The Facebook Portal Plus 2021, while offering some compelling features for video calls, presented a mixed bag of innovation and ongoing privacy concerns, making it a niche device rather than a universal must-have. For those deeply embedded in the Meta ecosystem or seeking a dedicated video calling device for family, its Smart Camera and Smart Sound features offered a seamless, high-quality communication experience. However, its primary function as a video calling appliance meant it lacked the versatility of a traditional smart display, and the lingering shadow of Facebook’s data practices often gave potential users pause. Ultimately, the 2021 Portal Plus was a well-executed device for its intended purpose, but its appeal was limited by its specialization and the company behind it.

Here’s a comparison of similar video communication and smart display devices that offer different approaches to connectivity and home integration:

Amazon Echo Show 10 3rd Gen
- Key Features: 10.1-inch HD screen, motorized base for screen rotation, Alexa voice assistant, built-in camera for video calls and home monitoring, Zigbee smart home hub.
- Average Price: $249.99
- Pros: Screen rotates to keep you in frame, excellent smart home control, robust Alexa ecosystem, good sound quality.
- Cons: Motorized base can be noisy, takes up more space, privacy concerns with constant rotation.
Google Nest Hub Max
- Key Features: 10-inch HD screen, Google Assistant, built-in camera for video calls and home monitoring Nest Cam integration, stereo speakers, gesture control.
- Average Price: $229.00
- Pros: Deep Google services integration YouTube, Photos, Maps, good sound, useful home monitoring features, face match recognition.
- Cons: No motorized screen, some users prefer Alexa, limited app ecosystem compared to tablets.
Apple iPad 9th Gen
- Key Features: 10.2-inch Retina display, A13 Bionic chip, Center Stage camera feature, FaceTime, access to millions of apps, portable.
- Average Price: $329.00
- Pros: Extremely versatile tablet, video calls, entertainment, productivity, vast app ecosystem, excellent camera with Center Stage, strong privacy reputation compared to dedicated smart displays.
- Cons: More expensive than dedicated smart displays, requires a stand for optimal video calling, not designed as a stationary home hub.
Lenovo Smart Display 10
- Key Features: 10.1-inch HD screen, Google Assistant, built-in camera for video calls, bamboo accent design.
- Average Price: $199.00
- Pros: Aesthetic design, good sound quality, solid Google Assistant integration, competitive price.
- Cons: No motorized screen, camera quality can be inconsistent, software updates sometimes lag.
Jabra Speak 750
- Key Features: Portable speakerphone, full duplex audio, Microsoft Teams/Zoom certified, USB and Bluetooth connectivity.
- Pros: Exceptional audio clarity for calls, portable, easy setup, great for small conference rooms or home offices.
- Cons: No screen or camera requires a separate display/computer, primarily an audio device, high price for a speakerphone.
Logitech Brio 4K Webcam
- Key Features: 4K Ultra HD video, HDR, RightLight 3, 5x digital zoom, adjustable field of view, built-in microphones.
- Average Price: $199.99
- Pros: Superior video quality for professional calls, broad compatibility with computers and conferencing software, excellent low-light performance.
- Cons: Requires a computer/laptop, no built-in screen or smart features, primarily a camera accessory.
Facebook Portal Go
- Key Features: Portable 10-inch HD screen, Smart Camera and Smart Sound, built-in battery, designed for moving around the home.
- Pros: Portability is a huge advantage, excellent video call quality, similar Portal features to the Plus model, good for flexible spaces.
- Cons: Smaller screen than the Portal Plus, battery life is good but not infinite, still tied to Facebook’s ecosystem.

Table of Contents

The Genesis and Evolution of Facebook Portal Plus

The Facebook Portal line was born from a simple premise: to make video calling feel more natural and less like a chore.

Facebook’s answer was a dedicated device designed to keep you in frame and connected to your loved ones effortlessly.

The original Portal and Portal Plus models launched in 2018, aiming to carve out a niche in the smart display market dominated by Amazon and Google.

