Following up on the 2024 DBOX02 portable laser projector, Dangbei is back for 2025 with the MP1 Max—a sleeker, more powerful unit aimed at viewers who want big-screen 4K without taking out a second mortgage. But like most “affordable” 4K projectors in this space, the MP1 Max plays it smart (and a little shifty) by skipping a native 4K chip. Instead, it uses pixel-shifting tech to deliver a 4K UHD image—good enough to fool your eyes, if not your microscope.
The MP1 Max incorporates a 0.47-inch 1080p DLP chip (DMD) from Texas Instruments, packed with 2.1 million micromirrors. To achieve 4K (8.3 million pixels), the projector uses pixel-shifting technology. This means that it rapidly shifts the 1080p image both vertically and horizontally at 240Hz. This is so fast (240 times per second), the viewer’s eyes perceive it as a full 4K UHD image. It’s not native 4K, but it’s close enough for most people to never notice the difference, especially at typical viewing distances.
Hybrid Laser and LED Light Source: What Powers the Dangbei MP1 Max?
The MP1 Max features an advanced Triple Laser plus LED hybrid light source, providing higher brightness, improved color accuracy, and a more comfortable viewing experience.
Light Output
With 3100 ISO lumens of brightness, the MP1 Max delivers vivid, lifelike images that hold up well in rooms with ambient light—and even in some outdoor settings where light control is limited.
Screen Size Options
The MP1 can project images from 40 to 300 inches, but for best results, Dangbei recommends a screen size from 80 to 150 inches. Some example projector to screen distances are:
- 80-inch screen – 6.9 ft (2.1 m)
- 100-inch screen – 8.9 ft (2.7 m)
- 120-inch screen – 10.5 ft (3.2 m)
- 150-inch screen – 13.1 ft (4 m)
Color
The 110% BT.2020 wide color gamut expands the spectrum for richer, more vibrant visuals, while the ΔE<1 color accuracy brings a more realistic viewing experience. Its advanced 4K Ultra HD Triple Laser + LED technology enhances color vibrancy and visual depth while ensuring long-lasting reliability.
HDR
The MP1 also provides HDR support with the inclusion of HDR10+ for more realistic presentation of the bright and dark scenes.
3D
The MP1 also provides a 3D viewing option with compatible content and optional 3D glasses.
Eye Comfort
In addition to picture quality, the MP1 Max also recognizes the importance of eye comfort by providing source-level protection, filtering 400-445 nm harmful blue light to reduce eye strain.
Audio
Audio is not neglected as Dolby Audio and DTS Virtual X are supported through its built-in 2 x 12-watt audio system, which incorporates a 750cc Bass Chamber that is capable of delivering frequencies down to 45Hz.
Entertainment Right Out Of The Box
The MP1 Max incorporates Google TV with licensed Netflix integration and over 10,000 apps, including YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, and Hulu. With over 700,000+ movies and shows and smart recommendations, your entertainment options are virtually endless. Google Assistant voice control makes navigation simple and intuitive.
AI Image Setup
InstantPro AI Image Setup technology simplifies setup by automating image optimization with features like Auto Focus, Auto Keystone Correction, Screen Fit, Obstacle Avoidance, Eye Protection, Real-time Keystone Correction, and AI Brightness Adjustment. If you want more control, you can easily fine-tune the settings with minimal manual effort.
Remote Convenience
For added convenience, the remote includes One-Click Wake & Play to instantly launch Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video—even from sleep mode. Smart Shortcuts offer quick access to Auto Focus and Auto Keystone Correction, delivering a perfectly adjusted image in seconds.
Intelligent Cooling System
The Dangbei MP1 Max incorporates an advanced Modular Cooling Technology that supports efficient performance. With Zoned Thermal Insulation (cold and heat isolation), High-Capacity Heat Pipes, and Dual Turbo Fans, the system runs silently yet provides efficient heat dissipation.
Practical Design
The MP1 Max has an increasingly popular design that incorporates a built-in stand with 360° horizontal rotation and 135° vertical tilt. This supports easy placements on tables, shelves, or mounted setups. This type of design is also featured on several other Brands/Models of projectors, such as the Hisense M2 Pro and Leica Cine Play 1.
