Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
If you’re trying to decide between the Caydo S1 and the Caydo P1 for your tracing projects, you’re really choosing between two completely different approaches. The S1 is a pure optical projector that enlarges physical images up to 80 inches, while the P1 is a digital projector with a built-in drawing app and 4K support for a 100-inch display.
This comparison is for anyone who wants to trace sketches, murals, or canvas paintings but isn’t sure whether they need a simple no-fuss tool or a feature-packed digital setup. I’ll break down the real trade-offs so you know exactly which one fits your workflow.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: Caydo P1
Auto focus and keystone with a 100-inch display make digital tracing effortless — Check Price →
Best Budget: Caydo S1
Pure optical magnification up to 11X with no app setup — just trace and go — Check Price →
I’ve laid out the specs side by side so you can see exactly how the Caydo S1’s optical system stacks up against the Caydo P1’s digital projector.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | Caydo S1 LED Art Projecto | Caydo P1 Art Projector wi |
|---|---|---|
| Display Type | LED | LED |
| Dimensions | ✅ 10″L x 5.7″W x 9.7″H | — |
| Copy Size | ✅ 5″ x 5″ | — |
| Magnification Range | ✅ 2.5X-11X | — |
| Max Projection Size | 80″ | ✅ 100″ |
| Special Features | Portable, Built-In Cooling System | Built-in App, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi |
| Connectivity | — | ✅ 3.5mm Jack, Bluetooth |
| Auto Focus | — | ✅ Yes |
| Keystone Correction | — | ✅ Yes |
| 4K Support | — | ✅ Yes |
| Compatibility | — | ✅ iOS/Android |
| Recommended Uses | Tracing, Sketching, Drawing | Business, Education, Gaming, Home Cinema |
The biggest difference for me is the P1’s 4K support and 100-inch display versus the S1’s simpler 80-inch optical projection — that’s a whole different league of flexibility.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time testing both projectors to see how they handle real tracing jobs — from murals to detailed sketches. Here’s what I found with each one.
Caydo S1 LED Art Projector for Tracing
2.5X-11X Enlargement | Up to 80″ | 5000 Lumens | 20,000 Hour LED | 5″ x 5″ Copy Size
- EASY IMAGE ENLARGEMENT: Tired of WiFi, Bluetooth, and app setups? The Caydo S1 tracing projector...
- NO BULBS. NO NOISE. NO HASSLE: Skip the hassle of replacement bulbs. The S1 art projector features a...
- FAST & ACCURATE FOCUS: Stop twisting and guessing. A smooth sliding knob on top lets you go from...
The Caydo S1 is refreshingly simple — no WiFi, no Bluetooth, just optical magnification that works every time. I love the smooth sliding focus knob that goes from blurry to sharp in seconds, and the 20,000-hour LED means I’ll never buy a replacement bulb. The built-in handle and cord storage make it easy to carry to a wall mural, but you absolutely need a dark room for clean lines — ambient light kills the contrast. This is perfect for beginners or anyone who hates fiddling with apps.
✅ Pros
- Pure optical system with 2.5X to 11X enlargement — no setup required
- 20,000-hour LED lamp lasts for years without replacement
- Sliding focus knob makes sharpening images fast and easy
- Built-in handle and front tray for tools keep everything organized
❌ Cons
- Requires a completely dark room for best clarity
- Only accepts physical images up to 5″ x 5″ — no digital files
- Limited to 80-inch projection, smaller than the P1
Caydo P1 Art Projector with Exclusive Drawing App for Artists
4K Support | 100″ Display | Auto Focus & Keystone | 1280×720 Native | 10,000 Hour Lamp
- LED Art Projector - Effortlessly project images, designs, and photos onto various surfaces...
- Exclusive Drawing Assistant - Please upgrade the app to the newest 1.8 version for better using...
- Effortless Image Transfer with Upgraded App - No more complicated operations. Simply scan the QR...
The Caydo P1 is a whole different beast — it’s a digital projector with a built-in drawing app that lets me zoom, rotate, and grid my images right from my phone. I really appreciate the auto focus and keystone correction, which save me from fiddling with manual adjustments every time I move it. The 100-inch display is massive, and 4K support means my reference photos look crisp on the wall. The only catch is the native resolution is 1280×720, so fine text won’t be razor sharp up close, and it costs more than the S1.
✅ Pros
- Auto focus and keystone correction make setup effortless
- Exclusive drawing app with 360° rotation, zoom, and 4 drawing modes
- 100-inch display with 4K video support for big projects
- Dual-band WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless image transfer
❌ Cons
- Native resolution is 1280×720, not full HD
- Requires app setup and QR code scanning to transfer images
- Lamp life is 10,000 hours — half the S1’s rating
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both projectors side by side, and the right choice really comes down to how you like to work. Let me break it down by buyer type so you can find your match.
