# PCMag Reviews Leica Cine Compact 1: Portable 4K Laser Projector at $1,995 Canonical page: https://savlume.com/items/p7lgqo5p25e6vr7mb5qnt3k0k Publisher: Savlume Published on Savlume: 2026-09-27T18:00:00.000Z Content updated: 2026-10-13T20:07:47.786Z Source publication time: 2026-09-27T18:00:00.000Z Offer status: Unverified PCMag tested the Leica Cine Compact 1, a $1,995 portable 4K DLP projector equipped with a tri-color laser engine and single-axis 360-degree vertical tilt mount. The reviewer highlighted its travel-friendly 9.7-pound design, powered optical zoom, capable onboard speakers, and low input lag for gaming. However, default HDR presets appeared noticeably dark and required manual calibration to optimize color and shadow detail. Because its 1,700 ANSI lumens output is lower than similarly priced rivals, PCMag considers it best suited for dark rooms or portable setups where weight matters. ## Media review PCMag's M. David Stone rated the Leica Cine Compact 1 4.0, calling it a solid choice for buyers who value portability; the review notes that competing projectors can offer greater brightness. Attribution: PCMag Reviews ยท M. David Stone AI-assisted summary of source text, not a Savlume hands-on test. - Source-reported strength: The reviewer describes it as more portable than the compared Hisense C2 Ultra and Nebula X1, which weigh about four pounds more. - Source-reported strength: After adjustments, the reviewer found SDR image quality solid overall, with pleasing contrast and visible shadow detail. - Source-reported strength: The built-in speakers were reported to be loud enough for a large family room, with Bluetooth and HDMI eARC available for external audio. - Source-reported limitation: The reviewer found brightness limited for ambient-light viewing compared with brighter competitors. - Source-reported limitation: The reviewer found the default HDR modes too dark and needed adjustments to improve brightness and shadow detail. - Source-reported limitation: The reviewer found the Vidaa implementation somewhat cumbersome and the mount harder to point precisely than expected. ### Is it suitable for a room with ambient light? The reviewer says it is on the low side for ambient-light viewing; a 90-inch image was watchable but somewhat washed out with the lights on. ### How portable is it? The source reports a weight of 9.7 pounds and an included foam carrying case with a handle. ### What connections and streaming options does it offer? The source reports Vidaa OS streaming over Wi-Fi, one HDMI port, one USB 3.0 port, Bluetooth audio, and HDMI eARC. ## Evidence and sources Source report only. Merchant price, availability, seller, and conditions have not been independently confirmed. Last attempted check: Not recorded Last successful verification: Not recorded PCMag Reviews: https://www.pcmag.com/reviews/leica-cine-compact-1 Purchase destination: https://www.amazon.com/Leica-CINE-COMPACT-1-Laser-Streaming-Projector/dp/B0HD36731R?tag=savlume-20 AI-assisted summary of cited source material. Not a hands-on review. Prices and availability can change.