Honor Select AI Projector Pro Debuts with HiSilicon V352 Chip

Honor Select has quietly introduced its latest home entertainment device, the AI Projector Pro, marking a significant step in the budget smart projector market. This new model features a powerful HiSilicon V352 main control chip and delivers a peak brightness of 750 nits, positioning it as a strong contender against established Western and Asian brands.

The device is priced at 1410.5 yuan (approximately $196 USD) and is scheduled for official release on May 15. While detailed marketing materials remain scarce, the technical specifications reveal a focus on performance, intelligence, and user convenience for global consumers seeking affordable high-quality display solutions.

Key Specifications and Features

Before diving into the analysis, here are the critical details regarding the Honor Select AI Projector Pro:

• Processor: Equipped with the HiSilicon V352 main control chip for enhanced processing power.
• Display Quality: Offers 750 nits of brightness with a 2500:1 contrast ratio and 1920x1080 resolution support.
• Smart Features: Includes intelligent obstacle avoidance, four-way keystone correction, and near-field voice control.
• Audio: Built-in 5W speaker provides adequate sound for small to medium rooms without external audio systems.
• Operating System: Runs on Android 9.0, ensuring compatibility with a wide range of streaming applications and smart home integrations.
• Design Options: Available in two sleek color variants: Titanium Space Gray and Starlight White.

Advanced Hardware and Display Performance

The core of the Honor Select AI Projector Pro lies in its hardware configuration, which significantly outperforms previous entry-level models. The integration of the HiSilicon V352 chip is a major upgrade from the older HiSilicon 352 found in the predecessor, the Honor Select Firefly AI Projector Air. This newer processor likely offers improved thermal management and faster image processing capabilities, which are crucial for maintaining smooth playback and accurate automatic adjustments.

Brightness remains a critical factor for projectors, especially in environments with ambient light. The 750 nits rating represents a substantial increase over the 280 CVIA lumens offered by the earlier Air model. Although the specific measurement standard for the 750 nits figure has not been explicitly defined as CVIA or ANSI, this level of luminance ensures that the projected image remains visible and vibrant even during daytime use or in well-lit living rooms.

The device supports a maximum compatible resolution of 1920x1080dpi, which is the standard for Full HD content. Combined with a 16:9 aspect ratio and a 1.2:1 throw ratio, users can easily achieve a large screen size from a relatively short distance. This makes it ideal for smaller apartments or bedrooms where space is limited but a cinematic experience is desired. The 2500:1 contrast ratio further enhances depth in dark scenes, providing a more immersive viewing experience compared to lower-contrast competitors in the same price bracket.

Intelligent Software and User Experience

Modern projectors are no longer just display devices; they are smart hubs. The Honor Select AI Projector Pro runs on Android 9.0, a stable and widely supported operating system that grants access to thousands of apps. Unlike many traditional projectors that require complex manual setup, this model emphasizes automation and ease of use through several key intelligent features.

One standout feature is intelligent obstacle avoidance. This technology uses sensors to detect objects in the projection path, such as furniture or wall decorations, and automatically adjusts the image shape to avoid projecting onto them. This ensures a clean, rectangular image without the need for physical rearrangement of the room. Additionally, the four-way keystone correction allows for flexible placement, whether the projector is positioned on a table, shelf, or ceiling mount.

User interaction is streamlined through near-field voice control, enabling hands-free operation for volume adjustment, app launching, and content search. Perhaps most appealing to consumers frustrated with intrusive advertising is the promise of no ads on startup. This feature significantly improves the user experience by allowing immediate access to content, a stark contrast to many budget electronics that bombard users with promotional material upon booting up.

Market Positioning and Competitive Analysis

To understand the value proposition of the Honor Select AI Projector Pro, it is essential to compare it with its predecessor and the broader market. The previous model, the Honor Select Firefly AI Projector Air, retailed for 599 yuan (approx. $83 USD), with a subsidized price of 499.8 yuan (approx. $69 USD). While the Air model was popular for its ultra-low cost, it lacked the advanced processing power and brightness of the new Pro version.

The price jump to 1410.5 yuan (approx. $196 USD) reflects the addition of premium features like the V352 chip and higher brightness. In the global market, this pricing places the projector in a competitive sweet spot. It is significantly cheaper than mainstream Western brands like Anker Nebula or XGIMI, which often start at $300-$500 USD for similar specifications. However, it commands a premium over generic, no-name brands that lack reliable software support and intelligent features.

This strategy targets tech-savvy consumers who want smart functionality without paying flagship prices. By offering AI-driven features like obstacle avoidance and voice control at this price point, Honor Select is disrupting the budget segment. Competitors in Europe and North America will need to respond with either price cuts or feature enhancements to maintain their market share against such aggressive offerings from Chinese manufacturers.

Implications for Consumers and Industry Trends

The launch of the Honor Select AI Projector Pro highlights a broader trend in the consumer electronics industry: the democratization of AI-powered features. Previously, technologies like automatic keystone correction and obstacle avoidance were reserved for high-end professional equipment. Now, they are becoming standard in sub-$200 devices.

For consumers, this means greater flexibility and ease of use. You no longer need technical expertise to set up a home theater. The smart features handle the heavy lifting, allowing users to focus on content consumption rather than calibration. For developers and businesses, this signals an opportunity to create apps and services optimized for these new, capable, yet affordable hardware platforms.

Looking ahead, we can expect further integration of generative AI in home entertainment devices. Future updates might include AI-enhanced upscaling for lower-resolution content or personalized content recommendations based on viewing habits. The inclusion of robust processors like the HiSilicon V352 ensures that these devices can handle future software updates and more complex AI tasks without becoming obsolete quickly.

In conclusion, the Honor Select AI Projector Pro represents a compelling option for budget-conscious buyers seeking a smart, high-brightness projector. With its strong hardware foundation and user-centric software features, it sets a new benchmark for what consumers should expect from entry-level smart home entertainment devices.