We may earn a commission if you buy something through the affiliate text links or affiliate image links on Seeking Tech.

What’s the difference between the ViewSonic M1 Mini and M1 Mini+?

The M1 Mini+ is a new portable LED projector from ViewSonic. So, how does the new version of the product stacks up against the older M1 Mini?

You can find out in this comparison guide.

Quick Summary

The main difference between the ViewSonic M1 Mini and ViewSonic M1 Mini+ is that the newer Plus version uses Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections. As a result, you can connect your smartphone or tablet for features such as smart mirroring and touch screen remote control.

The Mini+ also comes with smart TV features like Netflix and Youtube.

Overall, we prefer the ViewSonic M1 Mini+ Smart Ultra Portable LED Projector as it is more portable due to its support for Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connections.

While you can still use the ViewSonic M1 Mini Portable LED Projector to watch videos on Netflix and Youtube, you have to connect to another device using HDMI.

M1 Mini vs. M1 Mini+ Comparison Chart

You can check out Seeking Tech’s comparison table for theM1 Mini and M1 Mini+ below.

ViewSonic M1 Mini Portable LED ProjectorViewSonic M1 Mini+ Smart Ultra Portable LED Projector
Weight0.7 lbs (or 0.3 kg)0.7 lbs (or 0.3 kg)
Dimensions110 mm x 104 mm x 27 mm110 mm x 104 mm x 27 mm
What's In the BoxM1 Mini Projector

Swappable panels (Gray, Teal and Yellow)

Wrist Strap

USB A to Micro USB Cable

Remote Control

Quick Start Guide
M1 Mini+ Projector

Swappable Panels (Gray, Teal and Yellow)

Wrist Strap

USB A to Micro USB

Remote Control

Quick Start Guide
Display SpecsType: DLP LED

Resolution Type: WVGA (854 x 480)

Brightness (Lumens): 120 LED (50 ANSI)

Display Size: 24 in. to 100 in. or 0.6 m to 2.54 m

Throw Distance: 2.1 ft to 8.7 ft or 0.6 m - 2.7 m

Throw Ratio: 1.2

Key Stone: Vertical (+/- 40°)

Light Source: RGB LED

Light Source Life Span: 30,000 hours

Color Depth: 1.07 Billion Colors (R/G/B 10 bit)

Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 120,000:1

Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Type: DLP LED

Resolution Type: WVGA (854 x 480)

Brightness (Lumens): 120 LED (50 ANSI)

Display Size: 24 in. to 100 in. or 0.6 m to 2.54 m

Throw Distance: 2.1 ft to 8.7 ft or 0.6 m - 2.7 m

Throw Ratio: 1.2

Key Stone: Vertical (+/- 40°)

Light Source: RGB LED

Light Source Life Span: 30,000 hours

Color Depth: 1.07 Billion Colors (R/G/B 10 bit)

Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 120,000:1

Aspect Ratio: 16:9
Video SignalHorizontal Frequency: 15h-135kHz

Vertical Frequency: 23-120Hz
Horizontal Frequency: 15h-135kHz

Vertical Frequency: 23-120Hz
Compatible PC and Mac ResolutionsMaximum PC Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Minimum PC Resolution: 640 x 480

Maximum Mac Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Minimum Mac Resolution: 640 x 480
Maximum PC Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Minimum PC Resolution: 640 x 480

Maximum Mac Resolution: 1920 x 1080

Minimum Mac Resolution: 640 x 480
Internal Speakers1x 2W JBL speaker1x 2W JBL Bluetooth speaker
Physical Connectors1x HDMI 1.4 (with HDCP 1.4)

1x USB 2.0 Type A

1x Micro USB
1x HDMI 1.4 (with HDCP 1.4)

1x USB 2.0 Type A

1x USB 3.1 Type C
Wireless ConnectionsNone5 GHz Wi-Fi

Bluetooth version 4.0
Wi-Fi Screen Mirroring?NoYes
Smart TV FeaturesNoneNetflix, Youtube and more
ViewSonic vCastSender App?NoYes
Battery LifeUp to 2.5 hours

Power bank compatible
Up to 2.5 hours

Power bank compatible
On Screen Display ControlsAdvanced

Basic

Display

Image

Information

Power Management

System
Advanced

Basic

Display

Image

Information

Power Management

System
Compatible AccessoriesPJ-SCW-1001W - 100" Projection Screen

VC10 - All-in-One Wireless Collaboration HDMI Dongle

VCB10 - All-in-One Wireless Presentation and Collaboration Gateway
PGD-350 Immersive 3D Experience Glasses

PJ-SCW-1001W - 100" Projection Screen

VC10 - All-in-One Wireless Collaboration HDMI Dongle

VCB10 - All-in-One Wireless Presentation and Collaboration Gateway
Operating ConditionsTemperature Range: 32º F to 104º F (or 0º C - 40º C)

Humidity Range: 0% to 90% (Non-Condensing)
Temperature Range: 32º F to 104º F (or 0º C - 40º C)

Humidity Range: 0% to 90% (Non-Condensing)
Warranty1-year limited warranty on parts and labor

1-year free Express Exchange service
1-year limited warranty on parts and labor

1-year free Express Exchange service
PricingCheck price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)Check price on Amazon.(#CommissionsEarned)

Weight

The two miniature projectors weigh the same at 0.7 lbs (or 0.3 kg).

