Samsung has officially unveiled the next evolution of its portable home cinema line, introducing the Freestyle+ just ahead of CES 2026. This latest iteration addresses one of the most significant criticisms of compact projectors—brightness—while doubling down on the artificial intelligence capabilities that have defined the company’s recent product strategy. The new model promises to be a versatile powerhouse, boasting twice the luminosity of its predecessor with a rating of 430 ISO lumens. This substantial upgrade aims to make the device usable in a wider variety of lighting conditions, moving it beyond a dark-room novelty into a functional everyday entertainment hub.
Enhanced Brightness and Versatility
The primary selling point of the Freestyle+ is undoubtedly its improved light engine. Previous generations of portable projectors often struggled to produce a punchy image in environments with even moderate ambient light. By boosting the output to 430 ISO lumens, Samsung is attempting to bridge the gap between portability and performance. This increased brightness allows for richer colors and deeper contrast, making movies and games pop even when the viewing environment isn’t pitch black.
Despite the internal upgrades, the device retains the beloved form factor that made the original a hit. It features the signature cylindrical design with a cradle that allows for 180-degree rotation. This flexibility lets users project content onto walls, ceilings, or even slanted attic roofs with ease. The integrated 360-degree audio system also returns, ensuring that sound is dispersed evenly throughout the room. For those seeking a more robust audio experience, the Freestyle+ now supports Q-Symphony, a proprietary Samsung technology that allows the projector’s speakers to work in tandem with compatible Samsung soundbars, creating a richer, more immersive soundstage.
AI OptiScreen: The Brains Behind the Picture
While hardware improvements are welcome, the real magic of the Freestyle+ lies in its software. Samsung has integrated a suite of intelligent features dubbed “AI OptiScreen,” which takes the hassle out of setting up a projector. Traditional projectors require precise placement and manual tweaking to get a rectangular image, but the Freestyle+ uses advanced algorithms to handle these adjustments automatically.
The new 3D auto keystone feature is particularly impressive, capable of correcting image distortion even when projecting onto uneven or non-flat surfaces. This means you could ostensibly project a movie onto a curved camping tent wall or a textured brick surface and the device would attempt to flatten the image geometry for a comfortable viewing experience. Additionally, the real-time focus capability ensures that if the projector is bumped or moved during a viewing session, it will instantly recalibrate sharpness without user intervention. The system also includes wall calibration technology, which analyzes the color and texture of the projection surface to adjust the color balance, neutralizing wall paint colors so white looks white, regardless of the background.
Integration and Future Availability
The Freestyle+ is not just a standalone device; it acts as a central node in the Samsung ecosystem. It supports the Vision AI Companion, further integrating it into the smart home. This level of connectivity suggests that Samsung views the projector not just as a way to watch movies, but as a flexible display for everything from ambient art to work presentations.
Although Samsung has kept specific technical specifications—such as resolution and battery life—under wraps, the device will be a key feature at their CES 2026 showcase. Pricing remains a mystery, but given the significant jump in brightness and AI processing power, it may carry a premium over previous models. The company has confirmed a global rollout strategy, targeting a release within the first half of the year. This phased launch suggests that key markets will see the device on shelves by summer, just in time for outdoor movie nights and camping trips where portable projectors shine brightest.
