus is a portable projector that sets itself apart with its built-in battery, which can power the device for up to two and a half hours. This duration is ample for running most presentations, viewing movies, and conducting workshops or any other presentations you might need to deliver.

This projector is equipped with an HDMI port on the back, providing numerous connectivity options. In our review, we used it with a MacBook Pro 16 inch, connecting directly via HDMI to the projector. Using the simple remote control, we could easily select the source. Additionally, during studio shoots, it was possible to project images shot from the computer onto the wall, allowing workshop students to see everything clearly without needing a separate television or monitor.

The T2 Plus is primarily designed for home and outdoor entertainment but the compact size and built in power make it ideal for photographers and videographers. Due to the main focus of the projector it comes with a Google TV dongle that offers access to various streaming apps, such as Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, and Prime Video.

Yaber Projector T2 Plus review

The T2 Plus is versatile, whether for professional use in the field, running workshops, or in the studio. After a shoot or a day of presentations, you can use it to relax with a movie or catch up on your favourite box set, making it an all-in-one solution for both work and leisure.

Specification

  • Resolution: 1080P Full HD
  • Brightness: 450 ANSI Lumens
  • file formats supported: MP4, MKV, WMV, 3GP, MPG, VOB, TP, TS, DAT, MOV, FLV, Image: JPG, PNG, BMP, JPEG, Text Format: .txt
  • Projection: Auto Focus, Keystone, Screen Alignment, Object Avoidance
  • Throw Ratio: 1.25:1
  • Projection Size: 40″ to 120″
  • Projection Distance: 3.63 to 10.89 ft
  • Audio Support: Dolby Audio
  • Video Playtime on battery: 2.5 hours
  • Charging Time: 3.5 hours (Standby Mode), 5.5 hours (Power On)
  • Operating System: Yaber OS + Google TV
  • Connectivity: BT 5.0, Wi-Fi 6, NFC Screencast:
  • Ports: USB 2.0 × 1, HDMI × 1, Audio Out × 1, RJ45 × 1
  • Size: 165 × 140 × 290 mm (6.5 × 5.51 × 11.42 inches)
  • Weight: 2.5 kg (5.51 lbs)

Build and Handling

The design of the Yaber Projector T2 Plus is distinctly retro, featuring a cream colour scheme with a large projection lens on the top and a prominent speaker unit below. This design gives it a charming, almost robot-like appearance. Despite its vintage look, the functionality is modern and user-friendly. The T2 Plus includes convenient features such as Auto Focus, Keystone, Screen Alignment and Object Avoidance, which handle all the complex adjustments automatically once the projector is set up and turned on. This allows you to focus on your presentation without worrying about manual settings.

One of the standout features is the carry handle, which flips over the top and can be used to carry the projector. When you reach your destination, this handle doubles as a stand, allowing you to tilt the projector up or down. This simple yet effective design feature makes it incredibly easy to position the projector, which can be a challenge with other models. Additionally, the base includes a 1/4-inch thread, giving you the option to mount the projector on a tripod or other mounting solutions for added flexibility.

The back of the projector houses all the ports for connectivity options, including HDMI, network, and audio in and out. These ports are well-spaced and neatly arranged, making it easy to connect various devices. There are two models available: the T2 and the T2 Plus. The T2 Plus includes a Google TV dongle that plugs into the HDMI port on the back. Yaber has designed this dongle to be as discreet as possible, with a right-angle adapter that fits snugly against the projector’s body. This design enable for future upgrades and easy switching between the dongle and other HDMI sources, such as a laptop.

 

However, it’s worth noting that the HDMI dongle, like all similar devices, requires power. Since the HDMI port doesn’t provide power, a USB cable is needed to connect the dongle to the back of the projector. Yaber has addressed this by including a USB Type-A port that supplies the necessary power, eliminating the need for a separate power supply. This solution, while functional, does result in an additional USB cable sticking out of the back, which can be a bit untidy.

Overall, the T2 Plus is compact and portable, making it easy to carry to different locations, whether for workshops, studio use, or even camping trips. Despite not being ultra-lightweight, it is easily manageable for transport and perfect for a variety of settings. Its small size also means it can be easily stored in a cupboard when not in use or moved from room to room as needed. If you’re looking for a projector that combines portability with impressive functionality, the T2 Plus is an excellent choice.

Features

For a relatively small projector, the Yaber Projector T2 Plus is packed with features, which is no surprise given the competitiveness of the market. For videographers, the standout features include its resolution, brightness, and built-in battery, enabling use away from AC power. Let’s delve into the key features and specifications of this compact projector a little bit more.

Starting with projection capabilities, the brightness is rated at 450 ANSI lumens, and it offers a resolution of 1080p Full HD. While this isn’t the brightest or highest-resolution projector, it is adequate for workshops and presentations as long as the lights are low. Suppose you need a higher resolution to showcase detailed images or high-quality cinematography. In that case, you might need to consider a 4K or 8K projector, as the 1080p resolution of the T2 Plus could be limiting in those cases.

However, for most uses, the 1080p resolution should be more than sufficient. The projector is supported by JBL Sound and Dolby Audio, making it an excellent choice for video presentations with heavy soundtracks. One of the major challenges with most projectors is focusing and setting up keystone correction, which is essentially the alignment of the image. Thankfully, the T2 Plus handles both automatically, projecting a test card and adjusting itself accordingly.

 

A simple yet highly effective feature is the carry handle, which flips down to serve as a stand, allowing you to tilt the projector up or down. Additionally, there is a 1/4-inch thread on the bottom, enabling mounting on a tripod, which was frequently used during our test period.

For photographers or videographers needing a projector in the field, the built-in battery offers up to 2.5 hours of operation. If additional power is needed, it can also be AC-powered, and a small portable power station would be sufficient to power this projector.

