XGIMI HORIZON S Max 4K Laser Projector (Review)

XGIMI recently launched two of its new flagship projectors to push its way further into the industry. Continuing to make waves, these models offer a long list of features. Some of these are shared from previous models while others bring new options to light (literally). The one we get to focus on today is the XGIMI HORIZON S Max 4K Laser Projector, which is the big brother of the two.

Last year we covered the company’s previous standing champion for mid/long throw projectors, the HORIZON Ultra, which proved to be quite the contender. It offered 4K with HDR/Dolby Vision, as well as its own long list of additional features. It was one of the better models we came across in 2023 within its price range and is still one of our favorites. The new HORIZON S Max is the closest thing to a next-generation option in ways, bringing with it features like support for IMAX Enhanced content, an even brighter image, and more.

The projector is delivered tucked within foam in its product box, which is then slid into a much thicker box. Providing plenty of protection during shipment to help minimize the chance of anything getting damaged or scratched up.

Overall, the packaging is much simpler this time around in comparison to the HORIZON Ultra (fanicer packaging), likely in an effort to save a little cost (fancy packaging isn’t necessarily needed since you’ll probably just throw it away anyhow).

So this time around you just get a brown product box with a sticker thrown on the side, which is more than reasonable.

Inside the box, the projector is gently resting on its back within the before-mentioned foam. Ready to be taken straight out, there is no assembly needed outside of connecting the power cable and optional accessories (ie, HDMI).

A small box to the side contains all of the accessories, which includes a big power brick, informative instructions in most common languages, and a familiar user-friendly remote. The company was also kind enough to include batteries.

Since the power brick does have a decent amount of weight to it, this helps to shift some of that weight from the projector itself. Making it easier to move around. But it is a little bulky, so you’ll want to make sure you have a good place to hide it. If installing the projector on the roof, you could neatly fold the wire and tuck the brick toward the back within the base area. Obviously toward the ground or behind furniture is mounted on a flat surface (table, shelf, etc).

There isn’t any difference in the design of the remote this time around and this is ok since the remote gets the job just fine. It’s the same as what you would get with the previous HORIZON Ultra from last year. You’ll find buttons for power, settings, and Google Assistant. Then a directional pad with a select/ok button in the center. Then a back, menu, and home button, with two volume buttons under those. Finally, there is a bottom at the very bottom for trigger the auto focus.

Just like most modern devices, the company opted to keep things simple, and this has been working out great since its first-ever released model. All other settings are located in the settings menu, which can be quickly accessed using that second button from the top.

These new HORIZON S series models now feature a built-in stand (non-removable), making adjustments to the angle of the projector so much easier than the Ultra. So no matter where you place the projector, it is a simple task to get the image pointing to where you need it. Even if the image is projecting at the ceiling.

And since it offers the company’s new ISA 5.0 (Intelligent Screen Adaption), it comes with all of the popular automatic calibration features, such as auto focus, auto keystone, auto alignment, object avoidance, eye protection, and wall color adaption. That last one offers the ability to automatically adjust colors to compensate for painted walls (as long as the paint on your walls isn’t an extreme shade of color, of course). So most soft natural wall paints won’t degrade the image and you can still enjoy your content as it is supposed to be seen.

There is also support for 21:9 ultra widescreen support, for those with screens or wall space that supports this–as well as content, unless you are using this as a computer monitor (which would make for a great monitor).

These ISA features have really created a name for XGIMI over recent years, showing it has what it takes to compete with brands that have been established for decades. While maintaining a fair and reasonable price. It makes the overall setup process so easy that anyone can set this up. It also allows the projector to be placed virtually anywhere (up high, down low, off to the side shooting vertically, etc).

Note: Not all ISA features are enabled by default. Out-of-the-box, it seems to only have auto focus and keystone enabled. So you have to go into settings and enable image alignment and obstacle avoidance, which we do recommend since its one of the biggest features of these models. With the exception for those who prefer to dial these features in manually. 

Also, these automated features involve digital correction. So these adjustments happen within the max field of light the projector displays. They are not mechanical in nature. So adjusting the image inward to fit your space or screen will result in a very dim light bleed around the sides where the unused portion of the field was. 

This model also sports a higher ISO lumen count (3100 ISO lumens) than the Ultra (2300 ISO lumens), making it one of the brightest projects that has ever come from the company. Resulting in rich colors and bright details where it really counts. It also means that this model can still be enjoyed, even with the lights on (although dark rooms will always win when it comes to image quality).