The 2021 iteration of the Portal Plus didn’t represent a radical redesign but rather a refinement of the core experience. Facebook now Meta focused on bolstering its signature features – the Smart Camera and Smart Sound – while also integrating more deeply with its own applications and popular third-party services. The goal was clear: to offer a superior video calling experience that transcended the limitations of other devices, particularly for those with friends and family heavily using Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp. However, this dedication to a primary function also defined its limitations, setting it apart from more general-purpose smart displays. The evolution was less about breaking new ground and more about solidifying its position as the dedicated video calling device.

Design and Build Quality: A Closer Look at the 2021 Model

The Facebook Portal Plus 2021 maintained a design philosophy that prioritized function and a relatively premium aesthetic for a smart display. Unlike the rotating base of the Echo Show 10, the Portal Plus opted for a static, easel-like design with a large, high-resolution screen prominently featured.

Screen Size and Resolution: The 14-inch 1080p Full HD display was one of its standout features, offering ample screen real estate for video calls and displaying photos. The larger size made group calls feel more immersive.
Aesthetics: The device typically came in neutral tones, often with a fabric-covered speaker base that helped it blend into various home décors. The overall look was less intrusive than some bulkier smart displays.
Physical Controls: It included physical buttons for volume, microphone mute, and a camera shutter for immediate privacy. This physical camera cover was a crucial design element, directly addressing user privacy concerns.
Footprint: While the screen was large, the base was relatively compact, allowing it to sit comfortably on a kitchen counter, desk, or bedside table without demanding excessive space. Its stability was also a key consideration, ensuring it wouldn’t easily tip over during active use.

Smart Camera and Smart Sound: The Core Innovations

The true differentiator for the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 was its sophisticated Smart Camera and Smart Sound technology. These weren’t just buzzwords. they were the algorithmic backbone that powered its acclaimed video calling experience.

Smart Camera Tracking:
- How it Works: The wide-angle camera typically 12.5MP with a 140-degree field of view and AI-powered software allowed the camera to automatically pan and zoom to keep participants in frame. If someone moved around the room, the camera would follow them. If more people entered the frame, it would intelligently widen its view.
- Benefits: This hands-free experience was revolutionary for video calls, freeing users from constantly adjusting their position or worrying about being out of shot. It made conversations feel more natural, almost as if a dedicated cameraperson was present. This was particularly beneficial for families with young children who tend to move a lot during calls.
- Limitations: While impressive, rapid, unpredictable movements could sometimes confuse the camera. Also, it was primarily designed for a single room, not for tracking someone across an entire house.
Smart Sound Technology:
- Echo Cancellation and Noise Reduction: The Portal Plus employed a multi-microphone array and advanced algorithms to actively suppress background noise, from barking dogs to dishwashers. This ensured that only the speaker’s voice was clearly audible on the other end.
- Beamforming: The microphones could “listen” more intently to the person speaking, further isolating their voice from ambient sounds and other conversations happening simultaneously in the room.
- Volume Normalization: It automatically adjusted the volume of incoming audio, ensuring a consistent listening experience regardless of how loud or quiet the person on the other end was.
- Impact: The combined effect was significantly clearer audio during calls, reducing listener fatigue and making extended conversations much more pleasant. It truly elevated the audio half of the video call experience.

User Interface and Software Experience: Beyond Video Calls

While video calling was the Portal Plus’s raison d’être, Meta tried to make it a more versatile home device by integrating various apps and functionalities. Qualcomm Qc710 Developer Kit Review

The user interface was designed to be intuitive, catering to a broad audience, including those less tech-savvy.

