XGIMI HORIZON vs YBAUA Mini: Which Projector Delivers Superior Picture Quality and Portability for Home Theaters?

[barrybulsara]

When it comes to home projectors, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra and YBAUA Mini Portable Projector present two distinct approaches to your viewing experience, each with its own set of strengths and limitations.

On one hand, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra boasts cutting-edge 4K resolution with Dolby Vision, promising an immersive cinematic experience enhanced by dual light technology and impressive brightness levels. It targets those who prioritize image quality and want a projector that can handle any lighting environment, from daylight to night.

Conversely, the YBAUA Mini Portable Projector capitalizes on portability and ease of use. While it offers Full HD native resolution with 4K support and a striking 12,000 lumens brightness, its appeal lies in its flexibility and convenience for outdoor movie nights or casual gaming sessions. However, it compromises on some advanced features found in more premium models.

In this comparison, we’ll explore whether the ultra-premium capabilities of the XGIMI justify its price point over the accessible and adaptable YBAUA. Is it truly worth investing in high-end technology, or can a more portable option satisfy your home theater needs? Let’s dive in.

Specs Comparison​

Basic​

Parameter	XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector​	YBAUA Mini Portable Projector​
Picture​	​	​
Reference Price​	$1499.99​	$42.99​
Recommended Uses​	Education, Home Cinema, Gaming, Business​	Home Cinema​
Built-In Media​	Adaptor, User Manual, Power Cord, Warranty Card, Remote​	HDMI Cable​
Control Method​	-​	Remote​
Highlight​	4K Projector with Dolby Vision: The world's first 4K long throw projector with Dolby Vision. Thanks to ultra-vivid colors, sharper contrast, and richer details, our smart projector will easily immerse you in the theatrical and unforgettable world of Dolby Vision. Dual Light Technology: Experience exceptional image quality thanks to an ingenious combination of LED and Laser light sources. With an accurate color accuracy, ultra-high brightness, and a vast color gamut, HORIZON Ultra delivers visuals that are beyond belief. Bright 2300 ISO Lumens: With an impressive brightness of 2300 ISO lumens, HORIZON Ultra delivers exceptional image quality in any lighting environment, whether you're watching your favorite shows during the day or hosting a movie night under the stars.	【Portable Home Theater】YBAUA Professional cinema projectors offer display areas ranging from a minimum of 30 inches to a maximum of 300 inches, with projection distances between 0.8-5 meters. Aspect Ratio: 4:3/16:9, Contrast Ratio: 10000:1, 12000L, Lamp Life: 60000 hours. ProjectorsVertical keystone correction: ±50°. It's easy to set up and plays movies, TV shows, and games well. Super contrast provides a perfect visual experience, with higher color reproduction and more vivid and lifelike images. 【Full HD Native 1080P & 4K Supported】1080P Projector resolution supports smooth playback of 4K content, coupled with an amazing 12,000 lumens brightness and 10,000:1 high contrast ratio, ensuring that delicate, clear, and colorful movie-level video images can be presented even in outdoor environments. Bluetooth 5.0&Wide Compatibility: The Bluetooth projector adopts the latest 5.0 Bluetooth chip, bringing you fast and stable wireless audio transmission. (I need to honestly inform you that Bluetooth does not support connecting to mobile phones)

Display​

Parameter	XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector​	YBAUA Mini Portable Projector​
Screen Size​	40 Inches - 200 Inches​	3E+1 Inches - 3E+2 Inches​
Throw Distance​	N/A - 16.66 Feet​	60 - 300 Feet​
Contrast Ratio​	-​	10000:1​
Native Resolution​	3840 x 2160​	1280 x 720​
Maximum Resolution​	3840 x 2160 Pixels​	1280 x 720​
Brightness​	2300 Lumen​	12000 lumen​
Display Type​	DLP​	LCD​
Picture Enhancement​	HLG, HDR10, Dolby Vision​	-​
LightSource Life​	30000 Hours​	50000 Hours​
Video Encoding​	HEVC (H.265)​	AVC​

Features​

Parameter	XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector​	YBAUA Mini Portable Projector​
Lamp Wattage​	12 Watts​	-​
Controller Type​	Remote Control, Button Control​	Button Control​
Connectivity Technology​	Bluetooth​	HDMI​
Compatible Devices​	Television, Gaming Console​	Laptop, Gaming Console, Smartphone​
Wattage​	300 watts​	70.00​
Mount Type​	Ceiling Mount​	Tripod Mount​
Other Features​	Built-In Speaker, Auto Obstacle Avoidance, Auto Screen Alignment, Dolby Vision Intelligent Eye Protection DCI-P3 95.5% ISA 3.0 uninterrupted auto keystone, Auto Focus​	Built-In Speaker​
L x W x H​	10.4"L x 8.81"W x 6.69"H​	8"L x 6.9"W x 3.3"H​