In addition to being a laser projector, it is actually a hybrid using both laser and LED to help deliver a great image while avoiding some of the disadvantages that can normally be found with straight laser models. XGIMI refers to this hybrid approach as Dual Light (Dual Light 2.0 with this model), allowing it to use a fancy name for it.

Like most of XGIMI’s models, it includes harman/kardon speakers built into the front so that users can opt to make use of its own audio for simple setup situations that don’t require a large sound experience. While also providing a sound experience that is better than most projects with basic speakers tucked inside.

These speakers are a product of Harman International Industries, which is a Samsung company (Harman is also the company behind brands like JBL, AKG, Infinity, Mark Levinson, and many others). So it brings with it a lot of experience when it comes to sound overall. Clearly, these speakers aren’t going to compete with some of the best Harman has to offer due to size and price points, but they sure as heck deliver a reasonable experience when compared to other options.

As mentioned, along with support for Dolby Vision, this model also supports IMAX Enhanced content. Which automatically switches on when content is detected and the feature is enabled in the settings screen (it comes enabled by default).

Assuming you have a screen or a projectable space big enough, you’ll be able to enjoy IMAX Enhanced content in your own living space. IMAX Enhanced content can be found within the optical (disc) media you buy in stores, but also streamed content as well, including YouTube. You can see an example of this in the unboxing/demo video below at the end of the review.

The above image is a shot taken from the below unboxing/demo video. Although the camera doesn’t capture everything perfectly, this serves as one of the closest representations of what the projector looks like on a 150″ screen.

In our testing of the XGIMI HORIZON S Max, we noticed an image that was noticeably brighter than the Ultra. The IMAX Enhanced features kicked in with the appropriate content, including content we didn’t know qualified as IMAX Enhanced. Leading to rich colors, an impressive brightness, and deep details.

You can also enable an enhanced contrast mode if you want to focus more on the darker sections of the image. Although, you do lose a little when it comes to color detail, so the balance comes down to what your eyes prefer.

Dolby Vision content was a little all over the place when it comes to Dolby Vision being supported in content. This also happened with the Ultra, as disc content showed up properly, but some digital files didn’t always trigger it. Leading to darker images that aren’t taking full advantage of HDR. An example of this was a promotional sampler of one of the latest Dune movies. The bright scenes were amazing, but the darker scenes were almost unviewable (note: digital file was played back via USB as well as an Xbox Series X connected via the HDMI port on the back).

However, when Dolby Vision does kick in with the HORIZON projectors, it is more than enjoyable. And most users will be consuming their content via streamed media (ie, Netflix, YouTube, etc) and optical media. This should lead to a more consistent Dolby Vision experience.

Shifting back to the color and detail of this projector, watching animated movies brings out even more from this projector thanks to its format support and high ISO lumen count. We consumed a number of trailers, and sampled a handful of Bluray content. All of it leading to a fantastic visual experience.

Also, the company has noticeably improved upon the software experience when it comes to how responsive Android TV is and all of the apps and menus. Last year’s Ultra may have been an amazing projector, but unless you fully rebooted it every time, the menu/software experience could get quite sluggish. This doesn’t seem to be the same experience when it comes to this model. We have ran it long enough to experience the same, but didn’t notice any slowdowns this time. Which is a huge deal when it comes to making use of its fast boot feature.

This also means that the Google Assistant experience is fantastic as well. Quickly jumping into apps with various voice commands and searches.

Physical connectivity is pretty much the only place where this model sees a drop in expectations. This model is clearly meant for simple situations that do not require a lot of connectivity. Leaning more on its wireless connectivity and streaming than anything else.

That being said, it only has a single HDMI port on the back, along with two USB ports for local storage (video/music files, photos, etc). There is no Ethernet or optical port like the Ultra had last year. So the Max doesn’t seem to be aimed at those needs/environments.

The only other port it has is at the back/bottom of the built-in stand/base. This is where the power connection is made, keeping that connect low so it isn’t sticking out from the top like the Ultra did.

Thankfully, the Wi-Fi on this model is more than strong enough to stream all modern content. We attempted to stream hours worth of 4K content of various formats via sources like YouTube without noticing any connection issues.

