> At a Glance
> – Samsung unveils The Freestyle Plus at CES 2026 with built-in AI features
> – 430 ISO lumens rating is lower than 2022’s 550-lumen model
> – Vision AI Companion promises natural voice interaction
> – Why it matters: The $800-$900 portable projector banks on AI tricks rather than brightness to stand out
Samsung’s third-gen Freestyle swaps lumens for algorithms, betting that AI bells and whistles will offset a 430-lumen light output that’s actually dimmer than the 2022 original.
What the AI Actually Does
The new AI OptiScreen bundle automates four tasks:
- Auto keystone correction
- Auto screen-fit sizing
- Real-time autofocus that keeps adjusting after start-up
- Wall-color calibration that used to be manual
A separate Vision AI Companion lets you skip menus and talk to the projector like a person, but you’ll still need a Samsung account to stream anything-no login, no apps, just the lone HDMI port.
Brightness Math
| Model | Claimed Lumens | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 Freestyle | 550 ANSI | 197 measured by Olivia M. Hartwell |
| Freestyle Plus | 430 ISO | Samsung says “2×” last-gen 230 ANSI model |
Samsung insists the new ISO rating doesn’t mean a darker picture, but numbers remain far below what most portable competitors deliver.
Price and Timing
Global launch lands first half of 2026; price is still TBA. The original debuted at $900 and the current model sits at $800, so expect a similar bracket. If brightness matters more than AI, News Of Los Angeles notes the brighter, battery-packing TCL PlayCube as an alternative.
Key Takeaways
- AI tricks automate setup but can’t hide lower brightness
- Samsung account required for streaming apps
- Price likely hovers around $800-$900 when it ships
Portable-projector shoppers must decide whether smarter software beats a brighter bulb.