Home Screen and Navigation: The main screen typically displayed a personalized photo slideshow when not in use, along with time and weather information. Navigation was primarily touch-based, with large, easy-to-tap icons for core functions like calling, apps, and settings. Swiping gestures were also incorporated for quick access to contacts or recent calls.
Voice Control: While not as comprehensive as a dedicated smart assistant like Alexa or Google Assistant, the Portal Plus supported voice commands for initiating calls “Hey Portal, call Mom”, controlling media playback, and performing basic queries. This added a hands-free dimension to its usability.
App Ecosystem:
- Native Apps: Deep integration with Facebook Messenger and WhatsApp was paramount, allowing seamless calls to contacts on these platforms. Zoom was also a key addition, significantly expanding its utility for professional or larger group video conferences.
- Entertainment Apps: Basic entertainment options included Netflix, Spotify, and Pandora, allowing the Portal to double as a media consumption device. However, the app selection was significantly smaller than what you’d find on a tablet or a general-purpose smart display, and some popular streaming services might have been absent.
- Story Time and AR Effects: “Story Time” allowed users to read interactive stories to children over video calls, complete with AR masks and effects for both the reader and listener. This was a unique and engaging feature for families. “AR Effects” Augmented Reality also added fun filters and backgrounds to regular calls, similar to what’s found on social media platforms.
Integration with Other Services: The Portal could integrate with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to leverage Alexa’s full capabilities for smart home control, queries, and routines. This was a smart move by Meta to provide users with a familiar and robust voice assistant experience, rather than trying to build its own from scratch.
Privacy Controls: A critical aspect of the software experience was the emphasis on privacy controls. The physical camera shutter and microphone mute button were complemented by on-screen indicators and settings to manage data collection and usage. Users could review and delete voice interactions, and adjust settings related to camera and microphone access.

Privacy and Security Considerations: The Elephant in the Room

For many potential buyers, the biggest hurdle for the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 wasn’t its features or price, but the company behind it.

Facebook’s now Meta’s history with data privacy and security cast a long shadow over the device.

Facebook’s Reputation: The primary concern stemmed from Facebook’s past controversies regarding data handling, user privacy, and targeted advertising. Consumers naturally questioned how a device with a camera and microphone, directly linked to their Facebook/WhatsApp accounts, would manage their personal information.
Data Collection and Usage:
- Meta stated that Portal video calls were encrypted and that the content of calls was not listened to, viewed, or stored.
- However, voice interactions with “Hey Portal” commands similar to “Hey Alexa” or “Hey Google” were processed on Meta’s servers. While Meta claimed these were used to improve its services and could be reviewed and deleted by the user, this still raised red flags for privacy-conscious individuals.
- Device usage data e.g., how often certain apps are used, technical performance was also collected, which is standard for most smart devices but was scrutinized more heavily due to Facebook’s history.
Physical Privacy Controls: Meta made a concerted effort to address these concerns by including prominent physical privacy features:
- Integrated Camera Cover: A sliding physical shutter that completely blocked the camera lens. This offered a tangible sense of security, reassuring users that their camera was off when they wanted it to be.
- Microphone Mute Button: A physical button to electronically disconnect the microphones. An indicator light would show when the microphone was muted.
Transparency and User Control: Meta provided various privacy settings within the Portal’s interface and through the Portal app on smartphones. Users could:
- Disable “Hey Portal” voice commands.
- Review and delete past voice interactions.
- Manage permissions for third-party apps accessing the camera and microphone.
- Adjust settings related to how their data was used for personalized ads, though the extent of this control was often a point of contention for privacy advocates.

Performance and Everyday Use: What to Expect

The Facebook Portal Plus 2021 was designed for a specific purpose, and its performance largely revolved around excelling at that core function: video communication.

