ALDP and HDR10 laser at a low price

Compact and lightweight (only 0,83 kg for dimensions of 175 × 175 × 50 mm), it is thus positioned as a solution for users with research an easy-to-carry projector without compromising on performance. They’address to lovers of projection home and mobile, who are looking for a device capable of delivering a beautiful image in varied environments.

Available for less than €400 using the promo code TechnoS5 directly on this page of the brand’s websitethe Formovie S5 is marketed at a very low price for a video projector incorporating such technologies.

We had the opportunity to take charge of this laser video projector, all the details in this test, from unboxing to projection.

Main Features

– Technology d’display: DLP

– Light source: Laser ALPD

– Brightness: 500 lumens ISO

– Contrast: 1500:1

– Resolution: 1080p (1920 × 1080)
– Support HDR: HDR10
– Ratio de projection: 1.21:1

– Image size: 40 to 120 inches
– RAM: 2 Go DDR4

– Built-in storage: 16 Go eMMC

– Connection: HDMI 2.1USB, Type- C3.5mm headphone jack
– Weight: 0,83 kg

– Dimensions: 175 × 175 × 50 mm

The Formovie S5 stands out right out of the box thanks to its original and modern packaging. The box sports a sleek design, with a translucent part that allows a glimpse of the projector inside.

This aesthetic approach brings a touch of sophistication and arouses curiosity even before opening the packaging. Inside, each element is well protected and wedged.

We find there:
– The Formovie S5 projector itself.
– A remote control, with batteries.
– USB-C power supply.
– A user manual.

The Formovie S5 comes with a 65W USB-C power supply, similar to those used for smartphones or some laptops. This solution has a certain advantage: it allows you to use another USB-C charger of equivalent power if the original charger were to fail.

However, the supplied power supply is equipped with a Chinese plug, making it incompatible with French plugs without an adapter.

It will therefore be necessary to use an adapter, easily found online, like these. Alternatively, any USB-C charger of at least 65 W will be able to power the projector perfectly.

The Formovie S5 comes with a user manual written exclusively in Chinese, which may be a barrier for Western users. Although the document contains some explicit illustrations, it remains difficult to use if you do not master the language. However, this point ultimately turns out to be anecdotal, because the projector is intuitive to install, as we will see later.

The remote control is all in all very classic. One notable absence: no shortcut buttons for streaming services such as Youtube or Netflix, which are now very common.

The projector itself has a compact square shape with dimensions of 175 × 175 × 50 mm, making it an easily transportable device. Weighing just 0.83 kg, it fits easily into a bag, ready to be used in any room of the house or on the go.

The projector is equipped with several ports located on the back: HDMI 2.1, USB-A, USB-C (for power), and a 3.5mm headphone jack. Enough to connect a console, a computer or a TV box.

Installation and Getting Started

During the test, the Formovie S5 was placed approximately 3 meters from a mur blanc serving as surface projection, allowing an image of approximately 100 inches to be displayed. Note that the wall was raw, with a slight graininess from the paint.

Installation of the Formovie S5 is automatic. Once the projector is connected, startup is done using a discreet power button placed on the back of the device.

The projector configures itself to offer a clear image from the first moment:
– Autofocus: the image adjusts in seconds without manual intervention.
– Automatic keystone correction: If the projector is not perfectly aligned with the screen or wall, the image is recalibrated to maintain balanced proportions.
– Obstacle avoidance: If an object in a corner such as furniture or a plant blocks part of the image, the Formovie S5 automatically reduces the projection size to avoid the obstacle.

An OS limited to Chinese services, but a workaround exists

The Formovie S5 runs FengOS, a proprietary operating system developed for the Chinese market. From the start, this orientation is felt: the pre-installed applications and services offered are entirely in Chinese, making their use almost impossible for Western users.

Although it is possible to change the language of the main menus to English, this only concerns the general interface. Native applications, meanwhile, remain in Chinese, with no option to translate them or access international services like YouTube, Netflix or Amazon Prime Video. This lack of adaptability represents a notable limitation for a usage outside China.

