Back at CES 2025 in Las Vegas, we reported on Dangbei's newly announced flagship model in our first-look report: the MP1 Max. A promising 4K lifestyle projector with an innovative triple RGB + LED light source – a combined technology that enables impressive brightness of up to 3100 ISO lumens.

Almost seven months later, the time has finally come: Dangbei is officially launching the MP1 Max. And we can finally reveal more about the new flagship model – a device that, as usual for Dangbei, offers excellent value for money.

"Betrayed" because we've had the MP1 Max in our demo since February. During this time, we've had the opportunity to get to grips with the device in depth – the MP1 Max even came along on our trip to Denmark at the end of March. Whether it was for a few rounds Mario Kart and Mario Party or during the basketball playoffs: The MP1 Max was in constant use. In today's detailed review, we'll explore how the new projector performs in practice, what it has to offer—and where some minor weaknesses might be found.

As usual, the manufacturer Dangbei had no influence on our test or this review. We even purchased the early sample model on a regular basis – so there was no compensation or other benefits or agreements that could influence our review. For us, an open, honest, and independent assessment is paramount. Manufacturers should be judged by what their products, their service, and the actual quality they deliver in everyday life – not by advertising promises.

It's no secret that we've developed a certain sympathy for Dangbei. With innovative products like the DBOX02, the Freedo, and the compact Atom, the manufacturer has made a name for itself not only here in Germany, but also internationally – in its home market, Dangbei is no longer an unknown quantity. This made the announcement of the MP1 Max all the more exciting: a step into a new price range that the manufacturer hasn't previously covered – and our expectations were correspondingly high. But before we get to the performance, image quality, and features, let's first take a look at the external features: the casing, dimensions, and connections.

Housing, workmanship & connections

With dimensions of 246,7x296x230mm (H × W × D) and a weight of 5,6 kg The Dangbei MP1 Max presents itself as a full-fledged 4K lifestyle projector that remains mobile enough to be used flexibly in the room or on the go. The dark gray casing has a modern, high-quality finish – typical of Dangbei. The design is broken up by fabric-covered speaker panels on the sides, which not only looks pleasing but also makes acoustic sense, as the integrated sound system is located behind them.

The quality of workmanship is at a very good level. The well-thought-out Stand design, the one vertical tilt of up to 135° and a horizontal rotation of 360° allows, underlines the flexibility of the MP1 Max. This allows the projector to be aligned to the screen or wall in no time at all – without additional brackets or complicated setup steps.

Inside, a sophisticated Cooling system with zoned thermal insulation, Dual turbo fans and powerful heat pipes for quiet and stable operation – even during longer movie marathons or gaming sessions, the MP1 Max remains pleasantly unobtrusive in the background.

The integrated Sound system with 750 cc acoustic chamber and Bass reflex construction delivers amazingly powerful bass up to 45 Hz and an overall solid sound. This is more than sufficient for mobile use or a quick movie night on the balcony or in the guest room. However, it is no substitute for a true home cinema experience – dedicated sound solutions are in a different league here. Nevertheless, compared to previous generations, the quality of integrated speakers in this price range has increased significantly, and the MP1 Max also joins the ranks with a rock-solid audio performance .

The MP1 Max offers the following connections:

• HDMI 2.1 (with eARC support) × 1
• HDMI 2.1 × 1
• USB 2.0 × 1
• 3,5 mm audio output × 1
• DC-IN × 1

In addition, current wireless technologies such as Wi-Fi 6 (2,4/5 GHz) and Bluetooth 5.2 / BLE, making the MP1 Max ideal for modern playback, streaming, and gaming. The port selection is functional and covers typical application scenarios with ease – although an additional USB port for media or dongles would have been desirable. This makes the MP1 Max better equipped than probably its biggest competitor in this price range: the XGIMI Horizon S Max, which is a bit more compact, but falls short in terms of the variety of connections.

Operation & Smart Features

The Dangbei MP1 Max is controlled via a high-quality Bluetooth remote control, which fits comfortably in the hand and responds reliably – even without direct line of sight to the projector. The remote control is already familiar to us from other Dangbei devices and offers a familiar layout as well as practical Direct selection buttons for Netflix, YouTube and Prime VideoUnfortunately, here again a Backlight, which makes operation in dark home cinema settings somewhat more difficult – a shame, as that would have suited the premium claim of the MP1 Max well.