Video Call Quality: This was undeniably its strongest suit.
- Clarity: The 14-inch 1080p screen provided sharp and clear video, making faces easily discernible.
- Smoothness: Thanks to robust internal hardware, video streams were generally smooth with minimal lag, assuming a stable internet connection.
- Adaptive Bandwidth: The device was designed to adapt to varying internet speeds, attempting to maintain call quality even when bandwidth was less than ideal, though significant drops would still impact performance.
Audio Quality for Calls: As discussed, the Smart Sound technology worked wonders. Voices were clear, and background noise was effectively suppressed, leading to high-quality bidirectional audio. This was crucial for reducing fatigue during long calls.
Speaker Performance Podcast/Media: While good for calls, the speakers were decent but not exceptional for podcast playback. They offered clear audio but lacked the deep bass and rich soundstage of dedicated smart speakers like the Echo Studio or Google Home Max. They were perfectly adequate for background podcast or casual listening, but not for audiophiles.
Responsiveness: The touch interface was generally responsive, and apps loaded reasonably quickly. Voice commands, especially for “Hey Portal,” were recognized accurately and promptly.
Integration with Smart Home: The Portal Plus’s integration with Amazon Alexa allowed it to function as a smart home hub for Alexa-compatible devices. Users could issue commands to control lights, thermostats, and other connected gadgets, view security camera feeds if compatible, and manage routines. This added a layer of utility beyond video calls.
Ease of Setup: Setting up the Portal Plus was relatively straightforward, involving connecting to Wi-Fi and logging into Facebook/WhatsApp accounts. The on-screen prompts were clear and guided users through the process.
Overall User Experience: For its primary purpose of video calling, the experience was fluid and intuitive. For other tasks like watching Netflix or checking the weather, it functioned adequately. However, its closed ecosystem meant it couldn’t replace a tablet for broader app access or a dedicated smart speaker for premium audio. The overall experience was tailored to its niche, and it delivered on that front.

Comparing Portal Plus to Competitors in 2021

In 2021, the smart display market was fiercely competitive, with devices from Amazon, Google, and even Apple via iPad with Center Stage vying for consumer attention.

The Facebook Portal Plus 2021 carved out its niche, but it faced stiff competition.

Facebook Portal Plus vs. Amazon Echo Show 10 3rd Gen:
- Screen Size: Portal Plus 14-inch had a larger screen than Echo Show 10 10.1-inch, offering a more immersive video call.
- Camera Tracking: Both offered excellent automatic camera tracking. The Echo Show 10’s motorized base physically rotated, which some found more effective for keeping them in frame, while the Portal Plus used digital pan/zoom.
- Video Calling Platforms: Portal Plus had native support for Messenger, WhatsApp, and Zoom. Echo Show 10 primarily used Alexa Calling, Zoom, and Skype. The Portal often felt more integrated for Meta’s ecosystem.
- Smart Assistant: Echo Show had a fully integrated Alexa, while Portal Plus integrated with Alexa, meaning you could use Alexa commands, but the primary interface was still Portal’s own.
- Privacy: Both faced privacy scrutiny. Echo Show’s rotating camera was a point of concern for some, while Portal Plus faced general apprehension due to Facebook’s history. Both offered physical camera shutters.
- Smart Home: Echo Show 10 excelled as a smart home hub with its built-in Zigbee hub. Portal Plus relied on Alexa integration for smart home control.
Facebook Portal Plus vs. Google Nest Hub Max:
- Screen Size: Portal Plus 14-inch vs. Nest Hub Max 10-inch.
- Camera Tracking: Nest Hub Max had a wide-angle camera with digital pan/zoom, but not the physical rotation of the Echo Show or the same level of digital tracking as Portal’s Smart Camera.
- Video Calling Platforms: Nest Hub Max primarily used Google Duo and Zoom.
- Smart Assistant: Nest Hub Max had Google Assistant, offering deep integration with Google services YouTube, Photos, Maps. Portal Plus used Alexa integration.
- Home Monitoring: Nest Hub Max doubled as a Nest Cam, offering more robust home monitoring capabilities. Portal Plus had no such dedicated feature.
- Ecosystem: Nest Hub Max was deeply embedded in the Google ecosystem, while Portal Plus was tailored for Meta’s services.
Facebook Portal Plus vs. Apple iPad 9th Gen with Center Stage:
- Purpose: Portal Plus was a dedicated video calling device. iPad was a versatile tablet that could do video calls.
- Portability: iPad was highly portable. Portal Plus was designed to be stationary.
- App Ecosystem: iPad had an enormous app ecosystem, making it far more versatile for productivity, entertainment, and creativity. Portal’s app selection was limited.
- Camera Tracking: Both offered intelligent camera tracking Center Stage on iPad, which was a significant feature for both.
- Price: An iPad was generally more expensive than a Portal Plus, but offered significantly more functionality.
- Privacy: Apple generally had a stronger public reputation for privacy compared to Meta.