Dimensions

Both portable projectors will fit right in your pocket. The two have a measurement of just 110 mm by 104 mm by 27 mm.

What’s In the Box

Both products come with swappable panels in addition to a wrist strap, USB cable, remote and starter guide.

You can find the list of included contents below:

ViewSonic M1 Mini Portable LED Projector:

  • M1 Mini Projector
  • Swappable panels (Gray, Teal and Yellow)
  • Wrist Strap
  • USB A to Micro USB Cable
  • Remote Control
  • Quick Start Guide

ViewSonic M1 Mini+ Smart Ultra Portable LED Projector:

  • M1 Mini+ Projector
  • Swappable Panels (Gray, Teal and Yellow)
  • Wrist Strap
  • USB A to Micro USB
  • Remote Control
  • Quick Start Guide

Display Specs

The display specifications are identical for the two mini projectors. Both features a resolution of 854 x 480, 120 LED lumens (50 ANSI) brightness, 1.07 Billion Colors, 120,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio and more.

You can check out the full specs below:

  • Type: DLP LED
  • Resolution Type: WVGA (854 x 480)
  • Brightness (Lumens): 120 LED (50 ANSI)
  • Display Size: 24 in. to 100 in. or 0.6 m to 2.54 m
  • Throw Distance: 2.1 ft to 8.7 ft or 0.6 m – 2.7 m
  • Throw Ratio: 1.2
  • Key Stone: Vertical (+/- 40°)
  • Light Source: RGB LED
  • Light Source Life Span: 30,000 hours
  • Color Depth: 1.07 Billion Colors (R/G/B 10 bit)
  • Dynamic Contrast Ratio: 120,000:1
  • Aspect Ratio: 16:9

Video Signal

Both View Sonic projectors also use the same frequencies for video signals.

You can find what they are below:

  • Horizontal Frequency: 15h-135kHz
  • Vertical Frequency: 23-120Hz

Compatible PC and Mac Resolutions

The M1 Mini and M1 Mini Plus support resolutions of 480p to 1080p on both PC and Mac platforms:

  • Maximum PC Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Minimum PC Resolution: 640 x 480
  • Maximum Mac Resolution: 1920 x 1080
  • Minimum Mac Resolution: 640 x 480

Internal Speakers

The ViewSonic M1 Mini Portable LED Projector comes with one 2W JBL speaker. The ViewSonic M1 Mini+ Smart Ultra Portable LED Projector is equipped with one 2W JBL Bluetooth speaker.

Physical Connectors

The only difference, in terms of physical connectors, is that the M1 Mini comes with a Micro USB port while the M1 Mini Plus comes with a 1x USB 3.1 Type C port.

You can check out the list of connectors for each product below:

M1 Mini:

  • 1x HDMI 1.4 (with HDCP 1.4)
  • 1x USB 2.0 Type A
  • 1x Micro USB

M1 Mini Plus:

  • 1x HDMI 1.4 (with HDCP 1.4)
  • 1x USB 2.0 Type A
  • 1x USB 3.1 Type C

Wireless Connections

Only the ViewSonic M1 Mini+ Smart Ultra Portable LED Projector supports wireless connections. You can connect devices that use 5 GHz Wi-Fi and Bluetooth version 4.0.

Wi-Fi Screen Mirroring

With the Wi-Fi connection of the Mini Plus, you will be able to mirror the screen of your smartphone or tablet to the projector.

Smart TV Features

You can also use smart TV features, such as Netflix and Youtube, with the Mini+ thanks to the Wi-Fi connection.

ViewSonic vCastSender App

The ViewSonic M1 Mini+ also supports the ViewSonic vCastSender App. When installed, the application turns your smartphone or tablet into a remote controller, over Wi-Fi, for the projector.

Battery Life

Both the ViewSonic M1 Mini and ViewSonic M1 Mini Plus feature a battery life of up to 2.5 hours. The two portable projectors are also compatible with a power bank if you need additional power.

On Screen Display Controls

The two products have identical on-screen display controls.

You can take a look at the options below:

  • Advanced
  • Basic
  • Display
  • Image
  • Information
  • Power Management
  • System

Compatible Accessories

Both products are compatible with the PJ-SCW-1001W 100″ Projection Screen, VC10 All-in-One Wireless Collaboration HDMI Dongle in addition to the VCB10 All-in-One Wireless Presentation and Collaboration Gateway. The M1 Mini+ is also compatible with the PGD-350 Immersive 3D Experience Glasses.

Operating Conditions

The two ViewSonic portable projectors have the same operating conditions, which you can find below.

  • Temperature Range: 32º F to 104º F (or 0º C – 40º C)
  • Humidity Range: 0% to 90% (Non-Condensing)

Warranty

Both products come with an 1-year limited warranty on parts and labor in addition to 1-year free Express Exchange service.

Resources: