Samsung has announced the Freestyle+ portable projector ahead of CES 2026, bringing in some significant and much needed upgrades to its popular Freestyle series. The new model features 430 ISO lumens brightness, nearly double the 230 ISO lumens of the previous generation, alongside AI-powered screen optimization capabilities designed to simplify setup and enhance viewing experiences across different environments. The new model offers a brightness rating of 430 ISO lumens, which is nearly double the output of the previous generation. This substantial increase in luminance is designed to make the projector more viable in environments with ambient light, moving beyond the strict dark-room requirements often associated with ultra-portable LED projectors. The device retains the cylindrical form factor that defined the original Freestyle, maintaining the 180-degree rotating stand that allows users to project content onto walls, ceilings, or floors without requiring separate tripods or mounting hardware.
The feature that stands out in the Freestyle+ is the introduction of AI OptiScreen technology, which expands the device’s automatic setup capabilities beyond simple keystone correction. This new suite of features includes 3D Auto Keystone, a function specifically engineered to correct image distortion on non-flat surfaces such as curtains, room corners, or angled walls. Previous iterations generally assumed a flat projection surface, but the Freestyle+ utilizes AI to map and adjust the image to physical irregularities. The system also features Real-time Focus, which continuously adjusts the lens mechanism to maintain image clarity even while the projector is being moved or rotated, eliminating the few seconds of blur typically seen during readjustment.
Samsung has also integrated its Vision AI Companion into the Freestyle+ to serve as a central interface for content navigation and device control. This platform combines an enhanced version of the Bixby voice assistant with other AI services to facilitate natural conversation and complex queries. Users can interact with the projector to request movie recommendations based on specific criteria or ask for information related to on-screen content. This software integration aligns the projector with Samsung’s broader smart TV ecosystem, which includes built-in access to the Samsung Gaming Hub and Samsung TV Plus. These services allow for game streaming and live television playback directly from the device without the need for external consoles or set-top boxes.
Audio performance remains a focus for the compact unit, which houses a built-in 360-degree speaker designed to disperse sound evenly in all directions. For users seeking a more robust audio experience, the Freestyle+ supports Q-Symphony technology. This feature enables the projector to synchronize its internal speaker with compatible Samsung soundbars, utilizing both audio sources simultaneously rather than muting the projector speakers when an external device is connected. The company has also included a Wall Calibration feature that analyzes the color and pattern of the projection surface, automatically adjusting the color balance of the image to compensate for off-white walls or textured wallpapers.
Samsung has stated that the Freestyle+ will be released globally in phases starting in the first half of 2026. While specific regional pricing has not yet been disclosed, the technical specifications position it as a premium entry in the portable projector market. The combination of increased light output and AI-driven flexibility suggests a shift towards making large-screen projection more accessible in casual, everyday living spaces rather than just dedicated viewing rooms
