Priced at under Php 5,000, XGODY Gimbal 5 promises to offer a smart, Android-powered projection experience right in your home without breaking the bank. So, what’s the deal with this affordable little gadget, and does it live up to the expectations?
Quick review of the XGODY Gimbal 5 Android projector
The XGODY Gimbal 5 is a compact projector with a native 1080p resolution and supports up to 4K video playback. It’s perfect for people who want a versatile projector that can project images anywhere from 40 to 150 inches. And with the ability to rotate 180 degrees, you can even project on your ceiling for those laid-back, watch-from-bed movie nights.
It’s also small enough to fit in most scenarios. You can place it on the floor, table top, or whatever creative mounting options you can think of.
With Android 11 built-in, you get access to apps like Netflix and YouTube directly on the projector, plus dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 for smooth connectivity. But of course, with budget projectors, there are a few caveats—let’s dive into how this device performs.
Performance & Projection Quality
For something quite portable, the Gimbal 5 does a decent job with projection quality.
It’s sharp at the smaller screen sizes, but as you push closer to the 150-inch mark, and it becomes just a tad bit harder to hit the perfect focus when using the manual focusing ring.
This projector’s sweet spot is probably around the 100-inch mark or less, where it retains a good level of clarity without you having to constantly fiddle with the focus ring.
That said, it performs best in a pitch-black (Okay, maybe not pitch-black but really dark) room. Though it does claim 10000 lumens in brightness, ambient light causes some loss in clarity. Truthfully, however, this is pretty expected from budget-friendly models. So, if you’re using it in a room with windows, you’ll want to invest in some blackout curtains.
One of the biggest selling points here is the built-in Android 11 OS. It essentially turns the Gimbal 5 into a smart projector, giving you easy access to popular streaming apps like Netflix and Disney+.
The interface is smooth enough for basic browsing, but loading apps can feel sluggish at times, especially when you’re logging in or searching for content. Another thing worth mentioning is the ability to sideload apps via APKs. While I haven’t tried this personally, I would believe that this should be a possible option. The Android integration definitely makes this projector feel modern, even if it’s not blazing fast.
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Connectivity-wise, the Gimbal 5 has you covered with HDMI, USB, Bluetooth 5.0, and even Wi-Fi 6 support. I did find the wireless streaming (Miracast and AirPlay) to be a bit hit or miss—sometimes it worked flawlessly, other times the lag was noticeable, especially with gaming. I’d recommend sticking to videos and casual content if you plan to use wireless streaming. For gaming, you’re better off plugging in an HDMI cable for a smoother experience.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the XGODY Gimbal 5 comes out as an interesting, more affordable alternative to a smart TV.
And for the price, it delivers a pretty solid performance. The projection quality is decent at mid-sized screens, the Android OS is a nice touch for easy access to apps, and the rotating body adds versatility for creative setups.
However, it does have its limitations — don’t expect to use it in bright rooms, and the occasional sluggishness in the OS is something you’ll need to accept at this price point.
Still, if you’re on a tight budget and want an easy, no-fuss way to watch movies or stream content in the comfort of your home, the Gimbal 5 does the job.
Price & Availability
The XGODY Gimbal 5 is priced at PhP 4,259 and is available in the Philippines through Shopee. Get an extra 10% off by using “XSST02002” code upon checkout.
