Horizon S Max projector from the very high end

Xgimi's Horizon S Max: premium home cinema

From the moment the Horizon S Max sits in your living room, you can tell this projector is more than just a device. Its compact, sleek design exudes lifestyle: clean lines, high-quality materials, and a finish that blends surprisingly well into a contemporary interior. But behind this refined look lies a wealth of technology, ready to transform everyday life into a true cinematic experience.

For this test, we paired the Horizon S Max with a 100-inch Oré ALR Series 2 display, specially designed to reject ambient light. From the very first images, the effect is striking: scenes come to life with a precision and fluidity reminiscent of a dark room, and colors explode naturally, even in a lit living room.

Setting up the camera is a breeze. Its intuitive menus, near-instant autofocus, and automatic calibration allow you to spend more time enjoying the image than struggling with settings. Movie buffs will appreciate the contrast management, rich blacks, and depth of detail, while series or video game fans will be seduced by the responsiveness and consistent brightness.

The Horizon S Max isn't just a projector: it's an invitation to rethink home cinema, with 4K image quality, seamless living room integration, and an overall experience that makes you forget you're at home.

XGIMI Horizon S Max

The positive points: the design, the image quality (very good), the Android TV interface is easy to use, and it is not very noisy. The negative points: the lack of a Netflix application, which requires an HDMI connection to benefit from the platform, the remote control, which would benefit from being backlit, and the basic image settings (presets) are often too contrasty, saturating the colors and overexposing the whites (it is advisable to make a personalized adjustment using your reliable computer monitor as a reference; it takes a little time but will be worth it 100 times over over time). Motion compensation is also to be forgotten (adjustable in the settings).

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Refined design and purpose-built engineering

The Horizon S Max immediately impresses with its appearance. Its understated chassis, punctuated by an elegant fabric covering at the front, blends seamlessly into a contemporary interior, adding a touch of sophistication without being visually overwhelming. Despite its plastic casing, the projector inspires confidence: robust, it weighs approximately 5 kg, just enough to move it effortlessly but with a solid feel.

One of its real strengths is its dual-joint rotating stand. With a full 360° horizontal rotation and 135° vertical movement, the Horizon S Max adapts to any configuration: wall projection, screen projection, or even ceiling projection for a more immersive experience. Installation is child's play, and the projector can be repositioned in an instant to suit your needs.

In terms of connectivity, the results are more mixed. There are two USB 2.0 ports and a single HDMI 2.1 eARC input. While the latter ensures compatibility with the latest audio-video standards and allows you to enjoy high-quality content, the lack of an Ethernet port and the limited number of HDMI inputs will force the most demanding users to use an amplifier or a soundbar to centralize sources. For the rest, the network connection is exclusively via Wi-Fi, which is practical but sometimes restrictive for those who prefer a stable wired connection.

A quasi-automatic installation

Turning on the Horizon S Max is like watching technology come to life right before your eyes. As soon as the projector turns on, it almost seems to anticipate your movements. The first impression is that of a machine that understands its environment. Powered by Android TV 11, the projector gives immediate access to major streaming platforms such as YouTube, Prime Video or Disney+, but you will need an external box for Netflix, this small detail does not tarnish the experience in any way.

What's really striking is how the Horizon S Max adapts to the space . Its ISA 5, or Intelligent Screen Adaptation, automatically adjusts the projection in seconds, as if by magic. Keystone correction is effortless, the image recenters itself, obstacles are detected and avoided, and colors subtly adapt to the wall color. The room instantly transforms into a mini-movie theater, with perfectly framed and bright images. For enthusiasts who like to fine-tune every detail, it is of course possible to deactivate these automatic functions and manually adjust the cropping, color, or contrast, but most of the time, the projection is so accurate that there is no need to touch anything.

Setting up the Horizon S Max becomes an experience in itself. You quickly forget about cables, complicated settings, or difficult-to-adjust screens. Each film, each series is displayed with a precision and fluidity that gives the impression of having transported the movie theater into the living room, and the pleasure of discovering this simplicity of use leaves a lasting memory, well beyond the simple quality of the image.

