Xiaomi Smart Projector L1 Pro review

Full review

The L1 Pro takes the formula of the standard L1 and adds brightness and sound. Xiaomi quotes 400 ANSI lumens, which is about twice the L1's claim on a different measurement basis, so the comparison should not be taken too literally. Even so, it should cope better with a room that is not perfectly dark, though a dim room remains the best setting.

The panel is Full HD LCD and the 1.21:1 throw ratio is short, giving 40 to 120 inch images from a modest distance, with 60 to 100 inches recommended. At 2.0 kg and about 21 by 13 by 19 centimetres it is larger and heavier than the L1, so it is more of a living room fixture than something to carry around, and it has no battery.

The software is Android TV based, giving access to the usual streaming apps. Two 5 W full-range speakers with Dolby Audio are a noticeable improvement over the 3 W pair on the cheaper model, although they still will not match a soundbar.

Xiaomi's pages that we could reach do not give HDR support, input lag or a port list, and some European retailers label the brightness as ISO rather than ANSI, so check the box before relying on any single figure. For buyers who want the Xiaomi ecosystem and a brighter image than the budget models, it is a sensible mid-priced option.