Lifestyle projectors, represent a contemporary wave of home entertainment electronics, rapidly gaining traction among consumers. What sets these sleek 4K projectors apart from traditional counterparts is their all-in-one design, offering a portable entertainment hub with exceptional image quality—a true Swiss army knife of the projection realm.
Equipped with built-in speakers, streaming apps, and automatic picture adjustments, these smart projectors are compact, adaptable, and technologically advanced. Unlike static home theater options, lifestyle projectors cater to the dynamic demands of modern living, enabling you to bring the cinematic experience anywhere, indoors or outside in the backyard.
Given the significant surge in interest surrounding lifestyle projectors, we embarked on a mission to assist projection enthusiasts worldwide in their decision-making process. Thus, we introduced the 2023 Lifestyle Projector Showdown, a monumental event pitting the top five models against each other. But, this event primarily focused on picture quality, with lifestyle projectors, visuals are just a part of the equation. That's why we're delving deep into the specifications and features, unveiling the strengths and weaknesses, all to guide you toward the mobile cube projector that perfectly suits your needs.
In today's lifestyle shootout we'll be pitting the XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs the BenQ X3100i.
Ready? LET'S DO IT!
XGIMI Horizon Ultra
The XGIMI Horizon Ultra is the upgraded version of XGIMI's Horizon and Horizon Pro portable cube projectors. Their flagship model utilizes a unique hybrid Laser/LED light source to produce a bright and vibrant image on your screen. Like the other lifestyle projectors, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra features smart technology that automatically aligns, corrects and focuses the image so you just point it at your screen and this device does the rest.
With an impressive picture quality the XGIMI Horizon Ultra placed 2nd in the 2023 Lifestyle Projector Showdown, and thanks to it's powerful and crisp Harman/Kardon speakers earned top marks for sound quality.
BenQ X3100i
This is not BenQ's first rodeo making all-in-one projectors. In fact the BenQ X3100i is the upgraded version of the BenQ X3000i. With their new projector, BenQ unleashed out a powerful lifestyle projector that's built first and foremost with gamers in mind. Offering 4.2MS/240Hz and a number of other gaming specific features, the BenQ X3100i is one of the best projectors for playing video games out there.
But this isn't just a gaming projector. It's a cinematic movie projector as well thanks to 4K resolution and 3300 lumen output. The BenQ X3100i is unique with its 4LED light source, though it does lack the automatic features of the other lifestyle projectors. This projector did place 1st in the 2023 Lifestyle projector shootout, so it's going to be tough to beat.
XGIMI Horizon Ultra Or BenQ X3100i, Which Is Better?
The burning question in the clash of 4K cube projectors, who emerges victorious, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra or BenQ X3100i? And for savvy shoppers like yourself, which of these all-in-one portable lifestyle projectors meet your needs to create a cinematic experience wherever there's a power outlet?
Dive into our projection experts' thorough comparison of these cutting-edge 4K projectors tailored for more than just home theaters, and discover which model reigns supreme.
| |
BenQ X3100i |
XGIMI Horizon Ultra |
Our Thoughts: |
Brightness |
3300 |
2335 |
While the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is very bright, by far, the BenQ X3100i is the brightest lifestyle projector available. |
Throw Ratio |
1.15:1 - 1.50:1 |
1.20:1 - 1.50:1 |
The BenQ cube projector has a slightly wider variable throw ratio. |
Screen Size |
30.29" - 300.27" |
39.74" - 200.21" |
The X3100i has the ability to make a significantly larger screen size with the brightness to achieve it. |
Projector Lens Shift |
None |
None |
Neither projector offers lens shift. |
Chipset |
0.47" DLP |
0.47” DLP |
Both DLP projectors use the same smaller chip. |
Light Source |
4LED
|
RGBB LED+ Red laser |
The hybrid Laser/LED light source on the XGIMI, gives it all the advantages with none of the drawbacks. |
Color |
95% Rec.709 |
100% Rec.709 |
Both devices offer wide color gamut coverage with the XGIMI model edging out the BenQ. |
Contrast Ratio |
898:1 |
695:1 |
The BenQ X3100i achieves a higher contrast ratio than the XGIMI Horizon Ultra. |
Input Lag |
4K/60: 16.67ms | 1080p/240: 4.2ms
|
4K/60: 35.1ms |
As a lightning fast gaming projector, The BenQ X3100i has a response time almost twice as fast as XGIMI's in 4K. |
HDR |
HDR10, HLG
|
HDR10, HLG, Dolby Vision |
When it comes to watching HDR content, XGIMI Horizon Ultra supporting Dolby Vision gives it a big leg up. |
Built-In Speakers |
5.0 Watts x2 |
Harman/Kardon 2x12W |
The quality of the built-in Harman/Kardon speakers on the XGIMI projector earned the #1 ranking for audio. |
Price |
|
|
With an average price tag that's around $600 less than the BenQ, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is a fantastic value for a 4K projector. |
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Add to Cart
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Add to Cart
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BenQ X3100i
The Pros
- High brightness for lights on viewings
- Lightning fast input lag and can do 4.2ms with a 240Hz refresh rate
- Good color accuracy out of the box
- Great colorimetry after calibration with lots of calibration options
- Superior motion handling
- Supports 3D
- Genre specific game modes and FPS Crosshair feature
- Android TV Dongle includes Netflix
- No laser speckle
- Backlit remote
The Cons
- No automatic focus or auto-keystone correction like other lifestyle projectors
- Built In-speaker not as good as other lifestyle projectors
- Emits a good amount of heat
- Somewhat low contrast for a projector for home theater usage
- Only has 2 HDMI ports
- No Dolby Vision or HDR10+ support
- Larger and heavier than the other units in its class
XGIMI Horizon Ultra
The Pros
- Bright hybrid LED & laser light source
- Optical and motorized zoom allows for variable throw ratio
- The best color accuracy compared to other lifestyle projectors
- Supports 3D
- Supports Dolby Vision
- Best built-in sound system on a lifestyle projector
- Autofocus and auto-keystoning corrects the image quickly
- Excellent lag time with the auto-correction features turned off
- Lens cover slides up to protect the lens when not in use (important for portability)
The Cons
- Somewhat low contrast for a projector for home theater usage
- Only 1 year warranty
- Only has 2 HDMI ports
- No native Netflix app
- No input button on the remote
- Power usage is higher than other lifestyle projectors
So Which 4K Lifestyle Projector Will Win, The BenQ X3100i Or The XGIMI Horizon Ultra?