Side-by-Side Comparison​

System Experience​

Parameter	XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector​	YBAUA Mini Portable Projector​
System Experience	When I first decided to invest in a home projector, I felt a mix of excitement and apprehension. The idea of transitioning from my trusty flat panel TV to a projector was new territory for me. After doing some thorough research, I landed on the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra. The unboxing experience was impressive, almost like unwrapping a luxurious gift. Setting it up was a breeze—it took me less than five minutes to plug it in and connect to my Wi-Fi. I appreciated the seamless integration with streaming apps, which made diving into my favorite shows and movies incredibly easy.	Setting up the YBAUA Mini Portable Projector was surprisingly straightforward, which I really appreciated. I’m not the most tech-savvy person, so when I find something that works easily, it’s a huge relief. Connecting it to my mobile and other devices was a breeze, and I loved how portable it is. I could easily see myself using this for both indoor movie nights and outdoor setups, which adds a fun twist to gatherings.

Viewing Experience​

Parameter	XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector​	YBAUA Mini Portable Projector​
Viewing Experience	I was genuinely blown away by the picture quality. Honestly, I was expecting some compromises, but the clarity and vividness of the images surpassed my flat panel! The 4K resolution and Dolby Vision capabilities brought a cinematic feel to my living room, transforming every viewing into an immersive experience. I could see intricate details that I never noticed before, like the fine textures of the fabrics on characters' clothing. It’s as if I had stepped into a whole new world of visual brilliance, and I couldn't help but marvel at the size of the screen I could achieve.	The picture quality genuinely impressed me. It’s quite remarkable how clear and vibrant the images are, especially considering the price point. I found that focusing the picture based on the distance was simple and effective, allowing for a large display without sacrificing clarity. It felt like I was getting a mini theater experience right in my living room, which was a delightful surprise!

Other Experience​

Parameter	XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector​	YBAUA Mini Portable Projector​
Other Experience	Using the projector has been a delightful journey. I’ve enjoyed movie nights with friends, where we all gathered to watch films on a much bigger screen than I ever imagined possible. The built-in Harmon Kardon speakers also surprised me with their quality; the sound was crisp and clear, enhancing the overall experience. However, I did encounter a few minor glitches, especially when switching between media sources, but nothing that significantly dampened my enthusiasm for the device. I also discovered that using a streaming stick like Apple TV made everything smoother and more responsive.	While I enjoyed the projector overall, there were some hiccups, particularly with the Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity. I had high hopes for streaming apps, but I encountered issues trying to get Hulu and other services to work smoothly. That said, when it did work, the setup was generally straightforward, and I could appreciate the potential it has for casual use.

Our Verdict​

XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector：​

Pros:
One of the standout features for me is the optical zoom and auto keystone adjustments. It made positioning the projector much easier, especially since I often move it between rooms. The compact design is another plus; it doesn’t feel bulky like some projectors can be, which makes it more appealing for casual use, whether I’m inside or taking it outside for a movie night under the stars. The vibrant colors and sharp details truly make every film and game pop, which I find incredibly satisfying.

Cons:
While my overall experience has been fantastic, there are a couple of drawbacks worth noting. The built-in Android TV system can be a bit sluggish at times, and I found navigating through the menus to be less responsive than I would have liked. Also, I encountered some issues with certain streaming apps, particularly Netflix, which required some workaround to function properly. Lastly, while the sound quality is decent for casual viewing, I often prefer a more robust audio setup, so I usually connect it to my external sound system for that full cinematic experience.

Overall Evaluation:
In summary, the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra has transformed my home entertainment setup in ways I never anticipated. It has not only met but exceeded my expectations with its stunning visuals and ease of use. I feel like I’ve gained a whole new level of enjoyment from movies and games. While there are a few quirks that could be improved, they don’t overshadow the overall brilliance of this projector. If you're considering making the leap to a projector, I wholeheartedly recommend this one—it's a game changer!

YBAUA Mini Portable Projector：​

Pros:
One of the standout features for me was the excellent picture quality combined with its portable design. The ease of setup made it a go-to option for spontaneous movie nights, and the integrated speaker worked well enough in a confined space. Plus, I loved that I could connect it to external speakers via Bluetooth for an even better sound experience.

Cons:
On the flip side, the Bluetooth and Wi-Fi connectivity left something to be desired. I often found myself frustrated with the lag and the fact that some streaming apps just didn’t work as expected. The fan noise can be a bit distracting during quieter scenes, which is something I could have done without, especially when trying to immerse myself in a film.

