TCL C1 Projector vs TCL PlayCube Projector
Get the TCL PlayCube. The C1 is cheaper, but too dim to enjoy.
TCL C1 Projector
A small, cheap Google TV projector with a tilting stand and automatic setup, but very dim, blue-tinted and dull.
TCL PlayCube Projector
A bright, well-made 1080p cube with Google TV, a battery and a body that twists to aim the picture. TechRadar recommends it.
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The PlayCube is bright for its size at 750 ISO lumens, sharp up to 150 inches and runs on a battery, and TechRadar recommends it. The C1 also has Google TV and tilts to the ceiling, but RTINGS found it very dim, cold in colour and choppy, and it has no battery.
- —It's only for a pitch-black bedroom.
- —You want to spend as little as possible.
- —You'd project small pictures on the ceiling.
- —You want a picture worth watching.
- —You'd take it into the garden.
- —You want a bigger screen.
Key differences
Pros and cons
- +Google TV with Netflix built in
- +Tilts up to project on the ceiling
- +Quick automatic setup
- −Very dim: needs a pitch-black room.
- −Cold, blue-tinted, muted colour.
- −Choppy motion and high input lag.
- −No battery, zoom or lens shift.
- +Bright 1080p, up to 150 inches
- +Battery for up to about 3 hours
- +Twisting body for an instant tilt
- −Still needs dimmed lights in daytime.
- −Battery lasts up to about three hours.
- −The 5W speaker is a bit quiet.
- −BBC iPlayer has to be cast from a phone.
- Is the TCL C1 worth it?
- Is the TCL PlayCube worth it?
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How we reached this verdict
We compared independent expert reviews with the manufacturer's specifications, then checked it's sold at a major retailer where you live. We don't test products ourselves.
Sources: RTINGS, Expert Reviews, manufacturer specifications.