INTRODUCTION

   Unlike regular TVs which people tend to pick based on size, resolution and of course cost projectors require extra steps. Yes, you still choose them based on resolution, size (both in regards to the projector itself and the projected screen) and cost but on top of that you also need to take into account the distance between the projector and the screen, various projection features which make it easier for the end user and even the type of screen itself (surface quality, installation). So even though long throw (standard) models are ideal when you have over 2-3 meters (6+ feet) between the projector and the screen short-throw and even ultra-short throw models are ideal for distances way less than 2 meters. The updated version of the Vogue Pro called the Vogue 100 Smart Projector (M135FGE-Pro) is the latest long-throw projector model from WEMAX and this is what today's review is all about.

   WEMAX®, INC. is a NY-based technology company since 2019 with the mission to provide shared rich, visual experiences wherever you go. We provide one-stop solutions to deliver visual applications like ALPD® laser projectors, portable projectors, LED projectors and more, that are intelligently connected with your home and business. WEMAX®, INC. is the sub-company of Appotronics®, who is an international tech group, the listed company in China and famous for ALPD® laser technology with over 2000+ Intelligent Patents and Properties since 2006. ALPD®, namely the fluorescent laser technology, is used for image display based on the laser-excited fluorescent materials and mixed multi-color laser lines.

   Just like with the Dice Mini Projector again by WEMAX the new Vogue 100 Smart Projector (Vogue Pro) is also based on a four-channel (RGB+BP) TI-DLP technology (0.47" DMD) thanks to which it delivers Full HD (1080p) resolution (4k@60Hz max supported) together with an NTSC color gamut greater than 85% (125% Rec.709), brightness of 1600 ANSI lumens and 2500:1 contrast ratio. It also supports HDR10 content, uses the Android TV 9.0 operating system (Feng OS) and comes fully equipped with automatic keystone correction (4-Point manual keystone correction available) with auto obstacle avoidance and side projection, autofocus (auto/manual), zoom function and support for Chromecast, Miracast and Airplay mirroring. Inside the body of the Vogue 100 (Vogue Pro) WEMAX has placed the Amlogic T972-H Media Processor SoC (Quad core ARM Cortex-A55 @ 1.98GHz CPU - ARM Mali-G31 MP2 GPU) together with 2GB DDR3 RAM and 32GB eMMC flash. Inside the chassis we also find two 10W Dolby Audio & DTS HD speakers and both Bluetooth v4.2 and 2.4/5GHz Wi-Fi (802.11 a/b/g/n/ac) modules. In terms of available connectors, the latest WEMAX Vogue 100 sports one HDMI v2.1 port, one HDMI v2.1 ARC port, two USB 2.0 ports, 3.5mm aux port, SPDIF port and an RJ45 LAN port. So, let's see what is most probably the best long-throw projector model by WEMAX capable of.

SPECIFICATIONS AND FEATURES

PACKAGING AND CONTENTS

WEMAX uses a plain cardboard box to ship their new Vogue 100 smart projector the front of which is taken by a product drawing.

The electrical requirements of the product along with its name, part number and several certifications are all printed on the left.

Yet another product drawing this time of its rear is located at the rear of the box.

As expected, the projector is placed between two thick pieces of foam.

Along with the Vogue 100 and its power cord inside the box you'll also find the remote control, cleaning cloth, warranty paper and the user manual.

THE VOGUE 100

Measuring 200mm in length, 200mm in width and 148mm in height the 3.5Kg heavy Vogue 100 is a medium sized projector.

The on/off power button is located on top of the enclosure.

Both sides of the Vogue 100 are perforated to allow hot air to exit the interior.

At the front we find the projector lens (placed behind corning gorilla glass) and what seems to be the ToF camera/sensor.

Moving at the rear we find the two HDMI v2.1 ports (1 is ARC compatible), two USB 2.0 ports, 3.5mm port, S/PDIF port and the RJ45 LAN port.

