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| Honor’s Choice AI Projector Pro |
Let’s be real for a second—when you think of “living room projector,” your mind probably jumps to big names like Epson, BenQ, or even Anker’s Nebula lineup. But Honor, the brand you usually associate with sleek smartphones and laptops, just threw a curveball. They’ve quietly released a new smart home projector in China, and for anyone who loves binge-watching on a giant screen without emptying their wallet, this is surprisingly interesting.
Meet the Honor Choice AI Projector Pro (model number MRO-SH01). It’s designed for bedrooms and living rooms, and on paper, it looks like it wants to fight way above its weight class.
Specs That Actually Make Sense for $177
Let’s cut through the marketing jargon. The Choice AI Projector Pro packs a native 1080p resolution (that’s 1,920 x 1,080 pixels, not the fake “supports 1080p” stuff you see on cheap no-name brands). It uses an LED light source, which is great news for longevity—no expensive bulbs to replace every year.
Honor claims it hits 750 nits of brightness. Now, before you get too excited, we need to pump the brakes slightly. The company hasn’t yet announced whether that measurement is based on ANSI or ISO lumens (the industry standards we trust). However, 750 nits is generally bright enough for a dark or dimly lit room. Don’t try to use this on a sunny afternoon without blackout curtains, but for evening movies or gaming sessions? You’re golden.
The contrast ratio is listed at 2,500:1, which is decent for an LED projector in this price range. You’ll get solid black levels for watching dramas or horror flicks, though hardcore cinephiles will still want to stick with a high-end home theater setup.
The "Gimbal" Feature is a Smart Flex
Here is where Honor actually did something clever. The Choice AI Projector Pro comes with an integrated gimbal stand. If you’ve ever tried to prop a projector up on a stack of books to hit the right angle, you know the pain. This built-in stand lets you tilt and swivel the lens effortlessly. Pair that with automatic focus and 4-point keystone correction, and you can literally plop this thing on a nightstand, point it at a blank wall, and have a perfectly rectangular image in seconds. No math degree required.
Software and Ports: Old but Gold
The software side is a little dated—it runs on Android 9.0. That’s a few versions behind, but for a dedicated projector OS that mostly runs Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+, it’s functional. You get Wi-Fi and Bluetooth for streaming and connecting external speakers.
Speaking of which, you’ll probably want those external speakers. The built-in 5W driver is fine for casual viewing, but don’t expect cinema-grade bass.
On the back, you’ll find HDMI 2.0 and USB ports. That means you can plug in a Fire Stick, a gaming console (hello, Nintendo Switch), or a USB drive full of downloaded movies.
Should You Import One? (And the US Alternative)
In China, the Honor Choice AI Projector Pro is selling for CNY 1,199, which converts to roughly $177. That is an aggressive price for a name-brand projector with a gimbal and auto-focus.
However, here is the reality check: Honor has a history of keeping products like this in the Chinese domestic market. It seems very unlikely this specific model will get an official North American release.
If you are a US customer looking for that same compact, affordable vibe right now, you don’t have to miss out. There is a fantastic alternative that is readily available stateside.
👉 Check out the current price of the Aurzen D1R Cube Roku here.
The Aurzen offers a similar cube-like form factor and integrates Roku directly, which is arguably a smoother software experience than Android 9.0 anyway.
Final Verdict
Honor isn't trying to beat Sony or Samsung here. They are targeting the massive market of renters and students who want a 100-inch screen in their bedroom without drilling holes in the ceiling or spending $1,000.
The Choice AI Projector Pro wins on physical design (that gimbal is a killer feature) and price-to-spec ratio. The only downsides are the aging Android 9.0 OS and the unknown real-world brightness numbers.
For now, it’s a China exclusive. But if Honor ever decides to bring this little titanium gray box to the rest of the world, budget projector brands should be very, very nervous.
Source(s): Honor via JD.com, ITHome