Introduction

The XGIMI Horizon Ultra 2, released in early January 2025, builds upon the success of its predecessor with significant improvements in brightness, color accuracy, and smart features. This 4K laser projector aims to deliver a premium home theater experience while maintaining the portability that XGIMI is known for.

Review

The Horizon Ultra 2 immediately impresses with its sleek, minimalist design. The projector’s compact form factor belies its powerful capabilities, making it an attractive option for those who want a high-performance projector without dedicating permanent space to it.

One of the most notable upgrades is the brightness, now boasting 3,000 ANSI lumens, a substantial increase from the previous model. This enhancement allows for comfortable viewing even in rooms with ambient light, expanding its versatility beyond dedicated home theater spaces.

The projector utilizes a triple laser light source (RGB) combined with XGIMI’s advanced XC 3.0 image engine. This combination results in stunning 4K resolution with incredibly vivid colors, covering 107% of the BT.2020 color space. The improvement in color accuracy is immediately noticeable, especially in content with wide color gamuts like nature documentaries or modern animated films.

XGIMI has also made significant strides in their Intelligent Screen Adaptation technology. The Ultra 2 can now detect and avoid obstacles in its projection path, automatically adjusting keystone and focus. This feature worked flawlessly in our tests, making setup a breeze regardless of the environment.

The built-in Harman Kardon speakers continue to impress, now with an upgraded 2x15W system that provides rich, room-filling sound. While dedicated audio systems will still outperform it, the integrated speakers are more than adequate for most viewing scenarios.

On the smart features front, the Ultra 2 runs on an updated version of Android TV, now with Google TV integration. The interface is snappy and intuitive, with access to a wide array of streaming services. The inclusion of hands-free Google Assistant adds another layer of convenience to the user experience.

Gaming performance has seen a notable improvement, with input lag reduced to an impressive 12ms in game mode at 4K 60Hz. While not quite at the level of dedicated gaming projectors, it’s more than sufficient for casual gaming sessions.

One minor drawback is the fan noise, which can be noticeable during quiet scenes when running at full brightness. However, in most viewing conditions, it’s not disruptive.

Conclusion

The XGIMI Horizon Ultra 2 represents a significant step forward in the realm of portable 4K laser projectors. Its combination of exceptional image quality, smart features, and ease of use make it a compelling option for both home theater enthusiasts and casual users alike. While it comes with a premium price tag, the performance and versatility it offers justify the investment for those seeking a top-tier projection experience.