Nuts N3 vs. Dangbei X5S Plus vs. Vidda M2 Pro: Which Projector Reigns Supreme?

For those seeking a high-value home projector in the sub-$500 range, the decision between the Dangbei X5S Plus, the JMGO N3, and the Vidda M2 Pro can be a tough one. Fortunately, a recent comparison by a tech-savvy blogger offers a helpful breakdown. Let’s dive into the key features and determine which projector offers the best bang for your buck.

I. Design and Interface

Aesthetics are, of course, subjective. Each of these projectors carries the design DNA of their respective brands. However, let’s focus on some objective considerations: the built-in gimbal and connectivity options.

The Dangbei offers the most flexible gimbal, allowing for 120° of vertical and 360° of horizontal rotation. The JMGO boasts 160° of vertical and 360° of horizontal adjustment. In contrast, the Vidda offers only 360° of vertical adjustment, limiting its flexibility.

When it comes to ports, the Dangbei takes the lead with two HDMI 2.1 ports, two USB 2.0 ports, a power input, an audio output, and both optical and Ethernet connections. The JMGO offers a slightly more pared-down selection with two HDMI 2.1 ports, one USB 2.0 port, and a power input. The Vidda provides a single HDMI 2.1 port, a USB 3.0 port, and a power input.

II. Picture Quality Breakdown

The core determinants of a projector’s picture quality are the light source, brightness, resolution, contrast ratio, and color accuracy.

The Dangbei utilizes ALPD 3.0 dual-color laser technology, a proven technology known for its high brightness and lack of speckle or color fringing. The JMGO and Vidda, on the other hand, employ pure tri-color lasers. While these offer a wider color gamut, they can be constrained by limited brightness and are prone to speckling and color fringing, issues that are yet to be fully resolved.

In terms of brightness, the Dangbei shines at a measured 1911lm, compared to the JMGO’s 1606lm and the Vidda’s 1327lm. All three projectors support 4K resolution, ensuring sharp and detailed visuals.

Contrast ratio tests reveal significant differences: the Dangbei clocks in at 8207:1, the Vidda at 7629:1, and the JMGO trails at 3462:1.

Color temperature results showed the JMGO and Vidda leaning towards a cooler color profile, while the Dangbei offered a warmer presentation. As for color gamut, the JMGO and Vidda boasted wider ranges, while the Dangbei was slightly less expansive. Color accuracy favored the Dangbei, with the JMGO and Vidda showing more variance.

Let’s take a look at some side-by-side comparisons to see how these specs translate to real-world performance:

The above image highlights the different brightness levels. The Dangbei appears significantly brighter, resulting in more vibrant visuals and a heightened sense of immersion.

This comparison focuses on dark scenes, where the contrast ratio differences become clear. The Dangbei excels at preserving detail in the shadows while maintaining bright highlights. The Vidda delivers a solid performance, while the JMGO appears somewhat muted in comparison.

III. Hardware under the Hood

The Dangbei X5S Plus is powered by the MT9669 chip and features 3GB of RAM combined with 64GB of storage. The JMGO N3 uses the MT9667 chip, coupled with 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. The Vidda M2 Pro also utilizes the MT9679 chip and offers 4GB of RAM and 32GB of storage.

IV. Software & User Experience

The Dangbei X5S Plus boasts the company’s latest OS5.0 operating system, known for its lack of startup ads, customizable interface, and the ability to automatically launch third-party apps. This translates to a user-friendly experience with a streamlined design and extensive resources. The JMGO N3 packs the Bonfire OS7 system, delivering a more stylized interface, which might require a bit of a learning curve. The Vidda M2 Pro utilizes the JUUI 7.0 system, which uses a more traditional waterfall-style interface that some users may find less intuitive.

V. The Verdict

Based on these tests, the Dangbei X5S Plus appears to take the lead in brightness and contrast performance. Its extensive interface and superior color accuracy further enhance the viewing experience. It’s capable of delivering immersive visuals that are ideal for everyday viewing and are easily enhanced with a quality audio system for more demanding movie-watching experiences. The JMGO N3 and Vidda M2 Pro are also respectable options. The best choice depends on individual needs and priorities, but the Dangbei stands out as a well-rounded projector for this price point.