Portronics Beem 520 specifications and in-depth review

Portronics Beem 520

Manufacturer: Portronics

The Portronics Beem 520 is a compact projector designed for home entertainment. It offers a 1080p output resolution and includes built-in smart TV functionality, allowing users to enjoy streaming content without additional devices. The device measures 260 mm in width, 140 mm in height, and 120 mm in thickness, making it portable and easy to set up.

Key features of the Beem 520 include support for Wi-Fi, AirPlay, and Chromecast, which enable wireless streaming from various devices. It also provides a single HDMI port, a USB port, and a 3.5mm audio jack. While it does not support Dolby Vision or HDR10+, the projector can project up to an 88-inch display at a minimum throw distance of 2 meters.

Pros
  • Supports AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Chromecast for easy wireless streaming.
  • Includes built-in smart TV functionality, eliminating the need for external devices.
  • Has a remote control for convenient operation from a distance.
  • Offers a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting external audio devices.
  • Compact and portable design with a weight of 950g and a volume of 4368 cm³.
Cons
  • Lacks stereo speakers, requiring external speakers for better sound quality.
  • Does not support advanced display technologies like HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or HDR10.
  • No lens shift (vertical or horizontal) for adjusting the image position easily.
  • Does not have an external memory slot, limiting direct media playback from storage devices.
  • No support for voice commands, limiting hands-free operation options.
Who is this for?

The Portronics Beem 520 is well-suited for casual home users who want a compact and easy-to-use projector with built-in smart TV functionality. Its support for AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Chromecast makes it ideal for users who prefer wireless streaming from multiple devices. Its lightweight design and remote control also make it a convenient option for those who want a portable, straightforward solution for watching movies or streaming content in small to medium-sized rooms.

Who is this NOT for?

This projector is not ideal for users seeking high-end cinematic quality or professional-grade features. It lacks support for advanced display technologies like HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or HDR10, making it unsuitable for those who need superior picture quality. Additionally, the absence of stereo speakers and lens shift limits its sound and image customization, while the lack of an external memory slot makes it less suitable for users who want to play media directly from external storage devices.

General info:

has laser light source
release date February 2025
width 260 mm
height 140 mm
thickness 120 mm
weight 950 g
volume 4368 cm³

The Portronics Beem 520 has a compact design with a width of 260 mm, height of 140 mm, and thickness of 120 mm, making it easy to fit into most spaces. It weighs 950 g and has a total volume of 4368 cm³. Notably, the device does not include a laser light source, which may influence brightness and longevity compared to other projection technologies.

Projection quality:

output resolution 1080p
maximum projection size 88"
supports HDR10+
minimum throw distance 2 m
supports Dolby Vision
supports HDR10
supports HLG

The Portronics Beem 520 offers a sharp 1080p output resolution and supports projection up to a maximum size of 88 inches. The projector has a minimum throw distance of 2 meters, providing flexibility in setup. However, it does not support advanced display technologies like HDR10+, Dolby Vision, or HDR10, nor does it include HLG support.

Connectivity:

HDMI ports 1
has AirPlay
Has Bluetooth
supports Wi-Fi
USB ports 1
has Chromecast built-in
has a VGA connector
is DLNA-certified
has a DVI connector
supports Miracast
RJ45 ports 0
Has S/PDIF Out port

The Portronics Beem 520 provides a variety of connectivity options, including 1 HDMI port, 1 USB port, and support for AirPlay, Bluetooth, and Chromecast for seamless streaming. It also supports Wi-Fi and Miracast for wireless media sharing. However, it lacks a VGA connector, DLNA certification, and an S/PDIF Out port, limiting some traditional wired connection options.

Features:

has stereo speakers
has lens shift (vertical)
has lens shift (horizontal)
has a remote control
has built-in smart TV
audio output power 1 x 3W
has a socket for a 3.5 mm audio jack
has a sleep timer
has Dolby Atmos
has an external memory slot
has voice commands

The Portronics Beem 520 comes with several useful features, including built-in smart TV functionality and a remote control for easy operation. It offers 1 x 3W audio output power and a 3.5mm audio jack for external audio devices. The projector also includes a sleep timer for convenience, but lacks stereo speakers, lens shift (vertical or horizontal), Dolby Atmos support, and voice command functionality.

Final Verdict

The Portronics Beem 520 is a compact and practical projector, ideal for casual home users who want a simple and portable solution with built-in smart TV functionality and wireless streaming options like AirPlay and Chromecast. While it offers a solid performance for everyday entertainment, its limitations in picture quality (no HDR support) and sound (no stereo speakers) may deter more demanding users. Overall, it's a solid choice for those seeking a convenient and easy-to-use projector for streaming and casual viewing.

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