REVIEW: RKM R3 an Android HD projector with SoC Octa Core and Android 6.0

Today, thanks to the collaboration of the Rikomagic brand, we present the review of the Android projector RKM R3, a model that attracts attention due to its discoidal shape and that has Android 6.0 as the operating system. A new projector that substantially improves the previous model of the brand RKM R1. This model includes a DLP projector with DMD + RGB LED technology with a native resolution of 1280×720 pixels, with which we can get a screen between 40″ and 300″, includes an internal battery of 12000 mAh and has a pair of speakers 3W integrated, includes the Octa Core Rockchip RK3368 SoC, has 2GB of RAM, 32GB of storage memory, Dual Band wifi with internal antenna, Bluetooth 4.0 and an HDMI 1.4 input port where we can connect any external device such as a console. Let’s see how this projector behaves in our detailed review.

SPECIFICATIONS

CONTENT DESCRIPTION

Package content

The projector RM R3 comes in a fairly simple cardboard box with a considerable size, inside in a close-up protected with foam we have fitted the projector. In this same box we have another compartment with the included accessories, a flymouse remote control with its USB adapter (or IR Remote) and 15V 3A power supply.

Product Details

The case of the RM R3 is completely made of plastic and as we can see it has a very peculiar design, we have a diameter of 6.7 inches with a concave shape. In the upper part we have a power button that integrates a colored LED, on the sides we have ventilation slots where the air escapes from the internal fan.

In the front we have the projector lens and the manual focus thread, a mechanism that once fixed in a position with respect to the screen in theory we do not have to touch again anymore.

On the back we find the other ports, round connector DC-IN, two USB 2.0 ports, a IR receiver, microSD card reader, headphone jack for external speakers, HDMI 1.4 video input and power button.

In the lower area of RM R3 we have a series of perforations that ventilate the system and let out the sound of its two 3W speakers, in the central part we can see the thread to fix it on a tripod.

The projector weighs almost 2.2 lbs but we can mount it on a small tripod without problems, the whole seems taken from the movie The War of the Worlds, H. G. Wells would be proud.

CONNECTING THE DEVICE

Connection and desktops

We connect the RM R3 to the current and we move the ignition switch to ON, the system starts up turning on the focus, the upper led and the fan. In a few seconds we have the classic desktop of this brand based on squares, we have a widget with the time, launchers of basic apps and in the lower part a customizable area with the apps that we want. It is possible to change the default launcher by whichever is most useful to us.

• Boot time: 15 seconds

In the installed applications by default we find several to share content such as AirPlay, EHomeMediaCenter, EshareServer and WifiDisplay. We also have others such as WPS Office, Youtube, Netflix in an old version, Chrome and an ApkInstaller.

In the system we have Android bottom bar with several shortcuts and in the upper part we have a notification curtain which facilitates the use of the system with a mouse for example.

The Android system is rendered at 720p and applications as maximum can work only at that resolution, which is logical because the projection system only has that native resolution, we can play 1080p and 4K content that are scaled automatically.

In the system we have a couple of apps customized by the brand, the file browser and the music player, in any case we can install any app that we want for those purposes.

System Settings

In the RM R3 projector we have two types of settings, on the one hand a simpler ones that give us access to the main settings and if we enter Other Settings we have the classic Android settings.

En los Ajustes Clásicos de Android tenemos algunas opciones más que en los ajustes anteriores, podemos afinar más algunas características del entorno pero para el proyector en la versión sencilla tenemos los mismos ajustes.

User Experience

In terms of performance in Android the RM R3 projector behaves correctly thanks to the Rockchip RK3368 Octa Core processor and its 2 GB of RAM, we can load a good number of applications in multitasking. The system loads the apps without problems and they work in a fluid way and we have observed no forced closing, which indicates that the firmware is stable. The internal memory and network adapters make the response of the components good.

Android System

As an operating system in the RM R3 we have Android 6.0.1 installed. The kernel as we see is quite old, specifically is version 3.10.0 and the compilation is quite modern since it has a date of 2017-09-27. With this version we have made the review that you can read in the following pages.

Brand Support

The RKM brand has a support website where you usually upload firmwares for your devices, for now we do not have the exact firmware of this model but as we have seen over these years we will surely have extended support.

