If you own a projector, it’s likely in a dedicated home entertainment room. Today, we have new portable projectors that can be used anywhere. They are small, portable, and easy to use. They come with internal Bluetooth speakers, a built-in streaming interface, and wireless control. With a simple Wi-Fi connection, you can turn any white surface into a projector screen.
I’m reviewing the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12. This is a 1080p laser home theatre projector with Android TV. With its cube-link design, integrated Yamaha Bluetooth speakers, and Google Assistant voice control, this is a box full of entertainment. Worth the investment? Let’s find out.
Notable specs: Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12
- Full HD 1920 x 1080 native resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio
- Project on screens or flat surfaces up to 150″ in size
- Auto picture skew and focus correction corrects the alignment and focus automatically when projected onto a wall
- Approximately 20,000 hours of lamp light
Design of the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 has a compact cube design measuring approximately 7”x 5.5”x 7” (WHD) and weighs just under 5lbs. The top half houses the Yamaha speakers distinguished by a dark grey fabric speaker grille. Under that, you’ll find the lens which at first glance seems to be too low. However, underneath the bass is a grey button that releases an adjustable leg. This allows users to angle up the projected image to a wall.
The right side houses the connection ports. There are two HDMI ports, a USB-A port, a USB Mini port, and a headphone jack. Dedicated control buttons are located on the top. Most people will use the provided remote control for day-to-day use.
Setting up the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12
Turning the projector on for the first time, a series of setup instructions project onto the wall. The first step was connecting it to my Wi-Fi network. From there, I used my Android phone to set up the projector as a new device and connect it to my Google account. The entire setup took less than 5 minutes.
To get the most out of this projector, you will need good Wi-Fi. I recommend setting it up indoors and then moving it to a different location later. If you need to improve your home Wi-Fi, this networking buying guide will help.
Using the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 indoors
For this review, I tested this projector indoors and outdoors. For daytime indoor use, I tested it in my smart home-themed Airbnb suite. Here, I have a dedicated 165” projector wall and an older Epson projector mounted on the ceiling. I placed the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 on a coffee table and turned it on. Since there is no optical zoom, I had to move the coffee table around. I then used the adjustable leg to tilt the projector perfectly towards the wall. Once in position, the EpiqVision automatically adjusts the image to the wall.
I was able to position it far enough to produce a 150” max screen size. However, the brightness is diminished the bigger the screen gets. This is especially noticeable in daytime use. After playing around with various screen sizes, I found 100 inches to be ideal. It has the right balance between size and brightness, especially during the daytime.
Despite being only 1,000 lumens, I was impressed with the daytime brightness. I suspect this is due to Epson’s Advanced True 3-chip 3LCD display technology. It uses three individual LCD chips to continuously display 100% of the RGB colour signal for every frame. The whites, in particular, are very bright even in the daytime.
Using the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 outdoors
My next-door neighbour built an outdoor projector screen in his backyard. So it was no surprise that I tested the EpiqVision Mini EF12 there. Around sunset, I got a stellar image outdoors. Again, at around 100” I had the best balance of size and brightness. I do like the versatility of this projector. It can be used in an entertainment or gaming room in the winter, and in the backyard during the summer months. It’s perfect for entertaining kids and even allows them to game outside.
Horizontal and vertical keystone correction
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 projector uses automatic keystone correction. A vertical keystone correction aligns the top or bottom of the image. Likewise, the horizontal keystone correction aligns the distortion on the left or right side. After the auto keystone, users can manually adjust the keystone in the Display setting. Corner adjustments and focus can also be manually adjusted.
I’m the type of person who likes everything perfectly aligned. For some reason, I had a hard time getting the image straight with the auto keystone. I had this issue both indoors and outdoors. The quickest solution was to use coasters under the feet to straighten the image. I think it would be nice to include adjustable feet on the projector so I didn’t have to use coasters.
Sound quality and sleep timer
The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 has two 5W Yamaha speakers built-in. The sound quality of the speaker is impressive and really adds to the cinematic experience. When you’re not using it as a projector, it also functions as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. This is a great hidden feature. I love that I could play podcasts on it from my phone when I wasn’t using the screen.
Another feature I really love was the sleep timer. This is great for people like me who routinely fall asleep watching TV shows and movies. I tried to use Google Assistant to turn the sleep timer on. Unfortunately, that feature is not available.
Final thoughts
I think portable laser projectors are the future of home entertainment. They’re small, easy to use, and versatile for indoor and outdoor environments. The Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 projector has a stellar, compact cube design with great audio and built-in Android TV. There’s a lot to like, but I do see some room for improvement.
