Dangbei DBOX02 Pro Review: Impressive 4K projector

The Dangbei DBOX02 Pro introduced at IFA 2025 guarantees nice cinema for the lounge at a worth that would make TV consumers pause for thought. With native 4K decision, 2,000 ISO lumens brightness and built-in Google TV, the Chinese laser projector positions itself as a fully-fledged TV substitute. Unlike cumbersome ultra-short throw projectors or low-light funds fashions, the DBOX02 Pro combines flexibility with efficiency: automated setup in seconds, picture sizes of as much as 300 inches and gaming in 4K and even 240 Hz in Full HD. But can a projector for round EUR 1,100 actually sustain with fashionable sensible TVs?

Technical information of the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro

Dangbei DBOX02 Pro Review: design and workmanship

The Dangbei DBOX02 Pro presents itself as a compact, fashionable projector that intentionally doesn’t conceal behind life-style components, however as a substitute focuses on a clear and really high-quality design. With dimensions of round 247 × 263 × 216 mm and a weight of slightly below 4.8 kg, the projector is totally high-quality.

The matt floor in wealthy black with discreetly rounded edges and a barely curved entrance part offers the gadget a up to date aesthetic with a contact of retro allure. The finger-repellent coating is especially profitable, conserving the housing clear even after frequent changes. It’s only a disgrace that Dangbei doesn’t have a lens cowl. This signifies that the lens magically attracts mud.

The all-round grille conceals two 12-watt Harman Kardon loudspeakers, whereas the high-quality lens conveys a premium impression due to its deliberate framing. An actual spotlight is the seamless, 360-degree rotatable and 120-degree tiltable stand, which even permits ceiling projection with out having to cope with cumbersome screw ft.

The connections are clearly organized on the again, though the ability connection is hidden so deep within the stand that you need to seek for it the primary time. Compared to ultra-compact life-style projectors such because the Xgimi Halo or MoGo 4, the DBOX02 Pro just isn’t fairly as transportable, however presents considerably extra flexibility than basic ultra-short throw projectors that require a hard and fast set up.

Connections and operation of the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro

The connectivity of the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro is up to date and effectively thought out. There are two HDMI 2.1 ports on the rear, one in every of which helps eARC. Ideal for connecting exterior sound programs.

There can also be a USB 2.0 port, a 3.5 mm jack connection and a LAN port for a wired community. The wi-fi connectivity can also be very fashionable. In addition to dual-band Wi-Fi 6, the DBPOX02 Pro additionally helps Bluetooth 5.2, which is superb for quick media streaming in addition to for connecting wi-fi headphones or audio system.

The Google TV working system is instantly built-in and presents easy navigation and helpful suggestions with out being intrusive. All widespread streaming apps are pre-installed, which makes entry a lot simpler. The provided distant management (even together with batteries, which is a rarity) is neatly designed and intuitive to make use of. You don’t must wade by means of a handbook to search out your approach round.

The quite a few consolation features comparable to automated eye safety, which dims the laser beam as quickly as somebody walks by means of the projection space, and HDMI-CEC for mechanically waking up related units are optimistic highlights. Although the marketed one-click mud removing ensures clear optics, it merely blows the mud into the room, so that you’ll must preserve coping with it. Nevertheless, a sensible function in on a regular basis life.

The Dangbei DBOX02 Pro in follow

Setting up the DBOX02 Pro is impressively simple and reveals that Dangbei has clearly targeted on suitability for on a regular basis use. After plugging it into the socket, all you need to do is level the projector roughly in the direction of the wall and the know-how takes over. The mixture of autofocus, automated keystone correction, geometry adjustment and display alignment works so exactly and rapidly that you could get began immediately. The gadget even acknowledges obstacles within the projection space and adjusts the picture accordingly in order that ornamental objects or items of furnishings don’t intrude with the show. The real-time keystone correction is especially fascinating: should you flip the projector throughout projection, the picture mechanically readjusts itself to stay completely aligned.

Thanks to laser phosphor know-how, the projector begins up virtually instantly. No gradual start-up, no affected person ready for full brightness. With round 2,000 ISO lumens, the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro is brilliant sufficient for daylight use, which in follow means: soccer within the afternoon, YouTube classes with open curtains or film marathons are doable with none issues. The versatile throw ratio of 1.27:1 permits image sizes of 100 to 120 inches from typical lounge distances. At a distance of round 4 meters, even 150 inches are doable and you probably have eight meters of area, you possibly can theoretically go as much as 300 inches. However, solely only a few folks have that a lot area out there.

