Compare TCL C1 vs TCL PlayCube
In this technical comparison between the TCL C1 and the TCL PlayCube, we analyze the key features to help you choose.
The display is a highlight, featuring a resolution of Full HD (1920 × 1080 px) for the C1 versus Full HD (1920 × 1080 px) for the PlayCube.
Choosing between these two Projectors models often comes down to your budget, with prices around $249 / £249 and $699 / £699.
| Specifications |
TCL C1 |
TCL PlayCube |
|---|---|---|
|
|
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| Launch | ||
| Version | October 2025 | September 2025 |
| Design | ||
| Dimensions & weight | 138.4 x 145.2 x 230.7 mm; 1.77 kg (3.9 lbs) | 96.6 x 96.6 x 149.8 mm (3.8× 3.8× 5.9 in); 1.3 kg (2.87 lbs) |
| Mount (Ceiling / Desk) | Integrated 285° Rotatable Gimbal (supports Floor, Desk, and Ceiling projection without a tripod); 1/4" screw mount included. | Integrated 90° twistable base (Rubik’s Cube style); supports tripod mounting. |
| Noise level | < 30 dB | < 28 dB |
| Projection System | ||
| Technology | 1x 3" LCD TFT Panel (Fully Sealed Optical Engine) | DLP (0.33" DMD Chip) |
| Light Source | ||
| Type | LED | 3-color RGB LED (OSRAM) |
| Lifespan | Up to 30,000 hours | 30,000 hours |
| Image | ||
| Native resolution | Full HD (1920 × 1080 px) | Full HD (1920 × 1080 px) |
| Brightness | 230 ISO Lumens | 750 ISO Lumens (Approx. 930 ANSI Lumens) |
| Contrast ratio | 1,500:1 (Native) / 2,000:1 (Dynamic) | 1,000,000:1 (Dynamic) |
| Throw ratio / Distance | 1.25:1 to 1.27:1 / 1.15 m to 3.3 m | 1.21:1 / 0.8 m to 4.1 m |
| Screen size | 40" to 120" (Best at 80"–100") | 30" to 150" |
| Lens & Adjustment | ||
| Focus | Automatic Focus | ToF Instant Auto-Focus |
| Zoom | Digital Zoom (No Optical Zoom) | Digital Zoom |
| Keystone | Automatic (Vertical & Horizontal) --- Advanced Features: Auto Screen-Fit, Auto Obstacle Avoidance, and Eye Protection mode. | Auto Vertical & Horizontal (±45°) --- Advanced Features: Auto Screen Alignment, Obstacle Avoidance, and Ambient Light Sensor. |
| Video | ||
| Max input resolution & FPS | 4K UHD @ 60fps (Decodes and downscales to 1080p) | 4K Supported |
| HDR support | HDR10 | HDR10, HLG --- Color: 99% Rec.709 coverage |
| Audio | ||
| Speaker | 1 x 8 Watt (with Dolby Audio support) | 1 x 5W (Dolby Digital Plus / Dolby Audio) |
| Audio out | 3.5mm Headphone Jack; Bluetooth (supports Two-Way Bluetooth to use the projector as a wireless speaker) | 3.5mm Headphone Jack; Bluetooth Audio Out |
| Connectivity | ||
| HDMI / USB | 1x HDMI 2.1, 1x USB 2.0 | 1x HDMI 2.0, 1x USB 2.0 |
| Wi-Fi / Bluetooth | Wi-Fi 5 (Dual-band 2.4/5GHz), Bluetooth 5.1 | Wi-Fi 5 (Dual-band), Bluetooth 5.1 |
| Screen casting | Google Cast (Chromecast built-in), AirPlay/DLNA via third-party apps | Google Cast (Chromecast built-in), AirPlay, Miracast |
| Smart | ||
| OS | Google TV | Google TV |
| App support | Official Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+ (Access to 10,000+ apps via Google Play Store) | Native Netflix (Certified), YouTube, Disney+, Prime Video, etc. |
| Power | ||
| Consumption | 65W (Standard) --- Battery: 60 Wh (Internal battery provides ~2 hours of runtime in portable mode) | ~65W --- Battery: Built-in 66Wh battery (Up to 3 hours runtime; 2.5 hours in standard mode) |
| Misc | ||
| Inside the box | TCL C1 Projector, Remote Control, 2x AAA Batteries, AC Power Adapter/Cable, Quick Start Guide | PlayCube Projector, Voice Remote Control, Power Adapter, AC Cord, Manual. |
| Price | $249 / £249 | $699 / £699 |
| Full Details | C1 - Full Specifications | PlayCube - Full Specifications |