Acer is introducing two new portable projectors ahead of COMPUTEX 2025. Both projectors seem competent and are fairly affordable, though the larger 4K model has some unusual quirks.
On the surface, the PD1810 is extremely similar to other consumer-grade 4K projectors. It utilizes an LED light source for enhanced color saturation, features a maximum 240Hz refresh rate (in 1080p mode), hits a minimum 4.2ms input lag, and is HDR10-compatible. It’s also got the boxy, bulky design that’s become so common in this product category.
But closer inspection reveals the PD1810’s weirdness. It costs less than $1,000, for one, but it also boasts a relatively modest image brightness of 1,000 ANSI lumens and lacks any built-in streaming functionality (a very odd omission—I’ve asked Acer to clarify whether this is really the case). The projector’s dual integrated speakers output at only 5 watts, too, and there’s no optical zoom. Acer also stuck a USB-C DP video port on the back of the unit for smartphone and laptop connectivity, which isn’t something that I see too often in projectors. This port, which is accompanied by a standard HDMI jack, is presumably intended for on-the-go PowerPoint presentations, movie watching, or mobile gaming.
Interestingly, Acer will also sell a PD1810ic bundle the contains the PD1810 projector and a wireless video transmission dongle. Maybe this is the real reason for the USB-C port—to provide power and video functionality for the wireless transmitter (Acer hasn’t specified whether the dongle utilizes an HDMI or Type-C connection, however).
The slimmer Acer PD1520s projector features 1,200 ANSI lumens of brightness and projects at a 1080p resolution. It offers built-in streaming functionality through ZEASN’s Whale TV—a smart TV platform that I’ve never heard of—and it only weighs 2.8 pounds. It’s also just 2 inches thin, which is impressive, though Acer hasn’t revealed the full port selection or other specs. (From what I can tell, Whale TV is an unlicensed version of Android TV without Google services. I’ve asked Acer to clarify whether it’s using Whale TV in the Western market.)
Both projectors feature auto keystone and 4-corner correction functionality. They’re rated for 30,000 hours of use, meaning that if you use them for eight hours a day, they should last for about 10 years. This is a fairly typical lifespan for laser or LED projectors, which do not use replaceable bulbs.
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Acer will showcase these projectors, as well as a PD1520Us ultra-compact 1080p smart projector, at COMPUTEX 2025 later this month. I don’t have any images or detailed specs for the PD1520Us at this time, so I’m relegating it to a footnote.
I mentioned that these new projectors are affordable—unfortunately, Acer has only announced EMEA (Europe, Middle East, Africa) release dates and pricing. The PD1810 is slated for the the second half of 2025 and will cost €669, with the PD1810ic bundle coming in September for €699. Acer says that the smaller PD1520s will arrive in July at €599.
Source: Acer
