Mudix MX-2 Pro is one of the least expensive 1080p portable projectors with an auto-focus feature

Portable LED projectors are a dime a dozen, but the Mudix is one of the cheapest we’ve seen with an auto-focusing feature at US$165 to take away a lot of the guesswork for an even easier setup experience.

Amazon is currently running a sale on the Mudix MX-2 Pro for $165 USD after applying the $55 coupon code at checkout. The MX-2 Pro is notable for its integrated auto-focus feature which is uncommon for a portable projector in its price range. The manufacturer has sent us a sample for our honest impressions.

Before we get to its main selling point, we should go over some physical features of the model first. The 1080p projector has a high quality feel relative to its low asking price. Its case is largely plastic as to be expected, but the breathable fabric on the top half and additional holes on the bottom half help make the MX-2 Pro look more luxurious than it really is. We especially like how there are two IR sensors — one on the front and one on the back — to improve the responsiveness of the included remote control.

The small tripod in the retail box is unfortunately not the best. Namely, its legs are too weak to properly prop up the projector. Thus, the tripod will always fall to its lowest height whenever the projector is attached. A tripod with stiffer legs to properly support the weight of the Mudix would have easily fixed the issue.

Once powered on, we can finally test auto-focus feature of the model. The focusing automatically kicks in a few seconds after startup for a set-and-forget experience that the target audience of casual home theater users or families can appreciate. It does, however, come with a notable distance limitation of up to three meters only. Thus, if the projector is over 3 meters away from the wall, be prepared to adjust the focusing manually with the remote control instead.

Another annoying aspect of the auto-focus is that it initiates just once after powering on the unit. There appears to be no button or menu setting to initiate the auto-focus a second time in case if the projector moves or gets bumped by accident. You’ll therefore have to power down and power on the Mudix just to initiate the auto-focus feature again.

As for the built-in features, the projector is compatible with Android and iOS wireless casting, Wi-Fi 5G connectivity, and USB storage devices in FAT32 and NTFS formats. There is even a Game Mode which presumably reduces response times, but we’re not able to tell any differences when gaming. The small latency when gaming on the projector is not significant enough to impact our experience with single-player games like Final Fantasy 16.

There are no brightness or zoom lens settings as to be expected from an inexpensive portable projectors. If you want a larger or smaller projection size, you’ll have to move the projector further or closer, respectively. The table below shows what distances correspond to the desired projection sizes.

All functions are done via the remote control including even the manual focusing since there are no buttons on the projector other than Power. Be sure to not lose the remote or else the projector becomes almost useless.

Image quality is otherwise nice and sharp especially for the price where 720p projectors are common. Corners appear uniform and just as crisp as the center while brightness uniformity and black levels are respectable. The biggest drawback is brightness as even dim lighting is enough to significantly impact image quality. Thus, you’ll definitely want the room to be a dark as possible for the MX-2 Pro to be even usable.

Fan noise is unfortunately quite loud at almost 56 dB(A) which is louder than most gaming laptops. The loud internal speakers can overcome the fan noise, but the noise still impacts the viewing experience more than we would like.

The Mudix is at its best when you have a darkened room and your own tripod and you don’t mind the loud fan noise. If you plan on using the projector between different rooms frequently, then the auto-focus feature can come in handy. Even if you don’t, however, the image quality and speakers are still excellent for the price.

Allen Ngo – Lead Editor U.S. – 5107 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2011

After graduating with a B.S. in environmental hydrodynamics from the University of California, I studied reactor physics to become licensed by the U.S. NRC to operate nuclear reactors. There’s a striking level of appreciation you gain for everyday consumer electronics after working with modern nuclear reactivity systems astonishingly powered by computers from the 80s. When I’m not managing day-to-day activities and US review articles on Notebookcheck, you can catch me following the eSports scene and the latest gaming news.

Allen Ngo, 2023-08- 3 (Update: 2023-08- 3)

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