Vankyo Leisure 410 Mini Projector Review: Affordable, Bright, and Feature-Rich
A few weeks ago, I was searching for an affordable mini projector with sufficient brightness. While researching on the internet, I found some good pointers, but only a few detailed pieces of information in German.
Therefore, here’s a review that is, for once, aside from eBooks & Co., situated at the other end of the consumer electronics spectrum. We’re taking a brief look at the Vankyo Leisure 410 mini projector. The evaluation is compared to my now somewhat old but still perfectly functional Sanyo PLV-Z5 LCD (HD-ready) projector.
Let me point out right away that the assessment takes the low price into account. Naturally, one shouldn’t expect the performance of a large-format projector costing over 600 euros.
Overview and Technology
There are numerous, similarly styled mini projectors available online. A common trait among most of them is the typical Far East product style. This means that while the product description on Amazon.de is usually available in German, it is often somewhat awkwardly written and occasionally even incorrect.
This should not deter you from choosing the Vankyo Leisure 410, as the reviews beforehand promised good performance.
Like most competitors in the same segment, the projector offers a native resolution of 800×480 pixels, which corresponds to the typical 16:9 aspect ratio. Higher resolution video material can also be played. The Vankyo projector supports up to 1920×1080 pixels for direct playback.
The brightness of the Vankyo Leisure 410 is rated at 2,500 lumens—a respectable value. My old Sanyo Z5 only manages 1,100 ANSI lumens. An LED light source is used, ensuring a lifespan of about 40,000 hours. With “regular” projectors, the lifespan is usually given as 4,000 to 8,000 hours.
Two fans are used to cool the LED.
Generous scope of delivery, especially for the price.
Build and Features
The first pleasant surprise comes right after unboxing: The projector is not only compact and well-made but also comes with a lot of useful accessories. A high-quality carrying case is included, as well as the following cables:
- Power cable
- AV cable
- HDMI cable
- VGA cable
A remote control is also included.
A rubber cover for the lens and a handy remote control are also provided. You only have to get the AAA batteries yourself. Otherwise, everything you need to get started is included.
Projection Distance
The possible projection distance for the Vankyo Leisure 410 ranges from 1.12 to 6 meters. This results in projection sizes between 33 and 170 inches. The optimal viewing distance is specified in the product description as 1.98 meters. For my test, the projector was set up at a distance of about 3.30 meters from the projection surface. The image was about 100 inches in size.
Focus is adjusted manually using the dial on the lens. It’s recommended to open the projector menu to focus using the text. This works without issue. The edge sharpness is also commendable.
Keystone correction and part of the connections on the back
The Vankyo projector features keystone correction (trapezoid correction) of ± 15 degrees vertically. The setting is done with a small dial on the back of the device. The function is fine, but one shouldn’t expect miracles. Fifteen degrees is not much.
The Leisure 410 does not have a zoom function. However, you can adjust the image size in the menu between 75 and 100 percent. This change occurs digitally, so only the projected image becomes smaller, not the lit area.
Since the projector doesn’t have lens shift or horizontal keystone correction, it’s necessary to ensure it’s aligned centrally beforehand. Image correction like in more expensive models is not possible (except for vertical keystone correction). This aspect should be kept in mind before purchasing.
Brightness
The second positive surprise after starting up the Vanyko Leisure 410 came almost immediately: the brightness specified at 2,500 lumens for the petite device is convincing in practice. Despite exceeding the optimal projection distance of 1.98 meters (3.30 meters), the brightness remains within a good range even though the image size increases.
You can use the projector in a room that isn’t fully darkened, but in total darkness, the device performs at its best. It is advisable, therefore, to ensure that the room is darkened. In daylight, in a non-darkened environment, it’s not going to work.
As a projection surface, I use a regular white-painted wall. Small imperfections, etc., are not visible thanks to the good brightness values.
For comparison, the Sanyo Z5 is mounted at a distance of 3.70 meters from the projection surface on the ceiling and offers similar brightness with the naked eye at a 100-inch projection diagonal.
Image Quality
Another concern prior to purchase was image quality. With the native resolution of 800×480 pixels, one shouldn’t expect miracles and certainly not a pixel-free display. But here too, I was pleasantly surprised.