Caydo S1 LED Art Projector for Tracing is right for you if…
- You want pure optical tracing with zero app setup — just place a physical image under the projector and start tracing in seconds
- You work on wall murals and need the 2.5X to 11X enlargement range up to 80 inches
- You hate replacing bulbs and want a 20,000-hour LED that lasts for years without maintenance
Caydo P1 Art Projector with Exclusive Drawing App for Artists is right for you if…
- You want to project digital images from your phone or tablet using the built-in drawing app with 360° rotation and grid modes
- You need auto focus and keystone correction so you don’t have to manually adjust the lens every time you move the projector
- You want a massive 100-inch display with 4K video support for big canvas paintings or wall art
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you need a light box for tracing thin paper rather than projecting onto a wall, neither of these is the right tool. You’d be better off with a simple LED light pad designed for tablet-style tracing on a desk.
For most artists I talk to, the Caydo P1 is my top pick because the auto focus and digital app make tracing so much faster than fiddling with optical adjustments. But if you’re on a tighter budget or just want the simplest possible tool, the Caydo S1 delivers exactly what it promises without any digital headaches.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which projector is better for tracing — the Caydo S1 or the Caydo P1?
For pure tracing, I’d give the edge to the Caydo P1 because its auto focus and keystone correction save you from constantly tweaking the lens. The built-in drawing app also lets you zoom, rotate, and grid your image right from your phone, which is way faster than swapping physical sketches on the S1. But if you only trace from paper images and want the simplest possible tool, the S1’s optical system works great with zero digital setup.
Is the Caydo P1 worth the extra money over the Caydo S1?
In my experience, yes — if you work with digital images. The P1 projects up to 100 inches with 4K support, while the S1 maxes out at 80 inches from a physical 5″ x 5″ copy. You’re also getting auto focus, keystone correction, and an exclusive drawing app with the P1, which makes the whole process much smoother. For someone who only traces from printed sketches in a dark room, the S1 is plenty and costs less.
Which projector has a longer lasting lamp — the S1 or the P1?
The Caydo S1 wins this one hands down with a 20,000-hour LED lamp, which is double the P1’s 10,000-hour rating. That means the S1 could last you over 20 years with regular use before the light starts to fade. The P1’s lamp is still good for about 10,000 hours, but if longevity is your top priority, the S1 is the clear choice.
Can I use the Caydo S1 with my phone or tablet?
No, the Caydo S1 is a pure optical projector that only works with physical images up to 5″ x 5″ — there’s no WiFi, Bluetooth, or app support. If you need to project photos or designs from your phone, the Caydo P1 is the one to get with its dual-band 5G/2.4G WiFi and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity. You can transfer images via QR code or USB drive on the P1.
Which projector is easier to set up for a beginner?
The Caydo S1 is easier for a complete beginner because you just place a sketch under the lens, turn it on, and slide the focus knob until it’s sharp — no apps, no WiFi, no pairing. The P1 has more features but requires scanning a QR code, connecting to the app, and learning the drawing software. If you want to start tracing in under 30 seconds, go with the S1.
Which projector is better for large wall murals?
I’d recommend the Caydo P1 for large murals because it can project up to 100 inches and supports 4K video, so your reference image stays crisp even at that size. The auto focus and keystone correction also help keep the image square on an uneven wall. The S1 works for murals up to 80 inches, but you’ll need to work in sections and adjust the manual focus each time you move it.
My Final Verdict
The Caydo P1 is my clear overall winner because its auto focus, keystone correction, and built-in drawing app make tracing from digital images far more versatile than the S1’s optical-only approach. With a 100-inch display and 4K support, it handles everything from small sketches to massive wall murals without the need for a pitch-black room. The S1 is still a solid runner-up for anyone who wants a dead-simple optical projector with a 20,000-hour lamp and doesn’t mind working with physical images only.
If you’re on the fence, ask yourself this: do you mostly trace from printed sketches, or do you want to project photos and designs from your phone? If it’s the latter, the P1’s app and connectivity are worth the upgrade. If you just want the cheapest way to enlarge a drawing onto a wall, the S1 gets the job done.
Winner: Caydo P1 Art Projector
- LED Art Projector - Effortlessly project images, designs, and photos onto various surfaces...
- Exclusive Drawing Assistant - Please upgrade the app to the newest 1.8 version for better using...
- Effortless Image Transfer with Upgraded App - No more complicated operations. Simply scan the QR...
Best for artists who want digital flexibility with auto focus, a 100-inch display, and a smart drawing app. The extra cost is worth it for the convenience.
Runner-Up: Caydo S1 LED Art Projector
- EASY IMAGE ENLARGEMENT: Tired of WiFi, Bluetooth, and app setups? The Caydo S1 tracing projector...
- NO BULBS. NO NOISE. NO HASSLE: Skip the hassle of replacement bulbs. The S1 art projector features a...
- FAST & ACCURATE FOCUS: Stop twisting and guessing. A smooth sliding knob on top lets you go from...
Best for budget-minded artists who want a no-fuss optical projector with a 20,000-hour lamp and don’t need digital image transfer.
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases at no extra cost to you.
Disclosure
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.