Once a projector is installed and set up, it needs to project a high-quality image. After all, what is the point of setting up a projector if it only produces a subpar picture? The image needs to be big and beautiful. Projector manufacturers, like TV manufacturers, are constantly working to improve the image quality of their products.
As technologies advance, consumers want bigger and better images from their devices. XGIMI has a proprietary feature they call X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine technology. XGIMI projectors also have HDR support and 60Hz Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation (MEMC).
X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine Technology boosts the color and clarity of dynamic content.
XGIMI has its patented X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine technology. The X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine technology dramatically boosts the color and clarity of dynamic content. As a result, image quality is smoother and clearer, with more realistic colors for an immersive end-user experience.
XGIMI Projectors have HDR decoding.
HDR did not go mainstream until about 2016 or 2017. However, HDR today is being used almost everywhere to get an image quality upgrade. XGIMI projectors support HDR, which can significantly improve dynamic range and color. HDR lets you see more detail in the shadows and the bright areas and delivers more saturated lifelike colors.
XGIMI projectors are compatible with HDR10, the most commonly used format on UHD Blu-ray discs (4K movies), and most streaming content. In addition, some units like the XGIMI Elfin and Halo+ also support HDR10+, which is based on the more mainstream HDR10. The difference between the two versions is the type of HDR metadata delivered to a video display to help it tone map HDR content. HDR10 material contains static metadata, while HDR10+ content includes dynamic metadata, ensuring more precise tone mapping scene by scene to maximize the display’s brightness capabilities.
60Hz Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation (MEMC) significantly increases the clarity and fidelity of dynamic pictures.
XGIMI combines 60Hz Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation (MEMC), and low latency to solve any potential image flutter or tailing problems that might occur when projecting high dynamic ranges. In addition, XGIMI stated that this technology significantly increases the clarity and fidelity of dynamic pictures through their specialized algorithm. So even in the heat of the action, your movies, sports, and favorite video games will stay clear and well-defined.
SMART FEATURES TO MAXIMIZE ENTERTAINMENT
If the goal is to replace a flat panel TV and bring the benefits of a projected image to a wider audience, the projector needs to be as smart and as easy to operate just like a smart TV. Some projector manufacturers do not have any smart features on their projectors. This means the end-user will need to source a smart streaming device like an Apple TV 4K 2021, Roku Ultra 2020, or Amazon Fire 4K TV stick.
Some projector manufacturers that advertise that their projectors are smart just supply an Android TV (ATV) dongle in the box. However, dongles take up a precious HDMI port and sometimes require a second remote control to be used. Since the common theme of XGIMI projectors is a streamlined setup with ease of use, XGIMI projectors come with Android TV fully built into them. XGIMI started with Android 9, but now their newest devices have Android TV 10. Dynamic partitions, increased privacy, better energy consumption, and better media and graphics are the benefits of Android TV 10 over Android 9.
XGIMI projectors have built-in Android TV, giving users access to 5000+ native apps.
Since XGIMI projectors have an Android TV UI built-in for instant access to your favorite apps and content synced across your devices. Best of all, since Android TV is built-in to the projector, you do not have an Android TV dongle taking up a valuable HDMI port. Consumers can stream TV shows, movies, live sports, news, and play video games directly from the Android TV interface.
Google Assistant is a button press away; it is the only colored button on XGIMI remotes.
Voice control via Google Assistant is an excellent feature. It allows the end-user to use the built-in microphone on XGIMI remotes to control a wide variety of functions using only your voice. Pressing the Google Assistant mic button activates the microphone; it is the only colored button on XGIMI remotes. So, for example, you could use voice control to tell Google Assistant, “play Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone,” “give me the weekly weather forecast,” and “play party music.” Google Assistant replies are conveniently displayed by the projector, usually accompanied by an audible response.
A VARIETY OF PROJECTORS TO FIT ALMOST ANY NEED
XGIMI has a projector for almost every type of consumer.
XGIMI has an impressive lineup of projectors which they break into three categories: Home Projectors, Portable Projectors, and Laser Projectors. The Horizon and Horizon Pro are categorized as Home Projectors. The Halo+, Halo, Elfin, MoGo Pro+, MoGo Pro, and Mogo are categorized as Portable Projectors. XGIMI’s portable projectors and home projectors have a tripod socket on the bottom of the chassis for increased placement versatility. Finally, of course, I cannot forget XGIMI’s laser projector category. The Aura 4K Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projector rounds out XGIMI’s projector lineup. So what projector is right for you? I would like to take this time to spotlight some of XGIMI’s projectors to help you make an educated decision.
XGIMI ELFIN
Are you looking for a sleek, minimalist design or need an ultra-slim portable projector that can slide into a computer bag as easily as your laptop? Then take a look at XGIMI’s Elfin projector. The XGIMI Elfin is a smart all-in-one 1080p Full High Definition (FHD), Digital Light Processing (DLP), portable short-throw projector with a LED light source.