Additionally, the projector supports Voice control via Google AssistantThe microphone button allows you to speak directly to the device—for example, to search for content or control functions. In practice, this worked reliably, provided you spoke clearly. Overall, the controls are modern, functional, and user-friendly—with some minor drawbacks regarding the remote control.

Operating system & user experience: Google TV

As a Smart TV platform, Dangbei relies on the MP1 Max Google TV – a modern, visually appealing user interface designed for streaming convenience. Compared to previous Android TV versions, Google TV offers a clearer structure, personalized content, and significantly better overview. Users receive content from various streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney +, YouTube and many more bundled on the homepage, often including direct recommendations and sequels to recently viewed titles. Another advantage: the deep integration of Google Assistant, Cast functionality (Chromecast built-in) and the direct connection to the Google account make use seamless – from voice commands to control via smartphone.

Setup is also quick and easy thanks to Google Account integration. Anyone who already uses an Android smartphone will feel right at home.

But despite all these strengths, one clear point of criticism remains:

As with almost all projectors with Google TV operating system, the MP1 Max also shows in practice slight jerks, reload times or delays in navigationMenus don't always load immediately, and switching between different areas sometimes seems slower than what you're used to from TVs or streaming sticks.

What is the reason?

Certainly not the hardware of the MP1 Max. The technical platform is powerful enough – Dangbei relies on current processor and memory solutions. Rather, the cause seems to be in the software itself Google TV is currently not optimally matched to projectorsThis problem affects almost all manufacturers that rely on this system – a point that Google should urgently improve in order to enable a smoother user experience in the projector market as well.

In short: The interface looks good and offers many features, but as of today, you sometimes have to be a bit patient when it comes to performance.

Technology inside: chipset, light source & image system

To better understand the performance and image quality of the Dangbei MP1 Max, it's worth taking a closer look inside. This reveals just how well-thought-out and high-quality the manufacturer's new flagship truly is – both in terms of its hardware and its image technology.

Processor, graphics & memory

At the heart of the MP1 Max is a Quad-core ARM Cortex-A55 processor, which is specially optimized for multimedia and streaming applications. The CPU is supported by a Mali-G52 GPU, which ensures smooth playback of 4K content, HDR processing, and user interface animations. Together with 2 GB RAM and 32 GB internal memory (ROM) This results in a solid platform that is more than adequately dimensioned for typical smart TV and projection applications.

Even though 2 GB of RAM seems rather average compared to modern smartphones or high-end streaming boxes, the combination in the MP1 Max is well-tuned for practical use – as the stable performance in our test showed.

Image chip & resolution

For image display, Dangbei relies on a proven 0,47″ DMD chip from Texas Instruments in combination with the XPR pixel shift technologyThis technology enables native control of 1920 × 1080 pixels, which is created by shifting the image grid fourfold on the screen as full 4K (3840 × 2160 pixels) be perceived.

This so-called XPR shifting technology has established itself in many 4K projectors and offers an excellent balance between image sharpness, detail and price. While true native 4K chips are significantly more expensive and larger, XPR delivers a very sharp and detailed image, which can hardly be distinguished from native 4K for the average home cinema user – especially at seating distances of approximately 2,5 meters or more.

Light source: Triple RGB laser + LED

The real highlight inside the MP1 Max is undoubtedly the new hybrid light source, which consists of a combination of three RGB lasers and a powerful LED unit This is a further development of the so-called QuaLas laser technology from NICHIA, a renowned Japanese manufacturer of laser diodes.