Xgimi Horizon Ultra: the pros and cons

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Highlights

High brightness (3100 ISO lumens)
True colors (DCI-P3, BT.2020)
HDR10, Dolby Vision + IMAX Enhanced
3D supported with active glasses
Neat design and flexible installation
Smooth gaming (18ms, 4K/60Hz)
Integrated Harman Kardon 360° Sound

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Weaknesses

No native Netflix
Single HDMI port
Image too sharp by default
Medium contrast (≈1000:1)
Light rainbow effect (DLP)

An innovative hybrid lighting technology: Dual Light 2

The Xgimi Horizon S Max unleashes its magic as soon as the light turns on. At the heart of its performance is Dual Light 2 technology, a hybrid system that skillfully combines triple laser and LED to bring out the best of both worlds. From the first projected images, we understand that this is not just a marketing ploy: the scenes light up with surprising intensity and precision. Each beam seems calibrated to offer both sustained brightness and unprecedentedly rich color reproduction.

In a living room bathed in ambient light, the Horizon S Max manages to reach up to 3100 ISO lumens, giving images a clarity and depth that rivals larger home cinema setups. Colors, meanwhile, extend over 110% of the BT.2020 space, saturated without ever turning artificial, with deep reds, bright greens, and strikingly intense blues. You'll find yourself scrutinizing the details in the darkest areas and admiring the richness of nuance in bright scenes.

Dual Light 2 technology also helps limit the famous “rainbow” effect sometimes seen on DLP projectors. In some quick transitions or when navigating menus, it remains noticeable to the most sensitive eyes, but as soon as the film begins, it almost completely disappears. The result is a fluid, immersive, and comfortable light show for the eyes, where each shot seems to have been designed to captivate and amaze.

Balanced and controlled performance

Turning on the Horizon S Max in "standard" or "movie" mode is like discovering a subtle balance between power and visual comfort. The "high power" mode certainly provides impressive brightness, but it quickly becomes too intense for everyday viewing. In "movie" mode, the light stabilizes around 1800 lumens, enough to illuminate the living room even during the day, while maintaining a vibrant image without ever falling into excessive saturation. Each scene gains depth and relief, and the dynamics of the images remain natural, inviting you to immerse yourself in the content rather than endure harsh lighting.

The contrast, measured around 1000:1, doesn't impress on paper, but to the naked eye, the Horizon S Max performs elegantly. Activating the dynamic iris subtly improves the perception of blacks in dark scenes, adding depth without turning bright areas into burnt-out areas. We feel that every detail has been thought out to preserve the readability and density of the images, even in the most complex passages.

However, it is in the colorimetry that the projector reveals all its finesse. Thanks to Dual Light 2, the colors extend with precision, the triple laser ensuring a wide and vibrant spectrum. In "film" mode, the Delta E differences remain very low, guaranteeing a faithful and natural reproduction, far from the overly cold or saturated tones that betray some competing models. The result is an immersive rendering where each nuance comes to life, from subtle gradients to the most saturated hues, for a visual spectacle faithful to the director's intention.

A projector built for entertainment and versatility

The Xgimi Horizon S Max quickly proves itself to be an ideal companion for all types of entertainment. Whether it's epic movies, colorful series, or dynamic video games, the projector adapts with astonishing fluidity. Its ability to handle major HDR formats, with automatic source detection, allows for optimized processing for each content, without having to juggle settings.

In HDR10, IMAX Enhanced certification transforms viewing into a true cinematic experience, offering a natural, balanced, and less contrasty rendering, perfect for immersing yourself in dark scenes without losing detail. Dolby Vision content is offered two distinct profiles depending on the environment. The "bright" mode maintains brightness and precision even during the day, while the "dark" mode is deployed in a darkened room to reproduce deep blacks and impeccable dark gradients. Every nuance is rendered with care, every image breathes, and the overall impression is that of a projector capable of bringing each type of content to life with the same intensity, in all lighting conditions.

Fluidity and 3D compatibility are guaranteed

The Horizon S Max projector doesn't just shine in terms of brightness and colorimetry, it also knows how to be fluid and responsive. From the first moving images, we notice that the default processing, with interpolation activated, can sometimes give a rendering that is a little too smooth, almost artificial. But Xgimi has thought of everything: it is possible to completely deactivate this processing to take advantage of the native 24p signal and regain the authentic cinema rendering, or to choose the "low fluid" mode, which smooths out the jerks just enough without falling into the "soap opera" effect. The result is a lively and natural image, which perfectly accompanies fast scenes and car chases without ever tiring the eye.

