MAGCUBIC L018, Review: FullHD Android Projector with 650 ANSI Lumens

The MAGCUBIC L018 is a new economic projector of which today we present its analysis or review, an affordable device with FullHD resolution and Android.

The MAGCUBIC L018 (aka LYNCAST L018 Pro) projector stands out for its power of 650 ANSI Lumens, not to be confused with the L018NTV of the same brand MAGCUBIC that only reaches 320 ANSI Lumens. Its design includes a rotating support up to 360º to put it in any position and the maximum screen size is 150″ which includes camera for geometry correction and automatic focus, something very comfortable. We have a customized Android 11 system and comes combined with a Bluetooth remote control with microphone.

Let’s see how this projector fares and what results it gives us in a domestic use.

MAGCUBIC L018 Details

Unboxing and first contact

The MAGCUBIC L018 projector is presented in a cardboard box with good protections. Inside we find the projector, remote control, Bluetooth, power cable and a manual.

Description

The MAGCUBIC L018 has on the front the main lens which is not encapsulated. In the upper area we have the power button and in the rear area its ports. Internally, we have two speakers and ventilation slots. We have a Bluetooth remote control with microphone, allows us to turn on and control the system without pointing at the projector.

• Brackets: Thread to fix on ceiling / Foot tilt up to 360 °.

In the rear area we find a USB 2.0 port where we can connect a USB stick with our external storage, HDMI 1.4 input, audio jack, DC connector, reset and a status led.

• Connectivity: Wifi 6 up to 400 Mbps / Bluetooth 5.2 / USB 2.0.

This projector comes with a 360º rotating stand that is very easy to use, so it is easy to place it in the ideal inclination. Also in this same base we have a 1/4 thread if we want to hang it from the ceiling, in the menus of the system we can define the position.

User environment, settings and noise

Startup screen and settings

We start the MAGCUBIC L018 by pressing the top power button and get to the custom Android 11 system screen. The system offers us a row layout with basic apps, we don’t have Google Play, so we have to install the apps manually using APK files.

Within the system menus we find the projection settings where we can control the geometry by four points with the knob, scale and other factors. In addition, we have settings for image type, color temperature and sound equalization.

• Geometry settings: Auto focus and geometry / Object detection.
• Image adjustments: Zoom / Color range.
• Sound: Volume.

Operating system

This projector comes with Android 11 in a modified tablet version. As processor we have the Allwinner H713, with a pretty good performance, but only with 1 GB of RAM and 8 GB of storage. A sufficient configuration for apps like KODI or IPTV, but not for heavy games, the lack of RAM and makes switching between apps slow.

• System: Android 11 / ARM 32 bit / With 1920×1080 pixels environment.

MAGCUBIC L018 Test Bench

Image Quality

This MAGCUBIC L018 projector , as the brand says in its specifications, we have image size between 80″ to 150″ with a distance of 2 – 3.5 m. It is recommended to use the Zoom to adjust the size too large by default if we do not have area to zoom out.

The optical projection system of the MAGCUBIC L018 comes with simple lenses that may be better to clean if they are very dirty, the image quality is quite good, but it is better to place it perpendicular to the wall or at most not to exceed 15º. Its power of 650 ANSI Lumens is only suitable for environments with low illumination, better to use it in dark environments. The sound of the speaker is sufficient for a medium sized room.

• Power: 650 ANSI Lumens / Use only in dark environments.
• Definition: Quality of detail is basic.
• Uniformity: Uniformity and geometry are acceptable.
• Color: Correct color range.

Noise level and consumption

We check that the internal fan has medium noise, if we are in a dark room we can activate the ECO mode to lower the fan noise. We can see on the meter next to the projector as we are placed in the 54 dBA in Standard mode, it is a pretty good result compared to others of this type.

• Fan: Constant noise level 54 dBA / Average noise / Maximum power consumption 36 W.
• Consumption modes: Standard / Power / Eco.

Video and Audio playback test

As for video playback this projector allows us to play all modern formats such as the new AV1 codec. We also have Miracast to send video from our mobile, although it does not work very well. As we checked in our native resolution test, the projector in video reaches 1080p. It is possible to use apps such as KODI or PLEX by installing them directly from the app store. As for audio, we can play stereo sound by connecting speakers to the audio jack.

• Video: Different color options / refresh rate change NOT available.
• Sound: 1 x 1 W / EQ options / Audio output via jack.
• Media Sharing: GoogleCast Yes / Miracast No / DLNA with BlubblePnP / Airplay No.
• Tutorials: Install add-on in KODI / Judder, how to fix it / Multi-channel audio

Video and audio test results

• Max Bitrate: 350 Mbps
• HW = Hardware Acceleration / SW = No Hardware Acceleration

• Formats: Native = Full Support / Core = 5.1 Only / PCM = Stereo / More info.

Streaming services

We tested the streaming services to check how the most popular services work. This MAGCUBIC L018 presents us with the classic configuration without certificates, which limits us in quality in several services. We can use it with many of these services, but in basic quality, if we want to use these apps it is better to connect a certified Android Box or Stick.

• DRM: Google Widevine L3.
• Audio / Video certificates: No.

Streaming test results

Conclusions and purchase link

MAGCUBIC L018 review

The MAGCUBIC L018 projector has more light power than usual in this range with 650 ANSI Lumens, so it is only suitable for environments with some light. We have Android 11 system and a Quad Core Allwinner H713 processor that works decently in multimedia playback. The image offered in FullHD quality has a fairly good fidelity, with a low inclination with respect to the screen we have decent results.

In addition, it has a comfortable stand that rotates 360º and allows us to orient it comfortably in all directions. We also have an automatic geometry and focus system thanks to the front camera. Inside the projector we find a sound system with limited power, but that may be sufficient in a normal room or living room.

As we can see, the MAGCUBIC L018 is a fairly powerful Android projector. It can be useful for viewing content with high quality without spending a lot of money.

Where to buy

Review