An ultra short throw projector is a type of projector that can produce a large 4K resolution image from a very short distance. Unlike a traditional projector these Laser TVs sit mere inches from your screen making them ideal for smaller rooms where throw distance is more limited. With a bright laser light source, you're able to overcome the ambient light in most room environments while still producing vibrant colorful images. That's right, they're projectors you can watch with the lights on. Now you can upgrade your television set up to a giant 100+ inch picture size.
But with so many UST projectors on the market, which one is best for you? Our projection experts will help you answer this question as part of our ultra short throw projector shootout series. Today we'll be comparing two single laser USTs against each other. So Let's find out which is better between the XGIMI Aura vs the Hisense L5G.
The XGIMI Aura is their first ultra short throw projector. This 2400 lumen laser TV is a very strong single laser UST. It offers a sleek, high quality image perfect for anyone who loves watching TV and movies. Like the highly praised Formovie Theater, XGIMI is a projection manufacturer new to the USA, but not new to the global projector market. You can learn more about this projector in our XGIMI Aura review.
Hisense was the first brand to release a reasonably priced ultra short throw projector. In fact, they coined the term Laser TV. They followed their first model with the impressive single laser L5F. In 2022 they unveiled the upgraded version, the Hisense L5G. This 4K laser tv from Hisense comes bundled with an ambient light rejecting screen for added value. Just like the XGIMI Aura, the L5G is the single laser version of its popular triple laser, the Hisense L9G.
So the big question is, which is better the Hisense L5G or the XGIMI Aura?
Read our head to head comparison of these two fantastic single laser ultra short throw projectors to find out.
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XGIMI Aura |
Hisense L5G |
Our Thoughts: |
Brightness |
2400 |
2700 |
While the XGIMI Aura is bright The Hisense L5G has a sizeable edge. |
Throw Ratio |
0.23:1 |
0.25:1 |
The XGIMI Aura sits a few inches closer to the projector screen. |
Chipset |
.47" DLP |
.47" DLP |
Both projectors use the same .47" DLP chipset. |
Light Source |
ALPD® 3.0 single laser |
Single Blue Laser |
Both UST projectors use a single blue laser and color wheel but with the ALPD technology that improves black levels, XGIMI gets a leg up on Hisense. |
Color |
80% DCI-P3 |
95% DCI-P3 |
The L5G has a significantly wider color gamut for a more vibrant and accurate picture. |
Contrast Ratio |
2225:1 |
1236:1 |
When it comes to contrast the XGIMI Aura offers a contrast ratio that's almost twice as good. |
Image Size |
80 to 150 inches |
90, 100 or 120 inches |
With a fixed focus the L5G is limited to one of three sizes. While the variable focus on the AUra gives it more installation flexibility than almost any other UST. |
ALR Projector Screen |
Screen Sold Separately |
Available Bundled With 90", 100" or 120" Screen |
The bundled UST screen greatly improves the value of the Hisense laser TV. |
Input Lag |
43.1 ms |
41.8 ms |
Functionally these lag times are about the same but the Hisense L5G gets a slight edge. |
Audio |
Harman Kardon 4 x 15W |
15 Watts x 2 dbx-tv |
The XGIMI Aura has a significantly better built-in soundbar |
Price |
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The XGIMI Aura has one of thes lowest prices for a quality 4K ultra short throw projector. However the bundled projector screen gives the Hisense L5G a fantastic value. |
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Add to Cart
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Add to Cart
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XGIMI Aura
The Pros
- Deep dark black levels
- Produces a sharp image with good contrast and HDR handling
- 2nd best built in speakers on a UST
- Fan noise is nearly silent
- Supports 3D
- Can make an image size up to 150 inches
- Has 3 HDMI ports
The Cons
- Colors are a bit oversaturated
- Limited amount of calibration controls
- No accurate preset Movie mode
- No eARC
- No input button on remote, so you have to go into menus to do this
- Netflix app is not included
Hisense L5G
The Pros
- Great value with the bundled ALR screen
- Bright vibrant picture with accurate colors
- Very sharp image
- Has the 2nd widest color gamut of any single laser UST
- 2nd highest lumen output for single laser USTs
- Supports Dolby Vision
- Has 3 HDMI ports
The Cons
- Limited to the 90, 100 and 120 inch screen size
- Contrast is not great
- Lacks 3D support
- Not great for gaming
- Netflix app is not included
So Which UST Is The Better UST, The Hisense L5G Or XGIMI Aura?
As always this isn't the easiest shootout for us to declare a winner as both have their own advantages and disadvantages. However, at the end of the day, you're going to be quite satisfied watching movies and TV shows with either of these fantastic laser TVs. But as with all head to head competitions, our UST experts had to make a final choice. So in the showdown pitting the Hisense L5G vs The XGIMI Aura the winner is the………
Hisense L5G
Why You Should Buy The Hisense L5G
The most important factor when comparing projectors is the picture quality. With such a sharp and vibrant image the video produced by the Hisense L5G is significantly superior to the XGIMI Aura. When you put these projectors side-by-side the winner is explicit. Even out of the box it has a very accurate, life-like picture. The brighter laser light output is also a key figure that should encourage you to get the L5G.
The bundled ALR screen puts the L5G even further ahead because of the value it adds since you don't need to buy the screen separately.
Hisense is undoubtedly one of the best projector brands for making high quality USTs and the L5G is no exception.
The main knock against the L5G is that it lacks the variable focus so you can't change your screen size if you decide you want to go bigger.
Why You Should Buy The XGIMI Aura
Even though the XGIMI didn't win this shootout, that doesn't mean that it's not a better projector for some people.
If you're not absolutely sure what screen size you want or if you already have a screen then the Aura would be the obvious choice. Another reason to pick the XGIMI Aura is if you don't have an external sound system and plan to use the built-in speakers. The most important basis for choosing the XGIMI Aura is the price. The value you get for such a low cost from the XGIMI laser TV will make anyone think hard about which to choose.
Which Do You Think Is Better, The XGIMI Aura Or Hisense L5G?
Do you agree with our winner? Which one would you buy? Which projectors do you want to see next in our head to head in laser TV shootout? Let us know in the comments below!
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If you have any questions on these projectors or anything else projection related don’t hesitate to hit us up at ProjectorScreen.com. Thanks for reading and keep on projecting!
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | XGIMI |
Product Status: | Leaves Warehouse within 3-5 Business Days |
Lumens: | 2400 |
Projector Type: | Ultra Short Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 2,225:1 (full on/off) |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.23:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | No |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 43.1ms | 1080p/60Hz: 43.1ms |
3D Support: | Full HD 3D |
Built-In Speaker: | Yes |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Standard Lens Focus: | Motorized |