ZTE Spro 2, we've tested it

zte spro 2

Since the end of last year, the projectors market has had a striking new product from the Chinese company ZTE . It is the ZTE Spro 2 portable projector , which evolves from its previous version with a much more elegant and practical design , with a truly portable volume and a focus capable of displaying images in HD quality and a power of 200 lumens (at your option More powerful). All this with the screen of a tablet included in the design and the Android operating system to make this device a truly complete tool with whichproject videos, games, movies and any content in streaming or over the Internet in a size of up to 120 inches . And without cables. We have tested it, and these are our opinions of the ZTE Spro 2 .

Compact and portable

One of the most important aspects of this ZTE Spro 2 projector is its design. A new version that has won thanks to the straight lines that transform it from a bulky device to a compact 13.4 x 13.1 box x 3.3 centimeters . Something that other projectors on the market cannot compete against. Its weight also accompanies this design, slightly exceeding half a kilo (526 grams in total). A somewhat heavy bucket, but that can be carried in a simple bag to project movies, slideshows and anything on a wall anytime, anywhere. And we must not forget that it has an internal batterywhich allows you to do without cables for a good amount of time. Although we will comment on this later.

zte spro 2

In the design of the ZTE Spro 2, we must be grateful that it bets on straight lines with beveled edges and rounded corners. All this gives it a really attractive , curious and elegant appearance . Yes, it transforms it into a flattened cube and somewhat heavy for its size , but it can be taken anywhere. Its silver finish gives it a premium feeling , solidity and quality when held in your hands.

In its upper part we find the screen and a backlit main button on and off. Something like the off and on button of smartphones and tablets to use, which also serves to turn the screen off and on once the device is running. On its left side we find two circular buttons to control the volume from the device (the projector comes with a remote control), while the right side has a grille that houses the speaker. A design, that of the latter, somewhat crude that could be confused with that of a fan and that slightly affects the final quality of the sound.

In its front we see the projector's focus along with a small camera that allows this Spro 2 to know at all times if the image it is showing is in focus or not . If we rotate the device 180 degrees, we find the back, with the different connectors it has: power input , an HDMI port , a USB 3.0 port , a 3.5 jack audio output and a microSD card slot . Finally, the back of the device shows ventilation slots, four rubber feetthat help the projector not to slip on any surface and, finally, a small extra leg that allows you to tilt and rise above the plane to project the image above the normal angle.

zte spro 2

A powerful picture with less powerful sound

Moving on to comment on our impressions about the ZTE Spro 2 projector , we must talk about a remarkable focus if we consider that we are talking about a portable device of these dimensions and characteristics. And it is that its beam of light allows to display images of a size of up to 120 inches , separating the device about two meters from the wall where the image is going to be displayed. Yes, this projection has a maximum resolution of 720 pixels , which marries the standard HD . Something that can detract from Full HD or 4K imagesinserted into the projector. However, we must not lose sight of the fact that it is a device with the specifications of a smartphone and in a small size and without cables. In its favor, it must be said that, when connected to the current, the projector is capable of launching an image with a brightness of 200 lumens , twice that of its previous version. However, when used in its wireless mode, the brightness is cut in half. Even so, more than enough to see a complete image on different walls or materials, although without achieving a professional projection or with the same quality as other larger products.

Along with the quality of its lamp, of which ZTE ensures 20,000 hours of useful life , we must talk about its projection possibilities . Among them, it is necessary to highlight the automatic focus , allowing that, before any movement of the device, the focus is adjusted to show the image as sharp as possible. Something that only takes a few seconds. Also, it does not matter that the projector is not facing the projection wall . The ZTE Spro 2 is responsible for adapting the image, tilting and deforming it to achieve a 16: 9 or 4: 3 format at any angle . All accompanied by correction of theAutomatic color and LABB and CAIC technologies to achieve the best possible image quality in any situation without overusing the brightness or battery.

zte spro 2

It is in the sound section where this ZTE can leave something more to be desired, although fully complying with what a device of these characteristics can solve in terms of audio. The biggest problem resides in its only speaker included on the right side of the device, where it cannot offer great quality and power , and can sound somewhat canned. However, it allows to reproduce any powerful sound in a room according to the maximum projection size of 120 inches . With this, it is possible to listen to everything that appears in the film, video or whatever content, but without great power of bass or definition in treble.

The solution for this, however, is included in the ZTE Spro 2 . On the one hand, it is possible to connect headphones to its 3.5 mm jack port to listen to the audio of the content in detail. On the other hand, its Bluetooth 4.0 connection allows you to pair different speakers or even a whole system to achieve the sound of a home theater, with power and quality depending on these connected devices and not the speaker included in the projector.

A player with endless possibilities

Do not forget that in the bowels of the ZTE Spro 2 there is an Android 4.4.4 operating system on the construction of a smartphone or tablet . This allows you to act like any device, downloading applications and games of all kinds, using streaming services over the Internet or connecting other devices such as speakers, screens or even controllers to play games.