The projector uses an LED light source, providing good detail and colour quality. It supports various input sources, including HDMI, for HD-resolution playback. However, it does not downscale 4K video, meaning it won’t play 4K content directly. The USB port supports most common video, text, and image formats, offering flexibility in how you use the projector.

The back of the projector hosts several physical connection options. You’ve got an HDMI port for maximum compatibility, a USB 2.0 port, and audio in and out ports. Wireless connectivity options include Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and NFC. This variety ensures that no matter what your preferred method of connection is, the T2 Plus has you covered.

When it comes to physical size and weight, the projector is impressively compact, measuring 165 x 140 x 290 mm and weighing about 2.5 kg. This makes it extremely portable, perfect for taking from one location to another, whether you’re heading to a workshop, a studio, or even a camping trip.

If you opt for the T2 Plus model, it comes with a Google TV dongle. This dongle provides access to popular streaming apps like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime, and Disney+. Setting it up is relatively straightforward, much like other Google Home devices, and it allows you to stream your favourite content effortlessly. Additionally, you can connect your photos for playback or run presentations directly from your computer using software like PowerPoint.

All in all, the T2 Plus has everything you need for running workshops, using it in the studio, projecting video projects, or simply enjoying some entertainment at the end of the day.

Performance

Setting up the Yaber Projector T2 Plus is straightforward. Simply place it where you want to project, ensuring it’s initially plugged into power if you haven’t charged the battery. Battery charging takes around four hours. Powering on the T2 Plus is easy, and with the HDMI port on the back, you can connect it directly to your computer. In our test, we used a MacBook Pro 16-inch M1 Max, connecting via HDMI. You can adjust the resolution through the laptop’s display settings to Full HD (1920 x 1080p) and start using the projector as a second display or mirror the existing display. It couldn’t be simpler.

Using a projector with a camera, such as the Sony Alpha 7 IV, is equally easy. The HDMI connection works seamlessly, and in a studio setup with low lighting, the projector performs exceptionally well. However, it’s worth noting that with its 450 ANSI lumens, the brightness is best suited for darkened environments. During the daytime, the projection is only not bright enough if the room is darkened.

The T2 Plus delivers very good image quality, with plenty of detail and colour, despite its 1080p resolution. In a studio, this brightness and the ability to project on a larger scale, rather than using a small monitor, is beneficial. The 1080p resolution at a screen size of around 1 meter is excellent, and displaying all the camera settings via the LCD makes it a great teaching tool for workshops.

Yaber Projector T2 Plus review

Watching short films and videos on the projector is also impressive. Despite the resolution being limited to 1080p, the projector delivers a good amount of detail and colour. It performs well in low-light settings and even outdoors after sunset, making it a versatile option for both professional and entertainment purposes.

Battery life is around 2.5 hours, which in our tests was enough to watch several videos created for YouTube and an initial edit of a production. The visuals were good, and the audio quality was exceptional, offering depth and clarity.

For photographers and videographers, the T2 Plus is highly useful, especially for running workshops and presentations in low-light environments. It’s also great for entertainment, easy to store when not in use, and simple to set up thanks to its carry handle that converts into a stand.

An interesting addition is the included Google TV dongle, which plugs into the back of the projector. Rather than sticking out vertically like some other devices, it lays horizontally in line with the projector’s body. The setup is straightforward, but we experienced limited Wi-Fi connectivity and frequent dropouts. After some time, we replaced the official dongle with a Google Chromecast and an Amazon Fire Stick, both of which worked perfectly, highlighting the projector’s upgradeability.

Considering its price, the T2 Plus offers a balanced package with high-quality build, projection, and audio. While it’s not suited for bright daylight conditions, it excels in controlled lighting environments, making it ideal for presentations, workshops, and home entertainment. For photographers and videographers, the standard T2 version might be preferable, allowing you to use your dongle and avoid setup issues.

Overall, the Yaber Projector T2 Plus provides superb performance for its price. It is highly recommended for those seeking a portable, easy-to-use projector for various professional and personal applications.

Final Thoughts

Firstly, the Yaber Projector T2 Plus stands out with its retro design style. The cream colouring, although prone to getting grubby when used by photographers or videographers in the field, adds a charming aesthetic. The design is highly functional, too, with a handle that converts into a stand, making it both portable and practical.

The T2 Plus excels in low-light environments for presentations. Switching off the lights and drawing the curtains allows it to shine, making it ideal for use in village halls, town halls, classrooms, or any location where workshops or presentations are held. The standard HDMI connection is a great addition, enabling straightforward plug-and-play functionality. You can also use a USB stick to access video files, enhancing its versatility.

However, the projector’s 450 ANSI lumens brightness can be limiting in brighter ambient light conditions. For most situations, this brightness is adequate, but it struggles in well-lit environments. The 1080p resolution, while not 4K, still delivers impressive image quality for presentations and entertainment. Downscaling higher-resolution content to 1080p might not showcase your work in its full glory, but it still looks good. Watching films, box sets, YouTube, or Vimeo content on this projector is enjoyable, with good quality and easy navigation.

The bundled Google TV dongle works well once set up, offering access to popular streaming apps. However, Wi-Fi connection issues were noted, and we found that using a Chromecast or Amazon Fire Stick provided a more reliable experience.

Overall, the Yaber T2 Plus is an excellent option for videographers and photographers. While the T2 Plus is recommended, the standard version might be more appealing if you prefer to use your smart TV dongle. This projector offers solid performance and is a great solution for supporting workshops or presentations at a relatively low price. A future model with 4K resolution and increased brightness would be a welcome addition, but for now, the T2 Plus is well-balanced and highly functional.