Dangbei Atom Smart 1080P Portable Laser Projector Review

The Atom measures 7.7 inches wide x 1.95 inches tall x 7.7 inches deep and weighs just under three pounds. The projector is compact and lightweight, so you can easily carry it from place-to-place in a backpack. To maximize portability, Dangbei offers an optional carrying case.

The IR input is on the front of the chassis next to the lens, along with a camera and direct time-of-flight (dTof) sensor used for auto focus, auto keystone correction, intelligent screen fit and object avoidance.

The projector’s Audio Return Channel (ARC) equipped HDMI port, 3.5mm audio jack, USB 2.0 port, and DC input are located on the rear of the chassis, along with the power button.

The Atom does not have a control panel on its chassis. If you misplace the remote control, you can still power the projector off and on with the power button located on the rear of the chassis. However, you could not control anything else on the projector.

A threaded insert is conveniently located on the bottom of the chassis. You can use it to mount the projector to a tripod or an optional table mount stand.

The remote control is slim with minimal buttons, so some buttons control multiple functions. For example, a quick press of the red button on the side of the remote will engage manual focus mode, while pressing the button for two seconds will activate autofocus. A quick press of the black button on the side will bring up the projector’s settings menu, while a long press will mute the sound.

Since I like to tweak menu settings, I wish the remote had a dedicated menu button. However, the remote does include dedicated quick buttons to access YouTube, Netflix, and Prime Video quickly. The Atom supports Google Assistant, so the Bluetooth-enabled remote includes a built-in microphone and a voice assistant button.

The Atom utilizes a Google TV operating system that provides access to the Google Play Store, which offers a wide range of applications, including streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube, along with various games and productivity apps.

Users can use the projector's built-in Google Assistant functionality to control the projector using voice commands. This feature allows you to adjust settings, search for content, control playback, and even manage smart home devices without needing a remote.

Google TV projectors come with integrated Chromecast, enabling users to easily cast content directly onto the projector screen from their smartphones, tablets, or laptops. 

The interface is designed for the big screen, offering a clean, organized, and easily navigable layout so it is simple for users to find and access their favorite content.

Lastly, Google TV analyzes your viewing habits and provides personalized content recommendations. The universal search feature across various streaming platforms can help users find content quickly without sifting through multiple apps.

The DangBei ATOM delivered an impressive amount of brightness from a compact package. Even with the projector’s laser light sources set to a STANDARD, the Dangbei Atom is bright enough to watch TV and movies in a room with low and moderate ambient light.  Dangbei states that the ATOM can be used for screen sizes up to 180 inches, but based on its light output, I think the projector would look best on screens under 120 inches.

The Dangbei Atom is a compact, portable, smart Full HD laser projector. It is a DLP projector that can deliver 1080 x1920 onscreen resolution. The projector's slim 1.87-inch profile and lightweight design (2.82 pounds) make it ultra-portable, so you can easily move from room to room or toss it in a backpack to take with you.

The Dangbei Atom has an ALPD laser light source that can deliver 1,200 lumens of brightness. It supports HDR content master in HDR10 and HLG.

A bright portable projector like the Dangbei Atom can transform any backyard or campsite into an outdoor cinema. Professionals can use the Atom to display presentations or promotional videos at trade shows and conferences. The projector’s brightness ensures the image remains clear and vibrant, even in a room with moderate ambient light.

Since the Atom is Dangbei's first Google TV™ laser, you have access to a wide range of apps and streaming services, including Netflix. Google TV can also provide each family member with personalized recommendations and manage and update their personal watchlist and library across all their devices. Lastly, the Atom supports Google Assist voice operation.

The projector’s 10-watt sound system produces room-filling sound. The unit can even be utilized as a Bluetooth speaker. The Atom includes several features that greatly simplify setup, including autofocus, keystone correction, screen fit, and obstacle avoidance.

Dangbei offers a couple of notable accessories for the Atom. To enhance portability, they sell an optional Portable carrying case that holds the projector, remote, and power supply. There is also an optional Gimbal Desktop Stand for the Atom, which offers a wide degree of rotation so you can easily tilt the Atom to achieve the perfect viewing angle. You can even point the projector straight up so you can lay in bed and watch movies on your ceiling. 

Very few projectors as compact as the Dangbei Atom can match its brightness, resolution, and picture quality. The BenQ GP100A is another great portable projector that also retails for $899. While the GP100A has a better sound system, the Atom is brighter and more compact. 

Overall, the Dangbei Atom is a compelling option for those seeking a bright, portable smart projector with good picture quality and cutting-edge smart features. This is the first Dangbei projector I have reviewed, and I was impressed by its performance, so I am giving the Dangbei Atom a Highly Recommended Award.