The MP1 Max features a sculpted, curved exterior that is designed to blend into any space. The fabric finish enhances acoustics while resisting dust and fingerprints, and the eco-friendly EPP case offers stylish portability with a sleek, minimalist design.
Comparison
| Dangbei MP1 Max | Dangbei DBOX02 (aka Mars Pro 2) | Hisense M2 Pro | Leica Cine Play 1 | |
| Release Year | 2025 | 2024 | 2025 | 2025 |
| Product Type | 4K Laser/LED Hybrid Projector | 4K Laser Projector | 4K Laser Projector | 4K Laser Projector |
| MSRP | $1,999 | $1,899 | $1,299 | $3,795 |
| Display Technology | DLP | DLP | DLP | DLP |
| Display Chip | 0.47” DMD | 0.47” DMD | 0.47” DMD | 0.47” DMD |
| Light Source | Triple Laser + LED | ALPD® Laser | Tri-Color Laser | Direct Triple RBG-Laser |
| Brightness | 3100 ISO Lumens | 2450 ISO Lumens | 1200 ANSI Lumens | Up to 3000 Lumens (Ultra Mode) |
| Native Contrast Ratio | 100,000:1 (not verified) | 5,000:1 | 1,000:1 | 1,500:1 |
| Resolution | 3840 × 2160 pixels (via pixel shifting) | 3840 × 2160 pixels (via pixel shifting) | 3840 × 2160 pixels (via pixel shifting) | 3840 × 2160 pixels (via pixel shifting) |
| Throw Ratio | 1.2:1 | 1.27:1 | 1.0-1.3:1 (D:W) | (0.9-1.5)：1 |
| Aspect Ratio | 16:9 /4:3 | 16:9 /4:3 | 16:9 /4:3 | 16:9 /4:3 |
| Projection Size | 40” – 300” (Recommended 80”~150”) | 60″~200″ (Recommended 80”~120”) | 65 to 200-inches | 65 – 300” |
| Color Gamut | 110% BT.2020 | 76.25% DCI-P3 | 110% BT.2020 | > 100% BT 2020 |
| Color Accuracy | ΔE<1 | ΔE<1 | ΔE<.9 | Not Provided |
| HDR Support | HDR10+, HDR10, HLG | HDR 10+, HDR 10, HLG | HDR10, Dolby Vision, HLG | Dolby Vision® / HDR10+ / HLG |
| 3D | Yes (Optional Glasses Required) | Yes (Optional Glasses Required) | Yes (Optional Glasses Required) | Yes (Optional Glasses Required) |
| MEMC (Motion Estimation/Motion Compensation) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Setup Features | InstanPro AI Image Setup Auto Focus Auto Keystone Correction Screen Fit Obstacle Avoidance Eye Protection: Real-Time Keystone Correction AI Brightness Adjustment | InstanPro AI Image Setup Auto Focus Auto Keystone Correction Screen Fit Obstacle Avoidance Eye Protection Real-Time Keystone Correction AI Brightness Adjustment | Easy Setup Features Auto Focus Auto Keystone Correction Auto-Obstacle Avoidance Auto Screen Adaptation Wall Color Adaptation | Setup Features Auto Focus Manual Focus Auto Keystone Correction/Auto Screen Alignment |
| Audio System | 2-Channel | 2-Channel | 2-Channel | 2-Channel |
| Power Output | 12W × 2 | 12W × 2 | 10W × 2 | 10W × 2 |
| Surround Sound Support | DTS Virtual:X DTS-HD Dolby Audio Dolby Digital Dolby Digital Plus | Dolby Digital Dolby Digital Plus DTS:X | Dolby Digital DTS Virtual:X | DTS Virtual:X Dolby Audio |
| CPU | Quad-Core ARM Cortex-A55 | Not Indicated | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| GPU | Mali-G52 | Not Indicated | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| Operating System | Google TV | Google TV | VIDAA OS | VIDAA OS |
| RAM | 2 GB | 2GB DDR3 | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| ROM | 32 GB | 32GB eMMC5.1 | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| Fast Boot | Yes (STR) | Not Indicated | Not Indicated | Not Indicated |
| Screen Mirroring | Google Cast | Chromecast built-in | Apple AirPlay 2, Miracast | Yes |
| Remote | Remote Control Bluetooth Remote App Control | Remote Control | Backlit Voice Remote | Bluetooth / IR in Aluminum Housing with Microphone |