XGIMI Elfin is an ultra-slim portable projector.
XGIMI rates the Elfin’s brightness at 800 ANSI lumens. The LED light source is rated to last up to 30,000 hours. Instead of a vertically orientated chassis, the Elfin features a new and totally redesigned horizontal chassis. Chief Marketing Officer Tex Yang at XGIMI stated, “We are excited to release a versatile projector that addresses the needs of our more mobile and younger users.” Tex added, “The Elfin delivers a fresh style more comparable to the current sleek personal electronics devices on the market and is made to slide in your bag as easily as a laptop.” The Elfin measures 7.5” (W) x 1.96” (H) x 7.5” (D) and weighs just 1.98 pounds. XGIMI rates the Elfin to project images as big as 200-inches. The XGIMI Elfin has a Manufacturer’s Suggested Retail Price (MSRP) of $649.
Elfin has XGIMI’s Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance, Intelligent Screen Alignment, industry-leading Auto Keystone Correction, Auto Focus, X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine, and MEMC. The Elfin also has HDR10+ for dynamic metadata. In addition, XGIMI’s advanced technologies allow XGIMI projectors like the Halo+ to instantly focus and find an optimal screen size while avoiding obstacles like light switches or picture frames.
The Elfin’s ultra-slim portable design makes it easy to bring anywhere like a dormitory, military barracks, family room, backyard, or conference room. I can confirm the Elfin’s portability as I took it out on the road for a real-world review. With the Elfin, all you need is a power outlet and a flat viewing surface for a quick plug-and-play experience. All thanks to onboard Android TV, allowing access to 5000+ apps, screen mirroring, and content syncing across devices. In addition, Elfin’s two built-in 3-watt Harman/Kardon speakers handle all of your audio needs that support DTS and Dolby Audio. Click here to learn more and see the full review of the XGIMI Elfin.
XGIMI HALO+
Looking for the ultimate in portability with a projector equipped with a built-in battery? You might want to look at the battery-powered Halo+. The Halo+ is a smart all-in-one 1080p FHD, DLP, portable projector with a LED light source and a built-in 59-watt battery for the ultimate portability.
When you don’t want to plug in, the XGIMI Halo+ is the way to go with its built-in 59W battery.
When on battery power, the Halo+ is rated at 700 ANSI lumens and 900 ANSI lumens when the Halo+ is plugged into a power source. The LED light source is rated to last up to 30,000 hours. The Halo+ measures 6.75-inches (H) x 4.46-inches (W) x 5.70-inches (D). The Halo+ only weighs 3.53 pounds which makes it great for tossing into a backpack. The Halo+ can project images as big as 200-inches. The XGIMI Halo+ has an MSRP of $849.
The Halo+ has XGIMI’s Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance, Intelligent Screen Alignment, industry-leading Auto Keystone Correction, Auto Focus, X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine, and MEMC. Like the Elfin, the Halo+ also has HDR10+ for dynamic metadata.
The Halo+ built-in battery is rated to last up to two hours. During my testing, I was able to get 2 hours and 18 minutes’ worth of battery-powered video playback time. The Halo+ is genuinely an all-in-one portable projector, perfect for cable cutters since the Halo+ does not need a power source to plug into, does not need an external streaming device, and does not need an external sound device to bring the end-user endless entertainment. The Halo+ supports DTS and Dolby Audio. The projector’s dual 5-watt built-in Harman/Kardon speakers emit clean, distortion-free Hi-Fi sound with sufficient bass response. I have also tested Halo+’s fast-boot feature. It boots up and achieves the perfect image in about 10 seconds; simply point and play for ideal viewing from almost anywhere in a room or the outdoors. To see our full review of the XGIMI Halo+, click here.
XGIMI HORIZON PRO
Perhaps you are looking for the most versatile and most straightforward to use true 4K home projector from XGIMI. In that case, the Horizon Pro has you covered. The Horizon Pro is a smart all-in-one 4K Ultra High Definition (UHD), DLP compact LED light source projector.
The Horizon Pro is the most versatile and easiest to use true 4K home projector from XGIMI.
Its LED light source is rated to deliver at 2200 ANSI lumens for up to 25,000 hours, giving you many years of maintenance-free operation. Horizon Pro’s compact design means you can bring anywhere you have a power outlet and a flat viewing surface for a quick plug-and-play experience. A tripod mount is located under the projector to make placement even more effortless. The Horizon Pro measures 8.2-inches (H) x 8.6-inches (W) x 5.4-inches (D) and weighs 6.39 pounds. The Horizon Pro can project images as small as 30-inches and as big as 300-inches. Horizon Pro has a $1,699 MSRP.
Horizon Pro has XGIMI’s Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance, Intelligent Screen Alignment, industry-leading Auto Keystone Correction, Auto Focus, X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine, and MEMC. In addition, the Horizon Pro uses HDR10 technology and is compatible with Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) broadcast standard.