Storage and RAM

In the RM R3 projector we have a total of 32 GB of eMMc storage memory, of this storage memory we really have about 24 GB available, a quite correct figure, luckily the system has a single partition in the storage memory thing that facilitates the management of our files. We can always expand the internal space using an SD card since Android 6 allows it.

In this projector we have 2 GB of DDR3 RAM that behave normally, of this amount we are available about 1.3 GB at boot which allows us to open a various apps or tabs of our internet browser.

We passed our tests to memory and internal storage in the RKM R3 using the SD bench app that gives us correct figures for this range of devices, could be faster but not annoying in normal use. The USB 3.0 port gives us speeds of 55 MB/s a correct figure for this type of connector.

Consumption and temperatures

In terms of consumption, the RM R3 gives us quite high results, as it is logical, since it has to feed the LED light, we have very little difference in consumption in any use scenario since the power supply of the lamp dominates. The system has a 12000 mAh battery that gives us a range of 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the intensity of the LED focus.

Inside the RKM R3 we have an active fan to extract heat from the LED focus, the system is quite noisy and we have an increase of about 25 dBA with respect to the ambient noise where we are measuring. It is certainly loud and if we are going to see a movie with low volume we will notice the fan if we have it near, it is advisable to mount it a bit far from where we stand.

Google Play and Amazon App Store

If we browse the Google Play Store we have no problem to find all the most popular apps. With the Amazon Apps store equal result, a good alternative to Google that also gives us a free app a day something that always goes well.

Root

In the system of the RKM R3 as we can see if it has root by default, something that will not affect us in services like for example Netflix or Amazon Prime Video as we will see in our analysis in the corresponding section.

Power Off / Standby / Power On

In the RM R3 when pressing off from the command or the top button we have a shutdown message directly, from the IR remote control we can turn it on remotely, if we have the flymouse remote this is not possible and you have to press the button switched on the top.

TEST BENCH

Video and audio connections.

In the RM R3 we have the resolution of the system blocked at 720p since it is the maximum that gives the projector natively, we can put any type of content at 1080p or 4K but it will be rescaled accordingly. In this projector we have HDMI 1.4 video input that allows us to connect external devices such as a PC, consoles or BluRay video players, we can switch from the projector image to the HDMI video input from a button on the remote control.

xxx

DLNA and Miracast

In the RM R3 we have many options to share the screen of our mobile or tablet, for example we have the Wifidisplay app with the NO have had problems using a LG G5 Smartphone, as we know this type of connections depends on many factors and we can not ensure that works perfectly in all scenarios.

In the system we have installed by default a DLNA eHomeMediaCenter server with which we can connect without problems using for example BlubleUPnP, we do not have an app to make Airplay.

We also have an AirPlay app that starts a server to share content from Apple devices compatible with this system, we have a mirror function or we can send specific content.

We also have the EShare app that allows us to share all kinds of content and at the same time serves as a remote control, an app that works quite well and is quite comfortable.

Webcam

We test the videoconference on the RKM R3 using the Hangouts and Skype apps, we could not use them since there is no image displayed or the app is closed when trying to use the videoconferencing, another firmware failure.

NETWORK CONNECTIONS

Wi-Fi and Ethernet

By default in the RKM R3 we have a Dual Band AC Wireless Wi-Fi Adapter, with which we have connected with an ASUS RT-AC1200G+ Router, a mid range device. We transferred files over a SAMBA network connected through 2.4Ghz Wi-Fi and achieved a speed of about 24 mbps, with the 5Ghz Wi-Fi network we reached about 48 mbps a value that can be improved. The results are correct but we recommend to use the 5Ghz band.

We also ran tests on the network adapters for streaming using the iPerf measurement tool with which we have the maximum connection speed in each type of network. With this figure we have how far we can reach using the available connections, the final performance will depend on our internet provider, the contracted speed, the distance of our Wi-Fi network and other factors. The results are correct and undoubtedly highlights the 5 GHz Wifi adapter that gives an excellent performance.

