XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro Projector – Automated, Portable, and Android-Equipped (Review)

XGIMI is known for projector models that automate the calibration process into a few simple steps. Allowing the user to quickly get up and running within seconds, even if the projector gets bumped around. No more manual keystone or focus required. The projectors do everything for you. Now, the company has taken this process one step further, starting with its new XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro Projector.

This new projector comes with the next generation of what it calls “Smart Intelligent Screen Adaption” (aka, Smart ISA 2.0). The new 2.0 variant of the tech allows the projectors to automate the process without taking the user away from the content. No more interruptions using a white calibration screen every time the projector gets bumped.

Instead, it is able to re-calibrate itself while it continues to play whatever content you are watching. With a few exceptions that relate to manually triggering the process, but I’ll get to that a little later.

The design of the new projector looks a bit like the previous generation MoGo model. However, there is what feels like a slight additional emphasis on the top section of the front-side, where the lens and sensors are located. This could be in our heads, but it just seems that you can more clearly see what is going on in there.

There is also a sensor toward the bottom of the front side that contains the auto-keystone sensor. All of these work together to automate the calibration process. Allowing the projector to auto-focus, auto-keystone, auto-align, and avoid any obstacles on the wall as it does it. That is a lot of “auto” features all thrown together.

It features a warp-around mesh design that allows for proper air flow, gives way to the two 8-watt speakers inside, and looks kind of cool in the process. It really does look a lot like the previous generation model, just with some slight visual adjustments and a full tweak of the software inside.

The top side is one of the most simplistic sides, containing a single button that is used to turn on the projector. Simply plug it in and press that button and the projector boots up quite quickly (mostly thanks to it being a laser model).

Outside of that one button, the only other thing located at the top of the projector is the company’s logo in the center. The rest is just a smooth brushed-metal-like design.

The backside is where all of the physical action takes place. You find four ports across the back that include a USB-C port, a regular USB-A port, an HDMI, and a headphone jack. There is also a window that allows you to see the the diaphragm inside that produces your low-end (bass) as it moves around.

Using the HDMI port, you can physically connect any device you wanted (as long as that device doesn’t “require” a higher resolution than 1080p. Although, you won’t necessarily have to since the projector does have Android TV 11 onboard with Wi-Fi support. So you can stream anything you want to it as long as you have an internet connection. And yes, that includes Netflix as well. But if you do want to connect something to it physically (ie, DVD/BluRay player, gaming console, etc), the option is there.

The headphone jack allows you to quietly listen using headphones instead of the built-in speakers, or you can connect it via analog to a stereo system or other solution.

As for the USB-A port, you can play files directly off of a USB thumb drive or other external storage solution. Something that is handy for when you might not have Wi-Fi available where you are using it.

Then there is that USB-C port to the left of it all. This port is strictly for power and the company went with using USB-C instead of a regular power port because this allows the user to either use the included wall adapter (below) or plug in a battery power bank solution of their choice.

Using the included power cable, it can be used anywhere there is a plug. However, if you plug a power bank into it, now it can be taken mobile, anywhere you want. Of course, you are on your own when it comes to the power bank. This model doesn’t have a built-in battery or anything so providing your own power bank is the only way to take this model mobile.

But, the option is at least there. Also, if you aren’t using it with a power bank, the weight of the projector is something to brag about as it doesn’t weigh as much as the higher-end XGIMI model (Halo+) that has a built-in battery. Making it easier to carry around with you.

Smart Intelligent Screen Adaption 2.0

So what makes Smart ISA 2.0 better than the previous gen tech? As mentioned, these projectors used to require a special calibration screen that needed to pop up for its sensors to be able to do their thing. It was white, bright, and in your face. It wasn’t much an issue as it was working hard so you didn’t have to. But it was something that took you away from what you were watching for a few seconds if the projector got bumped or moved.

Now, the company is calling it “uninterrupted” auto-keystone and focus. Because the content remains on the screen while it is still able to do what it does (when bumping or moving it).

