Samsung Electronics has kicked off 2026 with a clear focus on smarter and more flexible home entertainment. The company has announced the global launch of The Freestyle Plus, its latest portable projector that brings artificial intelligence deeper into everyday viewing. Revealed just ahead of CES 2026 in Las Vegas, the new model promises nearly double the brightness of earlier versions along with a more hands-off setup experience.
At its core, The Freestyle Plus is about removing friction. Samsung says the projector can automatically adjust picture quality even when projecting onto uneven or imperfect surfaces, like curtains, textured walls, or awkward corners. The idea, at least on paper, is simple: place it anywhere, point it roughly where you want, and let the AI do the rest. It is clearly aimed at users who want big-screen entertainment without committing to a fixed TV or projector installation.
Key Takeaways
- Enhanced Brightness: The Freestyle Plus delivers 430 ISO Lumens, a noticeable step up that results in clearer images under typical indoor lighting. Compared to previous models, this should make casual daytime viewing far more practical.
- AI OptiScreen: Samsung’s AI OptiScreen suite combines features like 3D Auto Keystone and Real-time Focus. Together, they automatically correct distortion and blur when the projector is moved or angled.
- Versatile Design: A built-in 180-degree rotating cradle allows projection onto walls, floors, or ceilings without the need for extra stands or mounts.
- Built-in Entertainment: Native access to Samsung TV Plus and the Samsung Gaming Hub means users can stream shows or play cloud games without connecting external devices.
- Adaptive Audio: The projector includes a 360-degree speaker and supports Q-Symphony, letting it work in sync with compatible Samsung soundbars instead of replacing them.
Intelligent Viewing With AI OptiScreen
The most talked-about feature here is AI OptiScreen, and for good reason. Portable projectors often promise flexibility but then demand constant manual adjustment. Samsung seems intent on fixing that. The 3D Auto Keystone feature can detect when the projection surface is uneven, say a curtain fold or a corner where two walls meet, and automatically reshape the image to appear square.
Real-time Focus works alongside this by keeping the picture sharp even if the projector is nudged or rotated mid-use. It is the sort of feature that might not sound exciting at first, but in everyday use, it could make a real difference. For users without a dedicated white screen, the Wall Calibration tool goes a step further by analyzing wall color and texture, adjusting output so colors still look natural. It is not magic, perhaps, but it does address a very real problem with casual projection setups.
Portable Power and Smarter Connectivity
Samsung has kept the familiar cylindrical design, clearly targeting users who move between rooms or even outdoor spaces. The Freestyle Plus is lightweight and compact enough to carry from a bedroom to a living room, or out to a balcony or backyard. The jump to 430 ISO Lumens feels like a practical upgrade, especially for Indian homes where ambient light can quickly wash out dimmer projectors.
Beyond projection, the device also acts as a smart hub. With the Vision AI Companion, users can interact with an upgraded version of Bixby that taps into global AI services. Voice commands are meant to feel more conversational, whether you are searching for a movie or asking for viewing suggestions. For gaming, the Samsung Gaming Hub allows cloud-based play from services like Xbox and NVIDIA GeForce NOW, provided you have a controller and a stable internet connection.
Immersive Audio and Global Availability
Audio is handled by a built-in 360-degree speaker designed to spread sound evenly around the room. On its own, it should be sufficient for casual viewing. When paired with a compatible Samsung soundbar, Q-Symphony allows both the projector and soundbar speakers to work together, rather than muting one or the other. The result, at least in theory, is a fuller and more layered soundstage.
Samsung plans to showcase The Freestyle Plus at CES 2026 from January 6 to 9. After the event, a phased global rollout will begin across the first half of the year. Pricing for India has not yet been confirmed, but expectations are that it will sit in a premium bracket, similar to earlier Freestyle models.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How bright is The Freestyle Plus compared to the older model?
A1: The Freestyle Plus offers 430 ISO Lumens, which is nearly twice the brightness of the original version. This makes it far more usable in rooms that are not completely dark.
Q2: Can I play games on The Freestyle Plus without a console?
A2: Yes. The built-in Samsung Gaming Hub allows cloud gaming from services like Xbox and Amazon Luna using a compatible controller and internet connection.
Q3: Does it work on colored walls?
A3: The Wall Calibration feature uses AI to analyze wall color and texture, then adjusts the projection so the image looks balanced even on non-white surfaces.
Q4: Do I need to buy a separate stand for ceiling projection?
A4: No. The projector includes a 180-degree rotating cradle, allowing easy ceiling projection without additional accessories.
