Dangbei DB0X02 (Mars Pro 2) 4K Laser Projector: A new benchmark in home entertainment
Dangbei DBOX02 4K Laser Projector. Picture: Dangbei.
The Dangbei DB0X02 4K laser projector claims to be the world's first Google TV 4K laser projector with licensed Netflix. For those who loved Dangbei's previous offerings, like the Atom, this new flagship model takes everything to the next level. After spending quality time with the DB0X02, I can say that Dangbei has set a new standard in home entertainment, considering its price-to-performance ratio.
The DB0X02’s design is sleek and modern, with a glossy finish that adds a touch of elegance. It's compact enough to blend into any living room or office setup yet substantial enough to remind you that it’s packing some serious hardware inside.
Dangbei also sent along a swivel stand, which, although sold separately, is a worthwhile investment. This stand adds a dynamic element to the projector, allowing you to easily adjust the projection angle — whether it’s on the ceiling, wall, or any other surface.
Unlike the Dangbei Mars, which I reviewed last year, there’s no support for a mount. Instead of the four bolt sockets in each corner of the base, you only get a tripod mount in the centre. However, the relative size and weight make it easy to find third-party ceiling mounts that work with the DBOX02.
The DB0X02 supports 4K resolution and projects up to a massive 200 inches. While Dangbei recommends using it at sizes between 80 and 120 inches for optimal brightness and sharpness, I tested it on a 100-inch screen in both bright and dark rooms, and the results were nothing short of spectacular. The colours were vivid, the details crisp, and the brightness more than adequate, even in well-lit environments.
This impressive performance is due to the advanced laser phosphor display technology (ALPD), which minimises common issues like speckles and colour fringing, delivering a more realistic and immersive viewing experience.
With 2,450 ISO lumens, the DB0X02 is among the brightest projectors in its class, suitable for dark home theatres and brighter living rooms. I was particularly impressed by how well it performed across different lighting conditions, maintaining vibrant colours and deep blacks without any noticeable degradation in quality.
Everything I played on the projector, including Ultra HD content from Blu-ray, streaming platforms, and games, looked spectacular. Content with much lower resolutions, like Now TV and the RTE Player in standard definition, looked great, too. Of course, regardless of how good or dark your room is, projectors can’t compete with the infinite contrast on the latest OLED TVs, but the brightness and image quality on the DBOX02 was better than you’d get from a typical cinema screen.
The projector is nearly silent by default, but the fans get noisy when you switch it to performance mode. I didn’t think there was enough difference between max manual brightness and performance mode to make the latter worthwhile in most scenarios. Those sick of the loud fans and intense heat blowing out the sides of their old projector will appreciate just how quiet the DBOX02 is.
The DB0X02 runs on Google TV, which offers a wide array of apps, including YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV, and, crucially, licensed Netflix—something not often seen in projectors. Google TV does have the RTE Player app on its PlayStore, but RTE still hasn’t updated it so that you can watch live TV. I used a 4K Apple TV instead to watch the Olympics live in Paris, which was fabulous.
For those deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, the ability to sync content across devices is a big deal. You can start watching a movie in the living room, pause, and pick up right where you left off in the bedroom on a different device. Of course, you can also have multiple user accounts, a bonus for families or housemates.
Regarding connectivity, the DB0X02 boasts two HDMI 2.1 ports, one of which supports eARC for easy connection to soundbars or surround sound systems. You also get two USB ports, an optical audio output, a LAN port, and even a 3.5mm audio jack. Wireless connectivity is equally robust, with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 ensuring fast and reliable streaming and device pairing connections.
The DBOX02 supports 3D for those still using the format, but I didn’t have compatible 3D glasses to test it. A recent update enabled support for 3D Blu-rays.
For a projector, the DB0X02 delivers impressive audio performance. It features dual 12-watt speakers with Dolby Audio and DTS:X support, providing a rich, immersive sound experience. While it can’t compete with a dedicated surround sound system, the built-in speakers are more than adequate for casual viewing. The sound is clear, with a good balance of bass and treble, making it a viable option for those who don’t want to invest in an additional sound system.
The DBOX02 supports Dolby Atmos, and thanks to the eARC, I could use my Dolby Atmos surround system.
You can also use the internal speakers as a Bluetooth speaker to stream music from your phone or tablet.
Setting up the Dangbei DB0X02 was a breeze. The projector features auto keystone correction, autofocus, and auto screen fit, which made it easy to get the image perfectly aligned on my 100-inch screen.
Even in a less-than-ideal setup, the DB0X02 quickly adjusted to provide a crisp and correctly proportioned image. If you mount the projector in a fixed position, you’ll only have to do the setup once. However, if you’re constantly changing where you use it, then having the ability to automatically fit the image to a screen and correct the keystone is a game-changer. You can also manually tweak the keystone, but the fit-image worked perfectly for me.
Navigating the Google TV interface was smooth and intuitive, thanks to the responsive remote and the familiar Google ecosystem. Including licensed Netflix is a huge plus, as many projectors in this category lack it. Whether streaming the latest blockbuster or catching up on your favourite TV series, the DB0X02 makes it easy and enjoyable.
Of course, if you’re not into the Google eco-system and would rather keep your Apple TV or other streaming device, you can use them through one of the HDMI ports.
For gamers, the DB0X02 offers a solid experience. It supports 4K at 60Hz, and while it’s not the highest refresh rate of 120Hz my Xbox Series X supports, it’s more than sufficient for most console gaming. If you drop the resolution down to 1080p, you can get up to 240Hz, although you’ll have to hook up something like a gaming PC to achieve those refresh rates.
The projector includes a game mode that reduces input lag, creating a more responsive gaming experience. The colours are vibrant, and the massive screen size adds a level of immersion that’s hard to replicate on a traditional TV. I enjoy racing games like Forza Horizon 5, Wreckfest, and Dirt 5, where the big display envelopes you in the atmosphere. It’s also great for adventure and open-world games, but larger screens aren’t ideal for fast-paced first-person shooters like Halo or Call of Duty.
The Dangbei DB0X02 4K laser projector offers a combination of features, performance, and versatility that’s hard to beat at its price point. Whether you’re a movie buff, a sports enthusiast, a gamer, or just want a high-quality projector for everyday use, the DB0X02 delivers.
Its 4K resolution, high brightness, and advanced laser technology provide a stunning visual experience.
The Dangbei DB0X02 doesn’t just meet expectations — it exceeds them, making it a top recommendation for anyone in the market for a 4K projector.
Dangbei DBOX02 (Mars Pro 2) – currently €1,745 with a voucher. Amazon