So beyond using it as a source for streaming, you can simply connect one additional device to it via its single HDMI port on the back. This can be something simple like a Fire TV Stick, or a gaming console. Or if you have multiple devices, you can connect an AVR (audio/video receiver) or other switchable device. Just make sure that the device is able to pass-through 4K content (or better), else you’ll experience a drop in resolution.

Not having an Ethernet port is unfortunate, as well as the optical (SPDIF) port on the back for sending audio to an external sound source (speaker bar, AVR, etc). This limits some users who have older receivers, when it comes to overall configurations. Leaving this as a monitor-out solution only outside of making use of the eARC of the HDMI cable, assuming your receiver also supports ARC/eARC.

We do have a theory when it comes to this. Although this model is priced higher than last year’s Ultra, this pricing seems to be mostly influenced on its brightness, IMAX Enhanced support, as well as a few other features, like better internal hardware for the overall Android TV experience. But it may not be the best that XGIMI has up its sleeves.

It wouldn’t be a surprise if a HORIZON S Ultra model was in the works, bringing back some of the other connectivity, such as Ethernet, optical/SPDIF, etc. Along with all of the great features of the Max. You might even get lucky and find it has a little higher ISO count as well. But as of this moment, nothing has been confirmed by the company, so this remains as just our own theory. But you have to admit, it makes sense as a true flagship usually offers a lot across the back.

Our Conclusion

When it comes to image quality, this projector really has a lot to offer. Laser/LED hybrid, 4K, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and other specs that really bring the image to life. Along with one of the highest ISO lumen counts that XGIMI has ever delivered in a product.

Thanks to it being a much speedier experience within the Android TV interface, it also acts as a fantastic entertainment system for streamed content. For some users, no additional devices have to be connected if all they wants is TV and movie content via the popular streamed sources. Getting in and out of apps, using Google Assistant, and quickly running searches without having to type a thing really adds to the experience.

Between the built-in stand and the ISA performance, it is easier than ever to get the image you need just about anywhere within seconds (screens, walls, ceilings, etc). Adding additional user-friendliness and bragging rights. The ISA performance in XGIMI products never gets old.

It would have been nice to see at least an optical port on the back for an alternative digital audio out though as not everyone has the ability to take advantage of the eARC on the HDMI port. In fact, there was already a comment on the below video before we could get this story out, from a user mentioning this (here’s looking at you LunderStorm). Leading to our theory that there might be more coming from the company we haven’t even heard about yet. Either that, or you might just have to wait to see what the next generation lineup has to offer if this affects you.

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Additional Images:

Specifications:

• Product Classification: Home Projector
• Light Source: Dual Light 2.0
• Expected Lamp Life: 20000 Hours (*up to)
• Display Technique: DLP
• Display Chip: 0.47” DMD
• 3D: Yes, Frame Packing & Side by Side
• Supported Formats: HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced
• Latency: Game Mode ? 20ms (AK off)
• MEMC: Yes
• Brightness: 3100 ISO Lumens
• Standard Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels
• Color Gamut: BT.2020 110%
• Contrast Ratio: Dynamic 1000000:1
• Lens: High Light Transmission Coated Lens
• Eye Protection: Yes
• Auto Keystone Correction: ISA 5.0 Uninterrupted Auto Keystone
• Focus: ISA 5.0 Auto Focus
• Intelligent Screen Alignment: Yes
• Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance: Yes
• Optical Zoom: No
• Digital Zoom: Yes
• Throw Ratio: 1.2:1
• Aspect Ratio: 16:9/4:3
• Projection Method: Front, Rear, Front Ceiling, Rear Ceiling
• Image Size: 40” – 200”17
• CPU: Cortex-A55
• GPU: Mali-G52
• RAM: 2GB
• Storage: 64GB
• System: Android TV 11.0
• Fast Boot: Yes (STR)
• Mirroring Display: DLNA/Google Cast
• Speaker: 2 x 12W Harman/Kardon
• DTS-Virtual X: Yes
• DTS-HD: Yes
• Dolby Audio: Yes
• Dolby Digital (DD): Yes
• Dolby Digital Plus (DD+): Yes
• WiFi: WiFi 5 Dual-band 2.4/5GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac
• Bluetooth: Bluetooth 5.1
• Input Ports: DC x 1, HDMI (eARC Supported) x 1, USB x 2
• Noise Level: <28dB@1m
• Power Dissipation: <300W
• Power: AC100-240V, 50/60Hz

Are you a manufacturer or distributor that would like us to test something out for review? Contact us and we can let you know where to send the product and we will try it out.