Not got the lounge space for a traditional projector – or don’t fancy mounting one to your ceiling? Xgimi’s latest ultra-short throw (UST) projector can beam a massive 120in image when placed a mere eight inches from a wall. The Aura 3 is the first of its kind with a 4K resolution, gamer-grade 120Hz refresh rate and Google TV streaming smarts on board. It’s genuinely making me question whether it’s time to swap out my TV.
Two models are on the way: the Aura 3 Pro and the Aura 3 Max. Both have dual DLP chips that can deliver a native 4K resolution at 120Hz, with support for variable refresh rate (VRR) and automatic low latency mode (ALLM). If that wasn’t enough, even more demanding gamers can drop to 1080p for a 240Hz refresh rate and 1ms response times.
The three laser light source is a serious step up from the outgoing Aura 2’s dual-laser, LED hybrid setup, which maxed out at 2300 lumens. While the Pro tops out at 4100 lumens, the Max shines significantly brighter at 5700 lumens, making it more suited to daytime viewing.
Each get Xgimi’s dynamic dual iris optical system, which the firm says delivers deeper blacks, richer shadow detail and brighter highlights than the single iris lenses found in UST rivals. Native contrast climbs as high as 8000:1, while an anti-rainbow effect setting reduces distracting colour banding in both 2D and 3D. That’ll be great news for anyone that’s managed to stockpile a selection of compatible Blu-ray discs, especially as Xgimi bundles two pairs of 3D specs in the box.
There’s support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode, while Xgimi’s X-vision AI Image Processor handles edge detection, texture enhancements and motion. It can handle native 24fps playback with 5:5 pulldown, which means no judder compared to 60Hz projection.
With three HDMI ports – two with 4K/120 support and one with eARC – along with two USBs, digital and analogue audio, and Gigabit Ethernet at the rear, the Aura 3 can easily accommodate your games consoles and other home cinema kit. Google TV then brings Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV and HBO Max, plus access to the Play Store for downloading even more streaming content.
The on-board audio is tuned by Harman Kardon, with dual 20W woofers and two 20W tweeters. If you want to go all-in, though, the Aura 3 partners perfectly with Xgimi’s Ascend motorised screen, which has two built-in soundbars.
The Aura 3 Pro will arrive at $2199, while the Aura 3 Max will retail for $2399. As has quickly become the norm for Xgimi’s top-tier hardware, the Aura 3 series will launch on Kickstarter first; the campaign begins on October 20. Anyone pre-ordering through the Xgimi website with a $50 deposit will get an extra $200 off, ahead of general sales later in the year.
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