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Out of the box, the Aurzen ZIP impresses with its sleek design and insanely compact size. Featuring a built-in battery and a surprisingly clear image quality for its form factor, this projector showcases some impressive and innovative technology. Its portability and unique tri-fold design make it stand out among other portable projectors.
But it leaves a big question: who is this projector actually for?
The Aurzen ZIP’s cutting-edge tri-fold mechanism offers extreme portability without compromising functionality. Its compact design folds neatly, making it ideal for on-the-go usage. The built-in 5000mAh battery supports up to 1.5 hours of playback on a single charge, while the inclusion of 24W Type-C PD fast charging ensures you can quickly get back to viewing.
The design itself is reminiscent of the old Nintendo Game Boy Advance SP—remember the one that was a square and folded? Yup, that one. This nostalgic comparison adds to its charm, as it’s not just functional but also stylish, with a modern twist on retro design elements.
The ZIP delivers an effortless user experience with its Time of Flight (ToF) zero-lag autofocus technology, ensuring instant clarity. Screen mirroring is made seamless; unlike traditional projectors that require complex Wi-Fi setups, the ZIP allows for instant mirroring with a simple tap—similar to the convenience of AirPods. I found the ZIP crazy easy to use. You just turn it on, and AirPlay connects right to your phone. The HDMI dongle is equally user-friendly—it’s truly plug and play.
This simplicity is a standout feature. Even users who aren’t tech-savvy can easily set up and enjoy the projector, making it an excellent choice for families or individuals who prioritize convenience over complicated setups. The intuitive interface ensures that anyone can start watching content almost immediately after unboxing.
One of the most unique features of the ZIP is its ability to adapt to vertical content. Optimized for short-form videos on platforms like TikTok and Instagram Reels, it offers a true vertical, borderless, full-screen experience. This makes it a great option for users who enjoy mobile content but want to elevate their viewing experience to a larger scale.
In addition, the tri-fold design allows for adjustable projection angles, providing more flexibility in setup. Whether you’re projecting onto a ceiling while lying down or adjusting for an awkward surface, the ZIP’s adaptability ensures a comfortable viewing experience. This feature is particularly useful in spaces where a traditional projector setup isn’t feasible.
The optional CastPlay dongle provides wireless HDMI capabilities, allowing users to project content from devices like TV boxes or gaming consoles, such as the Nintendo Switch, without the hassle of tangled cables. This is particularly useful for streaming or casual gaming sessions on a big screen when you don’t actually have a big screen on hand.
For gamers, this feature is a game-changer. While the 720p resolution may not satisfy hardcore gamers who demand ultra-high-definition visuals, it’s more than adequate for casual play. The wireless HDMI option adds a layer of convenience that’s hard to overlook, making it easier to game anywhere without worrying about extensive setup.
The projector outputs only 100 lumens, which limits its usability in anything other than dimly lit or dark environments. For a portable projector in 2025, this falls short compared to some competitors in the market. While its size is a strength, its brightness leaves much to be desired.
This limitation becomes apparent in scenarios where ambient light cannot be controlled. For example, outdoor use during twilight or even in a room with moderate lighting can significantly reduce the quality of the projected image. Users should be aware that optimal performance requires near-total darkness.
Most projectors prioritize brightness for large-screen streaming, but many niche use cases only require smaller displays, like the 20-inch screen that ZIP provides. For activities such as tracing, doodling, or creating custom snacks, ZIP’s brightness is sufficient, while its compact size, portability, and ease of use—allowing it to be placed on a desk—make it a perfect fit for these scenarios.
With a native resolution of 720p, the image quality is adequate but not outstanding by today’s standards. While this may suffice for casual viewing, users expecting crisp HD or 4K visuals might find it underwhelming. I think it really needs at least 1080p to stay competitive.
That said, the 720p resolution does have its advantages. It allows the projector to maintain a lower power consumption and compact size, aligning with its focus on portability. However, for those who prioritize visual fidelity, this trade-off may not be worth it.
The 720p resolution was selected by Aurzen to balance portability with performance. As they focus on ultra-portability, they chose the smallest 720 DMD optical engine available. This decision was made to keep the projector compact and lightweight, which unfortunately limits the resolution to 720p. While this may not meet the expectations for high-end resolutions, it ensures that the ZIP remains extremely portable and convenient for everyday use.
A major limitation is the lack of a full-sized HDMI input. This omission significantly reduces its versatility, as many users still prefer the simplicity and reliability of physical HDMI connections. Without it, the ZIP leans heavily on its wireless capabilities, which may not appeal to everyone. An HDMI connection directly on the ZIP would make a world of difference.
In addition, while the wireless features are impressive, they may not always be reliable in areas with poor Wi-Fi connectivity. This could pose challenges for travelers or users in remote locations, where a stable wireless connection isn’t guaranteed.
The ZIP projector’s screen mirroring feature doesn’t require a Wi-Fi router; it connects directly to a smartphone, tablet, or laptop, which is particularly useful in remote areas with no Wi-Fi. Additionally, the wireless HDMI transmitter is compact, roughly the size of a TV stick, and much smaller than a traditional HDMI cable. It supports distances of up to 30 meters in open environments. This wireless solution outperforms wired HDMI in terms of portability, freedom of use, and fast connection.
By eliminating the need for bulky cables, it's been made it easier for users to set up the projector on the go. While this design choice led Aurzen to remove the full-sized HDMI input, it greatly enhances the ZIP’s portability and ease of use, with no concern about poor Wi-Fi connectivity.
The Aurzen Zip’s compact size and battery power make it a cool idea for certain scenarios, such as:
The Aurzen Zip is a fascinating gadget with several standout features that push the boundaries of portable projection. Its tri-fold design, vertical viewing mode, and wireless mirroring capabilities are impressive innovations. However, its low brightness, limited resolution, and lack of a full-sized HDMI input make it more of a niche product. That’s not necessarily a bad thing, given its incredibly small size.
While it may not appeal to hardcore projector enthusiasts, it could be a fun and functional choice for casual users looking for a portable entertainment solution. Overall, it’s a neat concept, but it’s best suited for specific use cases where ultra-portability is the top priority. In conclusion, the Aurzen Zip strikes a balance between innovation and practicality. Its unique features make it a compelling choice for users who value portability and convenience over raw performance. While there are areas for improvement, such as brightness and connectivity, the ZIP’s design and ease of use make it a standout option in the portable projector market. Whether you’re a traveler, a casual gamer, or someone who enjoys watching short-form videos on a bigger screen, the Aurzen Zip offers a unique and enjoyable experience.