As the tech world gears up for CES 2026 in Las Vegas, Samsung has jumped the gun with a significant refresh of its popular portable projector line. The new Freestyle+ builds upon the flexible, go-anywhere design of its predecessor but introduces crucial upgrades aimed at solving common user pain points, most notably in brightness and ease of use. This announcement signals Samsung's commitment to refining the portable entertainment experience, blending hardware improvements with intelligent software to create a more compelling package for consumers.
A Familiar Form with a Brighter Future
Visually, the Samsung Freestyle+ remains true to the line's iconic design. It retains the compact, cylindrical body and the versatile 180-degree rotating stand that allows users to project onto walls, floors, or ceilings. This portability and flexibility are core to its identity, making it easy to move from a living room movie night to a backyard gathering. The most immediately impactful upgrade, however, is under the hood. Samsung has boosted the brightness to 430 ISO lumens, a near-doubling of the previous generation's 230 ISO lumens. This substantial increase promises to make the projector more usable in environments with ambient light, moving it from a strictly dark-room device to one that can handle a wider range of viewing conditions.
Key Specifications & Comparison:
| Feature | Samsung Freestyle (Previous Gen) | Samsung Freestyle+ (New) |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 230 ISO lumens | 430 ISO lumens |
| AI Features | Basic auto features | AI OptiScreen Suite (Real-time Focus, Auto Keystone, Screen Fit, Wall Calibration) |
| Design | Cylindrical body, 180° rotating stand | Cylindrical body, 180° rotating stand (unchanged) |
| Audio | Built-in speaker | Built-in 360-degree speaker + Q-Symphony support |
| Platform | Samsung Smart TV (Tizen) | Samsung Smart TV (Tizen) |
| Availability | - | Showcased at CES 2026 (Jan 6), global availability later in 2026 |
| Expected Price | ~ USD 800 | Not announced (expected to be similar) |
AI-Powered Setup Eliminates the Hassle
Where the Freestyle+ truly aims to differentiate itself is through its suite of automated setup features, branded as AI OptiScreen. Portable projectors have historically required manual tweaking for focus and image alignment, a process that can be frustrating for casual users. Samsung addresses this head-on with a collection of intelligent corrections. The system includes real-time autofocus, which maintains a sharp image even if the projector is bumped or rotated. Auto keystone correction tackles distortions when projecting onto angled surfaces, while Screen Fit automatically adjusts the image to fit compatible projection screens or curtains. Perhaps the most innovative feature is Wall Calibration, which analyzes the color and texture of the surface being used as a screen to minimize visual distractions and optimize picture quality.
Software and Audio for a Complete Entertainment Hub
Beyond projection, the Freestyle+ functions as a self-contained smart entertainment system. It runs Samsung's Tizen-based smart TV platform, providing built-in access to popular streaming apps, Samsung TV Plus for live channels, and the Samsung Gaming Hub for cloud gaming. Audio is handled by a built-in 360-degree speaker designed to offer immersive sound from its small form factor. For those seeking a more powerful audio experience, the projector supports Q-Symphony, allowing it to sync seamlessly with compatible Samsung soundbars to create a unified, multi-channel audio field.
Positioning and Market Expectations
Samsung has not yet announced official pricing for the Freestyle+, but it is expected to be showcased at CES 2026 with global availability following later in the year. Given that the previous model retailed for around USD 800, a similar price point is anticipated. The refinements in the Freestyle+ represent an evolution rather than a revolution, squarely targeting users who found earlier models lacking in brightness or who were intimidated by manual setup. By focusing on these practical improvements, Samsung is strengthening its position in the growing portable projector market, offering a polished, user-friendly option that prioritizes convenience without sacrificing core performance.