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 auto keystone correction
Portability and auto picture skew are my favourite features
I like the portability (indoor and outdoor use!
I like the sound quality and the portability
Auto picture skew and sound quality
I love that this has built in sound (and can be used to listen to podcasts as you mentioned) and that is portable/small at less than 5lbs so it can really go anywhere.
I like the portability (indoor and outdoor use!) and the ability to connect it to our google assistant!
Portability and auto picture skew are my favourite features
I like the portability of this Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 laser projector and the fact that it has built in speakers.
The portability is of course the number one factor about this projector. The auto keystone is a great feature to adjust the picture in every way possible.
I like that it has sound built-in & long bulb life
I like the 20,000 hour lamp life and the portable nature of this projector.
Auto picture skew and sound quality
the 20,000 hours of lamplife is amazing and would offer years and years of enjoyment before replacement. I really love the fact that is it wi-fi enabled and I can add it and control it with my google home system
I like the auto picture skew, and the focus correction.
It’s lightweight and portable and can project up to 150″ in size! Sounds great
Two features I like are: the projector can be used outdoors and setup takes less than 5 minutes.
I like its portability and its ability to be projected on any flat surface.
I like how it can project up to 150″ in size and the autofocus capability
I like that it (1) projects up to 150″ in size, and (2) has approx. 20,000 hours of lamp light.
I like that you can project up to 150″ in size and that the projector focuses and fixes the alignment automatically.
I love that you can project up to 150″ in size and it auto focus and aligns.
My favorite features are the 150″ image size and the picture skew and focus correction.
I like the Full HD native resolution, and the 20,000 hours lamp life.
Two abilities that I like bluetooth speakers and auto sleep feature
The best features are the built in smart Android system and the speakers.
I like the 20,000 hours of lamp light and the 150 inch size
I like the resolution and the 20,000 hours of lamp light. That’s a lot of viewing!
I like that it can be used both indoor and outdoor, as well as light weight !
I like the Full HD native resolution, and the 20,000 hours lamp life.
I really like the versatility of the projector.. can be used almost anywhere!! As well the built-in Yamaha speakers will definitely make for excellent sound quality. The sleep timer is perfect for me.. I can’t seem to make it through an entire movie without falling asleep lol.
Love the Yamaha Bluetooth speakers, and Google Assistant voice control
bluetooth speakers and autofocus
I like the fact it weighs under 5 lbs. I like the fact the setup takes less than 5 minutes.
The two features that Andy mentions that I really liked about this projector is the Yamaha speakers and the sleep timer – this is also great for me, as I tend to fall asleep during movies/shows.
I like the size and the auto picture skew…
I love that you can project up to 150″ in size and it auto focus and aligns.
The built in speakers and Android TV are huge plusses for me.
I like the 20000 hours of lamp light and the 150” image size.
Full HD / 16:9 aspect ratio and the auto focus features are my favorite for a theatre-style experience in our basement!
I like that you can project up to 150″ in size and also that the projector focuses and fixes the alignment automatically. Lots of great features!
Internal blue tooth speakers and easy Wi-Fi connectivity
My favorite features are the 150″ image size and the picture skew and focus correction.
Sound quality and sleep timer and portability.
I like that you can project up to 150″ in size and that the projector focuses and fixes the alignment automatically.
the sound and it’s portable
I like the sound quality and the portability
Small, portable and easy to use
My two favourite features are the built-in Yamaha speakers and the portability.
I love the light weight portability, and the built in speakers.
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