⚡️ Quick Verdict - XGIMI Horizon Pro (2021)
- Best For: Flexible home entertainment, portable 4K projection, and smart TV integration.
- Strengths: Excellent 4K picture, automatic keystone correction, integrated Android TV.
- Drawbacks: Limited peak brightness for daylight viewing, potential for noticeable fan noise.
- Verdict: A capable, user-friendly 4K smart projector.
⚖️ Pros & Cons Explained
| Aspect | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Picture Quality | Real users often commend the sharp 4K resolution and vibrant colors, especially in darker environments, providing a true cinematic feel. | Some feedback indicates that the brightness, while good for its class, can make the image appear washed out in rooms with significant ambient light. |
| Setup & Usability | Many users highlight the exceptional ease of setup, thanks to the automatic keystone correction and autofocus features, making it highly convenient for various placements. | A few users have reported occasional glitches with the automatic correction features that require manual adjustment to achieve perfect alignment. |
| Sound | The integrated Harman Kardon speakers are frequently praised for their surprisingly rich and clear audio quality, often eliminating the need for external speakers for casual viewing. | For a truly immersive home theater experience, some users still recommend connecting to a dedicated sound system, as the built-in speakers have limits on bass and volume. |
| Smart Features | Users appreciate the integrated Android TV interface, which provides access to a wide range of streaming apps and content, enhancing its utility as an all-in-one entertainment hub. | A recurring comment is the lack of native Netflix support through the pre-installed Android TV app store, often requiring workarounds or sideloading. |
| Portability & Design | Its relatively compact size and robust build are frequently noted, making it easy to move between rooms or take to different locations for impromptu viewing. | While portable, it still requires a power outlet and is not battery-powered, which some users found to be a limitation for truly outdoor or off-grid use. |
🔧 What’s Included? & Why It Matters
| Component/Technology | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| XGIMI Horizon Pro Projector | The core device delivering 4K UHD resolution and smart features. |
| Bluetooth Remote Control | Enables convenient navigation, voice commands, and control over projector functions from a distance. |
| Power Cable & Adapter | Essential for powering the device, ensuring it's ready for use out of the box. |
| Android TV 10.0 OS | Provides a user-friendly interface with access to a vast ecosystem of apps and content. |
| Harman Kardon Speakers | Delivers integrated stereo sound, often negating the need for external audio systems for casual viewing. |
| Intelligent Screen Adaption (ISA) 2.0 | Automatic keystone correction and autofocus simplify setup, ensuring a clear, perfectly shaped image quickly. |
| X-VUE 2.0 Image Engine | Proprietary image processing technology designed to enhance clarity and color reproduction. |
💰 Is It Worth It? – Value & Cost Efficiency
| Aspect | Positive | Negative |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated Features | Users find value in the combination of 4K resolution, smart Android TV, and good built-in speakers, often reducing the need for separate streaming devices or external sound systems. | For those who already own a dedicated streaming stick and external audio, some integrated features may not offer additional value, potentially making the combined cost less efficient. |
| Portability & Flexibility | Its ability to quickly set up a large, high-quality image in various locations (living room, bedroom, backyard) offers significant flexibility and value for dynamic users. | While portable, it's not battery-powered, which limits its utility for truly off-grid or impromptu outdoor use without access to an AC outlet, impacting its 'on-the-go' value. |
| Longevity & Maintenance | LED light source ensures a long lifespan (up to 25,000 hours), meaning no lamp replacements and consistent brightness over time, contributing to long-term cost savings. | As an all-in-one unit, potential issues with specific internal components (e.g., cooling fan, power supply) could require professional repair, as user-serviceable parts are limited. |
🔁 XGIMI Comparison – How This Version Improves Over Previous Models
| Aspect | XGIMI Horizon (1080p Model) | XGIMI Horizon Pro (2021) |
|---|---|---|
| Native Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Brightness (ANSI Lumens) | 2200 ANSI Lumens | 2200 ANSI Lumens |
| Image Engine | X-VUE 2.0 | X-VUE 2.0 |
| Automatic Screen Adaption | ISA 1.0 | ISA 2.0 (improved autofocus & keystone) |
| Operating System | Android TV 9.0 | Android TV 10.0 |
⚔️ Alternatives vs XGIMI Horizon Pro (2021)
| Aspect | Epson Home Cinema 2350 | BenQ HT2060 | XGIMI Horizon Pro (2021) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Key Features | Higher brightness for dedicated home theater, 4K PRO-UHD (pixel shifting), low input lag. | Excellent contrast, accurate color reproduction (Rec. 709), short-throw for smaller spaces, 1080p. | Native 4K UHD, integrated Android TV, superior automatic setup (autofocus/keystone), Harman Kardon speakers. |
| Durability | Generally robust construction, designed for fixed installation. | Solid build quality, known for consistent performance over time. | Compact and portable design with good build quality for frequent movement. |
| Overall Value | Strong performance for dedicated media rooms, but requires external streaming/audio. | Excellent cinematic picture for its price point, but lacks smart features and portability. | High value as an all-in-one portable 4K smart projector, offering convenience and a complete entertainment solution. |
💡 FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)
- Does the XGIMI Horizon Pro support native Netflix?The pre-installed Android TV version does not typically support native Netflix directly from the app store. Users often need to use workarounds like external streaming devices (e.g., Fire TV Stick, Chromecast) or sideload the mobile version of the Netflix app for full functionality.
