The Photon Go is a particularly intriguing model. It is an extremely compact ultra-short throw projector that fits into a bag and comes with a battery. These features are still unprecedented in this market segment.
Other models currently available, such as the Formovie Theater Premium and Hisense PX3-Pro, are much more cumbersome. We await testing of more compact models like the JMGO O2S Ultra and the Yaber Y300s, which both lack a battery, and the Thomson Go Project Sirius, a clone of the Photon Go. However, it’s worth mentioning that we have also tested the Philips UL5, which was unconvincing.
The Optoma Photon Go is a Full HD (1080p) DLP projector equipped with a triple RGB laser light source, boasting a brightness of 650 ANSI lumens and a wide DCI-P3 color space coverage. It can project a 100-inch image from just 25 cm away from the wall. It incorporates Google TV, providing direct access to all major streaming platforms, and offers a battery life of approximately 1.5 hours in video playback.
The Photon Go aims at an audience seeking flexibility and simplicity, without sacrificing image quality. However, compared to more traditional ultra-short throw models (more powerful but less portable), it must convince on all fronts: image quality, ease of use, battery life, and connected features. We have tested it, and here is our complete verdict.
Optoma Photon GoTechnical Specifications
| Model | Optoma Photon Go |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 252 mm x 62 mm x 157 mm |
| Maximum Resolution | 1920 x 1080 pixels |
| Screen Size | 100 inches |
| HDR Compatible | HDR10 |
| HDMI Ports | 1 |
| Number of Speakers | 2 |
| Speaker Power | 20 watts |
| Audio Output | Speakers, Optical |
| Operating System (OS) | Google TV |
| Voice Assistant | Google Assistant |
| Product Sheet |
The Optoma Photon Go projector was loaned to us by the brand for testing. It was tested in conjunction with a Lumene Extra Bright Eden 240C screen available at Son-Vidéo.com, a model specifically designed for ultra-short throw projectors. Measurements were taken with professional equipment directly in front of the screen to minimize errors and provide values that reflect what viewers can actually see. This protocol is consistent across all ultra-short throw projector tests for comparison purposes.
Optoma Photon GoDesign, A Compelling Compact Format
Unboxing the Optoma Photon Go, its compact size is immediately striking.
Its chassis, made of composite materials and dressed in a matte anthracite color with a glossy black trim, gives it a modern and rather elegant look. The upper part, covered with fabric, adds a touch of refinement while aiding in heat dissipation.
Despite its small size, the device exudes robustness and quality craftsmanship. Its compact dimensions of 252 x 157 x 62 mm and a weight of 1.72 kg make it easy to slip into a bag, which can be very handy for mobile users or those who simply want to move it from room to room. This isn’t the case with more traditional models. Here, the lines are simple, without frills, with a slightly curved front that allows the sound from the built-in speakers to pass through.
The whole package inspires confidence and fits effortlessly into any interior, whether on a TV cabinet, a shelf, or even on the floor for an impromptu projection. The compactness does not come at the expense of ergonomics: the non-adjustable feet ensure good stability, and the matte finish limits fingerprints.
The only drawback, which is always a bit regrettable with such devices, is the absence of a lens cover, which requires extra caution during transport against potential scratches or, more generally, to avoid dust when the device is stationary.
Optoma Photon GoConnectivity
The Optoma Photon Go opts for simplicity without sacrificing essentials. At the back, there is an HDMI 2.0 port, perfect for connecting a gaming console, a Blu-ray player, or a computer. A USB-C port is dedicated to power, while a USB-A port allows for connecting a USB stick or external hard drive to directly play multimedia files. The presence of an optical S/PDIF audio output enables the projector to be connected to a soundbar or an external amplifier for an enhanced audio experience.
An RJ45 port completes the set for a wired network connection, in addition to the integrated 5 GHz Wi-Fi that ensures smooth streaming. Bluetooth is also included for connecting wireless headphones or a speaker. However, the lack of an HDMI ARC port, which would have facilitated audio return to a home cinema system, and the inability to directly connect a microphone or headphones via a jack plug are notable shortcomings. The overall setup remains coherent for versatile use, whether at home or on the go.
The Remote Control
The remote control supplied with the Optoma Photon Go follows the classic design of devices under Google TV. It is compact, lightweight, and fits well in hand, with an intuitive button layout. The central navigation wheel is surrounded by shortcuts to the main streaming apps, providing direct access to Netflix, YouTube, or Prime Video.
A dedicated button for voice control via Google Assistant is well positioned, as is quick access to the projector’s settings. The presence of a specific button for focus adjustment simplifies image tuning without navigating through menus. Another button allows access to the projector’s settings, handy for making installation adjustments. The only regret is the lack of backlighting, which complicates use in the dark, even though the simplicity of the layout limits manipulation errors. The overall design exudes durability and efficiency, with a reduced number of buttons essential for a smooth user experience.
Optoma Photon GoThe Screen
The Optoma Photon Go projector is sold without a screen. This leaves the choice open, but if the budget is tight, one might be tempted to use a wall as a projection surface, thus losing the relatively significant benefit of having an optimized surface for projection. Expect to spend between 500 and 2700 euros for screens of various sizes with a specific treatment.