In summary, the Portal Plus 2021 held its own for dedicated video calling, especially for users heavily invested in Messenger and WhatsApp. Hp Chromebase All In One 22 Review

However, for broader smart home control, a wider app selection, or a more versatile tablet experience, competitors often provided better value depending on the user’s priorities and existing ecosystem.

Future Outlook and Legacy of the Portal Line

By 2021, the writing was on the wall for the Portal line as a broad consumer product.

While the devices offered excellent video calling, they struggled to find a mass market beyond a niche of users prioritizing seamless communication with specific Meta platforms.

The ongoing privacy concerns, coupled with the rising capabilities of competitors’ smart displays and tablets especially the advent of Center Stage on iPads, diminished Portal’s unique selling proposition.

Rebranding to Meta Portal: After Facebook’s rebranding to Meta, the Portal line also shifted to “Meta Portal,” aligning with the company’s metaverse vision. This hinted at a future where Portal devices might serve as entry points or companions to metaverse experiences, rather than just video calling hubs.
Focus Shift: Meta’s strategic shift towards the metaverse and VR with Oculus/Meta Quest meant that dedicated consumer hardware like Portal began to receive less emphasis. The company’s investments and attention naturally gravitated towards its more ambitious metaverse projects.
Discontinuation of Consumer Models: Ultimately, in June 2022, Meta confirmed it would wind down the consumer versions of its Portal devices and pivot the Portal brand towards business use cases. This was a significant acknowledgment that the consumer market for dedicated video call devices wasn’t as robust as initially hoped, especially when pitted against multi-functional smart displays and tablets.
Legacy:
- Innovation in Video Calling: The Portal Plus and its siblings undeniably pushed the boundaries of what a smart display could do for video communication. The Smart Camera and Smart Sound technologies set a high bar for automatic framing and audio clarity that competitors subsequently had to match or exceed.
- Pioneering Smart Camera: Features like automatic panning and zooming to keep users in frame became a benchmark. Apple’s Center Stage, for instance, arguably owes some of its inspiration to the Portal’s early innovations in this area.
- A Niche Success: For the families and friends who did adopt it, the Portal Plus genuinely enhanced their video calling experience, making long-distance communication feel more personal and effortless. It successfully served its intended niche, even if that niche wasn’t large enough to sustain the product line in the long term.
- A Lesson in Trust: The Portal’s journey also served as a stark reminder of the importance of consumer trust, especially for devices equipped with cameras and microphones. Even with robust privacy features, a company’s past reputation can heavily influence adoption rates.

Its legacy is one of technical achievement within a constrained market, ultimately paving the way for its pivot away from the general consumer.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Facebook Portal Plus 2021?

The Facebook Portal Plus 2021 was a dedicated smart display designed by Meta formerly Facebook primarily for enhanced video calling, featuring a large screen, AI-powered Smart Camera for automatic framing, and Smart Sound for clear audio.

What are the key features of the Facebook Portal Plus 2021?

Key features included a 14-inch Full HD screen, 12.5MP Smart Camera with automatic pan/zoom, Smart Sound technology for noise cancellation and voice enhancement, integration with Messenger and WhatsApp for calls, and support for Zoom and Amazon Alexa.

Does the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 have a camera shutter for privacy?

Yes, the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 included a physical camera shutter that allowed users to completely block the camera lens for privacy.

Can I make calls on Zoom with the Facebook Portal Plus 2021?

Yes, the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 supported Zoom, allowing users to join or host Zoom meetings directly from the device. Amazon Echo Show 15 Review

Is the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 still available for purchase?

No, Meta announced in June 2022 that it would wind down the consumer versions of its Portal devices, including the Portal Plus, shifting the brand’s focus to business use cases.

What is the difference between Facebook Portal Plus and Facebook Portal Go?

The Portal Plus was a larger, stationary device with a 14-inch screen, while the Portal Go was a more compact, portable device with a 10-inch screen and a built-in battery, designed for moving around the home.

How does the Smart Camera work on the Portal Plus?

The Smart Camera uses AI and a wide-angle lens to automatically pan and zoom to keep everyone in the frame during video calls, adjusting as people move or enter/leave the view.