- How bright is the XGIMI Horizon Pro?The XGIMI Horizon Pro is rated at 2200 ANSI lumens. This brightness is generally sufficient for clear viewing in dimly lit or dark rooms, but may struggle in brightly lit environments with significant ambient light.
- Can I game on the XGIMI Horizon Pro?Yes, you can game on it. It offers a gaming mode that reduces input lag. While not on par with dedicated gaming monitors, it is generally acceptable for casual gaming. For serious competitive gaming, some users might find the input lag slightly noticeable.
- Does it have an optical audio output?No, the XGIMI Horizon Pro typically features HDMI (ARC), USB, and 3.5mm audio jack outputs. It does not commonly include an optical audio (TOSLINK) output.
- Is the keystone correction fully automatic?Yes, the Horizon Pro features Intelligent Screen Adaption (ISA) 2.0, which provides automatic keystone correction and autofocus. This system automatically adjusts the image to be rectangular and in focus, even if the projector is placed at an angle.
👍 Positive Reviews - What Users Love
- The 4K picture quality is truly impressive for a projector of this size and price point, delivering sharp details and vibrant colors even on a large screen.
- Setting up the Horizon Pro is incredibly simple thanks to the automatic keystone and autofocus. You just turn it on, and it adjusts itself perfectly in seconds.
- The built-in Harman Kardon speakers are surprisingly good, providing clear and rich audio that's more than adequate for movies and casual listening without needing external speakers.
- The Android TV interface is intuitive and provides access to almost all the streaming apps I use, making it a complete entertainment hub.
- Its portability is a major plus; I can easily move it between rooms or even take it outside for movie nights, giving me a massive screen wherever I need it.
👎 Negative Reviews - What Could Be Better
- The biggest frustration is the lack of a fully functional Netflix app directly on Android TV; it requires a separate streaming stick or frustrating workarounds.
- While the brightness is good in the dark, it really struggles in a room with any significant ambient light, making daytime viewing a challenge.
- The fan noise, while not overly loud, can become noticeable during quiet scenes in movies, which detracts slightly from the immersion.
- For a projector in this price range, I expected slightly better black levels; dark scenes sometimes lack true depth compared to higher-end models.
- The automatic keystone can sometimes be a bit aggressive or slightly off, requiring manual fine-tuning to get a perfectly aligned image, which defeats the 'automatic' promise.
📋 Key Details & Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Display Technology | DLP |
| Native Resolution | 3840 x 2160 (4K UHD) |
| Brightness | 2200 ANSI Lumens |
| Light Source | LED |
| Light Source Lifespan | Up to 25,000 hours |
| Projection Ratio | 1.2:1 |
| Keystone Correction | Automatic & Manual (+/- 40 degrees horizontal/vertical) |
| Focus | Automatic & Manual |
| Projection Size | 30 - 300 inches (recommended up to 200 inches) |
| Operating System | Android TV 10.0 |
| RAM | 2GB |
| Storage | 32GB eMMC |
| Audio | 2 x 8W Harman Kardon Speakers |
| Connectivity | 2x HDMI 2.0, 2x USB 2.0, 1x LAN, 1x 3.5mm Audio Jack |
| Wi-Fi | Dual-band 2.4/5GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| Noise Level | <30dB |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 206 x 217 x 147 mm (8.1 x 8.5 x 5.8 inches) |
| Weight | 2.9 kg (6.4 lbs) |
🔚 Summary – Is This the Right Choice for You?
- The XGIMI Horizon Pro (2021) stands out as a strong contender for anyone seeking a versatile and high-quality 4K projector for general home entertainment.
- Its native 4K resolution, combined with convenient automatic setup features and integrated Android TV, delivers an impressive visual experience with minimal fuss.
- The built-in Harman Kardon audio system provides surprisingly good sound, making it a capable all-in-one unit for many users, reducing the need for additional equipment.
- While its brightness is excellent for dark rooms, users planning to watch primarily in well-lit environments should consider its limitations.
- The lack of official native Netflix support is a notable drawback that requires workarounds, but this is often outweighed by its overall convenience and performance for other streaming services.
- If you value a plug-and-play 4K projector that can easily move between different viewing spaces and offers a comprehensive smart TV experience, the Horizon Pro is a compelling choice.
