Ultra-short-throw projectors have mostly competed on brightness and how close they can sit to the wall. XGIMI's new AURA 3 Series is chasing something else at IFA Berlin: true 4K at 120Hz, a spec combination the company says no UST projector has offered before.
What's new
The AURA 3 Max and AURA 3 Pro both use what XGIMI calls Dynamic Dual Iris technology, two dynamically controlled optical apertures that regulate light to deliver deeper blacks and higher contrast, paired with an RGB Triple Laser light engine and a new X-VISION AI Image Processor. The flagship AURA 3 Max projects a 120-inch image from just 8 inches off the wall and was shown at the booth paired with XGIMI's Ascend floor-rising screen for a full cinema setup.
Beyond picture quality, the built-in XGIMI WALL app turns the (otherwise blank) projected surface into rotating digital artwork when the projector isn't actively playing content, and both models support true 4K 120Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM alongside Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HLG, IMAX Enhanced, and Filmmaker Mode.
Why it matters
4K 120Hz gaming support in an ultra-short-throw projector is a genuine first if XGIMI's claim holds, UST projectors have typically lagged behind traditional projectors and TVs on refresh rate and input lag, making them a tougher sell for gaming setups. Pairing that with the WALL app's ambient art mode is XGIMI positioning these as living room furniture that earns its space even when nothing's playing, not just a device you wheel out for movie night.
Key details
- AURA 3 Series Highlights:
- World's first 4K 120Hz UST projector series
- Dynamic Dual Iris Technology for unprecedented contrast, depth and detail
- RGB Triple Laser light engine
- Up to 5700 ISO lumens (AURA 3 Max) / 4100 ISO lumens (AURA 3 Pro)
- Up to 8000:1 native contrast
- True 4K 120Hz gaming with VRR and ALLM
- X-VISION AI Image Processor
- Built-in Google TV
- Dolby Vision®, HDR10+, HLG, IMAX Enhanced & Filmmaker Mode
- Anti-RBE technology for reduced rainbow effect in both 2D and 3D
- Cinematic 3D with two pairs of 3D glasses included
- 80W Harman Kardon speakers with Dolby Atmos
- 0.163:1 Throw Ratio
- Ultra-short-throw projection up to 200 inches
Takeaway
The 4K 120Hz claim is the headline, but it's worth verifying hands-on rather than taking XGIMI's word for it, “world's first” specs in projector marketing don't always hold up to scrutiny on actual input lag and motion handling. The Kickstarter-first launch model is also worth flagging to readers who expect a straightforward retail purchase.
Kickstarter Exclusive Pricing:
AURA 3 Pro: $2,199
AURA 3 Max: $2,399