The projector sits on four round rubber feet and at its center it has an 1/4 inch mounting port.

WEMAX bundles a compact remote control with the Vogue 100 which works surprisingly well.

FENG OS

WEMAX is using a customized version of the Android TV 9.0 operating system so the main tab looks very nice.

You can access many functions of the Vogue 100 just from the main tab as seen above.

By default, the Vogue 100 has very few apps installed (Aptoid TV and Mozilla) but you can install more from GetApps.

The Vogue 100 can also be used as a speaker (not an important feature but could come handy).

As mentioned earlier the Vogue 100 supports Chromecast, Miracast and Airplay mirroring.

Out of the 32GB of onboard storage 24GB are free by default.

The inputs tab allows you to switch between the HDMI ports and browse any USB drives attached onto the two USB 2.0 ports.

Inside the settings tab you'll find everything from general settings and system information to image and audio settings (calibration features included).

By default, the only peripheral connected with the Vogue 100 is the bluetooth remote control but as you can see the OS allows you to connect a microphone and speakers.

I don't know if this a generic feature or if WEMAX plans on releasing wireless speakers for the Vogue 100 but if they did that would be interesting.

AUDIO / VIDEO QUALITY

The Vogue 100 (Vogue Pro) was a surprise both in terms of audio and video quality. Yes, the built-in media player may not offer the best possible color reproduction but once you connect it with a media player like the Dune HD MAX Vision 4k it comes close to the results i got from the XGIMI HORIZON Pro. Movement is smooth, color accuracy is very good and as for its dual 10W speakers my sole issue was that they are not loud enough, certainly not for 20W in total. That aside however the Vogue 100 performed extremely well and again it was a pleasant surprise (will also probably upload a short video on YouTube and TikTok later on).

SCORE / POWER CONSUMPTION

Since many of you asked i decided to make a quick chart based on my objective opinion for each projector i test. This of course is my opinion based on what i see and my personal experience so just like other similar charts you should take this with a grain of salt (i do stand by my charts but in all likelihood, some will not agree). Also, since August 2023 I'll also be including a chart showcasing average power consumption while playing 4K content.

CONCLUSION

   When I first started using the Vogue 100 by WEMAX just over a month ago, I didn’t expect it to be much better compared to their Dice model (primarily due to its price tag, specs and size) and well, I was wrong. Now I am not about to say that these two models are light years apart cause they’re not, the Vogue 100 however is the clear winner here in terms of picture quality and features. Audio quality is more or less similar and unlike the Dice the Vogue 100 gets quite hot which means you’ll have hot air exiting from its sides at all times. The Feng OS (custom Android TV 9.0) was also something I wasn’t expecting and as showcased in the previous pages the Vogue 100 comes with quite a bit of extras when it comes to picture calibration (always compared to the Dice). Again, if i had to nitpick my two issues would be with brightness levels (good but could be better) and the built-in speakers of the Vogue 100. These speakers do a very good job in terms of clarity but they just don’t feel strong enough (still, that could just be me).

   Price is one of the things WEMAX has always done right and so their Vogue 100 (Vogue Pro) Smart Projector model currently retails for just USD649/616.18Euros directly from their online shop so certainly no complaints here. Thanks to a very tempting combo of video and audio quality, features and even a rather affordable price tag the Vogue 100 smart projector by WEMAX is a jack of all trades and for that it certainly deserves the Golden Award.

PROS

- Good Build Quality
- Native 1080p (Four Channel DLP)
- WiFi 2.4/5GHz & Bluetooth v4.2/BLE Connectivity
- Built In Media Player
- Auto & Manual Focus & Keystone Correction
- Digital Zoom Function
- Dolby Audio & DTS HD Speakers (2x10W)
- 2xHDMI v2.1 Ports (1xARC)
- Price (For Some)

CONS

- Speaker Volume Levels (For Some)
- Brightness Levels (For Some)