What does all this translate? In endless possibilities for the projector. So you can rent or buy movies through Google Play Movies for display on a wall like the consumer. In the same way, the YouTube application allows you to watch music videos, tutorials or any vlog on the surface that the user of this projector wants. And even more, interacting with its screen but looking over the projection, it is possible to play Alto ”™ s Adventure or even Candy Crush Saga , or professionalize this system by connecting a controller to play titles like the classic Tomb Raider , for example.

zte spro 2

Similarly, the user with a Netflix account can download the official application to play their series and movies directly on the ZTE Spro 2 . Or, if you have an external hard drive or a USB stick loaded with content such as documents, presentations or movies, you can connect it through the USB 3.0 port . The same as if you want to project a computer image through the HDMI port .

Nor should we lose sight of the option of using the user's mobile or tablet as a source to project content such as photos or videos stored in the gallery. Just activate the Miracast connection and send all this content to the projector. Something really simple and practical to show travel photos and videos to a group of friends, for example.

A high-end terminal inside a projector

In this ZTE Spro 2 we not only find a portable projector, as we said above, it has an operating system that makes it capable of all kinds of functions and possibilities. It helps that it has the same characteristics inside as last year's high-end smartphones .

We start with a five - inch screen technology LCD that is capable of displaying images at 720 pixels resolution, or what is the same, HD quality . Something that is far from 1080 pixels or Full HD , but we must not lose sight of the fact that the device is designed to enjoy content through the projector. In any case, the panel has 293 pixels per inch of density and has support for various pressure points, so it is fully functional, like a mobile screen in use. Very sensitive and responding in a very agile way.

zte spro 2

Already under the hood, we must talk about a processor with brute force such as the Snapdragon 800 from the company Qualcomm . It is a quad-core chip capable of running at 2 Ghz clock speed. Enough qualities to take over any demanding game or application without any problem, since it is accompanied by the Adreno 330 graphics processor . In addition, taking into account that neither the projector nor the screen requires scaling the images to FullHD quality , it allows that power to be reinvested in a really fluid and comfortable operation. Its 2 GB of RAMthey also help ensure that all these processes do not suffer stops or jerks, although multitasking is not particularly useful on this device.

Regarding its storage capacity, it has a memory of 16 GB . Enough to store a good number of documents and several HD movies. In case that space is a bit scarce, it is always possible to use its MicroSD memory card slot , expanding this space by up to 2TB more .

Operating system, interface and applications

As we have already mentioned, the ZTE Spro 2 has an Android operating system inside, as if it were a mobile phone. It is surprising that, in this case, ZTE has become somewhat outdated by introducing version 4.4.4 KitKat instead of 5.0 Lollipop or 6.0 Marshmallow , with all the advantages in terms of security, notifications and user accounts they offer. Now, it is more than enough for a projector, especially considering that it has its own interface to adapt the contents and focus options between the device settings.

Thus, when we turn on this portable projector, we find an interface or Android customization layer ready to make things easier for novice users. And boy does it. In the first place we find a main screen as a desktop where you have access to the basic questions of the projector , such as turning it off or on , activating autofocus or choosing the brightness . Issues that should satisfy the basic needs of any user. Along with this, and on the same home screen, the interface includes several applications of interest such as the Google Play store , the Dolphin browser , the Google search engine.and the PowerDVD player , as well as a section with Google tools and a section with the user's favorite applications. But the best thing is that it integrates different gestures , highlighting above all being able to slide three fingers across the screen from bottom to top to turn on the spotlight , and do it in the opposite direction to turn it off. Something really comfortable and fast.

zte spro 2

By sliding your finger it is also possible to access other tabs of this interface that collect all the functions and possibilities of the Spro 2 . From a tab designed to house the applications and games focused on the multimedia system, to another of Settings where you can find all the advanced options of the device, going through some more useful and necessary such as the application drawer or a space reserved exclusively for the office tools . Do not forget that it is a projector and can be especially useful for presentations and work or academic meetings.

It must be said that this interface is also customizable , allowing the user to create new tabs to contain those tools that they want to always have at hand. Just press the + button  to do so.

In terms of applications , the ZTE Spro 2 has access to the entire collection available on the Google Play Store . Although, we have verified that, as soon as it is turned on for the first time, it already presents the Dolphin Internet browser , very agile when loading pages, and the PowerDVD Mobile player . This way, you don't need to download or search for other applications to play almost any multimedia content. And the same with office files thanks to the WPS Office application that also comes pre-installed .

Autonomy for a long movie

One of the key points of this portable projector is precisely that it can be moved anywhere without the need for cables . Something that is possible thanks to its large 6,300 mAh battery , one of the reasons why its weight and volume are justified. This battery allows an autonomy of more than two hours , thus covering most of the current films. Of course, it depends on the intensity of the projector's brightness and the connections used . In this way, with the brightness in medium (for high it is necessary to connect the Spro 2 to the current) and playing Gone with the Wind through a streaming service over the Internet, it is possible thatwe are left with the doubt whether Red tells Scarlet that "frankly dear, I don't care", or to see what the survivor of the Titanic does with the jewel . On the other hand, if the films are in its internal memory or connected by means of a pendrive , and we turn off the rest of the connections , it is possible to squeeze a bit more their duration.

zte spro 2

A projector that connects via WiFi and almost any other method

The connectivity section of the ZTE Spro 2 is also worth mentioning. On the one hand, its most direct and useful connection is, without a doubt, the WiFi antenna in 2 and 5 Ghz , which allows you to download applications, use on-demand content services through the Internet, show the web, use YouTube or even access all kinds of cloud services such as storage of documents, photos and videos.

