In the world of high-end projectors, few manage to combine performance, design, and ease of installation. The XGIMI Aura 2, with its Dual Light 2.0 technology, aims to transform your living room into a real movie theater. Featuring 4K resolution via wobbling, 2300 ISO lumens brightness, and an ultra-short throw ratio of 0.177:1, it can project a 100-inch image from just 17.8 cm from the wall.
This model also features Android TV 11, offering direct access to your favorite apps, and a Harman Kardon sound system for total sound immersion. With features such as autofocus and automatic keystone correction, the Aura 2 stands out for its ease of installation and its ability to adapt to different environments.
But how does it compare to the competition? Does it offer a real alternative to a high-end TV?
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Elegant design and impressive technical features
At the front of the Xgimi Aura 2 , four Harman Kardon with a total power of 60W Dolby Atmos- compatible sound . They are cleverly concealed by the fabric covering, which lets the sound through while maintaining a minimalist aesthetic. This same fabric covers the top of the projector and hides another ingenious element: when the Aura 2 is turned off, a motorized hood covers the lens. This is a great idea that prevents dust from settling on the lens. When the projector is turned on, this hood opens, then closes when it is turned off, a really clever design detail.
The rear panel is just as comprehensive. There are three HDMI , including one compatible with EArc , three USB , a headphone output, an optical output, and an Ethernet jack. The projector is also compatible with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2 . In terms of specifications, the Aura 2 is a triple laser that incorporates a technology called Dual Light 2.0 4K resolution by wobbling, from a 1080p Texas Instrument matrix and a DLP chip. Some purists might criticize the lack of "true" 4K, but this is a common practice in the market for two reasons: a native 4K matrix is much more expensive, and 4K by wobbling is so effective that the human eye has difficulty telling the difference.
Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, and IMAX enhanced certified . It promises a brightness of 2300 ISO lumens and a dynamic contrast of 1,000,000:1, no less. Finally, on the specs, it covers 99% of the DCI-P3 , the color space used in digital cinemas, which guarantees impeccable color fidelity.
A smart ecosystem, but with some caveats
The Xgimi Aura 2 runs on Android TV 11. It's a shame not to have Google TV , but the projector's development ended just before the latter's arrival. An update to replace it is unlikely. In addition, it is not Netflix , which prevents having the application in 4k. However, a guide is provided to install it in full HD in just two minutes. You can always connect an external box or an Apple TV to enjoy 4k if it is essential for you. For the rest, all other streaming applications are accessible without problem.
Regarding the projection surface, the Xgimi Aura 2 is designed to project an image from 90 to 150 inches. For a 100-inch image, it is sufficient to place it 18 cm from the wall. In my case, I invested in a screen dedicated to ultra-short throw projectors, an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen, after consulting the extensive catalog at sonvideo.com. This type of screen is designed to block ambient light coming from above and in front while amplifying the light projected from below. The result is impressive: you get much better contrasts, more vivid colors and optimal brightness, even in broad daylight. Of course, you can also project onto a white wall, but at the cost of a loss of contrast and colors.
Installation is a breeze thanks to Xgimi . The projector is able to detect the screen or wall, and correct the image geometry autonomously. You can also manually fine-tune the settings to achieve a perfect image, a process that can be time-consuming, but worth it for purists. The projector also performs automatic focus adjustment.
Pros and Cons of the XGIMI Aura 2 Projector
- Exceptional image quality in 4K UHD: ultra-detailed resolution and vibrant colors for total immersion.
- Elegant and discreet design: fits perfectly into any interior.
- Ultra short focal length: allows you to project a huge image with very little distance.
- Harman Kardon Audio Quality: Built-in 60W speakers with Dolby Atmos and DTS.
- Light source longevity: 20,000 hours, or more than 10 years of daily use.
- Easy installation: automatic image and focus calibration in seconds.
- No native Netflix support: Requires an external device like Chromecast or Apple TV.
- Only one color available: may not suit all interior decorations.
- High price: significant initial investment, despite a good value for this category.
- Limited connectivity for gamers: 3 HDMI ports including one ARC may be insufficient for several devices.
The cinema and gaming experience
If you're a gamer, the Xgimi Aura 2 offers a gaming mode that lowers latency to 20ms . While this isn't on par with the most powerful TVs, it's more than enough for most games. My son and I tested Ubisoft's latest Star Wars and other games on PS5 without latency being an issue. The only downside is that the refresh rate is limited to 60Hz , which could be a problem for competitive FPS. A 120Hz would be a great future upgrade.
For cinema, image quality is the priority. I spent a lot of time creating a custom profile to achieve the ideal "cinema" look, including disabling motion smoothing for a more natural effect. The number of settings is impressive. My only downside: it's not possible to create multiple custom profiles, which would be useful for quickly switching between different types of content. I hope Xgimi will heed this suggestion for a future model.
One of the Aura 2's greatest assets is its quiet operation. Being an ultra-short throw projector, it's positioned far away from viewers. Even in the quietest scenes, there's no noticeable fan noise, which enhances the immersion. I'm also sensitive to the rainbow effect of DLP projectors, so I was a little concerned, but the Aura 2's triple laser technology significantly reduces this effect. I only noticed it in very dark scenes, and it didn't bother me at all during my month of testing, which is great news.
Our Final Verdict: The XGIMI Aura 2
At €2,899 on Amazon , the XGIMI Aura 2 represents a definite investment. Compared to entry-level models selling for around €300, the price may seem high... but it reflects the quality and technology on board. This high-end video projector stands out with impressive brightness, highly accurate color rendering and the ability to project a 4K image up to 3.80 m diagonal.
Intelligent and autonomous, the Aura 2 automatically adjusts its focus and image geometry, while running on Android TV for direct access to all your applications. Its triple laser not only guarantees increased brightness but also limits the defects typical of DLP projectors.
So, is it really worth such an investment? Our answer is a resounding yes , if you care about image quality and the unique experience that a projector in this range can provide you. Clearly designed for home cinema rather than gaming, it embodies XGIMI's technological know-how and confirms its position as the brand's flagship model. An impressive product, which fully justifies its price, and which will transform your living room into a real cinema. Bravo to XGIMI for this feat.
Other similar projectors
Several models stand out besides the XGIMI Aura 2. The Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2 , the XGIMI Horizon S Max , and the XGIMI Horizon 1080p each offer different approaches, ranging from premium image quality and balanced value to more affordable solutions. These models allow for a comparison of the performance, smart features, and home theater experience each can provide.
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