This light source offers several advantages:

• High light output: With 3100 ISO lumens The MP1 Max is one of the brightest lifestyle projectors in its class. ISO lumens are more practical and realistic than the often advertised ANSI values.
• Extended color space: The RGB lasers enable a very wide coverage of the color spectrum, which leads to vibrant, saturated colors – especially in combination with the LED component, which additionally smoothes the spectrum.
• Full coverage of the BT.2020 color space: Thanks to the precisely controlled RGB lasers, the MP1 Max achieves a 100 percent coverage of the extremely wide BT.2020 color space – a value that even many professional cinema projectors cannot achieve. The result is exceptionally saturated, differentiated and vibrant colors, which unfold their full appeal especially with HDR content and animations.
• Reduced laser-typical side effects: Conventional RGB lasers are sometimes prone to speckle-like artifacts ("laser glitter") and color flickering. Thanks to the hybrid solution with LED, this effect is significantly reduced, resulting in a very pleasant, calm and homogeneous image impression led.
• Durability & energy efficiency: According to the manufacturer, the service life is up to 30.000h, while energy consumption remains moderate in relation to brightness.

Optics & Projection

The MP1 Max uses a fixed optic with a projection ratio of 1.2:1This means that for a 100-inch image (16:9), a distance of approximately 2,65 meters from the screen is required. This is a common value and allows for relatively flexible placement – ​​whether on a living room shelf, a side table, or with a small tripod. There is no optical zoom or lens shift. Instead, Dangbei offers software-based image adjustment via digital keystone correction and zoom, which works well in practice, but – as with all digital solutions – is accompanied by minimal loss of sharpness.

Smart setup & automation: InstantPro™ in combination with the flexible stand

After looking at the hardware and light source, it quickly becomes clear: The Dangbei MP1 Max is more than just a powerful projector – it also wants to be used in everyday life through intelligent usability and user comfort convince. And this is exactly where Dangbei's proprietary InstantPro™ system – a suite of AI-powered assistance features that significantly simplifies setup, image alignment, and operation. Thanks to the combination of a variety of sensors and advanced image recognition software, the MP1 Max performs many important setup processes fully automatic and in real time Especially in connection with the rotatable and tiltable stand (135° vertical / 360° horizontal) creates a setup that is quickly ready for use – simply place it, switch it on, and watch.

The most important InstantPro™ functions in detail:

• Autofocus: The MP1 Max automatically measures the distance to the projection surface after each position change and focuses the image in seconds. The result is a clear, sharp image – without any manual adjustment. In our tests, the autofocus worked reliably and precisely, even with a steeply tilted position.
• Automatic keystone correction (4-point keystone): Tilted setup? No problem. The keystone correction automatically compensates for horizontal and vertical distortions and correctly aligns the image. Especially in combination with the adjustable stand, this makes it possible to position the device even on low or sloping surfaces without compromising the image geometry.
• Screen Fit / automatic screen detection: If the projector detects a screen edge, it intelligently adjusts the image to it – both in size and position. This not only stretches the image symmetrically, but also precisely adjusts it to the usable image area. This is especially useful for limited wall space or smaller roll-up screens.
• Obstacle avoidance: If the system detects objects such as plants, picture frames or light switches that protrude into the image, these are automatically “circumnavigated” so that the image section is shifted to the usable area – a function that offers real added value, especially in everyday living rooms.
• Eye Protection Mode: If the MP1 Max detects a person or movement within close range of the lens, it automatically dims the light output to protect eyes – especially important when children or pets are in the room. This feature works without any noticeable delay and is fully automated.
• Real-time correction for movements: If the projector is slightly moved or accidentally bumped, the system corrects Real time Focus and trapeze – a particularly practical solution for mobile applications or changing locations.
• AI brightness adjustment: Using sensors, the MP1 Max dynamically adjusts the brightness to the ambient light. In a darkened room, the image is dimmed slightly to optimize black levels and viewing comfort, while in daylight, more brightness is automatically released. This not only protects your eyes but also helps maintain optimal image quality in different scenarios.

With this range of functions, the Dangbei MP1 Max is one of the most comfortable projectors in its class. Especially in combination with the flexibly tilting and rotating stand, the user experience is almost reminiscent of a smart display – set it up, switch it on, enjoy.

Image quality in practice: SDR, HDR and the potential with the right settings

The Dangbei MP1 Max undoubtedly delivers the technical prerequisites for excellent image reproduction: a powerful triple RGB laser + LED hybrid light source, 3100 ISO lumens of brightness, a precise 0,47" DMD chip with 4K shifting, and full coverage of the BT.2020 color space. But how does it all perform in practice?

