Samsung SP-M220 3LCD Portable Projector - A Comparison

Posted on June 24, 2011 by Art Feierman

Samsung SP-M220 3LCD Portable Projector specifications

Specs Preview

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Samsung SP-M220 Specs
Price	2799
Technology	3LCD
Native Resolution	1024x768
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)	3500
Contrast	4,600:1
Zoom Lens Ratio
Lens Shift	No
Lamp Life	2000
Weight	7.5
Warranty	One Year

The Samsung SP-M220 is somewhat similar to the SP-F10M projector which we did review

Direct Links to the Samsung SP-F10M Review
Samsung SP-F10M Projector
Check out the rest of the family :
Samsung SP-M220 comparison
Samsung SP-M250 comparison

This article discusses the Samsung SP-M220's differences.

Samsung SP-M220 Projector Comparison

The Samsung SP-M220 is one of Samsung's entry level projectors. We will briefly compare the Samsung SP-M220 to another of Samsung's projectors, the Samsung SP-F10 which we have reviewed. These projectors are not directly related, but the Samsung SP-M220 still shares similarities with the Samsung SP-F10M. The SP-F10M is unique from this SP-M220 in that it uses an LED light source.

When we at ProjectorReviews asked Samsung to nominate another series of projectors suitable for classroom use, they pointed us to the M series, which includes the SP-M220... So here it is!

Unlike the SP-F10M we did review, the SP-M220 does not use an LED light source. This difference in light source accounts for the big gap in price between the two - $599 MRSP for the SP-M220 versus the LED SP-F10M's $1099. Both are XGA resolution (1024x768) projectors, but the similarities end there.

The SP-M220 LCD projector is 55% brighter than its LED relative at 2200 lumens, but has a lower contrast ratio (500:1 versus the F10M's 2000:1). Keeping this higher brightness and lower contrast in mind, your image might be a little washed out... But the tradeoff is being able to handle an environment with more ambient light because of the extra lumens. So think about what matters to you - brightness or pop? Most likely, it's brightness - which means that even at a lower price, the SP-M220 is brighter.

The SP-M220 is prepared to last 3000 hours at full power and 5000 hours in eco-mode, plus it comes with a 3-year warranty! So not only is the SP-M220 totally affordable at $599 (and even lower at street price), but it has a relatively long lamp life and the best warranty you can get! Talk about cost efficiency.

Weighing only 5.3 pounds, the Samsung SP-M220 is extremely portable. Though despite its light weight, the SP-M220 still has a 7W speaker, making it capable of providing ample sound in the average small conference room or classroom. And while the SP-M220 does not have networking capabilities, it does have an HDMI input that allows you to stream both video and audio from an output source such as a DVD/BluRay player, cable or satellite box, or even a gaming console - definitely a good thing to have.

the Samsung SP-M220 projector's input panel, which includes an HDMI input.

Click Image to Enlarge

The question is, why the Samsung SP-M220? The Samsung SP-M220's very portable size means it won't be a burden to lug from room to room, so teachers or businessmen taking turns with the projector wouldn't be an issue. Though at this low price, that's not even really necessary, since more classrooms could potentially be outfitted with Samsung SP-M220 projectors than many of its more expensive competitors. With a long three year warranty paired with a very low price, the SP-M220 is highly affordable for those buying on a tight budget. A very smart, budget conscious way to shop projectors.