InFocus Pinnacle Challenger specifications and in-depth review

InFocus Pinnacle Challenger

Manufacturer: InFocus

The InFocus Pinnacle Challenger is a full HD projector that combines wireless versatility with a compact form factor, making it a well-rounded option for home or office projection needs. Weighing 1600 g and measuring 280 × 270 × 230 mm, it is reasonably portable for its class. A standout aspect of its connectivity suite is built-in Chromecast, which pairs with AirPlay, Miracast, and DLNA support to cover a broad range of wireless streaming scenarios. The unit also ships with a dedicated smartphone app and supports smart TV functionality out of the box.

On the technical side, the InFocus Pinnacle Challenger outputs at 1080p resolution and is capable of projecting images up to 150″, with a minimum throw distance of 1.4 m. It handles 3D content when used with compatible glasses and offers 8-bit color depth, though it does not support HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision. Connectivity includes one HDMI port, one USB port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack, while wireless options span Wi-Fi 6, Wi-Fi 5, and Wi-Fi 4 alongside Bluetooth 5.2. Audio is handled by a single built-in 5W speaker, and the projector draws 65W during operation with a rated lamp life of 25000 hours in eco mode.

Pros
  • Supports Wi-Fi 6 alongside Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4, offering flexible wireless connectivity options
  • Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, Miracast, and DLNA are all present, covering a wide range of wireless streaming protocols
  • Bluetooth 5.2 enables reliable wireless audio pairing
  • Built-in smart TV functionality reduces dependence on external streaming devices
  • Lamp is rated for 25000 hours in eco mode, suggesting a long service life before replacement is needed
  • 3D content playback is supported with compatible glasses, adding versatility to the projection experience
Cons
  • No HDR support of any kind — HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision are all absent
  • Audio output is limited to a single 5W mono speaker with no stereo configuration
  • Neither vertical nor horizontal lens shift is available, limiting placement flexibility
  • No RJ45 port means wired network connections are not possible
  • Only one HDMI port and one USB port restrict simultaneous wired device connections
  • No external memory slot, preventing direct local media playback from storage cards
Who is this for?

This projector is a solid fit for users who want a versatile home entertainment setup with minimal reliance on external hardware, thanks to its built-in smart TV functionality and broad wireless streaming support via Chromecast, AirPlay, Miracast, and DLNA. The Wi-Fi 6 compatibility and Bluetooth 5.2 make it well-suited for modern connected households where seamless device integration matters. Additionally, the 25000-hour lamp life in eco mode and 1080p output make it a practical choice for anyone seeking a large-screen viewing experience up to 150″ with a long-lasting light source and no need for 4K content.

Who is this NOT for?

Users who require precise image placement flexibility will find this projector limiting, as the absence of both vertical and horizontal lens shift means installation options are fairly rigid. It is also a poor match for those invested in HDR-enhanced viewing, since HDR10, HDR10+, and Dolby Vision are all unsupported, which noticeably narrows the range of compatible high-dynamic-range content. Furthermore, anyone looking to connect multiple wired sources simultaneously or use a wired network connection will run into constraints, given the single HDMI port, single USB port, and complete lack of an RJ45 port.

General info:

has laser light source
operating power consumption 65W
lamp life (eco mode) 25000 h
width 280 mm
height 230 mm
thickness 270 mm
weight 1600 g
Has a dedicated smartphone app
volume 17388 cm³

The InFocus Pinnacle Challenger uses a traditional lamp-based light source rather than laser, with an operating power consumption of 65W and a rated lamp life of 25000 hours in eco mode. Its physical footprint measures 280 mm wide, 270 mm deep, and 230 mm tall, with a total volume of 17388 cm³. At 1600 g, it sits in a moderate weight range for its form factor. The projector also supports a dedicated smartphone app, adding a layer of remote management convenience for users who prefer device-based control.

Projection quality:

output resolution 1080p
displays 3D with glasses
maximum projection size 150"
supports HDR10+
bit depth 8-bit
minimum throw distance 1.4 m
supports Dolby Vision
supports HDR10

The projector delivers a 1080p output resolution with an 8-bit color depth, and is capable of projecting images up to 150″ in size with a minimum throw distance of 1.4 m. It supports 3D content playback when used with compatible glasses. On the HDR side, the unit does not support HDR10, HDR10+, or Dolby Vision, meaning wide dynamic range formats are not available on this model.

Connectivity:

HDMI ports 1
has AirPlay
Has Bluetooth
supports Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi version Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax), Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac), Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
USB ports 1
has Chromecast built-in
has a VGA connector
Bluetooth version 5.2
is DLNA-certified
has a DVI connector
supports Miracast
RJ45 ports 0
Has S/PDIF Out port

Wireless connectivity is a clear focus of this projector, with support for Wi-Fi 6 (802.11ax) alongside backward-compatible Wi-Fi 5 and Wi-Fi 4, as well as Bluetooth 5.2. For streaming, it includes Chromecast built-in, AirPlay, Miracast, and DLNA certification, covering a wide range of casting and media-sharing protocols. On the wired side, there is one HDMI port and one USB port, while RJ45, VGA, DVI, and S/PDIF connections are absent from this model.

Features:

has stereo speakers
has lens shift (vertical)
has lens shift (horizontal)
has a remote control
has built-in smart TV
has a built-in speaker
audio output power 1 x 5W
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has Dolby Atmos
has an external memory slot
has voice commands

The projector includes built-in smart TV functionality and comes with a remote control for standard navigation. Audio is handled by a single built-in speaker rated at 5W, and a 3.5 mm headset jack is available for wired audio output; however, the speaker configuration is mono rather than stereo, and Dolby Atmos is not supported. Lens adjustment options are limited, as neither vertical nor horizontal lens shift is available. The unit also lacks an external memory slot and does not support voice commands.

Final Verdict

The InFocus Pinnacle Challenger is a 1080p projector that makes a convincing case for users who prioritize broad wireless connectivity and smart platform integration over cutting-edge image processing. Its support for Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, Chromecast, AirPlay, Miracast, and DLNA — combined with built-in smart TV functionality — means it operates as a largely self-contained entertainment device without heavy reliance on external hardware. The 25000-hour lamp life adds long-term reliability to that picture. Where it falls short is in areas that matter to more demanding viewers: the absence of any HDR format support and the lack of lens shift options limit both image quality headroom and installation flexibility. For casual home viewing environments where streaming convenience and a large screen size are the primary goals, it remains a well-rounded option — but users with stricter image quality or setup requirements should weigh those gaps carefully before committing.