In our tests of wifi coverage with the equipment as always located at a distance of about 5mts and with a wall we verified that we have connection without cuts, the signal reaches a good level with about 47 dBm, a good result for an internal wifi antenna but in order to have signal stability it is better not to go too far or to box the box behind a screen.

Bluetooth

Integrated with the WiFi adapter of the RKM R3 we also have Bluetooth 4.0 connectivity with which we have no issues detecting other devices, we have tested a few BT auriculars and a BT gamepad without major problem.

CONTROL SYSTEMS
Remote control

With the RM R3 projector we have a basic IR remote control to operate the device, although in our case it has come with the Fly Mouse. The IR control is very simple and has the conventional basic commands, to manage the HDMI input it is necessary to leave pressed go back key.

In the case of choosing the projector with Fly mouse control we need to connect a USB Wifi adapter that is included, with this remote control we can move the pointer by gestures by pressing the mouse key and we have same functions as in the IR remote. As a drawback, we cant power on the system from the remote and we will have to press the physical power button of the projector. In the upper part we have on the left a change key between the focus and the HDMI input and in the center we can change the 3D reproduction mode.

Remote control app

By default with the RM R3 we can control the system using the Rockchip remote control app or the EShare app. We can also use CetusPlay as an alternative to control it from our mobile phone, an app that offers the same functionalities as the pre-installed control app.

Gamepad and games

To control games on the RKM R3 we connected an Xbox 360 Gamepad and the device recognizes it without problems, it also works correctly the Xiaomi Bluetooth Gamepad. We can use them in games with this type of support, in general we will not have problems with conventional PC controls. With the PowerVR G6110 GPU that incorporates this SoC RK3368 the performance is correct above all because at most the games move at 720p and is less work.

PERFORMANCE TEST

SOC

In the performance section the RM R3 we have a Rockchip RK3368 Octa core SoC that integrates eight processors ARM Cortex-A53 64bit and a PowerVR G6110 GPU. A SoC with a high power that reaches 1.51 GHz and is close to the S912 of Amlogic. As you can see in the tests at performance level he defends himself fairly well both at the CPU level and in graphics power using the GPU, together with the fast internal memory we have a system that moves quite smoothly.

Benchmarks

Antutu

With this famous test we get an idea of the general performance of the device and we can compare it with others. Since this tests changes a lot of scale we can not use it in our graphics.

Geekbench 4

A new benchmark in SoC testing that offers fairly reliable numbers of CPU’s working in a single core or multiple cores ate the same time, it also has a section of GPU computing that gives us an overall result of the processing capacity.

3Dmark

The graphical performance test par excellence with a fairly solid continuity in the results which helps us to compare the performance of GPU’s historically.

PCMark

This benchmark tests the device in various scenarios of image processing, web browsing and other everyday uses of our device, the results are useful to check if you defend well in these areas.

VIDEO AND AUDIO TEST

Video format test

We pass our usual tests of video reproduction in the RM R3 projector, we have the Rockchip RK3368 SoC and it gives to us mixed results. It is possible to reproduce the most common files without major problems at native resolution smoothly with resolutions to 1080P or also in 4K encoded with the h.265 codec. Where we see that we have problems is with the files that are encoded with 10bit of color or with HDR information, some files that it is better to avoid in this SoC.

Test results

• The MKV, Blu-ray ISO and BDRemux formats are only containers, inside we can have different codecs, resolutions, audio channels, chapters or subtitles. To play the Blu-ray format menus we need KODI or a compatible program.

Audio format test

The RM R3 projector apart from its two 3W speakers has a audio jack, with this connector we can bring stereo sound to our speaker system. The sound of the internal speakers is correct for sporadic use but it is much better to connect external speakers with a suitable soundboard, those of the projector give a fairly flat sound and at the most distort.

WEB NAVIGATION AND STREAMING

Navigation

We pass some performance tests on the RKM R3 using the standard browser where we have no problems opening a good number of tabs thanks to its 2 GB of DDR3 RAM. Content that is rendered in HTML5 does not have major problems with the included serial browser that is Chrome.

DRM

As for the DRM certificates needed for some paid streaming apps we do not have any installed series, something habitual in this type of models, as novelty we see that we have CENC ClearKey .

