Lifestyle projectors, are a modern category of consumer electronics for home entertainment that are gaining popularity rapidly. What distinguishes these snazzy 4K projectors from traditional options is their all-in-one design, providing a portable entertainment setup with impressive image quality. They're like the Swiss army knife of the projection world.
These smart projectors feature built-in speakers, streaming apps, and automatic picture adjustment, making them compact, versatile, and technologically advanced. Unlike static home theater projectors, lifestyle projectors cater to the dynamic needs of today's lifestyle, allowing you to bring your cinema experience anywhere inside and outside your home.
Since lifestyle projectors have experienced such a profound growth in interest we had to help projection enthusiast around the world decide which one was best. So we hosted the 2023 lifestyle projector showdown where we pit the top 5 models against each other in the largest event of its kind. This event solely focused on picture quality but with lifestyle projectors, it's not just about looks. That's why we're diving deep into the specs and features, uncovering the pros and cons, all to help you find the cube projector that'll be your best for your needs.
In today's shootout we'll be putting the XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs the Formovie X5.
Ready for a tech adventure? LET'S DO IT!
Formovie X5
The Formovie Theater has been the best selling ultra short throw projector. Naturally there was a huge wave of excitement when they announced that the Formovie X5 was being released here in the States. And Formovie did not disappoint with their regular throw home projector. In fact the Formovie X5 was so impressive that it tied for 1st place as the judges pick for the best lifestyle projector at the 2023 projector showdown.
It is a 4K projector with a bright and color filled image, affordable price, compact triple laser light source that will never need a lamp replacement. This all-in-one projector features powerful 3-way speakers powered by Denon for an immersive audio experience and comes with a smart streaming Amazon Fire TV stick. It's lightweight and easily portable making it a great option for backyard movie nights and indoor media enjoyment.
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.
XGIMI Horizon Ultra Or Formovie X5, Which Is Better?
So, the question is which 4K cube projector will win this head to head battle, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra or Formovie X5? More importantly for shoppers like you, which of these two all-in-one portable lifestyle projector should you purchase to create that cinematic experience anywhere you've got a power outlet?
Read our projection expert's comparison of these new 4K projectors for home theaters and more to see which model comes out on top.
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Formovie X5 |
XGIMI Horizon Ultra |
Our Thoughts: |
Brightness |
2244 |
2335 |
Both projectors offer about the same amount of brightness with the XGIMI Horizon Ultra getting the edge. |
Throw Ratio |
1.27:1 |
1.20:1 - 1.50:1 |
The XGIMI aura has a variable throw ratio and can sit closer to the screen so this is a sizeable advantage. |
Screen Size |
60"-500" |
39.74" - 200.21" |
The Formovie X5 can produce a significantly larger screen size (though you'd need a very dark room to achieve the 500 inch screen size). |
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 |
ALPD 3.0 Single Laser
|
RGBB LED+ Red laser |
While a dual light source engine will typically beat a single laser, because the Formovie x5 is using ALPD technology this spec is a draw because each light source has its own advantages. |
Color |
103% Rec.709 |
100% Rec.709 |
Both devices offer wide color gamuts with the Formovie X5 having an edge. |
Contrast Ratio |
973:1 |
695:1 |
The Formovie X5 has a higher contrast ratio largely thanks to it's fantastic black levels. |
Input Lag |
4K/60: 42.5ms
|
4K/60: 35.1ms |
Neither projector is a true video game projector but both have acceptable lag times for the average gamer. The win however goes to the Horizon Ultra. |
Built-In Speakers |
Denon 2x12W + 6W |
Harman/Kardon 2x12W |
While the X5 speakers have a bit more "umph" to them, the quality of the built-in Harman/Kardon speakers on the XGIMI projector earned the #1 ranking for audio out of the lifestyle models. |
Price |
|
|
Both units provide a fantastic value for a low price 4K projector but the Formovie X5 typically sells for $100 less. |
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Add to Cart
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Add to Cart
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Formovie X5
The Pros
- ALPD 3.0 laser engine helps achieve deep black levels and very good contrast
- Great color accuracy right out of the box
- Autofocus and auto-keystoning allow you to point the projector and it will correct the image
- Can create an image size all the way up to 500 inches
- Excellent Denon sound systems sounds clear, loud and allows you to watch content without needing external speakers
- Smaller body and more lightweight for easier transportability
- Comes with Amazon Firestick that supports streaming apps including Netflix
- Supports Dolby Vision
- No laser speckle
- Great value for a low priced 4K projector
- 3 year warranty
The Cons
- Uses the Chinese FengOS operating system so you need to use the included Firestick
- Some rainbow effect
- No lens shift or variable throw ratio
- No 3D support
- Only has 2 HDMI ports and one gets taken up with the Firestick
- No input button on the remote
XGIMI Horizon Ultra
The Pros
- Bright hybrid LED & laser light source
- Optical and motorized zoom allows for variable throw ratio
- Great color accuracy
- 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
- Average contrast ratio
- Only 1 year warranty
- Only has 2 HDMI ports
- No Netflix app
- No input button on the remote
- Power usage is higher than other lifestyle projectors
So Which 4K Lifestyle Projector Will Win, The Formovie X5 Or The XGIMI Horizon Ultra?
