In this review, I look at the Ultimea Nova C40 projector. You can buy this affordable projector on Black Friday sale for $239.99 directly from the Ultimea store – https://bit.ly/novac40 using coupon code RainerC40 for $20-off this C40 projector.
TLDR: The Ultimea Nova C40 is a budget-friendly projector with premium features like native 1080p resolution, 4K decoding, Android TV 11.0, and 6D auto-keystone correction. It delivers sharp image quality, decent brightness, and easy setup, but its 600 lumens could be brighter for dimly lit rooms, and Bluetooth audio occasionally cut out for me when placing the projector near a rear wall/power supply. Pair it with an ALR screen and external speakers for the best experience. A great choice for affordable home cinema enthusiasts!
The Ultimea Nova C40 projector has recently entered the spotlight as a budget-friendly option for home cinema enthusiasts, and I couldn’t wait to test it. With promises of high performance at an affordable price, it has the potential to redefine what we expect from an entry-level projector. After spending some quality time with it, I can confidently say it delivers more than just good value. Here’s my experience with the Nova C40.
Right out of the box, the Nova C40 makes a solid impression. Its sleek grey design, coupled with a sturdy gimbal stand, gives it a premium look that belies its price. Although slightly larger than I expected, it remains compact enough to move around or mount without hassle. Inside the box, you’ll find everything you need to get started. There is the Nova C40 projector: The star of the show, featuring an integrated 90° gimbal stand. Remote control: Complete with dedicated buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and Disney+, along with voice control functionality. There’s also the Power cable along with an HDMI cable, ready for connecting external devices. A user manual and warranty card offer clear instructions on how to get set up.
Feature-Rich Design
The Nova C40 is packed with features usually found in higher-priced models. It boasts native 1080p resolution with support for 4K decoding, ensuring crisp, detailed images for all your favourite content. The 600 ANSI lumens brightness performs admirably in darker rooms but could use a boost for environments with more ambient light. An ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) projector screen is highly recommended over a traditional white backing screen to improve contrast and brightness when used in rooms with natural or artificial light.
A standout feature is the integrated 90° gimbal stand, offering unmatched flexibility. Whether you’re projecting onto a wall, a screen, or even the ceiling, the stand keeps things stable and hassle-free. This is especially handy for those who want a quick and versatile setup.
Perhaps the biggest draw is the built-in Android TV 11.0, which grants access to a massive library of streaming apps directly on the projector. Certified Netflix and Prime Video apps are included—a rare perk in this price range. For gaming enthusiasts, the Bluetooth 5.0 feature allows connection to gaming controllers for a big-screen gaming experience, though Bluetooth functionality is limited to the Android TV mode.
Simple Setup
Setting up the Nova C40 is delightfully straightforward. The auto-focus feature snaps the image into clarity within seconds, while the 6D auto-keystone correction automatically adjusts the image to fit your screen perfectly, even when the projector is placed at an awkward angle. These features make setup nearly foolproof, even for first-time projector users.
Navigating the Android TV interface is intuitive and user-friendly. Connecting to Wi-Fi and your Google account is a breeze, and the system guides you through the entire process in just a few steps.
Performance That Surprises
For its price, the Nova C40 performs exceptionally well. The image quality is sharp and vibrant, with natural colour reproduction that shines in most scenarios. While it thrives in darker rooms, the 600 ANSI lumens brightness may feel slightly underwhelming in dimly lit environments, where more lumens would be desirable.
The built-in dual 5-watt speakers are serviceable for casual use, but external speakers or a soundbar elevate the experience significantly. I paired it with my Samsung N950 soundbar over Bluetooth, and while the sound was immersive when it worked, I occasionally experienced random audio cutouts. This issue seemed to occur most frequently when the projector was placed with its back close to a rear wall, making streaming audio from the projector frustrating at times.
On the subject of fan noise, I found it to be a low, consistent hum that is audible but not overly distracting. Unlike some other projectors in this price range, the noise isn’t a major drawback and fades into the background during most viewing experiences.
The Android TV interface is smooth for the most part, though I occasionally notice slight delays while navigating menus. However, these were minor hiccups that didn’t detract from the overall experience.
Final Verdict
Currently selling during their Black Friday sale for $239.99 (using coupon code RAINERC40 at checkout), the Ultimea Nova C40 punches well above its weight. With native 1080p resolution, a bright display, seamless Android TV integration, and a versatile gimbal stand, it’s a standout choice for anyone seeking an affordable projector with premium features.
While the 600 lumens brightness could use a slight boost and the Bluetooth audio experience was occasionally frustrating, these are outweighed by its many strengths. If you’re serious about getting the most out of it, pairing it with an ALR projector screen and external audio solutions will take the viewing experience to the next level.
If you’re looking for a projector that combines value, performance, and convenience, the Nova C40 is an excellent choice that won’t disappoint.
TIMESTAMPS:
0:00 – Brief overview
0:22 – Unboxing
0:40 – Features & design
1:07 – Image quality & brightness
1:24 – Display adjustments
1:39 – AndroidTV & apps
2:06 – Setup & Settings
2:38 – My Impressions
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