Due to frequent job changes, I need to change my place of residence from time to time. However, regardless of the location, I always want a relaxing environment.
For example, I enjoy creating a movie theater atmosphere at home or a friend’s house. However, watching movies at home can be difficult due to the lack of a large screen. That’s why I need a portable projector.
In this XGIMI Horizon Pro review, we’ll closely examine its features, picture quality, and at-home experience. We’ll also give tips on which audience it’s best suited for.
XGIMI Horizon Pro Review
What is a portable projector?
A portable projector, also known as a portable video projector, is a device that allows a video source to be projected onto a projection screen or surface. This can be a white wall or any straight, preferably white surface.
Unlike traditional video projectors, portable projectors have the special characteristics of being small and easy to transport.
In addition, it is also known as a mini projector. Depending on the model purchased, yours may have an integrated battery so that you can use it without the need for a power source.
It connects to your computer via USB or HDMI cable or Wi-Fi from your laptop, which is the main reason for the convenience.
Technical Specifications
Xgimi horizon pro vs Benq x3000i
The XGIMI Horizon Pro can be considered the main competitor to the BenQ X3000i. Although both are 4K projectors, neither displays native 4K footage. However, the XGIMI Horizon Pro usually has a much lower price tag.
This compact, high-end projector boasts a crisp and bright picture, integrated Harman Kardon speakers, and best-in-class autofocus and auto-keystone correction.
Its understated and elegant design makes it an excellent choice, and there’s no need to pay more for the BenQ X3000i.
| Xgimi Horizon Pro | BenQ X3000i | |
| Dimensions | 218.4 x 208.4 x 136.2 mm2.9 kg | 272.0 x 197.0 x 259.0 mm6.4 kg |
| Maximum Brightness | 2200 Lumens (ANSI) | 3000 Lumens (ANSI) |
| Display System | 1-Chip 0.47\” DMD DLP | 0.65\” DLP |
| Power Consumption | Medium Brightness< 200 W | Medium Brightness: 330 W |
| Battery | 10,000mAh – up to 24 hours charging time 4 hours | 10,000mAh – up to 24 hoursCharging time 4 hours |
| Speaker Power | 8W | 10W |
| Projection Size | 1.0 – 5.1 m | 1.5 – 5 m |
| Noise | 30 dB | 28 dB |
| Inputs/Outputs | 2 x HDMI 2.0 Audio, Video Input 2 x USB-A 2.0 Data Input 1 x RJ45 (Ethernet) LAN Input 1 x TOSLINK (Optical) Audio Output 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Mini Audio Output | 3 x HDMI 2.0b Audio, Video Input 1 x TOSLINK (Optical) Audio Output 1 x 1/8″ / 3.5 mm Mini Audio Output 1 x USB-A 2.0 Power, Service 1 x DE-9/DB-9 (RS-232) Control Input 1 x 12 V Trigger Control Output |
The Design and Build Quality
The XGIMI Horizon Pro is a compact projector that is easy to move around thanks to its design, which includes automatic angle and focus adjustment.
The metal case has a round hole in the front for the lens and camera and curves nicely until it reaches the rear side where the ports and connectors are located.
The shot is fully exposed with a 1.2 throw ratio, while the side camera monitors the image in real-time making any necessary adjustments to keep it looking nice and in focus.
There are obvious ventilation areas on the rear side of the XGIMI Horizon Pro to expel air, but the pattern on the metal casing also helps control the internal temperature.
On the bottom, there is a hole specifically for mounting the XGIMI Horizon Pro on a tripod and four silicone feet to hold the device in place. Interestingly, there are four mounting holes, like feet, that can be screwed in like the center of the head.
On the top of the projector, there are four buttons. The first is the power button with a red LED embedded in it, which turns the device on and off when pressed and held.
Great picture quality
The pictures on the Horizon Pro are fantastic, as you would expect for the price. The specs promise a billion colors, and while I haven’t counted them, I can definitely say that the colors and pictures are crisp and bright, and the contrast is good.
Blacks are also quite deep, though a lot depends on the ambient brightness of the room.
Motion smoothing is designed for sports and other fast-moving images, but to me, it just makes everything look cheap.
To turn it off, navigate to the Picture Mode menu, click on one of the modes (such as Movie), and turn off the Motion Compensation setting.
This projector was designed to push it to its limits and succeeded. Watching highly detailed YouTube videos and nature documentaries is a wonderful experience.
Unobstructed vistas and expansive drone footage sparkle with dizzying splendor on the big screen.
It performs well in a dark room and even in moderately lit spaces. It’s not comparable to a flat screen or laser projectors that cost thousands of dollars more, but its automatic brightness and contrast features perform well enough.
However, you’ll want to dim the lights as much as possible. Compared to the picture of the BenQ X3000i, I prefer the Horizon Pro.
What i don’t like about it
- The Horizon Pro’s lack of native Netflix support is a major drawback.
For heavy Netflix users, this could be a deal killer. Also, will it kill XGIMI, including the remote control battery? - While XGIMI touts the projector’s built-in speakers as “theater-quality,” that’s a bit of a stretch.
The two 8W, 45mm full-range speakers sound good, but they’re no substitute for a dedicated soundbar or multi-speaker setup. When played at a volume high enough to hear the dialogue, they sound tinny and tinny.
Conclusion
If you want to upgrade your home entertainment system, consider the XGIMI Horizon Pro 4K. This high-end projector is compact, understated, and elegant.
It boasts a crisp and bright picture, integrated Harman Kardon speakers, and best-in-class autofocus and auto-keystone correction.
Watching movies, TV, YouTube, and other video content projected on a big screen. At $1,700, this projector is a splurge, but you get what you pay for. If you have the space and the money, it’s a dynamite home theater projector.
