Right out of the box, the PUTRIMS S28 gives the impression of a small, modern and practical projector: compact design, simple controls, electric focus and automatic keystone correction that start almost instantly. Installation is quick; you plug it in, adjust it in a few seconds and the image is projected without any particular effort, a real plus at this price point. But once the first images are displayed, you quickly realize the compromises: the sharpness in the center remains correct, but the edges lack precision, and the promise of a "1080p" display turns out to be a native resolution of only 720p. In a dark room, the brightness of around 300 to 350 lumens offers an acceptable rendering for films or YouTube videos, but as soon as a little ambient light is introduced, the image loses a lot of brightness and contrast. The lack of an integrated system for streaming also requires connecting an HDMI stick, which adds a step to the experience. As the test progresses, we understand that this video projector is above all about simplicity and a low price: it is suitable for impromptu movie nights, but it quickly shows its limits for more demanding or regular use.
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Presentation of PUTRIMS S28 and its commercial context
first discover the PUTRIMS S28
The Putrims S28 projector is also highlighted on Amazon with the rewarding “Amazon's Choice” label, a sign that helps establish its credibility with buyers in a hurry. But once out of the box and put to the test, the picture quickly becomes nuanced. Installation is simple, the automatic settings work correctly and Wi-Fi/Bluetooth connectivity is present, but the real-life performance quickly reminds us that we are still dealing with an entry-level product: the native resolution tops out at 720p despite the Full HD announcements, the actual brightness is around 300 to 350 lumens, far from the inflated figures on the product sheets, and the image loses sharpness as soon as you go beyond 100 inches or when ambient light is present. This contrast between flattering marketing and concrete results perfectly illustrates PUTRIMS' strategy: attract with spectacular promises and low prices, but deliver a projector primarily designed for occasional use, in the dark, and for an audience with low image quality requirements.
Display Resolution: Deciphering a Strategic Ambiguity
When we look at the display resolution of the PUTRIMS S28, we immediately come across an ambiguity that is common in the entry-level range.
The product sheet announces a “maximum resolution of 1920 × 1080 pixels” “1080p Full HD” compatibility . This suggests to the buyer that this is indeed a native Full HD projector.
However, when consulting the user manual, the reality is different: the native resolution is limited to 1280 × 720 pixels , while 1920 × 1080 is only supported as an input . In short, the projector accepts a 1080p signal, but resizes it to 720p for actual display.
This nuance of the Putrims S28 projector is not just a technical detail. The native resolution corresponds to the actual sharpness of the display chip. The supported resolution is only a software compatibility. As a result, the projected image remains adequate for 720p, but it will never be able to reach the sharpness and precision of a true native 1080p projector.
It's a well-known marketing strategy: highlighting "1080p support" to attract attention, while avoiding the additional cost of a Full HD panel. The result for the user is an image that's acceptable in a casual context, but lags behind when looking for a more precise cinematic rendering.
To add to the confusion, some listings for other Putrims models display a native 1080p resolution , making the range even more opaque for the consumer.
Its strengths and limitations
- Advanced features for the price: electric focus and automatic vertical keystone correction simplify installation
- Modern connectivity: Dual-band WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 for screen sharing and connecting to speakers or headphones
- Portable and convenient design: adjustable, compact and lightweight stand for wall or ceiling projection
- Sealed Optical Engine: Prevents dust from entering and extends the durability of the device
- Aggressive pricing: very affordable for a mini projector with these features
- Misleading native resolution: 1280x720p despite supporting 1080p signals, image less sharp than Full HD
- Marketing brightness vs. reality: advertised as 25,000 lumens, actual measurement 350 lumens, recommended use in the dark
- Edge sharpness issues: corners may become blurry, difficult to maintain a uniform image
- No native apps: requires an external TV Stick for Netflix, Disney+, etc.
Brightness is arguably the most striking ambiguity surrounding the PUTRIMS S28 .
The Putrims S28 projector's product sheet boasts spectacular values of "25,000 lumens ." This suggests a luminous power capable of flooding a living room in broad daylight. But this data is not standardized: it generally corresponds to the raw brightness measured at the LED source, even before the light passes through the optics.
In reality, reliable figures tell a completely different story. The user manual and several technical data sheets mention a value of 350 lumens , which is much more representative. Unlike “marketing lumens,” lumens are a standardized measurement that reflects the actual brightness perceived on the screen, under comparable conditions between projectors.
This difference changes everything. Where 25,000 lumens might suggest comfortable daytime use, 350 lumens limits the S28 to use in very dark . This is sufficient for movie nights in a darkened room, but disappointing if you plan to enjoy sessions with ambient light.
This is a common practice in the low-end: artificially inflating the numbers to seduce, at the risk of creating false expectations. Some users have pointed this out, noting that image quality is highly dependent on projection conditions, and since most streaming streams are in 720p, low brightness is much more of an issue than resolution.
Hardware Features
The first concerns its fully sealed optical engine . This design aims to limit dust infiltration into the optical block, a recurring problem on entry-level LCD video projectors. The presence of particles inside can quickly result in visible “black spots” on the screen, difficult to remove without disassembly. Here, the promise of a sealed engine is attractive: it suggests better protection, a cleaner image for longer, and less maintenance over time. It remains to be seen, in the long term, whether the advertised sealing lives up to its promises.