Optoma Photon GoInstallation, Just Place and It’s Almost Ready
Installing the Photon Go is remarkably simple. Thanks to its ultra-short throw, just place it 25 cm away from the wall to get a 100-inch image. Keystone (auto and manual) and focus adjustments greatly simplify image alignment, even in the tightest spaces. The auto-correction works well in most cases, but it is possible to fine-tune the settings manually to achieve optimal results. Note that the correction is only on the four corners, whereas more imposing (but also more expensive) models offer more control points to help achieve a more precise image.
The device’s light weight makes it easy to move, whether for a projection in the living room, bedroom, or even outdoors.
The lack of optical zoom, however, requires adjusting the image size by changing the distance. There is a digital zoom that allows for reducing the display area.
Uniquely, the integrated battery offers additional freedom, even though the battery life is limited to 1.5 hours, requiring a power source for longer sessions. The entire installation process is designed to be accessible to everyone, without requiring any special technical skills.
Optoma Photon GoSubjective Image Mode
The DLP technology combined with the RGB triple laser source provides a lively and dynamic image. From the first contents displayed, one notices a vibrant colorimetry, perhaps too vivid for those who prefer true color fidelity. The color palette is very wide, which adds a certain depth to animated films and blockbusters. The available image modes — Standard, Vivid, Cinema, Natural, and Custom — allow for tailoring the output to one’s preferences.
The Cinema mode is the most balanced, avoiding the oversaturation observed in Standard mode. However, even with this mode, the colors appear far from cinema standards. We will check with the measurements below. HDR10 and HLG content benefit from enhanced contrast, although the limited brightness requires a dark room to fully enjoy the show. On a 100-inch screen, the Full HD resolution shows its limits: one needs to be about 4 meters away to no longer see the pixel grid.
Nevertheless, the sharpness remains satisfactory for most uses, and the image’s crispness is appreciable in streaming films and series as well as on Blu-rays. Dark scenes are well managed, with an adequate level of detail, even though the contrast could be more pronounced. The absence of native 4K is noticeable.
Motion Compensation
The Photon Go does not have a motion compensation system (MEMC). During fast scenes or tracking shots, a slight judder is noticeable, especially on sports content or action films. While the fluidity is adequate for most uses, viewers sensitive to this phenomenon might be bothered during the most dynamic sequences. The absence of this feature, common on portable models, limits the experience for sports enthusiasts or highly active gamers. However, for cinema or series use, it remains acceptable and does not significantly detract from the viewing pleasure.
Rainbow Effect
As with all DLP projectors, the Photon Go is not immune to the rainbow effect, although it is relatively moderate here thanks to the triple laser use. The most sensitive viewers might notice slight colorful flashes, particularly on white subtitles against a dark background or during rapid movements. For most users, this phenomenon will remain discreet and will not hinder the overall experience, but it is worth mentioning for those particularly sensitive to this type of effect.
Optoma Photon GoMeasurements, Probes Included
Of course, we have put the Photon Go projector through our probes. We selected the Cinema mode for the measurements. Thus, we measured a contrast ratio of 779:1, which is adequate for this type of device, but still relatively low overall. More imposing models perform much better, such as the Formovie Theater Premium or the Hisense PX3-Pro, for example. The average gamma was recorded at 1.69 with a very chaotic follow-up of the reference curve. The images are generally too dim compared to what they should be. Moreover, the average color temperature measured is 8535 K with significant chromatic drifts (the ideal value being 6500 K).
Out of the box, as we always do for measurements, and without any calibration, the color fidelity is not at all optimal. Indeed, we measured an average Delta E of 12.01 in Cinema mode (with default settings), which is much higher than the threshold of 3, below which the human eye can no longer tell the difference between the requested color and the one displayed on the screen. This results in colors that are far too saturated on the screen.
For HDR content, it is worth mentioning that the device does not support HDR10+, only HDR10, without dynamic optimization of media brightness.
Regarding color fidelity, here too, the average Delta E was recorded at 9.28, again far above the threshold of 3. Facing the Lumene screen used for all our tests, we measured a peak brightness of 52 cd/m² (calculated with a screen gain of 0.5), which is particularly low. We strongly advise using the Photon Go in the darkest environments possible. This corresponds to a brightness of 447 lumens for an image that is 100 inches diagonally. Additionally, as can be seen in the graphs below, the reference curves are not well followed, indicating that a calibration phase and thus the adjustment of several parameters in the Image menus would yield better results.
However, the problem is that these settings are very limited, making it very difficult to achieve an image worthy of “cinema” quality. One must select the Custom mode. Then, one can play with the contrast rate, saturation, sharpness, and color temperature (with gains on red, green, or blue or select the Warm, Cold, or Standard modes). Finally, the gamma can be set to Intermediate, Dark, or Bright.
As can be seen in the graph below, the projector manages to offer almost the same brightness
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Maya Singh is a senior editor covering tablets and hybrid devices. Her work explores how these tools reshape digital productivity and learning. She also contributes to feature editorials on emerging tech.