The XGIMI Aura 2 projector stands out as a high-performance ultra-short throw projector, combining impressive brightness, cutting-edge features, and an elegant design. With its 2,300 ISO lumens, it performs exceptionally well even in brightly lit environments, delivering sharp visuals and rich colors. This model supports 4K at 60Hz, HDR, Dolby Vision, DTS Virtual X, and IMAX Enhanced technology, making it a top choice for home theater enthusiasts and tech-savvy users alike.
Design and Build
The Aura 2 features a sleek and practical design. Its protective fabric lid covers the lens when not in use, preventing dust accumulation. The projector is complemented by a fabric front panel housing its Harman Kardon 2.0 channel speakers, delivering an immersive audio experience with support for DTS Virtual X, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Digital Plus.
The inclusion of multiple ports enhances its versatility: three HDMI 2.0 ports (one supporting eARC), three USB 2.0 ports for external storage, an optical audio output, and a gigabit LAN port. The projector is actively cooled by an internal fan, ensuring a long lamp life of up to 20,000 hours.
Picture Quality and Projection
The Aura 2’s ultra-short throw capability allows it to project a 120-inch image from just 25 centimeters away. Its 0.177:1 aspect ratio and compatibility with ALR (ambient light rejection) screens ensure vibrant and detailed visuals, even in well-lit rooms.
Running on Android TV 11, the Aura 2 provides a smooth and user-friendly interface, powered by an ARM Cortex-A55 chipset, a Mali-G52 GPU, 2GB of RAM, and 32GB of internal storage. While this hardware might seem modest, it’s well-optimized for Android TV, ensuring seamless operation.
Features and Smart Adaptation
The projector includes XGIMI’s Intelligent Screen Adaptation 5.0, offering automatic keystone correction, autofocus, and wall flatness detection. These features make setup quick and straightforward. Adjustments can be made manually for those seeking precision, ensuring the projected image fits perfectly on your screen.
Another noteworthy feature is its Auto Eye Protection. If someone steps into the projection beam, the image is automatically cut off to protect their eyesight—a useful safety measure, especially for households with children or pets.
Audio Performance
The built-in Harman Kardon speakers deliver a robust audio experience with a combined output of 60 watts. Support for advanced audio formats like DTS Virtual X, Dolby Atmos, and Dolby Digital Plus further enhances the sound quality, providing a cinematic experience without the need for additional speakers.
Software and App Support
While the Aura 2 boasts Widevine L1 certification for HD streaming, it does not natively support Netflix. Users can work around this limitation by connecting a streaming device, such as an Amazon Fire Stick, via HDMI. Other apps, including Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV, run smoothly.
Additional Settings and Modes
The projector supports various picture modes, including a game mode with a latency of 20ms for a better gaming experience. Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced are available, with firmware updates ensuring continued support and feature improvements.
For aesthetics, XGIMI includes several high-quality screensavers. These animated visuals, like “Wetland Camping” and “Space Capture,” add an artistic touch when the projector is idle.
Final Thoughts
The XGIMI Aura 2 is a feature-packed ultra-short throw projector designed for versatility and performance. Whether you’re watching movies, gaming, or streaming content, it delivers excellent visuals and sound. While the lack of native Netflix support might be a minor inconvenience, the Aura 2’s strengths far outweigh this drawback, making it a compelling choice for anyone seeking a premium projector experience.