Another element highlighted: the lifespan of the LED lamp . The Putrims S28 projector is sold with a record value announced of 200,000 hours . An impressive figure, but largely unrealistic. In practice, even much more expensive LED projectors display a longevity of between 20,000 and 50,000 hours . In other words, the data communicated is mainly an inflated marketing speech. For normal domestic use (a few hours per week), the lifespan will in any case remain very sufficient and the user will probably never have to replace the light source.
Image Correction Features: Delivering on Promises with Nuances
The PUTRIMS S28 also aims to stand out with image correction features rarely seen in this price range. It features an electric focus that can be controlled by remote control and an automatic vertical keystone correction of ±30° . In use, these options provide significant comfort: several users report that the focus is easy to adjust and that the keystone correction is done smoothly, without requiring lengthy manual adjustments. For quick installation in a living room or bedroom, the gain in practicality is undeniable.
However, behind these attractive promises lies a structural limitation. One tester noted a difficulty in achieving consistent sharpness across the entire projection surface: when the corners are well defined, the center of the image tends to blur slightly, and vice versa. This phenomenon is not a single flaw, but rather the compromises associated with the use of simple optical lenses, typical of affordable video projectors.
This field curvature prevents light from focusing perfectly evenly, resulting in uneven sharpness. In practical terms, this limits the device for uses where visual precision is essential, such as professional presentations or reading text. However, for home use focused on films and series, the disadvantage is much less bothersome: the human eye naturally focuses on the center of the screen, which makes peripheral blur much less noticeable.
The myth of the integrated Smart TV
The Putrims S28 projector offers modern connectivity that, on paper, sounds very appealing for an entry-level projector. It features dual-band Wi-Fi 6 (2.4 GHz and 5 GHz), Bluetooth 5.2 , and USB and HDMI ports for easy connection to computers, smartphones, and other devices. Screen sharing works with iOS, Android, or Windows 10, and compatibility with a wide range of Bluetooth speakers, including select AirPods, adds to the convenience.
However, this comfort has its limits. The projected does not have a built-in licensed operating system (such as Google TV or Android TV), which means that very popular services Netflix, Hulu, Disney+ or YouTube cannot be played natively . It is therefore necessary to connect an external TV Stick , adding an additional cost and management for the user. This restriction is related to copyright and explains why the S28, despite its advanced connectivity, cannot transform into a true standalone “Smart TV”.
This situation creates some confusion, accentuated by other listings of the brand (for example on Walmart), which mention a “built-in Smart TV system” for different models. The user experience clearly reflects this: the remote control of the S28 is closer to that of a classic screen than that of a smart device, and the projector functions primarily as a display stand , leaving the consumer to add their own streaming solutions.
Real-life image quality
When testing the PUTRIMS S28 in real-world conditions, the first observation is obvious: its actual brightness of 350 ANSI lumens makes it primarily suitable for dimly lit . The projector “works very well in a dark room” and on a “dedicated screen,” but any ambient light, even moderate, quickly causes contrast and readability to drop. Daylight testing confirms that the device is not designed for this type of use, and that performance is directly dependent on the darkness of the room.
The electronic zoom , adjustable from 50% to 100%, provides a certain flexibility by allowing the image size to be adjusted without moving the device. But here again, limitations appear: beyond 80 to 90 inches , several user reports report a notable degradation in sharpness and noticeable blurring. To obtain optimal rendering, the projector must therefore be used for modest-sized , respecting its brightness and native resolution constraints.
Use and application cases
In practice, the PUTRIMS S28 is most effective for home cinema and video games , uses where slight blurring at the edges of the image is much less of a problem than for reading documents or business presentations. Its compact design and 145° adjustable stand allow for easy ceiling projection, offering installation flexibility.
The projector is also touted as suitable for outdoor parties , but its lack of a built-in battery severely limits its truly portable use. Unlike some competitors like the XGIMI Halo+ or the Samsung The Freestyle , the S28 requires a mains connection , which restricts its mobility and limits it mainly to domestic or semi-stationary use.
Conclusion and recommendation
After putting the PUTRIMS S28 through its paces, the conclusion is clear: this projector perfectly embodies the compromises of the entry-level market.
Right out of the box and into operation, the Putrims S28 projector impresses with its easy setup , electric autofocus, and automatic keystone correction. The compact design and tilting stand allow for easy projection, even on ceilings, and modern connectivity (Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, USB/HDMI) reinforces the feeling of a practical and well-designed product.
But limitations quickly become apparent. The native resolution of 720p and the effective brightness of 350 ANSI lumens limit the S28 to use in very dark environments. Blurring at the edges of the image, a consequence of the single optical lens, limits its use to centered visual content, such as movies or video games, and makes the device poorly suited to presentations or reading documents. The lack of a built-in streaming system requires the use of an external TV Stick, and the lack of a battery limits portability.
Who is it suitable for? The PUTRIMS S28 is primarily aimed at the budget-conscious, casual user looking for an easy-to-setup, compact, and affordable for home cinema sessions or gaming sessions in the dark. Those who want perfect cinematic image quality, versatile use, or ambient lighting setup will have to look at higher-performance and more expensive models.
Should you buy it? Yes, provided you know its limitations . The S28 is not a premium projector in disguise; it is an entry-level product that offers impressive comfort features for its price , but with the inevitable technical compromises. The purchase should be based on the actual resolution of 720p and the effective brightness of 350 ANSI lumens , and not on the enticing marketing promises which, while attractive, do not reflect the real performance of the device.
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