XGIMI Aura Review: Is This Budget 4K UST Projector Worth Your Money?

First Impressions​

The XGIMI AURA isnt meant to be portable as its a big and heavy projector without an integrated battery, so it needs to be plugged in. The projector lacks auto keystone correction, so you must manually adjust the image. It also doesn't have autofocus, so you have to manually focus the projector using the remote control. It does have integrated speakers in case you need to move it.
This model uses a laser light source, which requires no maintenance and will last for 20,000 hours or more. This means you likely wont ever have to worry about replacing its light source. Its an Ultra Short Throw (UST) projector, capable of projecting an image on an 80 screen at a distance of 4.3 up to a 150 screen at a distance of 17.3. The projector doesnt do true 4k as it uses pixel shifting to create a higher resolution image. This offers better quality than 1080p but doesnt look as good as native 4k.

Introduce​

Parameter
XGIMI Aura​
Picture​
XGIMIAura.jpg
Reference Price​
$2699.99​
Recommended Uses​
Home Cinema​
Built-In Media​
Adaptor, User Manual, Power Cord, Warranty Card, Remote​
Highlight
Certification: Dolby Vision & IMAX Enhanced*
Audio: Dolby Atmos, harman/kardon built-in speakers
Brightness: 2300 ISO lumens
Contrast Ratio: 1,000,000:1
Throw Ratio: 0.177:1 (Ultra Short Throw)
Screen Size: Projects up to 100" from 17.8 cm
Intelligent Adaptation: Advanced Intelligent Screen Adaption 5.0
Design: Elegant art design with exclusive Art Mode
*Note: IMAX Enhanced upgrade via OTA in Q4 2024.

Display​

Parameter
XGIMI Aura​
Screen Size​
90 Inches - 150 Inches​
Throw Distance​
0.13 Meters - 0.38 Meters​
Contrast Ratio​
1000000:1​
Maximum Resolution​
3840 x 2160 Pixels​
Native Resolution​
3840 x 2160​
Brightness​
2300 Lumen​
Display Type​
DLP​
Picture Enhancement​
HLG, HDR10, Dolby Atmos, IMAX Enhanced(OTA), Dolby Vision​
Viewing Experience
The XGIMI AURA 4K projector delivers an overall satisfactory viewing experience, particularly in dark environments where its very good native contrast allows for deep blacks. While the brightness is adequate, it lacks the intensity needed to make colors stand out vibrantly. The projector features great brightness uniformity and covers most of the Rec. 709 color space effectively, although it faces challenges with the broader Rec. 2020 color space. Overall, it is a solid choice for those prioritizing contrast and performance in dim settings.

Features​

Parameter
XGIMI Aura​
LightSource Life​
25000 Hours​
Control Method​
Remote​
Wattage​
180 watts​
Connectivity Technology​
Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, HDMI
Hardware Connectivity​
USB, HDMI, LANC, Headphone​
Compatible Devices​
Speaker​
Other Features​
Ultra-Low Latency Down to 20ms (AK off), ISA 5.0 for UST Eye Protection, ISA 5.0 for UST Auto Keystone Correction, ISA 5.0 for UST Focus, Dual Light 2.0, IMAX Enhanced(OTA), Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, Throw Ratio: 0.177:1​
L x W x H​
10.63"L x 5.67"W x 20.08"H​
System Experience
The projector offers a seamless and user-friendly experience with its Android TV 10 smart interface, providing access to a wide range of apps and smooth navigation. The inclusion of Chromecast enhances its versatility for casting content. With four integrated 15W Harman/Kardon speakers, the audio quality is robust and immersive. The connectivity options are extensive, featuring three HDMI 2.0 ports, including an eARC port, alongside Bluetooth 5.0 and Wi-Fi support, ensuring compatibility with various devices and streaming options. Overall, this projector presents a well-rounded package for both video and audio performance.

User Feedback​

Pros:
• Excellent color and picture clarity
• Outstanding sound quality with built-in Harman/Kardon sound system
• Dual Light 2.0 technology and IMAX Enhanced certification
• Convenient features like auto keystone correction and auto focus
• Wall color adaptation and eye comfort mode
• Impressive design and build quality with protective on/off shutter
• Small footprint and bright picture
• Quiet fan operation
• Fastest eye shutoff timing for safety
• Supports WiFi 6

Cons:
• Color performance is slightly behind Epson
• Remote lacks an "input" button and volume buttons are hard to see
• Runs on Android TV instead of Google TV, which may be less preferred
• No option to turn off the always-on light in some competitors

Overall Impression:
The XGIMI AURA 2 short-throw projector is a standout option in the ultra short throw category, offering a combination of excellent picture clarity, superior sound quality, and a host of convenient features that enhance the user experience. Its thoughtful design, safety measures, and competitive pricing make it a great investment for anyone looking to elevate their home theater setup. While there are minor drawbacks regarding color performance and remote usability, the overall performance and features make it highly recommendable.
 
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