The integrated Artificial Intelligence (AI) allows Horizon Pro’s AI-powered object detection, auto screen detection, and intelligent spatial sensing algorithm to work together. Together, they intelligently identify and avoid obstacles in the projection area. The Horizon Pro is trained through thousands of scenes and hundreds of screen settings to automatically recognize the screen area and adjust the image accordingly. XGIMI stated that even if you put the Horizon Projector on its side, it will still fill the screen from edge to edge. With the integrated AI and automatic keystone correction, the Horizon Pro setup is quick and easy. My demo Horizon Pro adjusted to my screen in about 5 seconds.
Horizon Pro has a built-in optical sensor that works with changes in ambient light. AI brightness adjustment ensures that as ambient brightness levels change, your picture remains bright and colorful. The end-user no longer needs to manually adjust the projector’s brightness levels based on ambient light conditions. Instead, just sit back and relish the seamless cinema experience the Horizon Pro provides in any room, any time of the day.
The Horizon Pro has a built-in Android TV 10 Operating System. Smart features are combined seamlessly, and the menus are easy to navigate and are well laid out. In addition, the Horizon Pro is loaded with popular streaming apps like Amazon Prime Video, Spotify, YouTube, and Hulu. The Horizon Pro has dual 8-watt Harman/Kardon speakers built-in. The projector also supports DTS and Dolby Audio. To learn more about Horizon Pro, click here to see our full review.
XGIMI AURA
The Aura UST projector is for those who want a space-saving and stylish projector that provides a luxurious TV-like experience. The XGIMI Aura is a smart, all-in-one, 4K UHD, Ultra Short Throw (UST), DLP, laser projector. The Aura is also known as a Laser TV.
XGIMI says, “Your next TV is not a TV,” it’s the Aura 4K Ultra Short Throw projector.
XGIMI rates the Aura’s brightness at 2400 ANSI lumens. The laser light source provides the end-user with a luxurious TV-like experience. The laser light source lifespan is rated up to 25,000 hours, about 17 years of maintenance-free operation even if you use the Aura for four hours every day. The Aura UST projector measures 5.49” (H) x 23.85” (W) x 15.78” (D) and weighs a hardy 32.91 pounds. At 17.3-inches from a wall or UST projector screen, the Aura can project up to a 150-inch image. However, if you are short on space or don’t want a 150-inch image, the space-saving and stylish Aura can be placed a mere 4.3-inches away from a wall or UST projector screen to project an 80-inch image. The Aura hit the market on October 12th, 2021, with XGIMI proudly stating, “XGIMI’s new Aura 4K UST Laser Projector shows why your next TV isn’t going to be a TV.” The XGIMI Aura has an MSRP of $2,499.
The Aura UST projector has XGIMI’s proprietary X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine and MEMC. In addition, the projector has 8-Point Keystone Correction, which is manually adjusted by the end-user for a perfect image.Furthermore, the Aura uses HDR10 technology and is compatible with Hybrid Log Gamma (HLG) broadcast standard.
The Aura utilizes ALPD® Laser Display technology from Appotronics. By combining ALPD® Laser Display technology with DLP, the Aura displays 8.3 million pixels onscreen with vivid, crisp images and lifelike colors. XGIMI states, “AURA’s advanced laser illumination and astonishingly rich color depth power its outstanding performance. Unlike with traditional TVs, you get consistent brightness for years, a brilliant color display, diffused lighting without reduced picture quality, and most of all, a viewing experience that will never be the same!”
XGIMI equipped the Aura with a built-in Harman/Kardon audio system with DTS and Dolby Audio support. The Harman/Kardon 60-watt audio system utilizes two 15-watt tweeters and two 15-watt woofers to deliver crisp highs, dynamic midranges, and ample bass. Check out the full review of the XGIMI Aura 4K UST by clicking here.
SUMMARY
Companies like XGIMI have been developing the best projector technologies to bring your favorite TV, movies, and other entertainment to life. XGIMI’s decision to partner with Harman/Kardon is clever. XGIMI projectors with built-in Harman/Kardon speakers provide a robust and vivid cinema-like audio experience, DTS and Dolby Audio enabled. As a result, you, as a consumer, can dramatically elevate your home theater experience without taking out a personal loan to do it. Think about it, the XGIMI Horizon Pro can project 4K UHD images as small as 30-inches and as big as 300-inches and only costs $1,699. A 100-inch 4K UHD image for less than $2,000 was something we could only dream of about ten years ago.
So, suppose you’re looking for a smart projector to access the latest content. In that case, we strongly recommend you check out XGIMI’s outstanding lineup of smart projectors. Whether that’s something focused on portability, like the XGIMI Elfin and Halo+, or something more home-oriented, like the Horizon Pro, or perhaps a Laser TV, like the Aura, there’s something for you. As we at Projector Reviews like to say, “Go Big and Stay Home” …to watch your favorite movies and shows on your big screen.