This connection also allows you to create a portable hotspot . Although the Spanish version of the ZTE Spro 2 does not have a SIM card slot , as if it were a smartphone, as has happened in the United States, it does allow the creation of the same WiFi network between several devices that connect to it. Something particularly comfortable for the fast transmission of documents, photos and videos to project, for example.

And not only that. The WiFi connection also supports Miracast , or what is the same, connect with other devices via WiFi to receive files such as photos and videos to show directly through the projector . It would be enough, for example, to share an image from the mobile through the gallery with the direct WiFi option, the classic Miracast button . When connected to the ZTE projector , the image is quickly sent for projection, without any setup or cables.

Apart from this, it has an HDMI input port to which to connect a computer, for example, to show the work that is being carried out on the screen or on the projector. It also features a USB 3.0 type port to quickly transmit all kinds of files and documents, movies, series, videos or even music stored on a USB stick or external hard drive. This type of port also allows you to connect the projector to a computer to send any file to the internal memory of the portable device.

zte spro 2

The ZTE Spro 2 also has Bluetooth connectivity , further expanding its possibilities in the field of leisure and entertainment. On the one hand, it is possible to link with independent speakers to achieve surround sound that improves the experience of the projection that is going to be seen. On the other hand, it allows the use of wireless controllers for games, turning the projector into a kind of console to enjoy titles from the Android platform .

Finally we find a 3.5 mm jack headphone output port , where you can connect internal or headband headphones to enjoy better audio quality than through its external speaker, and a microSD slot with which to expand the storage capacity of the device, or load more movies, files and content to project.

Opinion and price

The ZTE Spro 2 is a curious device, which combines, on the one hand, the benefits of a good mobile phone (good but not the best), with a fairly capable projector in a small body. All this quite elegantly, it must be said, especially when compared to the Spro 1 . It is true that it can be somewhat rough due to its shape and weight , but its mission of being portable is perfectly fulfilled. This is helped by its battery, which offers the smooth reproduction of an entire film without having to be charged, but without detracting from the technology behind the lamp that projects everything. And it is that its beam of light adapts to any place, focusing itself before any movement of the device and adapting the angle of inclination of the projector with respect to the wall so that the viewing is correct.

Qualities that, together with the 120 inches of image that it allows to display, although in HD resolution, allow to have any content, whether leisure or work, anywhere. With a brightness more than enough for most rooms, and without carrying a large projector.

zte spro 2

But all these technical qualities are only 50 percent of the product. ZTE is to be congratulated for having decided to use the Android operating system to complete the device, which not only makes it compatible with a large number of video files and documents, but also opens the doors to applications, games and Internet services from everything from cloud storage to content on demand.

With this, and despite not being the projector with the highest graphic and sound quality on the market (taking into account today's large projectors), its versatility and possibilities in terms of leisure, productivity and entertainment should be highlighted.

However, all this technology, despite the compactness of the projector, has an impact on the final price of the product. The ZTE Spro 2 has a price of 700 euros . A cost that may be somewhat high for a projector of this type, but that has the most interesting qualities, although for a somewhat reduced audience, perhaps.

ZTE Spro 2

BrandZTE
ModelZTE Spro 2
TypeAndroid mobile projector

screen

Size5 inches
ResolutionHD 1,280 x 720 pixels
Density293 dpi
TechnologyLCD
Protection-

Design

Dimensions13.4 x 13.1 x 3.3 cm
materials-
Weight526 grams
ColorsSilver aluminum
WaterproofNot

Projection

Projection sizeBetween 14 ″ and 120 ″
Ratio4: 3 or 16: 9
Brightness200 lumens (network connected), 100 lumens
Lamp life20,000 hours
ResolutionHD

software

Operating systemAndroid 4.4.4 KitKat
Extra applicationsGoogle applications (Gmail, Hangouts, Chrome, etc.), Dolphin Internet browser and PowerDVD player

Power

CPU processorQualcomm Snapdragon 800 quad-core 2GHz
Graphics processor (GPU)Adreno 330
RAM2 GigaBytes

Memory

Internal memory16 GB
ExtensionYes, with MicroSD card up to 2TB, USB memory

Connections

Mobile Network-
WifiWiFi in 2 GHz and 5 GHz
GPS location-
BluetoothBluetooth 4.0
DLNA-
HDMIYes
ConnectorUSB 3.0
Audio3.5 mm minijack
SIMNot
OthersIt allows to create WiFi zones, Miracast

Autonomy

RemovableNot
Capacity6,300 milliamps
Standby duration-
Duration in useMore than two hours of playback

+ info

Release dateNow on sale
Manufacturer's websiteZTE

Price: 700 euros