Sure, in direct comparison to the 720p projector from Sanyo, you can see the resolution difference clearly. Even on its own (without comparison), the pixels are noticeable if you focus on them. But once the film starts and you stop consciously looking, it becomes a non-issue and hardly noticeable.
The following photos demonstrate the effect very well. The following image was taken from about 1.3 meters away from the projection to demonstrate the differences in pixel size:
Vankyo Leisure 410 (left) vs. Sanyo PLV-Z5 (right), excerpt: photo distance approx. 1.3 meters, projection diagonal approx. 100 inches.
When you’re no longer scrutinizing pixels, take a few steps back and sit on the sofa at a “normal” distance to the projection, the differences gradually disappear. At a viewing distance of approximately 3.30 meters, the pixels are visible in direct comparison, but don’t stand out much with moving images.
Vankyo Leisure 410 (left) vs. Sanyo PLV-Z5 (right): Viewing from about 3.30 meters distance with a diagonal of about 100 inches. Note: The aspect ratio of the Leisure 410 image was corrected afterward.
Only when text is displayed does it become apparent that the resolution is relatively low.
The contrast specified at 2000:1 is also adequate and, from a layperson’s perspective, more than sufficient in my view. However, I had to make adjustments to the color reproduction: with the factory settings, the picture was decidedly too blue-tinged. Only with a significant reduction of blue and green in the RGB menu did the Vankyo Leisure 410 provide a balanced display in my eyes.
Thanks to the LCD display technology, there’s no annoying rainbow effect.
Noise Level
The noise level of the two fans is the only noteworthy downside of the device. They are quite audible in quiet scenes and at a short distance from the projector. However, when the film is playing and there’s sound, it becomes negligible.
In my opinion, the noise level of the fans is just within the acceptable range, so they usually don’t become a nuisance. However, particularly sensitive people might have an issue with it.
Ultimately, it’s worth noting that this point likely applies to most mini projectors because the smaller the fans, the higher the speed they need to move enough air.
Connections and Audio
The Vankyo Leisure 410 features numerous connections:
- TV (antenna)
- VGA
- USB
- SD card (Note: The German description mentions MicroSD, but this is incorrect)
- HDMI
- AV
- 3.5 mm jack (output)
Thanks to the included cables, you can get started right away. HDMI connection worked flawlessly with a Macbook Pro and a Windows notebook. Using an Amazon Fire Stick was also hassle-free. The only issue during the first test was that the Fire Stick was so tight in the HDMI port that I almost couldn’t get it out. Only after plugging it in and out several times did it become easier.
Side connections
Testing was also done with direct connection of a USB stick and an SD card. Both worked flawlessly. Navigation through directories using the remote control via the projector menu is intuitive.
The audio output works either directly from the projector. The built-in speaker is fine volume-wise, though it could be of better quality, sounding slightly tinny to my ears. If traveling light with only a USB stick and the projector, the speaker suffices. However, if you’ll use the Vankyo Leisure 410 primarily at home, it’s advisable to use external speakers.
Settings
The projector offers a range of settings, some of which I’ve already mentioned. The RGB setting can be manually adjusted, which was necessary, at least with my unit. There are also some presets, but they all resulted in overly cold images.
Settings can be adjusted directly on the device or using the remote control.
The following image options are available:
- Image
- Color temperature
- Aspect ratio
- Noise reduction
- HDMI mode
- Image size reduction
Furthermore, you can adjust the image orientation in case of ceiling mounting.
Conclusion
For the price, the Vankyo Leisure 410 is a top projector. I was surprised multiple times by how well this mini projector performs. Despite the relatively low 480p resolution, you get good image quality that is not only sharp but also bright and high in contrast.
The projector also scores with a large package that is almost sensationally good at this price. The quality construction and easy operation further enhance the excellent overall impression.
The Vankyo Leisure 410 offers excellent value for money
The only downside concerns the fan noise. While still within acceptable limits, they could be a bit quieter. My Sanyo Z5 is notably less conspicuous in direct comparison (both with and without Eco mode).
All things considered, I can give a strong purchase recommendation. At 100 euros, with solid performance and a three-year warranty, it’s hard to go wrong. Since it is currently also shipped directly from Amazon.de, it can easily be returned if necessary.