First, the auto keystone is far from perfect. From my experience, it’s worthwhile to do manual adjustments. Also, try to have some coasters around. I found that to be the quickest way to straighten an image. Adjustable back feet could solve this.
Second, I wish it included a USB-C power connection port. That way, users could connect it to a power bank. I’ve seen this in other portable projectors and I hope it becomes an industry standard. Otherwise, I recommend you have an extension cord nearby as you will likely need to use it.
Finally, allow the sleep timer to be set up via voice. Currently, you have to go into the Settings menu to activate the sleep timer. Epson needs to make it easier to access the sleep timer or I suspect people will not use it. This feature is great for people who routinely fall asleep watching shows and movies, myself included.
Who is the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 for?
If you are looking for a two-in-one entertainment device to replace a traditional television, the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 is for you. It can be used in bedrooms, living rooms, gaming rooms, and even outdoors. It’s small, portable, and works in the daytime and at night. Plus, it’s a Bluetooth speaker when you’re not using the screen. In all, the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 is the swiss army knife of home entertainment.
You can find similar versatile and portable projectors at bestbuy.ca today.
I like the small size and the audio quality.
Built in speakers and portability
I really like the auto picture skew and focus correction of this projector, as well as its compact design!
I like the integrated Yamaha Bluetooth speakers, and Google Assistant voice control.
I like that the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 projector uses automatic keystone correction to correct the alignment and focus automatically when projected onto a wall. This will make setup quicker and easier (especially if moving it to different locations). I also like that it has two 5W Yamaha speakers built-in. In my main home theatre room, I would hook it up to my surround sound AV receiver, but it’s good to know that it will still have good sound when using it out in the backyard for outdoor movie nights.
Sound quality and portability.
Two features that I really like about this projector are the sleep timer and that it also acts as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. Since I’m always falling asleep and waking up in a panic when the credits blare this is a feature I need in a projector.
I like that it can function as a Bluetooth speaker, and that it has a sleep timer.
The built in speakers and portability are highlights for me
Love the portability of it and uses usbc for power.
Like the built-in Yamaha bluetooth speakers and the up to 150′ size of screen
The inputs and the fact that I can bring it anywhere
Sound quality and portability.
Input options and built in speaker
I love the built in speakers and that’s it’s light…
The portability as well as sound quality are great features I’d love
I like the built-in speakers and resolution
the portability and resolution are my favourite features
I love all the different input options, and the great sound quality!
The daytime brightness and the sound quality.
I like the built-in 5W Yamaha speakers and that it’s under 5 lbs
I like the small cube size, of approximately 7”x 5.5”x 7” and that it weighs just under 5lbs. I also like that it can produce a 150” max screen size.
I really like both the auto picture skew and the focus correction features.
built-in speakers and the fact that it is small and light weight is great
Bluetooth speakers and the Android TV feature capability
I like the full HD and the large picture size
The features I like are the sleep timer and the built-in 5W Yamaha speakers
The first feature I appreciate is the form factor. As I do plan to move it around, indoors and out, it’s small size would make this very easy and practical.
The second feature are the speakers. The fact that they can double as standalone bluetooth speakers without the use of the lens makes this a double threat.
My two top features are the automatic keystone correction feature and the built-in speaker!
Two features I like are the the automatic keystone correction feature and the built in speakers!
automatic keystone correction feature and the built in speakers
Love that I can use my Android phone to set up the projector as a new device and connect it to my Google account. Also love that it can be used as a standalone bluetooth speaker
It would be perfect for my backyard to use it across my pool on to a large white sheet screen or at the cottage where between my neighbours and I with our properties pie shaped we can all watch a movie from our own back decks with mine in the centre.
The two features I like are the sleep timer and the projector’s automatic adjustment of the image to the wall.
I like the automatic keystone correction feature and the built in speakers
I like the automatic keystone correction feature and the portability of this projector, that it can easily be used inside and outside.
Full HD 1920 x 1080 native resolution and the built in Bluetooth speakers
i love the Resolution and auto focus !
Resolution and autofocus are my favorites
Two features I like about this projector are the Auto picture skew and focus correction and that I can project on to a screen size up to 150″.
The sleep timer feature is much needed for me and also the built in speakers too!
The two features I like are the Auto picture skew and focus correction and that I can project on to a screen size up to 150″.
Resolution and auto focus are my favourite features!!
I love the built in speakers and that its lightweight.
I love how it has the amazing Sound quality and the sleep timer feature with it.
Love the compact size and weight as well as the versatility of using both inside and outdoors!
I like the built in speakers with Bluetooth as well as the 20,000 lamp hours!
Built in Yamaha speakers and built in Android features
Portability and sound quality
Two things I like about this projector: it’s portability and it’s high resolution.
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