Aestiquo vs Philoent Projector: Which is Better for a Small Room?

When building a home theater in a small room, the biggest challenges are "ensuring a large screen in a limited space" and "flexible installation that suits everyday layouts." In recent years, advances in short-throw projector technology have led to the widespread use of models that can project a 100-inch screen from a distance of just about 1 meter.

This article will compare Aestiquo's flagship model for small spaces, the Aestiquo P1 , with Philoent's popular short-throw models, the Philoent M500 (portable) and the Philoent UHD-Short (ultra-short throw 4K), in five key areas, focusing on practicality for small rooms. By understanding the characteristics of each model, we will present the optimal solution for the bachelor's pursuit of sound quality and his living environment.

1. Core spec comparison: Factors that affect performance in small rooms

We'll objectively compare the specs of the three models, focusing on projection distance, size and weight, brightness, and resolution, which determine usability in small rooms. The data is based on the product specifications of each brand and lists reference values ​​for actual usage scenarios.

2. Comparison of usability in small rooms: Five key points

In addition to specs, we evaluate "freedom of installation," "portability," "image quality," "ease of connection," and "audio performance" for everyday use, and make a comprehensive judgment on practicality in small rooms.

1) Installation flexibility: Can it be adapted to the layout of a small room?

In a small room, the flexibility of where a projector can be installed will have a major impact on its everyday usability. The key is whether it can be placed in a variety of locations, such as on a desk, beside a bed, or even on the floor.

• Aestiquo P1 : With a compact size of 101 x 101 x 192 mm and a lightweight design of 0.6 kg, it easily fits into the corner of a desk or on a small bedside shelf. Its vertical and corner keystone correction function corrects image distortion even when installed at an angle, making it less constrained by the distance or angle from the wall. Even in rental housing, it can be installed on a desk without drilling holes in the wall, making it easy to adapt to changes in the layout.
• The Philoent M500 's flat size (170 x 140 x 75mm) makes it ideal for under-desk storage, but its larger width than the Aestiquo P1 makes it difficult to mount on narrow shelves or small nightstands. The keystone correction function only provides basic vertical correction, limiting screen adjustment when placed at an angle.
• Philoent UHD-Short : With dimensions of 240 x 200 x 110 mm and a weight of 2.5 kg, it requires ample space for stable installation on a desk. Because of its ultra-short throw, it must be installed very close to the wall, so a dedicated wall-mount bracket is usually recommended. If wall mounting is not permitted in a rental property, installation flexibility is significantly reduced.

② Portability: Is it easy to move around the room or take out?

In the video entertainment lifestyle of a bachelor, the viewing scene often changes depending on the location, such as "playing games at a desk," "watching movies in bed," or "watching outdoor movies on a balcony," so it is important for a projector to be "easy to carry" and "powerable."

The Aestiquo P1, when paired with a 5000mAh portable battery (5V/2A output), can be used for approximately 1.5 hours without an electrical outlet. This allows you to place it on the floor next to your bed for late-night movie watching, or take it to a friend's house for shared viewing. The Philoent M500 has a built-in battery, but its usage time is only about 2 hours, making it unsuitable for extended gaming or movie watching.

3. Picture quality test: Can you create a sense of realism in a small room?

In small rooms, the viewing distance is short (usually 1.5m to 2m), so the image quality's "definition," "brightness balance," and "color reproduction" have a significant impact on the sense of realism.The image quality characteristics of each model are evaluated according to actual viewing situations.

