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 speaker that is built in and the 20000 hours of lamp life.
I like the two 5W Yamaha speakers built-in. And that their sound quality is impressive to really add to the cinematic experience!
The 20,000 hours of lamp life and the integrated speakers are excellent value points!
Nice device, my favorite features are the portability and the lamp life.
my two favorite features are the integrated Yamaha speakers and the capability of being able to project a 150” image if needed !
I like the auto picture skew and focus correction, as well as the 20,000 hours of lamp life.
20000hr lampl live and its under 5lbs.
like Full HD 1920 x 1080 native resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio
like Project on screens or flat surfaces up to 150″ in size
1- the 20,000 hours of lamp light is HUGE! Talk about longevity
2- Under 5 pounds! Love how portable it is to enable a variety of uses!
I love that it has its own integrated Yamaha Bluetooth speakers and the Google Assistant voice control would be great too! These are my two favourite features,
chromecast and speakers
like Full HD 1920 x 1080 native resolution and 16:9 aspect ratio
like Project on screens or flat surfaces up to 150″ in size
Favorite two features are:
1) Horizontal and vertical keystone correction
2) integrated Yamaha Bluetooth speakers
The two features that I like at the 20,000 lamp hours and the fact that it is Full HD 1920 x 1080.
1- the 20,000 hours of lamp light is HUGE! Talk about longevity
2- Under 5 pounds! Love how portable it is to enable a variety of uses!
Two features I like about the Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 laser projector are its use of Advanced True 3-chip 3LCD display technology and its sleep timer!
20000 Hours lamp and Speakers
20000hr lampl live and its under 5lbs. Yes please
I like the 20,000 of lamp light and that it will also function as a standalone Bluetooth speaker.
The life of the lamp at 20,000 hours and the portability of the machine.
20000 hours lamp life and portability
Automatic keystone correction and long lamp life.
I like that it has approx. 20,000 hours of lamp light and that it can project up to 150″ in size.
I love that it’s so portable and those built in speakers
I like the auto picture skew and focus correction, as well as the 20,000 hours of lamp life.
The compact size and long lamp life.
2 features that I like are: Approximately 20,000 hours of lamp light and projects up to 150″
I love the fact that this has 20,000 hours of lamp light. I also love that it projects up to 150″ in size. Both features are absolutely amazing.
A sleep timer – genius! And good sound quality is a must have
I really like the idea of built-in speakers and the small size portability of this unit.
I love that it’s a Bluetooth speaker when you’re not using the screen and the amazing sound quality of the Yamaha speakers.
I love the fact that this has 20,000 hours of lamp light. I also love that it projects up to 150″ in size. Both features are absolutely amazing.
I like that it is portable and that you can project up to 150″ in size.
can be use in outdoor daylight and Yamaha speakers sound quality
can fit indoor/outdoor and built-in Android TV features
I love the small size and can be use outdoor features
Auto picture skew and focus correction corrects the alignment and focus automatically when projected onto a wall and that it also functions as a standalone Bluetooth speaker.
20,000 hour lamp life is nice. Also the size of it is another great feature.
The two features that I like on this Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 are the portability and the fact that it houses two 5W Yamaha speakers within the same unit. Having a portable singular unit which can both output audio/video certainly makes the “pick up and play” option optimal with this kind of a device.
A sleep timer – genius! And good sound quality is a must have.
I love that it’s a Bluetooth speaker when you’re not using the screen and the amazing sound quality of the Yamaha speakers.
I need built in speakers so I can move it around easily. Also it works well outdoors. Thats huge for us!
Speakers and portability.
I like the full HD resolution and the long 20,000 hrs lamp life!
I really like the idea of built-in speakers and the small size portability of this unit.
Full HD 1920 x 1080 and 20,000 of lamp life
The big features for me are the portability and the sound quality of the speakers
The portability and built in speakers on this projector make it an ideal option for our active family. Whether entertaining friends and family (indoors and out), or on a family camping trip, the form factor and onboard sound make this unit a single device solution for movie nights and even some gaming.
the sound quality and how portable it is
Possibility to do projection on flat surfaces up to 150″!! And the life of the lamp is impressive (20,000 hours)
I like that it only takes five minutes to set up and that it adapts to daytime brightness and has a great picture even in a sunny room. The sleep timer is also neat for late night movies.
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