Choosing between the XGIMI Horizon Ultra and the Formovie X5 lifestyle projectors can be a tough decision. Each projector has its own unique advantages and disadvantages when compared to the other.
The fact of the matter is that you're going to love what you get whether you buy the Formovie X5 vs. the XGIMI Horizon Ultra.
However, after careful consideration, our team of projection experts has come to a conclusion regarding the question, "Which projector should I get, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra or the Formovie X5?" The winner of this lifestyle projector head to head comparison is the……….
Formovie X5!
Why Buy Formovie X5?
This shootout was close! (Though they're always close aren't they?)
However, when it comes to comparing these two lifestyle projectors the Formovie X5 gets the win.
Probably the biggest deciding factor was with regards to the picture quality and specifically the superior black levels and contrast of the Formovie X5.
Lifestyle projectors are designed with the more casual projection enthusiast in mind and not the passionate home theater fanatics who calibrate their projectors. Most lifestyle owners just want a projector that lets you plug it in, point and watch. With its accurate colors out of the box you're able to achieve this without needing to play with the settings too much.
Another large part of why we chose the Formovie X5 was because it did tie for 1st in the eyes of our panel of expert judges at the 2023 Laser TV Showdown and we do highly value their opinions.
On top of that, the larger screen size potential was a large advantage for those who aren't limited in the size of their projected image.
The lower price tag and longer warranty further helped give the Formovie an edge in this side-by-side showdown.
We're confident that once the Global edition starts shipping in the United States and the additional controls and features become native to this projector, it will become an even more attractive option that provide an improved experience.
Why Buy The XGIMI Horizon Ultra?
While we did choose the Formovie X5 over the XGIMI Horizon Ultra, many shoppers should still consider the XGIMI 4K lifestyle projector. It did come in 2nd place after all at the 2023 Showdown.
The biggest advantage the XGIMI Horizon Ultra has over the Formovie X5 is that it uses the familiar Android operating system while its competitor utilizes the Chinese FengOS. This allows you to access all of your favorite American streaming apps (other than Netflix) while the Formovie X5 needs the Amazon Firestick taking up one of the two HDMI ports. With the Horizon Ultra, it's all built-in.
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.
Gamers are also going to want to pick the Horizon Ultra as their go-to choice thanks to it's lower lag time, especially when you disable the automatic focus and keystone features.
If you're a 3D enthusiast the XGIMI Horizon Ultra is the way to go since the Formovie unit doesn't support it.
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.
Like the Formovie X5, you're getting a lot of bang for your buck at this low price tag.
Which Projector Do You Think Is Better?
Which cube projector do you think is the better option to meet your needs, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra or the Formovie X5? Do you own one of these 4K lifestyle projectors? If so, how do you use it? Tell us what you think in the comments below.
We'll be breaking down the comparison between the XGIMI Horizon Ultra vs Formovie X5 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: | Formovie |
Product Status: | In Stock |
Lumens: | 2450 |
Projector Type: | Lifestyle |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 1200:1 (Full On/Off) |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 1.27:1 |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | No |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 42.5ms |
Built-In Speaker: | Yes |
Warranty: | 3 Years |
Standard Lens Focus: | Motorized |
Digital Inputs: | HDMI |
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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