If your pocket is literally deep enough, it can hold the ViewSonic M1 Max — a portable projector that redefines how small yet mighty tech can be. When it comes to its dimensions, it’s genuinely surprising. A portable mini projector combines the ease of streaming on a phone or tablet with the big-screen appeal of a television. Such projectors are not meant to rival a high-end TV or traditional home-theatre setup in sheer performance, but unlike a television, you can actually carry one of these little wonders — even to a friend’s house for an impromptu movie marathon.
Good battery backup
What’s in the box? Besides the projector, there’s a snug little case for carrying the device and a remote control that’s surprisingly well thought-out — it has every button you’d expect for your streaming needs. Being a small projector, the remote conveniently gives access to all the features of the device, while three physical buttons on the projector itself handle the essential functions.
The stand deserves a round of applause. It’s cleverly designed to double as a lens cover, and with a simple flick, it transforms into a sturdy stand. You can focus the projector at any angle you wish — horizontally to project on a wall or vertically to screen films on the ceiling while lying flat (any teenager’s dream come true). The lens cover-stand also works as a wake/sleep button, and if you fancy mounting it on a tripod, that’s entirely possible too.
The projector supports Wi-Fi screen mirroring, USB-C streaming, and Bluetooth connectivity
Being a portable projector, it features a generously sized built-in battery — large enough to last through a full Mission: Impossible film without triggering battery anxiety. And speaking of Tom Cruise, the Harman Kardon-tuned speakers are a treat. Despite its small frame, the sound is surprisingly powerful, filling a room with ease. The audio profile is clean and crisp, allowing dialogues to come through clearly. However, if you’re outdoors — say, on a picnic — and want your film experience to feel a little more bada-bing, bada-boom, you can easily connect a wireless speaker for extra oomph.
Visual tuning
While using the projector, you can choose from three modes. Eco mode saves power, but boosting brightness or playing sound at full volume will reduce runtime. At home, the intermediate mode brightens the display and slightly enhances colours, giving you around one-and-a-half hours of viewing on battery. If you’re travelling and worried the device might give up mid-episode, simply connect it to a power bank via USB-C. The ports are smartly concealed on the side, giving the projector a sleek, polished design. Connectivity includes HDMI, USB-A, and a headphone jack.
When you power it on, you’re greeted by a soft hum — gentle enough to be ignored, at under 30 decibels. The rubber-coated stand prevents slipping and reduces vibrations, keeping your cinematic experience smooth and stable. The projector proves its worth in versatility — move it from one room to another, take it for a weekend getaway, or plug in your gaming console for a quick play session.
The remote is sturdy and has all the function keys needed to operate the projector
In terms of visuals, the ViewSonic M1 Max delivers Full HD 1080p resolution. When the blinds are open, the projected image is decent, especially at smaller sizes. However, dim the lights, and the picture quality really shines. The 500 LED lumens brightness offers surprisingly good contrast, with a ratio of 120,000:1 and a 1.2 throw ratio — enough to project a 40-inch diagonal image from less than a metre away. Though it can scale up to 100 inches, it’s best kept around 65–70 inches for optimal contrast and clarity.
For gaming, input lag is around 165ms — perfectly fine for most casual games unless you’re storming virtual battlefields. You can also connect your mobile devices — including the latest iPhone — using a USB-C cable to project video streaming, FaceTime calls, or Nintendo Switch gaming sessions onto the big screen, all without needing a docking station. Making visuals truly pop is ViewSonic’s Cinema SuperColor+ Technology, which delivers an impressive 125% Rec.709 colour gamut for more natural tones and lively hues.
Make the call
Many portable projectors stumble when it comes to image sharpness, but ViewSonic gets it right — even at the corners of the projected image. The built-in Google TV interface and native Netflix support make for seamless streaming, while the automatic horizontal and vertical keystone correction, along with instant autofocus, make setup blissfully simple.
The ViewSonic M1 Max impresses with its brightness, contrast, and colour accuracy — all exceptional for its size. In testing, the built-in battery offered roughly two-and-a-half hours of runtime at 50 per cent brightness. It’s a fun and functional gadget, ideal for anyone who loves spontaneous weekend escapes, backyard movie nights, or just projecting cat videos onto the ceiling for pure joy. Small though it may be, it delivers big-screen happiness wherever you take it — proof that good things truly do come in small, rechargeable packages.
Weighing less than a kilogram, it offers 1080p resolution
At a glance
- Device: ViewSonic M1 Max
- Price: ₹84,000 (MOP) + GST
High notes
- Compact and portable
- Smart, flexible stand
- Strong built-in battery
- Quiet operation
- Versatile connectivity
Muffled note
- Brightness limits daytime usage