Overall Evaluation:
In summary, I think the YBAUA Mini Portable Projector is a solid choice for anyone looking to dip their toes into the world of projectors. It offers great value for the price, with impressive picture quality and ease of use. However, the connectivity issues and fan noise might deter those looking for a more professional setup. For me, it’s a fun gadget that I can see using for casual movie nights, and I’d recommend it with some caveats.

 

[Elfman72]

So, I got this XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector, and let me tell you, it’s a bit of a diva. When it’s on point, it’s awesome, but every time I wanna use it, I have to spend a good five minutes just messing around to get it going. Ugh! And now it’s decided to ghost my Bluetooth speakers. Super frustrating! The seller is being cool about it, though, and offered me a partial refund. So, that’s something, I guess!

 

[69Shelby1969]

Check out the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector! This thing is super versatile and can do just about anything you need.

What really sets it apart is the horizontal and vertical keystoning and digital zoom. That means you don’t have to stress about measuring and mounting it just right. You can plop it down pretty much anywhere and it’ll still give you a killer image. I’ve got mine sitting on a bookshelf next to the couch, angled at the wall, and with a little tweaking on the settings, I get the perfect screen size. Sure, when you zoom in, you might see a bit of light creeping around the edges, but honestly, it’s not a big deal.

I love that I can easily move this projector from room to room without any hassle!

Plus, it's got Android software, which makes it a complete package. You can download all kinds of apps and stream whatever you want—kind of like having your own Apple TV built right in. The only catch is that you’ll need a specific Netflix app, since the regular one doesn't play nice. But don’t worry, they give you the steps to set it up right in the box.

It’s bright enough to use even when it’s light outside, but keep in mind, the image might not pop as much for darker movies or games during the day.

If you’re on the hunt for a projector that’s super user-friendly and can fit into any space—or even take the place of your TV—this bad boy is definitely worth considering!

 

[AwesomenessDjD]

So, I recently tried out the YBAUA Mini Portable Projector, and let me tell you, while the brightness and picture quality were decent, the connection issues were a total nightmare! I'm pretty good with tech stuff and have used other projectors from Amazon, but this one was by far the hardest to get set up.

First off, the Wi-Fi connection through AirPlay just refused to work with my iPhone or my father-in-law's iPad. We managed to stream a bit from the YouTube app, but it was super choppy and kept dropping the connection after a few minutes. We also tried using the built-in apps on the projector, but that was a bust too. I downloaded Hulu, and it crashed right away, giving me a message to reinstall, but that did nothing. The Disney+ app didn’t even start; it just crashed before I could do anything.

I thought maybe a firmware update would help, but nope, it said everything was up to date, and the last update was from 2022. It feels like the company doesn’t care about keeping their software in check. I guess if you use an HDMI with an Apple TV or Chromecast, it might work fine, but that’s a whole lot of cables to deal with. Honestly, I’d recommend giving this one a pass.

 

[goalweiser]

So, I just got my hands on the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector, and let me tell you, it's been a game changer! I've been on the hunt for a budget-friendly projector for ages, and this one totally fits the bill. It works like a charm even when the lights are on, which is a big win for me. We also snagged a projector screen to go with it, and that made a world of difference!

If you're new to projectors, I can't recommend this one enough. One of my favorite features is how the lens gets covered when it's not in use. It really helps keep the projector in good shape and makes it look sleek when it’s just chilling on the shelf. Honestly, it blends in so well, it looks like a cool speaker or something. Seriously, I'm giving this a solid 10/10!

 

[fosterzar]

So, we recently got our hands on the XGIMI HORIZON Ultra Home Projector, and honestly, we were pretty stoked about it. It looked super sleek, almost like a cool retro record player just chilling in our mid-century home. The picture quality? Absolutely crisp! And the sound? Way better than we thought it would be. The keystone adjustments were a game changer too, making it way easier to get the image just right compared to the last projector we tried. That's why we gave it 4 stars.

But here’s the kicker: our living room isn’t that huge—barely hits 20 feet across. We had it set up on the back shelf like we wanted, but man, the image was massive! It was practically projecting onto the ceiling, hitting almost 200 inches. To get it down to the 110 inches we were after, we had to move it to the middle of the room, like 12 feet away from the screen. And then we had to tilt it down a ton just to get it off the ceiling. Not exactly what we call a long throw projector.

We did tweak the keystones, but just like the last one, it only changed the size of the image, not the frame. So, we ended up with this annoying lightbox around the picture that totally distracted from the movie. We were pretty bummed that it didn’t work out for us like we hoped.

 

[PlayStationPepe]

Check out the YBAUA Mini Portable Projector! Seriously, who needs to hit the theater when you can have movie nights at home? This little guy packs a punch with awesome picture quality and it’s super affordable too. I can’t recommend it enough! Trust me, you won’t regret picking one up. Perfect for binge-watching your faves!