5 insights I gained from using an extraordinary projector smartphone for a week.

      “Why did someone send you a brick?”

      That was my wife’s initial reaction when she saw the box for the Unihertz Tank 3 Pro, a smartphone that stands out significantly from any I’ve used before. It eschews the trend of ultra-slim phones, opting instead for one of the thickest models I’ve encountered since the landline era, and it’s certainly the heaviest too. Weighing in at 1.5 pounds, it serves as much as a self-defense tool as it does a smartphone.

      However, there’s reasoning behind its bulk: not only does this phone boast an astounding 23,800mAh battery, but it also includes a built-in DLP projector. Yes, that’s correct—this phone features a projector that allows you to experience Instagram reels as they were intended to be enjoyed.

      I've spent considerable time with this device, both as a quirky gadget and as my everyday phone, gleaning various insights. The key takeaway? Avoid holding it above yourself. Dropping an iPhone on your face is painful, but this would feel like having a dumbbell fall on you.

      As for other important details, here’s what you should know.

      Image used with permission by copyright holder

      For optimal projection, use a flat surface.

      The Tank 3 Pro is a rugged smartphone, built to endure situations that aren't exactly friendly to electronic devices. It resists substantial dust, water, and rough handling—ideal for hiking or camping. It’s a logical choice, especially since its battery life is quite extensive; however, if you’re planning to watch movies in the great outdoors… you might have limited success.

      If you’re in a tent, you could project onto the side of the fabric, but you'd need a relatively flat area and some way to prop up the phone for the right angle. Without some type of backdrop, the image could be distorted, though it might work adequately on a smooth rock face. If you intend to bring a phone that doubles as a projector, it’s wise to pack a screen as well.

      Projectors are best used in dark environments.

      The projector integrated in the phone offers only 100 lumens, which is quite limited in brightness. Attempting to use it in even a dimly lit room yields a subpar viewing experience, emphasizing the washed-out visuals typical of projectors. If you wish to utilize it outdoors during daylight, visibility would be severely compromised.

      During daylight, the image is tough to see. Image used with permission by copyright holder

      For comparison, a standard 60-watt light bulb emits about 500 to 700 lumens. The Tank 3 Pro does emit directed light, but its colors lack vibrancy outside of very low light conditions.

      External speakers are unnecessary.

      The Tank 3 Pro shines when it comes to sound quality. Its speakers are impressively loud, even at lower levels. When I tested it next to a decibel meter, it peaked at around 88.5 dB, which is similar in volume to a blender or hair dryer. I found that 30 percent volume was loud enough to hear comfortably when sitting nearby, while I used closer to 20 percent for watching reels.

      Of course, the decibel meter was placed right next to it, and you likely won't be holding the phone to your ear. You shouldn't, really, unless you enjoy the risk of hearing damage. However, if you position the phone in the center of a room and turn up the sound, it is sufficiently loud to be heard over the sound of popcorn.

      The projector drains battery life.

      When I first tested the phone, the standout feature was undoubtedly the massive 23,800mAh battery. I couldn't understand the need for such a large battery; Unihertz claims it allows for up to 118 hours of calls or 38 continuous hours of gaming. Compared to modern flagship phones, this battery is significantly larger. Only after I began using the projector did its necessity become clear.

      The image is far clearer at night compared to during the day. Image used with permission by copyright holder

      Indeed, this phone can function as a power bank, but projecting video onto a wall while the volume is up consumes battery faster than any other function I tried. Even after more than an hour of projector usage, the battery level only dropped about 10 percent. That’s quite impressive; you can take it on camping trips and need to charge it only occasionally. It provides ample entertainment for a few days without running low.

      You will require a stand.

      While the Tank 3 Pro is sturdy, to project onto the wall at an angle, a stand or mount is necessary. I managed to angle it precariously using a stack of books and even pointed it straight up for ceiling projection, but this approach is not practical and adjusting the angle can be cumbersome.

      I’m not an engineer, but it did work. Image used with permission by copyright holder

      A stand would also mitigate