In on a regular basis life, you possibly can merely place the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro on a sideboard, espresso desk or shelf. The ceiling mounting choice can also be very sensible and presents further flexibility for actual house theater setups with out having to sacrifice the flexibility to rotate. At most brightness stage (stage 10), nevertheless, the air flow turns into clearly audible, which was fairly annoying.

On the optimistic aspect, lowering the brightness to stage 9, i.e. solely barely much less, made the fan virtually inaudible with out the image high quality struggling noticeably. In gaming mode at excessive refresh charges, the fan additionally turns up, however this may be simply compensated for by turning up the superb audio system.

Image and sound high quality

The image high quality of the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro is undoubtedly the best energy of the premium projector. It is spectacular throughout the board and reveals that Dangbei is critical about its TV substitute declare. The native 4K decision (3840 × 2160 pixels) delivers impressively sharp particulars, whereas the colour copy seems vivid with out oversaturating colours and delivering an unnatural picture.

HDR10+ assist offers further dynamic vary and the excessive brightness of round 2,000 ISO lumens makes the image usable even in combined gentle with none issues. An actual benefit over many rivals. Like most brilliant DLP projectors, the DBOX02 Pro doesn’t obtain cinematic black ranges, which is solely because of the know-how and design. It just isn’t as superior as actual OLED televisions.

The movement show is easy and streak-free, which is especially noticeable in quick motion scenes and sports activities broadcasts. The Dangbei DBOX02 Pro is especially attention-grabbing for avid gamers due to the HDMI 2.1 connections: 120 Hz is feasible in native 4K decision, and even as much as 240 Hz at 1080p. The response time in gaming mode is between 10 and 20 ms.

Although this isn’t on the stage of devoted gaming projectors such because the BenQ TK700STi with its 4 ms, it’s fully enough for many avid gamers and considerably higher than many house leisure projectors. An uncommon benefit: the keystone correction additionally works in gaming mode, which is under no circumstances commonplace for gaming projectors and ensures that you just all the time get the most effective image even in intense battles.

The audio high quality additionally deserves excessive reward. The built-in 2×12-watt Harman Kardon audio system shocked me positively within the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro take a look at. Of course, they’re no substitute for a soundbar or perhaps a encompass system, however they’re considerably higher than many rivals. They create an immersive audio expertise.

Dialogue sounds clear, the mid-range is balanced and the bass response is remarkably highly effective by projector requirements. The quantity is well enough for medium-sized rooms with out sounding distorted or strained. If you continue to wish to use exterior audio, you possibly can simply join further units by way of eARC, Bluetooth 5.2 or the jack output.

Dangbei DBOX02 Pro Review: Conclusion

After utilizing the Dangbei DBOX02 Pro extensively, it’s simple for me to categorize it: this can be a projector that’s significantly appropriate as a TV substitute. The mixture of excessive brightness, easy setup, actual 4K sharpness and effectively thought-out suitability for on a regular basis use makes it probably the most well-rounded options within the house leisure sector.

Compared to the competitors, the Xgimi Horizon Ultra is forward when it comes to black ranges and Dolby Vision assist, however prices virtually twice as a lot and is extra complicated to arrange. Although ultra-short-throw projectors supply deeper black ranges and extra cinematic image high quality, they require particular screens and stuck set up.

The trade-offs are clear: the black ranges of the DBOX02 Pro are at stage as a substitute. However, nobody ought to count on true OLED blacks. At most brightness, the fan can also be clearly (and annoyingly) audible. Anyone searching for absolute portability may also not be proud of the virtually 5 kg weight. But contemplating the general efficiency, I can stay with these limitations.

PRO

• Strong 4K image
• High-quality end
• Good audio system
• High body fee
• Intuitive operation
• Reliable auto setup
• Modern connections

CONTRA

• Loud at most brightness
• Black ranges solely good
• Quite massive and heavy

Design & Workmanship

Setup & Operation

Connections

Image Quality

Sound Quality

Value For Money

92/100

Compact 4K projector with glorious image high quality, intuitive operation, excessive body fee and wealthy audio system that may simply substitute your TV.