| Streaming Services | Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more | Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Hulu, Disney+, and more | Netflix, Disney+, HBO MAX, Hulu, Prime Video, SHOWTIME, YouTube, Apple TV +, and more | Netflix, Prime, Disney, YouTube, and more |
| Voice Control | Google Assistant | Google Assistant | VIDAA Voice | VIDAA Voice, Alexa |
| Wired Connectivity | HDMI eARC, HDMI 2.1, USB 2.0, 3.5 mm | HDMI eARC, HDMI 2.1 USB 2.0 (×2) | HDMI ARC, HDMI 2.1 USB 3.0 | HDMI eARC HDMI 2.1 S/PDIF, Optical (Toslink) USB 3.0 (×2) |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 6 Dual-band 2.4/5GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Wi-Fi 6 Dual-band 2.4/5GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac/ax | Wi-F 6 (802.11a/b/g/n/ac) | Wi-Fi 6 (IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac/ax) |
| Bluetooth | Version 5.2/BLE | Version 5.2/BLE | Version 5.0 | Version 5.2 |
| Noise Level | Standard Mode <24dB | Standard Mode <24dB | Not Indicated | < 29dB (A) @ 1m distance |
| DC-IN | ×1 | ×1 | ×1 | ×1 |
| Power Consumption | 190W | 150W | 100W | 180W |
| Dimensions (HWD) | 9.71 x 11.65 x 9.1 inches | 9.29 × 7.93 × 6.43 Inches | 9.10 x 7.60 x 8.60 inches | 10.3 x 9.5 x 9.0 inches |
| Weight | 12.3 lbs | 8.8 lbs | 8.6 lbs | 14.7 lbs |
| Color | Dark Grey | Black | White | Metal Grey |
| In the Box | EPP Carrying Case Power Plug Remote User Manual AAA Batteries(×2) | Power Plug Remote Control Wiping Cloth User Manual | Voice remote with backlight Quick Start Guide / Manual Power Cable | Remote control AAA batteries(×2) Power cable Power supply unit Accessory bag Operating instructions & Warranty |
The Bottom Line
With growing competition from extra-large screen TVs, the projector landscape is shifting. One clear trend is the rise of compact “lifestyle” projectors designed to fit a variety of home setups—from living rooms and bedrooms to outdoor spaces and even on-the-go use.
Building on the success of its DBOX02, Dangbei’s MP1 Max brings solid performance to this segment while embracing the trend of built-in tilt and swivel stands for flexible display positioning.
When compared to competitors like the Hisense and Leica Play 1, the MP1 Max sits in the middle price-wise. The Hisense is slightly smaller, the Leica a bit larger. The MP1 Max leads in brightness with about 3,100 ISO lumens, though the Leica isn’t far behind. All three projectors offer easy setup, but Dangbei’s AI-assisted auto setup is the most comprehensive.
Pro Tip: Leica’s premium price is partly due to its brand name and higher-end lenses, which may justify the cost for some buyers.
A standout feature on the Dangbei MP1 Max, not prominently mentioned by its competitors, is its innovative cooling system that supports stable operation in various environments and may extend the light engine’s lifespan.
Speaking of the light engine, the MP1 Max takes a hybrid approach—combining laser and LED technology—to enhance color accuracy, diverging slightly from the pure laser trend.
While Dangbei and its rivals target a step above the sea of cheap, low-brightness projectors, their higher price tags reflect their elevated performance. If you’re looking for a compact projector that can challenge larger standard models and ultra-short-throw projectors, these options deserve serious consideration.
Price & Availability
The Dangbei MP1 Max is available for $300 off, now $1,999 $1,699 at Amazon and the Dangbei Website. However, launch discounted pricing is only expected to last until July 7, 2025.
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