JMGO N1S Ultimate 4K Projector: A Premium Upgrade

The JMGO N1S Ultimate 4K projector, an upgrade to last year’s highly regarded JMGO N1 Ultra, is set to make its debut at IFA 2024 in Berlin. As JMGO’s new flagship model, the N1S Ultimate retains many of the beloved features of its predecessor while incorporating significant improvements that justify its “Ultimate” designation.

The JMGO N1S Ultimate maintains the elegant design of its predecessor, now in a refined darker grey with a sleek two-tone finish. Although the XGIMI Horizon Ultra, in its gold variant, might exude more luxury, the N1S Ultimate integrates seamlessly with various home decors. Its built-in gimbal system, which was a standout feature in the N1 Ultra, remains a key asset. This system, complete with a turntable at the bottom, allows for precise positioning without the need for an additional stand, making it easy to mount on a ceiling if desired. The projector offers a 135-degree rotation capability, ensuring flexibility in placement, and the gimbal system is sturdy, preventing unwanted movements. The built-in turntable helps adjust horizontal orientation for optimal image alignment.

On the connectivity front, the JMGO N1S Ultimate features a comprehensive array of ports. The back panel includes one HDMI 2.1 port, another HDMI 2.1 port with ARC, a USB 2.0 port, and a 3.5mm jack for audio connections. The eARC support facilitates the addition of a soundbar, enhancing the audio experience. The front of the projector houses the projection lens, equipped with Time-of-Flight (ToF) sensors for autofocus and keystone correction, ensuring a sharp and well-aligned image.

Setting up the JMGO N1S Ultimate is straightforward. The projector’s auto-keystone adjustment feature eliminates the need for manual corrections, automatically scaling the image based on the available wall dimensions. For users with specific alignment needs, the 4-point keystone correction provides additional fine-tuning. The projector’s portability, complemented by a carrying case, makes it a practical choice for various settings, including parties and events.

The JMGO N1S Ultimate excels in image quality, projecting up to a 180-inch screen with a brightness of 3,500 ANSI Lumens. Although the previous model was advertised with a brightness of 4,000 ANSI Lumens (converted from CVIA Lumens), the N1S Ultimate’s actual brightness of 3,500 ANSI Lumens delivers a clearer and more vivid image. The projector boasts a 1600:1 contrast ratio and 110% BT.2020 color gamut coverage, offering a bright, sharp, and vibrant viewing experience. Supporting 4K UHD resolution, HDR10, and motion smoothing (which can be toggled off), the N1S Ultimate ensures detailed and immersive visuals. Its triple-laser RGB light source eliminates the need for lamp replacements, and content streaming is facilitated through Wi-Fi 6, ensuring smooth playback. During testing, the projector performed admirably on a mildly off-white wall, with automatic keystone correction scaling the image appropriately. For optimal viewing in bright rooms, it is advisable to dim the lighting; the projector’s brightness adjusts automatically to ambient conditions. Dark scenes are rendered with deep blacks and intricate shadow details, enhancing the overall viewing experience.

While the JMGO N1S Ultimate’s built-in 10W drivers, equipped with Dolby Audio and DTS decoding, provide decent sound quality, an external speaker or soundbar is recommended for a more cinematic experience. The projector’s audio performance is adequate but not exceptional, making an external sound system a worthwhile addition.

Powered by the MediaTek MT9629 processor, the N1S Ultimate features 2GB of RAM and 32GB of storage. It loads content quickly, often faster than some recently tested TVs. Running on Google TV, the projector supports a wide range of streaming apps available on the Play Store. The user interface is intuitive, and the included remote control, similar to the OnePlus TV remote, is user-friendly. It features dedicated buttons for popular streaming services such as Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, along with volume rockers and other essential controls.

With a price tag of $2,799, the JMGO N1S Ultimate positions itself as a premium choice in the projector market. It combines 4K UHD resolution, a 1600:1 contrast ratio, and 110% BT.2020 color gamut coverage in a well-designed, easy-to-use package. The projector’s enhanced features, such as Netflix certification and improved brightness, make it a compelling option for those seeking a high-quality home theater experience. Although it is a significant investment, the JMGO N1S Ultimate is an excellent choice for users looking for a top-tier projector that delivers both performance and convenience.