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Samsung is rolling into CES 2026 with an updated take on its portable projector line. The new model, called The Freestyle+, keeps the same compact design as its predecessors but introduces brighter output and some helpful smart features to make setup less of a chore.
If the name sounds familiar, it should. We reviewed the Samsung Freestyle 2nd Gen back in 2023 and gave it our Editor’s Choice award for its versatility and ease of use. With the Freestyle+, Samsung isn’t starting from scratch—it’s refining what made the earlier models interesting and trying to make projection more convenient for everyday spaces.
“The Freestyle+ reflects Samsung’s vision to create displays that adapt naturally to how people live and move between spaces,” said Hun Lee, Executive Vice President of the Visual Display Business at Samsung Electronics. “By combining true portability with intelligent AI that optimizes both the viewing environment and the content itself, The Freestyle+ makes it easier to enjoy a consistent, high-quality experience wherever you are.”
The biggest change this time around is brightness. Samsung says the Freestyle+ hits 430 ISO lumens, nearly double the output of the previous generation. That’s a noticeable bump, especially if you’ve ever tried watching something on an older projector during the day or with the lights on.
That said, this still isn’t meant to replace a dedicated home theater projector or compete with much brighter laser-based models. You’ll still get the best picture in darker settings, like at night or in rooms where you can control the lighting. But for casual use—bedroom movie nights, dorm rooms, or projecting onto a living room wall—the increase in brightness should help quite a bit.
One of the more interesting additions is something Samsung calls AI OptiScreen. It’s basically a bundle of automatic adjustments that kick in to make sure your image looks right, no matter where you place the projector.
Here’s what that includes:
If you’ve ever fiddled with keystone settings or tried to get a projector to focus just right while aiming it at a non-traditional surface, you’ll appreciate these. The idea is to let you just set it down, point it at a wall, and start watching—no tweaking required.
The Freestyle+ still uses the same cylindrical design and 180-degree rotating stand as previous models, which means it’s super easy to move around and adjust your viewing angle. Want to project onto the ceiling while lying in bed? No problem. Want to use the floor or the side of a tent? Also doable.
Weighing under two pounds, it’s light enough to move from room to room or toss into a bag for a weekend trip. And you don’t need a ton of accessories to make it work. This is what’s made the Freestyle lineup appealing in the first place—it’s all about spontaneous, flexible viewing rather than a permanent setup.
Still, it’s worth keeping expectations in check. With 430 lumens, the Freestyle+ is brighter than before, but you’ll still get the best results in darker spaces. It’s not going to replace a 2,000-lumen projector in a sunlit room.
The Freestyle+ runs Samsung’s smart TV platform, so you get access to streaming apps, Samsung TV Plus, and Samsung Gaming Hub right out of the box. No need to connect a streaming stick or game console—it’s all built in, as long as you have a Wi-Fi connection.
There’s also something called Samsung Vision AI Companion, which blends voice control (via Bixby) with AI services. It’s designed to let you interact more naturally with the content—ask questions, find shows, that kind of thing. It’s not as advanced as a full smart assistant, but it’s a nice bonus.
Sound comes from a built-in 360-degree speaker, which is meant to provide a consistent listening experience no matter where you place the projector. For casual viewing, it should do the trick—especially in smaller spaces.
If you’re after better sound, the Freestyle+ also supports Q-Symphony, which lets it pair with compatible Samsung soundbars. Instead of replacing the projector’s speaker, the soundbar and projector work together, giving you a fuller soundstage without requiring a complicated setup.
When Samsung launched the original Freestyle, it helped kick off a wave of interest in compact, lifestyle-friendly projectors. Fast forward to 2026, and that space is packed. Brands like XGIMI, Anker’s Nebula, BenQ, and Aurzen are all in the mix, offering models that are often brighter, cheaper, or more focused on specific use cases.
Some of these options come in at lower prices, and some look awfully familiar—like the XGIMI Vibe One ($269 at Amazon) and the Aurzen BOOM Air ($299.99)—while others, like the BenQ GV31 ($349.99), strike a balance between portability and image quality. Even the higher-end Nebula Capsule 3 ($799.98) is positioned as a premium portable projector, going toe-to-toe with the Freestyle+ in terms of features and price.
Samsung may not be the only name in lifestyle projectors anymore, but there’s no denying that the Freestyle helped define what this category looks and feels like. The Freestyle+ enters a much more competitive landscape than its predecessors, and its updates are clearly aimed at keeping it relevant in a fast-moving segment.
Samsung plans to show off the Freestyle+ at CES 2026, with a global release expected sometime in the first half of the year. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but based on the last model, it’ll likely fall somewhere around $800.
The Freestyle+ doesn’t completely overhaul what Samsung has done before, but it does address two of the biggest gripes people had with the earlier models: brightness and setup. It’s still a projector for casual, flexible use—not a home theater replacement—but now it’s a little easier to use and a little more capable in different lighting.
If you liked the idea of the original Freestyle but held off because of its dim picture or tricky setup, this update might be worth considering.
Stay tuned for more details from CES—and if Samsung sticks the landing, the Freestyle+ could be one of the most interesting portable projectors of 2026.
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