SDR playback

In SDR playback, the MP1 Max impresses with a very sharp, detailed image. Even in the brighter preset, the light output is sufficiently high to deliver a powerful image even during the day in dim ambient light—especially on ALR screens. The black level is mediocre, typical for DLP projectors, but can be optimized in dimly lit environments with clever brightness and contrast adjustments.

The colors initially appear very vibrant – but also slightly distorted. Skin tones and warm nuances such as yellow or orange are particularly oversaturated or tonally shifted in the delivery state. This shows that the MP1 Max has enormous color potential, but “out of the box” not really color neutral works.

HDR playback (HDR10, HDR10+, HLG)

When it comes to HDR content, the MP1 Max impresses with its powerful luminance gradient, dynamic image depth, and intense highlights. It supports the most common formats HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG, but refrains from Dolby Vision – a small but worth mentioning disadvantage, as this format is playing an increasingly important role, especially on streaming services such as Netflix and Disney+.

Especially with HDR10+ with dynamic metadata, the projector shows what it can do – provided it has been set up correctlyOut of the box, the color rendering remains imprecise, especially in dark scenes. The contrast range and color differentiation only reach their full potential once the image parameters have been specifically adjusted.

Importance of calibration

And this is exactly the crux of the matter: The Dangbei MP1 Max offers all necessary controls and settings for professional adjustments – from RGB gain and color temperature to comprehensive gamma and HDR parameters. However, without appropriate adjustments, the image falls short of its potential. Particularly demanding users will notice this clearly over extended periods of use.

So that you don’t have to struggle through countless menus and values, we offer our Ultimate Edition of the MP1 Max with preconfigured image profiles and determined setting values This ensures optimal use of the projector right from the start – without hours of fiddling with settings that can quickly spoil the fun of an otherwise powerful device.

Conclusion: The MP1 Max can deliver excellent image quality, but only if he set correctly Without this optimization, it will fall short of its potential – which would be a shame given its high-quality technical basis.

Signal processing & interframe calculation

Concerning signal processing The Dangbei MP1 Max delivers an overall impressive performance. Motion sequences are displayed clearly and smoothly, and even during fast camera pans or action scenes, the image remains stable and comprehensible. Especially in film applications with 24p input, the projector processes the signals cleanly, without visible judder or incorrect frame pacing issues – something that isn't always a given with cheaper projectors.

A highlight of the MP1 Max is the integrated interframe calculation, which ensures smoother motion reproduction in films, series, and sports content. It operates in several levels (low, medium, high) and can be flexibly adjusted to your individual viewing habits.

However: Even if the interframe calculation as a whole is great is classified, it reaches not quite the level of the best systems on the marketIn individual scenes – for example with very complex movements or heavily structured backgrounds – it may occasionally slight impurities or artifacts Although these are rare and usually only visible upon close inspection, they show that there is still room for improvement.

Positive: The foundation is already solid, and the performance suggests that Dangbei will be able to firmware updates can continue to fine-tune the system. The manufacturer has already proven several times in the past that optimizations can be implemented in a practical manner via updates.

The bottom line is that the MP1 Max delivers a very decent signal processing with functioning interframe calculation, which ensures a pleasant viewing experience in everyday life – even if it is not yet in the absolute top class.

Gaming & Input Lag: Not the strength of the MP1 Max

Dangbei also advertises the MP1 Max as gaming-ready projector – remains concrete figures for Input Lag However, guilty. No problem, because we measured it ourselves. And it quickly becomes clear: If you're serious about gaming, you should take a closer look.

Im game mode The MP1 Max delivers 4K @ 60 Hz an input lag of about 35 milliseconds. This means that the projector is well above the range you would expect for fast or competitive gamingAlthough this delay is Casual Games like Mario Kart, jump'n'runs or leisurely role-playing games, the lag is still acceptable, but for fast-paced shooters, racing games or beat'em-ups the lag is noticeable - and in reaction titles it is simply too high.

