KODAK FLIK HD9 Smart Projector Review: Portable Entertainment Anywhere

As someone who has owned several projectors over the years, I've come to appreciate the balance between performance, price, and practicality. The KODAK FLIK HD9 Smart Projector strikes an impressive balance in this portable projector space. Let's be clear upfront: this isn't competing with high-end 4K OLED TVs or premium home theater projectors. What it offers instead is remarkable versatility in a surprisingly compact package.

When the FLIK HD9 arrived, I was immediately struck by its cube-like design and convenient carry handle. This isn't just another projector; it's deliberately engineered for mobility. Weighing "next to nothing" as the manufacturer accurately states, I found myself carrying it from room to room with zero effort. This portability factor cannot be overstated—it transforms how and where you consume content.

Real-World Performance

The native 1080p resolution delivers crisp, clear images that perform admirably in dim to dark environments. With 200 ANSI lumens of brightness, this projector requires some adjustments to your lighting level for optimal viewing. During testing, I projected content on various surfaces including a proper screen, white wall, and even my garage door. While the quality varied predictably across these surfaces, the projector performed consistently within its capabilities.

As you can see from this very basic demo - despite my ceiling lamp casting a light blue hue, the projector sitting on my desk pointing to the ceiling still managed to produce a clean crisp image with whites that overpowered the low-level ambient light.

The built-in Android TV 10.0 platform provides immediate access to popular streaming services including Netflix, Prime Video, and Hulu. There's no need for additional streaming devices, though the HDMI port accommodates gaming consoles, laptops, or other external sources. The Google Assistant voice remote further simplifies navigation, making this projector accessible even for those who aren't particularly tech-savvy.

Perfect for Social Viewing

While winter is not the best season for demonstrating how this performs in outdoor social situations like camping or block parties, imagine projecting a baseball game on your garage door while grilling with friends or setting it up as an outdoor movie night on a portable screen.

I can do this with other projectors that I have, but they are bulky, complicated to move, and frankly ... expensive, so I'm reluctant to risk it falling or being bumped into. On the other hand, this KODAK HD9 is under $300 and so I'm less concerned about that. Plus, the combination of good-enough picture quality, built-in speakers, and extreme portability made for an experience that would be impossible with traditional TVs or bulkier projectors.

Also, while the dual 3-watt speakers provide adequate audio for small gatherings, connecting the HD9 projector to external Bluetooth speakers will significantly enhance the experience for larger outdoor gatherings.

Understanding the Limitations

It's important to address some common criticisms of portable projectors like the FLIK HD9. Several Amazon reviewers noted concerns about durability, which I found valid but somewhat misguided. Like any projector, this device contains precision optical components that require careful handling. While designed for portability, it demands the same care you'd give a laptop or tablet. Treat it accordingly, and durability shouldn't be an issue.

Another frequent criticism involves brightness expectations. The 200 ANSI lumens rating means this projector performs best in controlled lighting environments. Yes, you can project onto a garage door or concrete wall, but optimal image quality requires both darkness and a proper projection screen. Understanding these limitations helps set appropriate expectations. For me though, since I had the right expectations ... those limitations really weren't a problem since it still worked "good enough".

Similarly, while this projector can be used for video games - if you are expecting the best resolution and fastest refresh rate ... this isn't that. However, if you are looking to plug a retro game emulator into it and play some classic Nintendo or arcade games then this is a fantastic video projector for that.

Versatility Beyond Entertainment

Beyond casual entertainment, the FLIK HD9 offers surprising utility for business applications. Its compact size makes it perfect for sales presentations, office meetings, or educational settings where permanent projection equipment isn't available. The ability to mirror content from iOS or Android devices provides flexibility for impromptu presentations.

KODAK's HD9 Is A Great Option For Portable Entertainment

The KODAK FLIK HD9 Smart Projector delivers what it promises: a highly portable, easy-to-use projection solution that brings entertainment anywhere with power and Wi-Fi. It doesn't compete with premium home theater projectors or try to. Instead, it carves out its own niche as an affordable, versatile option for those who value mobility and convenience.

For tailgating events, backyard movie nights, or guys getaway camping trips, or even temporary business presentations, the FLIK HD9 offers remarkable value.