Lumio Arc 5: Overview & What’s New
The Lumio Arc 5 projector entered the Indian market with strong expectations. Consumers wanted a device that delivered smart features, good visuals, and portability without a hefty price tag. Lumio responded with a compact projector that costs under ₹20,000 and aims to provide a cinema-like experience at home. The Arc 5 competes with budget smart projectors and smaller TVs, so its performance in real-world conditions matters more than its spec sheet. This review examines the Arc 5 in detail, covering its design, hardware, performance, trade-offs, and value for money.
Design and Build Quality
Lumio designed the Arc 5 with portability as a priority. The device weighs around 1.3 kilograms and feels lighter than many Bluetooth speakers. Its compact body fits easily in a backpack, making it travel-friendly. Lumio used rounded edges and a minimalist front panel that gives it a modern look. The projector feels sturdy enough to handle frequent moves between rooms. Ventilation slots sit on the sides to ensure consistent airflow, which helps the LED light source stay cool during extended sessions.
The build quality inspires confidence despite its budget price. Buttons feel responsive, the lens cover protects the optics, and the ports sit neatly at the back. Lumio included HDMI, USB, a 3.5 mm audio jack, and power input, which makes the layout functional. The remote has dedicated buttons for Netflix, YouTube, and Google Assistant, which allows quick access to content without digging through menus.
Specifications and Features
The Arc 5 projects in native Full HD resolution (1080p) and supports HDR10. The colors look vibrant in dark rooms, and details appear sharp on most content. The projector outputs 200 ANSI lumens of brightness. This figure keeps the Arc 5 in the mid-range category and explains why it struggles under direct light. In dimly lit spaces, however, the brightness level feels adequate.
Lumio powered the projector with a MediaTek processor, 2 GB RAM, and 16 GB internal storage. This configuration allows Google TV to run smoothly enough for most tasks. Apps load within a few seconds, and streaming platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube work natively because the device holds official certification. The Google TV interface also integrates voice search through the remote’s microphone, which makes navigation more convenient.
For sound, Lumio fitted a 5 W speaker with dual passive radiators. The speaker handles dialogue clearly and fills a small room without external support. Dolby Audio adds clarity to mid and high frequencies, though bass feels shallow.
Setup and Ease of Use
Lumio prioritized convenience in setup. The Arc 5 includes automatic focus adjustment and auto-keystone correction, which means the image aligns itself with the wall without heavy manual tweaks. A Time-of-Flight sensor detects obstacles in the projection path and shifts the image accordingly. Lumio branded this system STR8, short for Smooth Trapezoidal Recalibration. In practice, the projector adjusts quickly when users move it or place it at different angles.
The software setup also feels straightforward. The Google TV onboarding asks users to connect to WiFi, log into their Google account, and install apps. The interface works exactly like a smart TV, so users familiar with Android TV or Google TV will feel at home.
Picture Quality in Real Life
When users run the Arc 5 in a dark environment, the picture quality impresses. Full HD resolution ensures crisp visuals, and HDR10 support brings better contrast in shows and films that support the format. Colors look balanced, not oversaturated, and the projector maintains decent sharpness across the screen. At around 9 feet from a wall, the Arc 5 projects an image close to 100 inches, which feels cinematic in small apartments.
However, the projector shows its limits in daylight or bright rooms. The 200 ANSI lumens output cannot fight heavy ambient light, so images lose vibrancy and fine details. Sports viewing during the day or presentations in lit rooms do not suit this projector. Users must close curtains or dim lights for the best experience.
Audio Experience
The in-built speaker delivers adequate sound for casual viewing. Dialogues in TV shows and web series remain clear, and volume reaches levels suitable for bedrooms or small halls. Action films or concerts highlight the limits of the 5 W driver, because explosions and bass notes lack depth. The projector includes Bluetooth 5.1, so pairing an external soundbar or portable speaker takes only seconds. Once paired, the experience improves dramatically.
Performance in Apps and Interface
Google TV runs reliably on the Arc 5, although users may notice slight delays when switching between apps. Two gigabytes of RAM restrict multitasking, and heavy users will occasionally see lag. Streaming quality itself stays smooth once apps open, and video plays without stutter as long as internet speed remains stable.
The remote’s Google Assistant integration works well. Voice searches quickly pull results across apps, which saves time. The interface feels familiar for anyone who has used Chromecast or Android TV.
Pricing and Availability
Lumio launched the Arc 5 at ₹19,999, but the company offered an introductory discount that brought the price down to around ₹17,499. Seasonal promotions during the festive period cut prices further through coupons and bank offers. At this price point, the Arc 5 positions itself between cheap unbranded projectors and expensive models from global brands.
Lumio also provides a one-year warranty and claims support through over 200 service centers across India. This after-sales network matters because buyers of budget projectors often worry about repairs.
Strengths of the Arc 5
- Compact and lightweight design makes it easy to move around.
- Automatic setup features save time and make it user-friendly.
- Certified Google TV interface with Netflix support eliminates need for extra devices.
- Crisp Full HD image with HDR support performs well in dark rooms.
- Attractive pricing during discounts strengthens value proposition.
Limitations of the Arc 5
- Brightness of 200 ANSI lumens limits usability in bright or daytime conditions.
- Built-in speaker sounds flat for movies with heavy soundtracks.
- Occasional interface lag affects the smoothness of navigation.
- Projection quality drops outdoors or in large lit rooms.
Latest Updates
Recent news around Lumio highlights heavy festive discounts across its Arc projector and Vision smart TV lineup. The company announced price cuts of up to ₹14,000 depending on the model. Online reviews in September 2025 praised the Arc 5 for delivering exactly what it promised: an affordable projector that works best in controlled lighting. Experts rated it solidly around four out of five, citing brightness and audio as its only major trade-offs.
Comparison with Alternatives
Consumers who want brighter images can look at projectors with 400 or 600 ANSI lumens, but those devices cost double or more. Cheaper projectors often advertise Full HD but lack official app support, which forces buyers to connect external streaming sticks. TVs in the ₹20,000 price range deliver better brightness and contrast but cannot match the immersive 100-inch screen size of the Arc 5.
Verdict: Who Should Buy the Lumio Arc 5
The Arc 5 makes the most sense for users who value portability and want a cinematic experience in dark or dimly lit spaces. Families who host evening movie nights, students who live in compact rooms, and casual streamers will enjoy it. Users who expect bright daylight performance or powerful audio should consider pairing it with curtains and a soundbar, or explore higher-end projectors.
Final Word
The Lumio Arc 5 strikes a balance between price, performance, and convenience. It does not claim to compete with premium projectors or OLED televisions. Instead, it provides a 100-inch smart viewing experience for under ₹20,000, with minimal setup and maximum portability. For many households, that trade-off makes the Arc 5 a practical and enjoyable choice.
Also Read – Realme P4 Pro 5G Review: Big Battery, Bold Display
