Portable projectors promise big-screen entertainment anywhere, but they often stumble in one critical area: battling ambient light. A common living room lamp can turn a vibrant movie into a dull, washed-out spectacle. Ahead of CES 2026, Samsung has unveiled the Freestyle+, a third-generation model that directly tackles this core weakness with a significant brightness boost and a suite of AI-powered features designed to make setup and calibration nearly automatic.
A Brighter, More Honest Picture
The most crucial upgrade in the Freestyle+ is its jump to 430 ISO lumens. Samsung claims this is "nearly twice the brightness of the previous generation," a claim that requires some context. The original and second-gen Freestyle models were advertised with a "550 lumens" spec, a number not measured to the industry-standard ISO lumen specification. This shift to ISO lumens is part of a broader industry trend toward more honest and comparable brightness ratings, following legal actions by companies like Epson against others for misleading claims. The new 430 ISO lumens rating, while a lower number, represents a more reliable and significantly brighter output, promising a picture that can better hold its own in a room that isn't pitch black.
Context on Brightness Specs: The move to "ISO lumens" is a significant industry shift. Prior "lumen" ratings were often inconsistent and inflated, making it hard to compare projectors. The ISO standard provides a uniform testing method, giving consumers a more reliable metric. Samsung's claim of "nearly twice the brightness" for the 430 ISO lumen Freestyle+ compared to the older 550-lumen model highlights how misleading the old spec was.
AI Takes the Hassle Out of Setup
Beyond raw power, Samsung is betting heavily on artificial intelligence to simplify the user experience. Dubbed "AI OptiScreen," this suite of features aims for a "point and play" ideal. The 3D Auto Keystone correction goes beyond fixing simple tilts on flat walls; it can now intelligently correct distortion on uneven surfaces like curtains or corners. A real-time focus system prevents blurring if the projector is moved mid-movie. Perhaps the most clever feature is Wall Calibration, which analyzes the color and pattern of the surface you're projecting onto and adjusts the image output to ensure colors remain as accurate as possible, turning any off-white wall into a viable screen.
Familiar Design with Smarter Internals
Externally, the Freestyle+ maintains the recognizable cylindrical, rotating barrel design of its predecessors, offering 180-degree flexibility to project onto walls or ceilings. It remains a 1080p projector with a built-in 360-degree speaker and runs Samsung's smart TV platform for streaming. New integrations include Q-Symphony support for syncing with compatible Samsung soundbars and a Vision AI Companion for a more conversational Bixby experience. Notably, it still lacks an internal battery, requiring a power outlet or an external power bank for truly cord-free use.
Key Specification Comparison (Freestyle+ vs. Previous Gen):
| Feature | Samsung Freestyle+ (Gen 3) | Previous Freestyle (Gen 1/2) |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 430 ISO Lumens | Advertised as 550 lumens (non-ISO standard) |
| Key AI Features | AI OptiScreen, 3D Auto Keystone, Real-time Focus, Wall Calibration | Basic auto-keystone & focus |
| Design | Cylindrical, rotating barrel, 180° tilt | Identical |
| Resolution | 1080p | 1080p |
| Audio | 360° speaker, Q-Symphony support | 360° speaker |
| Battery | No internal battery | No internal battery |
| Smart Platform | Samsung Smart TV with Gaming Hub, Vision AI Companion | Samsung Smart TV |
| Announced Price | Not Announced | Original launched at USD 899 |
| Release | First Half of 2026 | Launched 2022 |
Pricing and Availability Remain a Question
As of its unveiling on January 2, 2026, key details are still missing. Samsung has not announced a price, a pre-order date, or a specific release window beyond "the first half of 2026." This leaves a significant question mark, especially given the criticism of the original model's USD 899 price tag, which was considered high even before subsequent economic factors. The value proposition of the Freestyle+ will hinge entirely on where Samsung positions it in the crowded portable projector market. More concrete information is expected during the company's press conference at CES 2026.