Youtube and streaming apps

From Google Play we installed some of the most common Streaming apps to watch TV online and we have no problems. This projector can only play Youtube up to 720p for resolution limitation we have seen in the Android environment.

Streaming services with subscription

We do our battery test as usual on the most popular streaming services to verified if can work correctly, the power of this device is more than enough to see any type of content on this services, although as we know we are limited on the streaming quality for the restrictions of each company.

• NOTE: We remind that these TV-Box do not have official support for these streaming apps, the compatibility with these services can vary depends of any new limitations imposed for this companies. The tests are perform with the indicated firmware and the version of the streaming app at the date of the review.

• For more details consult our Guide for Netflix on Android, inside you can found a solution for Error 0013 and installation method on rooted devices or chinese TV-Boxes.

Projector

Specifications

In the RKM R3 we have a DLP projector, with a 0.3” DMD panel, with RGB LED light that according to its specifications has 220 ANSI Lumens, contrast 400:1, its optics having a native resolution of 1280×720 pixels, manual focus and the screen size can range from 40 to 300 inches with a projection range of between 3.2 to 26 ft. In the front of the projector we have a wheel that allows us to adjust the focal length to see the clear image with respect to the distance from the screen.

This model supports 3D modes something that is already in decline but that can still be useful for fans of this format, we have support BluRay 3D, projection TNB, SBSH and 3D with blue/red.

General settings

In the system settings of the RKM R3 we have several controls to manage the projector, with Brightness we can regulate the light power and with Temperature Control we can adjust the range of colors.

With the option Manual Keystone Correction we can adjust the geometry of the projection, with this we can correct the trapezoidal effect of the screen with a level of +/- 40º, if we have something inclined the focus with respect to the screen this helps us clearly. We also have the automatic option although the results are better if we do it manually.

In the Projection Mode menu we have several options, with them we control how the image is projected and we can, for example, turn it over if we hang the projector on the ceiling or put it on its side.

Playback

Certainly we surprised the RKM R3 in the obtained image quality, the DLP projector gives us a clear and quite well defined image thanks to its native resolution of 1280×720 pixels. The lighting of 220 ANSI Lumens and the contrast 400:1 is enough in a dark environment and we have a bright image but is not suitable on a lighted environments, the colors are appreciated correctly and the contrast is good. On the frontal we have a wheel that adjusts the manual focus, the screen size can go from 40 to 300 inches with a projection range of between 1 and 5m. In our tests at a distance of 3 meters the image quality at 120 inches is very good, it is the recommended distance as maximum screen.

At a distance of more than 16 ft we already noticed that the focus distance have distorsions, but with 10 ft if we reach 120″ with good definition, as we can see the image is very well defined and we have natural tones.

In correct lighting situations the image is very good and the colors are seen brightly, the movement of the elements is reflected naturally and we do not notice effects of distortion in the uniformity of the surface.

If we approach the image we can see the point definition, as you can see we have a structure of very clear points that give the image that aspect so defined with a native resolution of 1280×720, a correct performance in this aspect.

In the following image we can see how we read several texts, in general we can read perfectly all the texts that are shown and only in extremely small formats we have a problem.

CONCLUSIONS

Opinion

As we have seen in our review of the RM R3 projector, we have a projector that performs quite well in its two functions, the first as a projector with 1280×720 native resolution and the second as Android TV with the SoC Octa core Rockchip RK3368. We must also highlight the compact design of this model and its integrated 12,000 mAh battery that allows us a certain autonomy in places where we do not have an electrical connection available.

As for the weak points of the RM R3 we have the noise of the internal fan that can be somewhat annoying and limitation to use it only on dark environments, if we are going to watch movies and need a good audio performance is better to connect external speakers. In general we have a fairly complete product that can solve several of our needs at once, a projector that can be interesting if we are looking for an all in one with autonomy.

Where to buy

RKM R3

7.3

DESIGN AND CONNECTIVITY

7.5/10

HARDWARE

8.0/10

SOFTWARE

7.5/10

SUPPORT

7.0/10

PRICE/QUALITY

6.5/10

Pros

• Native 720p resolution
• Compact design
• Integrated battery
• HDMI input
• Screen 300" max

Cons

• Noisy fan
• Luminic power is limited to dark environments