With the slight exception of when the projector first boots up or when/if you hit the adjustment button on the remote that tells it to readjust everything. But even then, the calibration screen shows up as a transparent image that hovers over your content. So if you press the button, you still aren’t being that distracted as you can still see what’s going on behind the calibration image. When you first turn on the projector, this is the only time time you see the white background.

So the company has already noticeably evolved the auto features, starting with this model.
Something that you will eventually see in additional models as new generation options are launched within other series.

It also features an eye protection feature that detects when someone (or a pet) walks in front of the projector. When it detects this, it dims down the image to a black screen with some text letting you know the mode has been triggered. After a few seconds of nothing in front of the projector, it will resume projecting the content. If someone remains in front of the projector, then it will remain in this screen so that it doesn’t hurt the eyes of children, pets, or anything else standing in front of it. It does take a second for it to trigger though, so the individual will get a quick second of bright light in the face (compromises).

Performance

This series makes for an entry-level into the portable options that XGIMI has to offer. With the regular MoGo 2 (non-Pro model, MSRP $399) being the true entry level model and the Pro (MSRP $599) being a noticeable step up from that.

Thanks to its weight, it’s a lot easier to carry around in a bag if you take it with you on vacation. You just want to make sure you match it to a good power bank if you plan to go wireless. That way you know you’ll be able to make it through whatever content you want to watch. So you’ll need to make sure whatever power bank you use is capable of powering a 65W device for at least 2-3 hours via USB-C.

The image the MoGo 2 Pro produces is actually pretty impressive for a 400 lumen projector. You can get up to a 200″ image while still being able to get the auto features, but I’d say you best sticking to around 100″ for the best brightness. You can go smaller from there, but only where the environment requires it.

In the unboxing/demonstration video at the end of this story (below), we initially tested it out by keeping it at around 100″ within a 150″ screen space. The result was a solid image with plenty of brightness. It seemed to be a perfect mix of quality and features for this model.

We eventually came back to the room later that day to play with the auto features some more to see if we could get them to fail. Only a few times did the focus fail and we had to hit the button to trigger the full calibration (again, just takes a few seconds). We also took the projector further from the screen so we can get a bigger image. Doing so, we were able to get it to perfectly fill the screen space within the black borders. To do this, we recommend letting it calibrate with the lights on so it can see what borders it is working within. When you do it this way, it does a fantastic job at getting things right. Again, the image looked pretty decent, although we preferred 100″ over 150″ for the best picture conditions. Although children likely wouldn’t notice or at least care much if you were using it to keep them entertained with their  favorite movies.

As for the speakers on-board, we would definitely recommend an external solution for any real effect. You can only get so much out of two 8-watt speakers in a small bit of space. They aren’t bad and you can use this as an external Bluetooth speaker when not using it as a projector, but it won’t live up to an actual speaker system or soundbar.

Our Conclusion

This is a great option if you are looking for a lot of mobile features packed into a “bright-enough” image that would be worth the purchase. It doesn’t feature the hardware or internal battery of the Halo+ series, but it still has its own list of impressive features. This one is more about being simple projector solution filled with automatic calibration features. While still running on Android TV, allowing you to access all of your favorite content via Wi-Fi (when Wi-Fi is available). When Wi-Fi isn’t available, you can still connect any other device to it or watch content off of a USB drive.

It is great for bouncing it around the house to use when and where you need it. Great for use with kids. Or taking it with you while camping or simply on vacation. It’s definitely more fun to use one of these in a hotel room than using the small TVs found in these spaces (trust me, many of us do it all the time when traveling). And the price point is a little easier to chew compared to the Halo+ series (if budget is a concern).

Since it is a laser projector, it should last a long time. So if you treat it well, it should last you many years beyond the point where you’d naturally be looking for something better. Like, when you decide to casually upgrade it to an affordable 12K portable projector solution some day (if 12K would ever be affordable when it exists).

The biggest take from this one though is its auto calibration features. All of XGIMI’s projectors contain these, but this one takes them one step further. Keeping your eyes on the content and your hands off the remote. It really is nice to have.

Note: It is currently available for pre-order. It will be shipping officially on April 25th. XGIMI is currently offering $50 off for pre-orders via its website. 

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Co-Authors: Jeffrey B. 

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