Deciding between the XGIMI Horizon Ultra and the BenQ X3100i lifestyle projectors feels like a daunting task. Each projector boasts distinct advantages and drawbacks when you compare it to the other.
Ultimately, whether you opt for the BenQ X3100i or the XGIMI Horizon Ultra, you're bound to find tremendous satisfaction with your choice.
After much debate and deliberation, our team of projection specialists has reached a verdict to name a winner in the matchup of the XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs. the BenQ X3100i, and that victor is the………
XGIMI Horizon Ultra
Why Buy XGIMI Horizon Ultra?
It's easy to see that both of these 4K lifestyle projectors are great options. What puts the XGIMI Horizon Ultra over the BenQ X3100i in this head to head matchup is the low price. With a savings of over $600, the value you get from the Horizon Ultra gives it the win.
With 100% of the Rec.709, this 4K projector produces an image worthy of any movie room. When calibrated, it is plainly obvious that the XGIMI Horizon Ultra really excels with color accuracy / skin tone, as it took top marks for that criteria in all 3 rounds of the 2023 Lifestyle Projector Shootout. This is largely thanks to it's unique 4LED+Laser Hybrid light engine that no other lifestyle projector possesses.
It's also the only lifestyle projector that supports both Dolby Vision and 3D.
Lifestyle projectors are all about the ease of use. They're made so that you can easily take your projector from the home theater and set it up quickly anywhere. The automatic focus and keystone adjustment on the XGIMI Horizon Ultra lets you point your projector at any flat surface and the smart functionality automatically gives you a sharp and squared off image in seconds. On top of that, the XGIMI is more compact and lighter than the BenQ X3100i, making it much easier to move around and take with you.
If you don't plan to use your projector with an external sound system, the high quality built-in speakers offer the best audio experience found on any lifestyle projector.
For those of you who plan to move your projector around more often such as into the bedroom or outside for movie nights, the XGIMI's retractable lens cover offers a great layer of protection. This is especially valuable for those with little kids who like to touch everything.
Why Buy The BenQ X3100i?
There's a reason the BenQ X3100i tied for first place at the 2023 Lifestyle Projector Showdown. And that reason is the incredible picture quality this compact projector produces. While it didn't win in any particular criteria at the competition, the X3100i's shows that in its totality, it was greater than the sum of its parts. You get a vibrant image, with sharp detail and solid contrast.
The BenQ X3100i looks fantastic and accurate out of the box and gives you a plethora of calibration options.
As the brightest of the cube projectors, the BenQ X3100i gives you more lumens to allow for a better picture with the lights on. This is especially important for backyard movie nights, where you don't want to wait for total darkness to start the movie with the kids.
If you're a gamer then buying the BenQ X3100i is a no brainer. With its 16.7 ms 4K/60Hz and 4.2MS 1080p/240Hz, this projector has some of the lowest input lag of any display. This low latency puts it up there with some of the top gaming monitors. On top of that the BenQ X3100i has genre specific game modes, and a cool FPS Crosshair feature that adds a crosshair scope to your image giving you increased accuracy in first person shooters.
The ability to produce an image size up to 300 inches and the streaming stick that includes Netflix is also a nice bonus on the BenQ X3100i.
Which Projector Do You Think Is Better?
Which of these cube projector do you think is the better option to meet your needs, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra or the BenQ X3100i? Do you own one of these 4K lifestyle projectors? If so, how do you like it? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
We'll be breaking down the comparison between the XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs BenQ X3100i even further in our projector shootout series on YouTube. So make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can get notified when our shootout goes live plus other great content in our pipeline. And be sure to checkout our other head to head projector comparisons as well as the results from the 2023 lifestyle projector showdown where we name the best all-in-one projector.
If you have any questions about these all-in-one projectors or anything else projection related don’t hesitate to hit us up at ProjectorScreen.com. And as always thanks for reading and keep on projecting!
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | BenQ |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 3300 |
Projector Type: | Lifestyle |
Light Source: | LED |
Contrast Ratio: | 600,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.15:1 - 1.50:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Input Lag: | 4K/60: 16.67ms|1080p/60: 16.7ms|1080p/120: 8.3ms|1080p/240: 4.2ms |
Built-In Speaker: | Yes |
Warranty: | 3 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Powered |
Operating System: | Android TV |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | XGIMI |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 2300 |
Projector Type: | Lifestyle |
Light Source: | LED and Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 700:1 (Full on/off) |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.20:1 - 1.50:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 18ms |
3D Support: | Full HD 3D |
Built-In Speaker: | Yes |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Standard Lens Focus: | Automatic |
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