Samsung Refreshes Its Portable Projector with the Freestyle+
Samsung has introduced the Freestyle+, an updated version of its well-liked portable projector, just ahead of CES 2026. This new model retains the compact and versatile design of its predecessors while delivering a significant boost in brightness and enhanced automatic setup features. The Freestyle+ promises to maintain the ease of use and flexibility that made the original Freestyle popular among users who want a projector that can easily adapt to different environments.
Improved Brightness and Smarter Setup Features
One of the standout improvements in the Freestyle+ is its brightness, which Samsung has increased to 430 ISO lumens, nearly doubling the 230 ISO lumens of the previous model. This enhancement should make the projector more practical in rooms with ambient light, expanding its usability beyond dimly lit settings. Additionally, Samsung has upgraded the setup experience with a suite of automatic correction tools branded as AI OptiScreen. These include auto keystone correction, real-time autofocus, screen fitting for compatible surfaces, and wall calibration that analyses the colour and texture of the projection surface to optimise image quality.
On the software front, the Freestyle+ continues to run Samsung’s smart TV platform, providing built-in access to popular streaming services, Samsung TV Plus, and the Samsung Gaming Hub. Audio is delivered through a built-in 360-degree speaker, with optional Q-Symphony support when paired with compatible Samsung soundbars, ensuring a richer sound experience.
Continuing a Successful Portable Projector Line
The Freestyle+ sticks with the familiar cylindrical body and 180-degree rotating stand that allows users to project images onto walls, floors, or ceilings effortlessly. This design has been a hallmark of the Freestyle series, enabling easy portability and flexible placement around the home or office. The updates seem to be a refinement rather than a radical redesign, focusing on addressing some of the limitations of earlier models, particularly around brightness and setup convenience.
Samsung’s approach reflects a broader trend in the portable projector market, where manufacturers are increasingly emphasising automated setup and enhanced image calibration to improve user experience. The original Freestyle was praised for its innovative design but sometimes criticised for its relatively low brightness, so the new model’s improvements could make it more appealing to a wider audience.
What to Expect Next
Samsung plans to showcase the Freestyle+ at CES 2026, with global availability expected later in the year. While pricing details have not yet been revealed, the previous Freestyle model was priced around $800, suggesting the Freestyle+ may be positioned similarly. As portable projectors continue to gain traction for their convenience and versatility, the Freestyle+ is poised to be a strong contender in this growing segment.
Overall, the Freestyle+ represents a thoughtful evolution of Samsung’s portable projector line, combining improved brightness and smarter setup features with the familiar, flexible design that users appreciate. It will be interesting to see how the market responds once the device becomes available.