It becomes problematic outside of game mode: Here the input lag increases in our test to almost 60 milliseconds, resulting in noticeable input lag even in simple games. A separate low-latency function, like those implemented by other manufacturers, doesn't appear to be available on the MP1 Max.

Even when reducing the resolution to 1080p, we didn't notice any significant improvement—which suggests that the image is inherently running through multiple signal processing steps that can't be completely switched off. The MP1 Max suitable for occasional, relaxed gaming, but not for games where precise response and minimal lag are crucial. Those who rely on particularly low input lag will currently find significantly more suitable alternatives on the market – be it in the projector sector or in classic TVs with dedicated gaming functions.

3D playback: A strong argument for the MP1 Max

While many manufacturers are addressing the issue 3D is increasingly neglected or completely remove it from the range of functions, The Dangbei MP1 Max continues to actively support classic shutter 3D technology – and with remarkable quality. One of the decisive advantages lies in the high light output of the projector: In our test laboratory, the MP1 Max achieved impressive results in the brightest image mode. just under 3600 ANSI lumens – a value that exceeds the official manufacturer specifications and gives it an excellent starting point for bright 3D.

This is a crucial factor, especially with shutter glasses, which, due to their design, "swallow" about half the image brightness. Many projectors appear too dark or flat in 3D mode – not so the MP1 Max, which brings a powerful, high-contrast image to the screen, even with 3D content.

3D in practice: Example Avatar

A particularly good test field offers – as so often – James Cameron's Avatar (2009), one of the most visually impressive films in the history of 3D cinema. The dense jungle scenes with luminous plants, sparkling particles, and deeply layered perspectives benefit enormously from the brightness and color reproduction of the MP1 Max. The image depth is convincing, pop-out effects are vivid without appearing unnatural, and even fast tracking shots are largely flicker-free.

Of course, the experience is not completely perfect: Small ghosting artifacts As with almost all shutter 3D systems, they can occur in isolated scenes, and the sharpness also appears subjectively somewhat softer than in 2D playback. Nevertheless: This is complaining at a high level.

The Dangbei MP1 Max delivers one of the best 3D experiences in its price range. Thanks to high brightness reserves, clean synchronization, and vibrant colors, it perfect for 3D fans, which continue to rely on this format – and thus represents an exception in a market that is increasingly focused on HDR and streaming. So, if you still have a collection of 3D Blu-rays or occasionally seek an immersive viewing experience, the MP1 Max a convincing platform for high-quality 3D enjoyment.

Conclusion: Strong performance with few compromises

Not everything is perfect—that's something to be honest about. But when you consider the overall package that Dangbei has put together with the MP1 Max, one thing stands out above all: Here you get an amazing amount of projector for only 1.899 eurosThe MP1 Max impressively demonstrates that a powerful 4K projector with innovative dual light engine, high brightness, full BT.2020 color space and a modern operating concept does not necessarily have to be expensiveDangbei is once again positioning itself as a manufacturer that is at the forefront of technology – but consciously keeps its prices down to earth.

In everyday life, the projector impresses with powerful images, good sharpness, a flexible Smart TV platform (Google TV) and powerful signal processing, which can be further optimized through future updates.

Particularly noteworthy are:

• The modern Triple RGB + LED hybrid light source
• The strenght Brightness (up to 3600 ANSI lumens in brightest mode)
• The complete BT.2020 color space coverage
• The very good Image sharpness thanks to 0,47″ DMD + XPR technology
• The extensive range of connections inklusive HDMI 2.1 with eARC

Of course, there are also points of criticism:

• The fixed projection ratio (1.2:1) without optical zoom limits the placement options somewhat
• No Dolby Vision, which may be particularly relevant for streaming fans
• The native contrast is rather average – a good contrast screen is therefore highly recommended
• The Color reproduction ex works is not optimal and should definitely be adjusted manually or using recommended presets

Nevertheless, the bottom line is a projector that offers a very well-rounded and future-proof package in its price range. If you are willing to invest a little time in the image settings (thanks to our UItimate Edition already included) and are aware that you will not get perfect contrast performance in the range under 2.000 euros, the Dangbei MP1 Max have a lot of fun – with films, series, 3D and occasional gaming alike.