Can the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 be used as a general smart display?

Yes, it could function as a general smart display, showing photos, weather, and basic information, and integrating with Amazon Alexa for smart home control and general queries, though its app ecosystem was limited compared to tablets.

What voice assistant does the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 use?

The Facebook Portal Plus 2021 integrated with Amazon Alexa, allowing users to issue voice commands for various tasks, along with its own “Hey Portal” voice commands for specific Portal functions.

Can I watch Netflix on the Facebook Portal Plus 2021?

Yes, the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 supported popular streaming apps like Netflix and Spotify, allowing users to watch content on its large screen.

Does the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 require a Facebook account?

Yes, to utilize its core video calling features and integrate with Messenger and WhatsApp, a Facebook account was required.

What was the original price of the Facebook Portal Plus 2021?

The original retail price for the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 was typically around $349.

How was the audio quality for podcast playback on the Portal Plus?

The audio quality for podcast playback was decent for casual listening, but not on par with dedicated high-end smart speakers, lacking deeper bass and a richer soundstage.

Does the Portal Plus 2021 support WhatsApp calls?

Yes, it had deep integration with WhatsApp, allowing users to make and receive WhatsApp video and audio calls. Beelink Gk Mini Review

Can I use the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 for home security monitoring?

No, unlike some competitors like the Google Nest Hub Max which can double as a security camera, the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 was not designed for dedicated home security monitoring.

What operating system did the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 run on?

The Facebook Portal Plus ran on a customized Android Open Source Project AOSP operating system.

Was the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 portable?

No, the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 was designed as a stationary device and did not have a built-in battery for portability. the Portal Go was the portable model.

How did the Portal Plus 2021 handle privacy concerns?

Meta addressed privacy concerns with a physical camera shutter, a microphone mute button, on-screen privacy indicators, and user controls for reviewing and deleting voice interactions.

Can I connect Bluetooth devices to the Facebook Portal Plus 2021?

Yes, the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 supported Bluetooth, allowing users to connect external speakers or headphones.

What is Story Time on Facebook Portal Plus?

Story Time was a feature on the Portal Plus that allowed users to read interactive stories to children over video calls, complete with augmented reality masks and effects.

Did the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 have a web browser?

No, the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 did not include a full-fledged web browser.

Its functionalities were limited to its native apps and integrations.

Can I make regular phone calls from the Portal Plus 2021?

No, the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 was designed for internet-based video and audio calls via Messenger, WhatsApp, and Zoom, not traditional landline or mobile phone calls.

What kind of display did the Portal Plus 2021 have?

The Portal Plus 2021 featured a 14-inch Full HD 1080p touchscreen display. Aaxa 4K1 Ultra Hd Review

Was the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 good for older adults?

Yes, its large screen, simple interface, and hands-free video calling features often made it a popular choice for older adults to connect with family.

How did the Smart Sound feature improve calls?

Smart Sound utilized multiple microphones and AI to reduce background noise and enhance voices, making conversations clearer and easier to hear on both ends of the call.

Can I display photos on the Facebook Portal Plus 2021?

Yes, the Portal Plus could display photos from Facebook, Instagram, or uploaded via the Portal app, functioning as a digital photo frame when not in use.

Did the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 receive software updates?

Yes, like most smart devices, the Facebook Portal Plus 2021 received software updates to add new features, improve performance, and address security concerns.

What alternatives were there to the Facebook Portal Plus 2021?

Alternatives included the Amazon Echo Show 10, Google Nest Hub Max, and Apple iPad with Center Stage, each offering different mixes of smart display, video calling, and app functionality.

Why did Meta discontinue the consumer Portal devices?

Meta discontinued consumer Portal devices to focus on its metaverse and VR ventures Meta Quest, and to pivot the Portal brand towards business communication solutions.

What is the legacy of the Facebook Portal Plus 2021?

Its legacy lies in pioneering advanced AI-powered camera tracking and audio enhancement for video calls on a dedicated device, setting a high bar for competitors even as the consumer line was discontinued.

Facebook Portal Plus 2021 Review