• Aestiquo P1 : Full HD resolution and upscaling capabilities allow you to enhance 720P videos and DVD content to Full HD-equivalent definition. The 800 ANSI lumens brightness provides excellent contrast in completely dark environments (nighttime rooms) and makes it easy to see details in dark scenes (e.g., night scenes in movies). In dimly lit environments, you can set the brightness to maximum for practical viewing, and selecting "Cinema Mode" enhances the deep colors of movies, meeting the viewing needs of video game fans.
• Philoent M500 : The brightness of 1000 ANSI lumens is superior to the Aestiquo P1, but the resolution is the same, Full HD, so the difference in image quality is barely noticeable. When using the built-in battery, the brightness is reduced by about 20%, which may cause image degradation. Color reproduction is adjusted to be slightly brighter in "Standard Mode," which is suitable for watching anime, but is slightly insufficient for viewing natural movie colors.
• Philoent UHD-Short : True 4K resolution and 2500 ANSI lumens of brightness offer excellent image quality, but viewing a 100-inch 4K screen in a small room can cause eye fatigue due to the high pixel density. Also, due to its high brightness, the screen may appear washed out and contrast may be reduced in a completely dark environment, so it is best to limit viewing to bright daylight hours.

④ Ease of connection: Does it work smoothly with game consoles and streaming devices?

In the video game life of a bachelor, you often connect game consoles such as PS5/Xbox Series X and streaming devices such as Apple TV/Chromecast, so "the variety of ports" and "signal transmission speed" are important.

• Aestiquo P1 : Equipped with one HDMI 2.0 port, it supports smooth playback of Full HD 60fps games and streaming content. Its low input lag of approximately 15ms when playing games like "FIFA" and "Elden Ring" on the PS5 is ideal for fast-paced action games. The USB 2.0 port also allows playback of home videos (MP4 format) stored on a USB flash drive, making it ideal for watching old content.
• Philoent M500 : Equipped with one HDMI 2.0 port and one USB 2.0 port, it offers similar connectivity to the Aestiquo P1. It also comes with Bluetooth 5.0, which makes connecting to wireless speakers and headphones easier. However, the USB port's transmission speed is slow, so you may experience buffering when playing large 4K video files.
• Philoent UHD-Short : Equipped with one HDMI 2.1 port and one USB 3.0 port, it supports 4K 120fps gaming and high-bitrate streaming content. However, since it only has one HDMI port, a hub is required if you want to connect a game console and a streaming device at the same time. Installing a hub in a small room can result in complicated wiring and compromise space-saving features.

⑤ Audio performance: Is the acoustic experience sufficient in a small room?

In small rooms, there is often limited space to install external speakers, so the projector's "built-in speaker performance" and "flexibility of audio output" are key points.

• Aestiquo P1 : Equipped with a built-in 3W x 1ch speaker, it can reproduce basic movie and game audio in a room of 4 to 6 tatami mats. While the bass is a little weak, the "sound quality adjustment function" can be used to enhance the mid- and high-range frequencies, improving the clarity of human voices. Connecting a portable wireless speaker (e.g., JBL Clip 4) to the 3.5mm audio output terminal can widen the sound field and enhance realism, and headphones can be connected for quieter listening during late-night viewing.
• Philoent M500 : Equipped with a built-in 5W x 1ch speaker, it has better volume and bass than the Aestiquo P1. It can provide a sufficient audio experience in a small room without external speakers, but the audio delay over Bluetooth is a little high at around 20ms, which can cause delays in movie audio and lip-syncing.
• Also, because the built-in speaker has a loud output, you'll need to connect headphones when watching late at night, and the volume adjustment is slightly less precise than the Aestiquo P1.

3. Recommended model for small rooms: Aestiquo vs Philoent Final Choice

Based on the above comparison, we will introduce recommended models divided into two categories: "practicality for small rooms" and "the pursuit of sound for bachelors." We will compare the features of each model with the user's lifestyle to present the best option.

4. Tips for creating a listening environment in a small room using Aestiquo P1

To maximize the performance of the Aestiquo P1, we will introduce some practical tips for creating a viewing environment in a small room. With simple measures, you can achieve a theater-quality home theater experience.

① Screen selection: Efficiently utilize the brightness of the Aestiquo P1

The Aestiquo P1's 800 ANSI lumens of brightness can be further enhanced by choosing the right screen. In small rooms, a screen that combines space saving with improved image quality is ideal.

