Compare ยท Updated 26 Oct 2026
TCL PlayCube Projector vs TCL A1s Projector
Get the TCL PlayCube. The A1s is cute, but too dim and dull to recommend.

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.
We earn a commission from these links.
The short answer
The PlayCube is bright for its size, sharp up to 150 inches and has a battery, and TechRadar recommends it. The A1s has a handy handle that doubles as a stand, but it's dim even in a dark room, with grey blacks, muted colour and a loud fan, and no battery.
Get the TCL PlayCube if
- โYou want a picture worth watching.
- โYou'd use it away from a socket.
- โYou want up to 150 inches.
Get the TCL A1s if
- โYou only have about ยฃ350.
- โIt's for a dark kids' room.
- โYou like the handle design.
Key differences
Brightness
750 ISO lumens
TCL PlayCube
Dim even in the dark
TCL A1s
Battery
Up to about 3 hours
TCL PlayCube
No
TCL A1s
Colour
Bright and detailed
TCL PlayCube
Muted and too cool
TCL A1s
Price
About ยฃ799 / $799
TCL PlayCube
About ยฃ349 / $359
TCL A1s
Pros and cons
TCL PlayCube Projector
- +Bright 1080p, up to 150 inches
- +Battery for up to about 3 hours
- +Twisting body for an instant tilt
- โStill needs dimmed lights in daytime.
- โBattery lasts up to about three hours.
- โThe 5W speaker is a bit quiet.
- โBBC iPlayer has to be cast from a phone.
TCL A1s Projector
- +Handle doubles as a tilting stand
- +Google TV built in
- +Quick automatic setup
- โDim even in a dark room.
- โGrey blacks and muted, cool colours.
- โLoud fan.
- โNo battery, zoom or lens shift.
- Is the TCL PlayCube worth it?
- Is the TCL A1s worth it?
- XGIMI Horizon 20 vs Hisense C2 Ultra
- XGIMI Horizon 20 vs Elfin Flip 4K
- Elfin Flip 4K vs MoGo 4 Laser
- Hisense C2 Ultra vs Elfin Flip 4K
- Best projectors
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.
Updated 26 Oct 2026How we decide