Fortunately, thanks to the Formovie S5’s connectivity, it is easy to get around this restriction. We used an Amazon Fire TV stick (around thirty euros on Amazon)connected via the HDMI port on the back of the projector. This solution allows you to take full advantage of both Western streaming platforms and the hardware performance of the video projector.

Once the Fire TV is plugged in, the user experience changes dramatically. The Formovie S5 then reveals its full potential.

Thus, despite an OS limited to China, the addition of an external device such as a Fire TV or a Chromecast transforms the Formovie S5 into a perfectly functional video projector. For the rest of our test, we used this configuration to evaluate the visual and sound performance of the projector under real conditions of use.

To test the Formovie S5’s performance, we chose to stream YouTube videos, including a Pink concert and several trailers for upcoming films. This selection allows you to judge the image quality, color management and sound reproduction.

Image quality

The Laser ALPD technology of the Formovie S5 provides a real advantage over traditional LED video projectors.

This technology, known for its increased brightness and superior contrast, results here in a sharp, dynamic and well-balanced image. With a brightness of 500 ISO lumens and a native contrast of 1500:1, the S5 delivers a convincing image in a dark room, ideal for home cinema sessions.

Note, however, that the 500 lumens are not enough to allow satisfactory viewing in a too bright environment. It will therefore be necessary to plan to lower the light, at least in the dark.

During the Pink concert, the bright colors of the light effects stand out precisely, without saturation. The ALPD laser offers a richer colorimetric spectrum than traditional LED sources, making tones more natural and gradients better controlled. On dark scenes in film trailers, contrast is well managed, allowing details to be distinguished in shadow areas without crushing the blacks.

The 1080p resolution, although now very classic, allows a sufficient level of detail for a large image. Even when pushing the diagonal up to 120 inches, the image remains sharp with sharp edges and few visible artifacts. Note that the Formovie S5 supports HDR10 content, which improves the rendering of highlights and bright scenes, particularly on recent film trailers where visual effects are highlighted.

Fluidity and image interpolation

The Formovie S5 incorporates image interpolation technology (MEMC) which smoothes movements.

On dynamic trailer sequences, such as fast tracking shots and action scenes, this feature eliminates judder and greatly improves fluidity. This mode, adjustable on several levels, is particularly useful for sports content or action films where movements are constant.

The Formovie S5 was stable and efficient throughout the tests. The colors of the film trailers are well rendered, the movements are fluid, and the image maintains its sharpness even in scenes rich in detail. Laser ALPD technology really makes the difference compared to LED projectors, with a more vivid image and better contrasted blacks.

Sound quality

The Formovie S5’s integrated sound system, although compact, offers decent performance. The rendering is sufficiently clear and balanced. During the Pink concert, the voice ofartiste is perfectly intelligible, even when the bass and instruments increase in power. Certainly, the bass lacks depth, which is common with this type of portable projector, but the result remains very satisfactory for a listen occasional.

For total immersion with this type of equipment, it is still recommended to add an external audio system via the 3.5 mm headphone jack or via a Bluetooth device. This allows you to enjoy richer sound, particularly at low frequencies, and further increase viewing comfort.

It delivers sharp, dynamic and contrasty images, even on diagonals of up to 120 inches. The integrated sound system, although correct for everyday use, will merit an external audio complement for optimal immersion.

If its FengOS system, limited to Chinese services, represents a barrier for Western users, it is easily circumvented thanks to the addition of HDMI equipment such as theAmazon Fire TV or a box Chromecast.

This solution allows you to take full advantage of popular streaming platforms such as YouTube, Netflix and Amazon Prime Video, while exploiting the projector’s hardware capabilities.

Available for less than €400 using the promo code TechnoS5 directly on this page of the brand’s websitethe Formovie S5 is marketed at a very low price for a video projector incorporating such technologies.

The Formovie S5 is distinguished by its price. it is placed at a price close to the entry level while the on-board technology is generally found at the high end, in much more expensive devices. In the end, the additional thirty euros to invest in an Amazon box or stick immediately pays off.