I’ve used the NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) projector for a few months, and it’s an impressive device for its price range. However, there are numerous native 1080p options on the market and they are catching up quickly. Is the NexiGo still a worthy choice? We’re going to find out in the review.
Setup
Setting up the NexiGo PJ40 was straightforward. Right out of the box, I was impressed with its build quality and feature set, particularly the 4D manual keystone correction. This feature is a game-changer for those who can’t mount their projector perfectly centered. While I mounted mine near-center to minimize adjustments, the keystone correction ensured the image aligned perfectly on my 80-inch screen, even with slight angle deviations.
One unique aspect of this projector is the ability to adjust the fan speed, which directly affects brightness. Even at the lowest fan setting, the image remained sufficiently bright in a dark room, offering a customizable balance between brightness and noise.
In terms of connectivity, the NexiGo provides 2 HDMI 2.0 ports, 2 USB ports, RJ45, and a 3.5mm audio port. This is more than enough for me as I often connect the projector to my Apple TV when watching movies. I also used the USB port a lot to project digital decorations during Halloween and Christmas.
Picture Quality
The NexiGo PJ40’s native 1080p resolution delivers stunning image quality, especially for its price. What truly impressed me, however, was how well the projector handled 4K content. Thanks to its downsampling capabilities, 4K signals look remarkably crisp, with enhanced detail and color depth. Watching movies from a distance of about 10 feet, I found it challenging to distinguish between this projector and a native 4K display unless there was small text on the screen.
Color reproduction is also surprisingly good. The projector ranks highly for SDR color accuracy and supports HDR content. This results in vibrant and rich colors that elevate the viewing experience. When paired with a proper screen, the NexiGo PJ40 offers a level of immersion rarely found in this price range.
While the NexiGo PJ40 performs admirably for movies and general entertainment, gaming is an area where it falls slightly short. The minor input lag is noticeable during fast-paced games that require precise timing. While casual gaming is still enjoyable, competitive gamers may prefer a high-resolution monitor with faster response times.
The NexiGo PJ40 shines when it comes to image customization. The menu offers an extensive array of settings, including brightness, contrast, and advanced color calibration options like RGBCMYK adjustments.
Recently, I had the opportunity to test the Yaber L2s, a budget projector with similar specs, including native 1080p resolution and 700 ANSI lumens brightness. The Yaber L2s features an excellent speaker, attractive design, and solid build quality, all for around $160. When comparing the picture quality of the two projectors, the differences were almost negligible, particularly in dark rooms. Both devices deliver sharp, vibrant images that punch well above their weight class.
However, the NexiGo PJ40 edges out the competition with its 4D keystone correction, making it easier to achieve perfect screen geometry without ideal placement. This feature alone makes the PJ40 more versatile for users who need flexibility in projector placement.
Final Thoughts
Pros
- 4D keystone correction
- Vibrant color reproduction
- Extensive connectivity
Cons
- Brightness struggles in lit rooms
- More expensive than many other 1080p projectors
The NexiGo PJ40 (Gen 3) is a compelling option for anyone seeking a high-quality projector without breaking the bank. While it faces stiff competition from budget models like the Yaber L2s, it justifies its slightly higher price with unique features like 4D keystone correction and versatile image controls. If you can have a good placement for your projector, you should go with the Yaber L2s and save a significant amount of money.
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