And for thrill-seekers, the Horizon S Max retains a rare asset: 3D compatibility. With active glasses, sold separately, the image instantly gains depth. Stereoscopic effects become convincing, and sharpness remains excellent, even in the most complex sequences. While brightness and saturation are slightly reduced, the experience remains fully immersive, especially for 3D Blu-ray owners, who will rediscover their favorite films with a spectacular effect that revives the spirit of traditional home cinema.

A decent sound, but needs to be completed

The Horizon S Max offers decent sound, but it falls short of its visual performance. Its integrated Harman Kardon system, composed of two 12W speakers, delivers clear and relatively powerful sound. It's sufficient for watching short videos, gaming, or giving presentations, and dialogue comes through clearly. But as soon as you try to recreate the atmosphere of a real movie, you quickly feel the limitations: the bass lacks depth and the overall immersion remains modest.

Fortunately, Xgimi has thought of those who want to take the experience even further. Thanks to the HDMI eARC port, connecting a soundbar or home theater amplifier becomes child's play. The sound then gains in breadth and precision, finally matching the visual richness of the projector. Explosions, dialogue, and ambient effects come to life, and the feeling of being immersed in the heart of the action becomes complete, without any latency or desynchronization. With the right audio system, the Horizon S Max then transforms into a true versatile entertainment center, where image and sound coexist in perfect harmony.

Horizon S Max vs. Horizon S Pro: Is a Upgrade Justified?

Xgimi also offers the Horizon S Pro, a more affordable model priced at €1,149. At first glance, the two projectors share an identical design and a similar audio system, but the S Pro is more modest in some key areas.

The S Pro lacks IMAX Enhanced certification and dynamic iris, resulting in less pronounced contrast, particularly in dark scenes where blacks sometimes lack depth. The most noticeable difference is in brightness and visual impact: in real-world use, the Horizon S Max delivers a more vibrant image, with richer colors and more vivid details, especially on a large screen or in a dimly lit environment.

Despite this, the Horizon S Pro remains an excellent option for its price. It offers a smooth and solid experience, suitable for most content. But for those looking for maximum immersion, more spectacular lighting, and premium features like IMAX Enhanced and Dynamic Iris, the Horizon S Max fully justifies its premium positioning. In other words, the choice between the two models comes down to a question of needs and requirements: stability and good value with the S Pro, or a more immersive and luxurious home theater experience with the S Max.

Our final verdict: Xgimi Horizon S Max

From the moment you lay eyes on the Horizon S Max, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary projector. Its elegant, lifestyle-inspired design suggests careful attention to detail, and as soon as you turn it on, the projector seems to take control of the scene, ready to transform the living room into a real movie theater. Installation is seamless: the automatic adjustment system corrects keystone, recenters the image, and adapts the colors to the wall in the blink of an eye, while the swivel mount offers almost magical flexibility, allowing you to project onto the wall, screen, or even the ceiling effortlessly.

Once the first images are released, the Horizon S Max reveals its full potential. The brightness is brilliant, without ever overwhelming the nuances, and the colorimetry is remarkably faithful. Each shot breathes, each detail stands out with precision, and the management of HDR formats, whether Dolby Vision or IMAX Enhanced, ensures depth and contrast worthy of the best dark rooms. Even the darkest scenes retain their nuances, and bright content lights up brilliantly, without tiring the eyes.

The projector isn't just for movies. Gamers and 3D enthusiasts will also find something to enjoy. Fast movements remain fluid, with options to adjust image processing to suit your preferences, and 3D compatibility adds convincing depth, making it almost feel like you're touching objects on the screen.

Of course, there are some concessions: the lack of a native Netflix app and relatively limited connectivity can be minor inconveniences, but these are just details in an already very successful package. In practice, the Horizon S Max offers a rich, immersive, and versatile experience, capable of satisfying both demanding moviegoers and those looking for a complete entertainment projector for the home.

Ultimately, the Horizon S Max doesn't just project images: it transforms every session into a moment of pleasure, where you almost forget you're in your living room, so total is the immersion and captivating the visual spectacle. For anyone dreaming of a high-performance, flexible, and elegant home theater, Xgimi has hit the mark here.