HY260 PRO Smart Projector Review: Ultra-Short Throw & Android 11 on a Budget? Promise vs. Reality

Banggood’s latest projector listing, the HY260 PRO, makes some impressive claims: 1080P resolution, 4K support, ultra-short throw, auto-focus, Android 11, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and a Google Voice Remote – all seemingly packed into an affordable package. But does this projector deliver a premium experience, or are the specs too good to be true at this price point? Let’s dissect the HY260 PRO.

Headline Features & Potential:

1. Native 1080P Resolution (FHD): This is the core resolution, suitable for clear movie watching, gaming, and presentations up to around 100 inches in a dark room. A significant step up from 720P projectors.

2. 4K Support (Upscaling): Crucially, this means the projector can accept a 4K signal and downscale and process it to fit its native 1080P chip. It does NOT have a native 4K resolution chip. The result can be slightly sharper than native 1080P content due to better processing, but it’s not true 4K.

3. Ultra-Short Throw (UST) Capability: This is a standout feature. UST projectors can cast large images (e.g., 100 inches) from just inches away from the wall or screen (likely 20-50cm for this model). This eliminates shadows, reduces cable clutter, and allows flexible placement on a shelf below the screen.

4. Auto Focus: A major convenience feature, especially for portable use or after moving the projector. It should quickly sharpen the image automatically.

5. Android TV 11 Operating System: A full-fledged smart TV platform built-in. This means direct access to the Google Play Store for installing apps like Netflix, YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, Spotify, and thousands more. No external streaming stick needed.

6. Modern Connectivity: WiFi 6 & Bluetooth 5.4: Promises faster, more stable wireless streaming and connectivity for Bluetooth speakers/headphones compared to older standards.

7. Google Voice Remote: Enables hands-free control using Google Assistant for searching content, controlling playback, adjusting settings, and smart home commands (if integrated).

8. 180° Projection & Keystone Correction: Allows flexible placement (ceiling mount, side placement) with automatic or manual image shape correction.

9. Built-in Speaker: Provides basic audio, but external speakers or a soundbar are highly recommended for a better experience.
   

The Elephant in the Room: Brightness (200 ANSI Lumens)

This is the HY260 PRO’s most significant limitation and the primary factor tempering expectations:

• 200 ANSI Lumens is VERY LOW. For context:

  • Decent home theater projectors start around 1000+ lumens for use in moderately lit rooms.

  • Even “portable” projectors often aim for 300-500 lumens.

• Reality Check: A 200-lumen projector is strictly for completely dark, light-controlled rooms. Any ambient light (lamps, daylight through curtains) will severely wash out the image, making it difficult to see. This brightness level is more typical of pocket projectors, not larger models with UST aspirations.

• Marketing vs. Reality: While the feature list sounds premium, the 200-lumen rating places it firmly in the budget/basic performance category. Don’t expect vibrant, impactful images in anything but pitch blackness.
  

Who Might the HY260 PRO Suit (Despite the Brightness)?

1. Budget-Conscious Movie Enthusiasts with Dedicated Dark Rooms: If you have a basement, media room, or can perfectly blackout your viewing space, the 1080P resolution and smart features could provide an affordable large-screen experience.

2. Casual Viewers Prioritizing Convenience & Smart Features: The Android TV 11, auto-focus, and UST placement are genuinely appealing for ease of use and app access if low brightness isn’t a dealbreaker for your environment.

3. Gamers in the Dark (with Caveats): Low input lag is crucial for gaming but isn’t specified here. The 1080P resolution is fine, but the low brightness limits immersion unless playing in total darkness. Check reviews for input lag performance.

4. Presenters Needing Portability & UST: For small, dark meeting rooms where UST placement is beneficial to avoid blocking the screen, it could work for slideshows.

Important Considerations & Potential Pitfalls:

1. Brightness is the Core Limitation: Reiterating – 200 lumens is minimal. Manage expectations accordingly.

2. Image Quality Nuances: Beyond brightness, consider:

   • Contrast Ratio: Not specified. Low brightness often pairs with mediocre contrast, affecting black levels and depth.

   • Color Accuracy: Budget projectors often struggle with accurate, vibrant colors. Wait for reviews.

   • Fan Noise: Small projectors can get noisy; check if this impacts viewing.

3. Ultra-Short Throw Precision: Cheaper UST optics can sometimes suffer from edge focus issues or color uniformity problems. Keystone correction might be needed even with UST placement.

4. Android TV Performance: The processor/RAM specs aren’t listed. A weak chip could lead to a sluggish interface and app performance. WiFi 6 helps, but the chip matters.

5. Build Quality & Reliability: HYPRO isn’t a major established projector brand. Long-term reliability and part/service support might be uncertain.

6. “Free” Projection: This usually just means manual vertical keystone correction, not motorized lens shift.
   

The Verdict: A Feature-Packed Enigma with a Critical Flaw

The HY260 PRO Smart LED Projector presents a fascinating paradox. On one hand, it packs an impressive array of features typically found on much more expensive projectors: native 1080P, Android TV 11, UST capability, auto-focus, WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.4, and a Google Voice remote. This makes it incredibly appealing on paper, especially for its price.

However, the 200 ANSI lumen brightness rating is a massive anchor. It severely limits its usability to near-pitch-black environments and undermines the potential of its other premium features. A UST projector that struggles with even minimal ambient light feels counterintuitive.

Should you buy it?

• Only if: You have a perfectly dark, dedicated viewing space, prioritize smart features, UST convenience, and auto-focus above all else, and are on a very tight budget. Understand the significant brightness limitation upfront.

• Look elsewhere if: You need to use the projector with any ambient light, prioritize image vibrancy and impact, or expect performance comparable to projectors from brands like Xiaomi, BenQ, Epson, or even mid-range Anker/Nebula models (which usually start around 500+ lumens).

The Bottom Line:

HY260 PRO is an ambitious budget projector with a killer feature set hamstrung by critically low brightness. It’s a curiosity for tech enthusiasts and a potential niche solution for dark-room users on a strict budget who value UST and Android TV. For most users seeking a versatile, watchable projector for typical living rooms or varied lighting, its headline features are sadly overshadowed by its dim output. Proceed with caution and very low brightness expectations. Real-world reviews confirming its performance (especially brightness and Android smoothness) are essential before considering a purchase.