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Nexus 4 Slimport HDMI Adapter Review: $30 Micro USB to HDMi Cable

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The $30 Slimport HDMI adapter connects the Micro USB port on the Nexus 4, turning it into a HDMI connection to hook up to a HDTV or projector.

The Nexus 4 is one of the first phones to support Slimport HDMI, a standard that allows output of audio and video, even 3D, over a Micro USB port to HDMI. By combining this ability with a Micro USB port, we get a cleaner Nexus 4 design without giving up functionality.

The adapter includes a Micro USB port that allows users to charge the Nexus 4 while using the adapter to stream video, so it won’t die during a movie or slideshow.

Nexus 4 Slimport HDMI Adapter Review - 5

THe $30 Slimport to HDMI adapter for the Nexus 4.

The Slimport SP1002 from Analogix is $30 at Amazon. It is the first of several adapters including a Micro USB to VGA Slimport adapter and a HDMI/VGA combo adapter.

Nexus 4 Slimport HDMI Adapter Review Video

The video below shows the Slimport HDMI adapter connected to the Nexus 4 and a projector, displaying the Nexus 4’s screen on a large wall while running The Dark Knight Rises.

Using the Nexus 4 Slimport HDMI Adapter

Unlike the Miracast option to wirelessly stream the Nexus 4’s display to a compatible HDTV, there’s no setup or troubleshooting needed to start showing the Nexus 4 on a HDTV.

After plugging in the adapter and a HDMI cable, the Nexus 4 home screen appears on the HDTV or projector.

Nexus 4 Slimport HDMI Adapter Review - 8

Nexus 4 connected to projector with Slimport HDMI adapter.

From here it’s easy to play a game, share photos or video or show a document to a group. Because the Nexus 4 outputs to HDMI it is compatible with most displays so it’s useful in a boardroom, classroom or hotel room while traveling.

The picture quality is very good, and there is no lag while playing a game on the larger screen or watching video. Sound travels by HDMI as well, so there are no other cables or accessories needed. The Slimport SP1002 supports 3D content, but we did not have access to a TV with this capability to review it.

The Nexus 4’s 1280 x 768 display is scaled to 1080P while using this adapter.

WHile it is possible to charge the phone while using this adapter, there is no need for a separate power source.

The Nexus 4 Slimport adapter offers a good value for Nexus 4 owners who want to connect their new phone to a HDTV or projector for work or fun.

8 Comments

8 Comments

  1. William Ranger

    12/11/2012 at 6:49 pm

    Wow, just what the world needs – yet another standard. 200Mu MHL phones out there, but Google/LG have to come up with some new custom interface to get me to buy yet another adapter. Guess they’re taking queues from Apple. Let’s all make money on connectors!

    • ronbot (@ronnbot)

      01/09/2013 at 4:02 pm

      Slimport wasn’t developed by Google/LG. Neither Google nor LG makes the adapter, so it’s not like they’re doing it to make $30 more of off you. Also, the Nexus 4 has a standard 5-pin micro USB port and the adapter itself should be usable on other devices with micro USB/Slimport. Well, maybe the Nexus 4 should have a HDMI port as well, but it would have to be the micro one. Which means, a different cable or another adapter.

      Your complaints are unjustified.

  2. John

    12/16/2012 at 1:52 am

    Slim port allows charging while its plugged in was a big reason to go in this direction it will also allow several different outputs vs just using the MHL hdmi ports on phones currently… It will allow a standard for an output that can do both audio and video in a better manner than MHL was doing and also could allow for better accessories taking advantage of how slimport can act. Time will tell and all and i’m sure that it isn’t nearly as bad as you think believe me. Slim Port also allows mirroring which a lot of MHL devices cannot do without further things.

  3. quite hating

    02/24/2013 at 10:28 am

    Haters

  4. ryosaeba007

    02/28/2013 at 3:18 am

    Can this do just audio? I want to hook my N4 up to my car’s AUX port so I can play music though it.

  5. Raphael Dingli

    03/04/2013 at 10:29 pm

    Can u use the same slim port for a nexus 7¿

  6. Ken Burkholder

    05/09/2013 at 8:13 pm

    I received my SlimPort today and had to go out and buy another HDMI cable for $20 and use the charging cable to plug into USB on TV for charging so the $30 price tag is a little steep. I also purchased a cable for android devices that was all in one for $10. Unfortunately neither cable works on my Nexus 7 tablet.

    • raphael.

      05/10/2013 at 1:36 am

      Pity no one has a solution for the nexus seven. I guess that if u can get movies on the nexus 4 .it s worth the money.still searching for solution.

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