• Size: 80 inches (switchable between 4:3 and 16:9). In a 4-tatami room, an 80-inch screen provides a good balance with the viewing distance (1.5m to 2m), reducing eye strain while still providing a sense of realism.
• Material: High-gain material (gain value 1.8 to 2.0). Using a high-gain screen such as the Elite Screens SableFrame2 can increase the brightness of the Aestiquo P1 by approximately 30%, providing a clear image even in dimly lit environments.
• Installation: Roll screen (fixed with double-sided tape). Simple roll screens available from Nitori and Daiso can be installed without drilling holes in the wall, and they won't be accidentally stored away and disrupt the layout of the room.

② Shading measures: Maximize the contrast of the Aestiquo P1

The Aestiquo P1's image quality is sensitive to room brightness, so simple shading measures can significantly improve contrast.

• Windows: Install roller shades with a light-blocking rate of at least 95%. For example, using MUJI blackout roller shades effectively blocks out external light during the day, highlighting the details of dark scenes in the Aestiquo P1. Light leaking in from the sides can be easily blocked by simply placing a thick blanket over the window frame.
• Lighting: Use only indirect lighting. Turn off ceiling lights and place a small table lamp (e.g., IKEA FORSÅ) with an output of 50 lux or less next to your desk. This will maintain the contrast of your screen and ensure safety when taking a drink.

③ Acoustic reinforcement: complements the built-in speakers of the Aestiquo P1

The Aestiquo P1's built-in speaker can reproduce basic audio, but to achieve the "realism" that 影音发烧友 are looking for, it is recommended to add a compact external speaker.

• Portable Wireless Speaker: Connect the JBL Clip 4 to the Aestiquo P1's 3.5mm audio output. Simply place it next to your bed or on the armrest of your sofa to enhance the bass and enhance the immersive feel of your movies. It's rechargeable and easy to carry, so pair it with the Aestiquo P1 for maximum portability.
• Wireless headphones: If you're listening late at night or are concerned about disturbing neighbors, try noise-canceling headphones like the Sony WH-CH720N. Simply connect them to the Aestiquo P1's audio output jack to block out outside noise and enjoy high-quality sound.

5. Summary: Aestiquo vs Philoent: Which is better for a small room?

Considering the overall needs of small rooms and single aristocrats seeking sound quality, the Aestiquo P1 is the best choice for the vast majority of users. The reasons for this can be summarized as follows:

1. Extremely flexible installation : With its ultra-lightweight weight of 0.6 kg and 100-inch projection at 1.1 m, it's perfect for a typical studio apartment of 4 to 6 tatami mats. It can be installed in a variety of places, such as on a desk, bedside, or floor, and is less subject to wall-mounting restrictions in rental housing. While the Philoent UHD-Short offers excellent ultra-short throw performance, its weight and wall-mounting requirements make it less convenient for everyday use.
2. A good balance of cost-effectiveness and versatility : Full HD resolution, portable battery compatibility, and keystone correction function all for around 12,000 yen. At a quarter of the price of the Philoent UHD-Short, it can meet the main audiovisual needs (movies, games, and other content) in small rooms. The long-life LED light source (approximately 100,000 hours) also contributes to reduced maintenance costs over long periods of use.
3. Perfect for the bachelor lifestyle : Portable battery support and a lightweight design make it suitable for flexible lifestyles like changing the layout of your room or taking it with you when traveling. The Philoent M500 is portable but has a short battery life, and the UHD-Short is difficult to carry around, both of which limit the freedom of your lifestyle.

The Philoent UHD-Short is a model that features high 4K image quality and high brightness, but its benefits are limited to a select few users who are "extremely pursuing 4K because it is difficult to block out light." For most bachelors, the Aestiquo P1 is the most practical choice, offering a good balance of cost-effectiveness, flexibility in installation, and portability.

Even in a small room, with the Aestiquo P1 and the right setup, you can easily enjoy a large-screen audio experience. Choose the model that best suits your lifestyle and enrich your daily audio experience.