Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 Review – The Best Native 1080p Projector Under $500

After doing a lot of research looking for the best full-HD projector under $500, I finally ended up with the Epson EpiqVision Flex CO-FH02 with a mix of high brightness, portability, and smart features. It is currently available at online retailers for about $499 and sometimes dropped as low as $450. Here’s an in-depth review of this crossover projector.

Design and Build

Weighing in at just 5.7 pounds and measuring 3.4 x 12.5 x 8.3 inches, the CO-FH02 is compact enough to fit into a backpack or briefcase. Its sleek, minimalist design is complemented by a removable side panel that conceals its ports. However, this design choice introduces a significant drawback: the projector has only one HDMI port. If you install the included Android TV dongle, you’ll find yourself unable to easily switch to another HDMI source without physically unplugging the dongle. This oversight is inconvenient for users who frequently toggle between streaming and external devices like gaming consoles or TV boxes.

The Epson also lacks features like optical zoom and lens shift, which are common in higher-end projectors. Adjusting the image size requires physically moving the projector, and while digital zoom is available, it reduces brightness and image quality. On the plus side, the auto keystone correction feature works well, automatically adjusting the image to maintain a rectangular shape when the projector is tilted.

Setup and Usability

Setting up the CO-FH02 is straightforward. Plug in the power cable, connect your video source, and aim the lens at your screen or wall. The absence of optical zoom and lens shift means positioning needs to be precise, but the focus slider on the top of the unit is easy to use. For streaming enthusiasts, the included Android TV dongle is a major convenience. It comes preloaded with popular apps, including a licensed Netflix app. However, the dongle requires both the HDMI and USB ports, leaving no room for other connections without external accessories like an HDMI switch. The USB port is used to power dongles only, you won’t be able to play content directly from USB sticks.

It comes with 2 remotes: one infrared (IR) and one Bluetooth. The IR remote controls both the projector and the streaming stick, while the Bluetooth remote is primarily for the dongle.

The built-in 5-watt mono speaker delivers sufficient sound quality for casual viewing. Surprisingly, the CO-FH02 lacks a dedicated audio output port, so you will have to use Bluetooth for external sound systems. This is quite disappointing as most people would need an external speaker to enjoy movies.

Picture Quality

Epson’s three-LCD-chip design eliminates rainbow artifacts and ensures consistent color and white brightness. With a rated brightness of 3,000 lumens, it excels in bright environments. In testing, it delivered a measured brightness of 2,100 lumens in Cinema mode, providing vibrant colors and sharp details. If you use this projector outdoors or in well-lit rooms, you might want to switch to Dynamic mode which pushes the brightness much higher. The projector can handle screen sizes up to 250 inches in dark settings, although 80 to 100 inches is optimal for everyday use.

While brightness is a highlight, contrast and shadow detail are less impressive. The CO-FH02 struggles to maintain depth in darker scenes, particularly with Blu-ray content. However, streaming content from Netflix looks better, with Cinema mode offering the best overall color accuracy and detail.

With a measured input lag of 50-51 milliseconds at 1080p/60Hz, the CO-FH02 is adequate for casual gaming but unsuitable for fast-paced, reaction-based games.

Conclusion

Pros

1. Exceptional Brightness
2. Compact and Portable
3. Good Color Accuracy

Cons

1. Limited Connectivity
2. No Optical Zoom or Lens Shift
3. Mediocre Contrast
4. No Audio Output

The Epson is not a perfect projector but its amazing brightness and solid color performance make it an attractive option for low-budget consumers. We at TechWalls highly recommend the projector.

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