XGIMI AURA 3 Max Targets UST Supremacy With 5,700 ISO Lumens and 4K/120

XGIMI's new flagship ultra-short-throw projector combines an RGB triple-laser light engine with dual-iris contrast control and serious gaming ambitions. The company plans a Kickstarter launch in 2026.

XGIMI has put the premium ultra-short-throw market on notice. The new AURA 3 Max is rated at 5,700 ISO lumens with up to 8,000:1 native contrast, figures that would place it in rare company among living-room projectors.

It is also built for 4K/120 playback. The Epson LS970 already offers 4K/120 in an ultra-short-throw design. XGIMI's likely first is narrower: AURA 3 Max may be the first DLP-based UST to support 4K/120, using dual DLPC 8545 controllers and a 0.47-inch DMD. That is quite a résumé for a projector designed to sit on a credenza.

A UST built for big rooms and bigger screens

The 0.163:1 throw ratio is central to the pitch. XGIMI says AURA 3 Max can produce a 120-inch image with eight inches between the projector and screen. A ceiling mount stays out of the conversation, which is the entire appeal of this category.

At 5,700 ISO lumens, the projector is clearly aimed at performing in bright shared spaces. Ambient light still matters, and a proper UST ambient-light-rejecting screen will make or break the experience. Our ultra-short-throw projector guide explains why the screen belongs at the center of the system design.

Contrast is the number to watch

Brightness will grab the headline. Contrast is where this announcement gets interesting.

XGIMI uses two optical irises, including a dynamic iris that adjusts with scene brightness. The company rates native contrast at up to 8,000:1 and says dynamic black enhancement can raise dynamic contrast further while retaining shadow detail.

XGIMI pairs its 8,000:1 native-contrast claim with a dynamic iris. I want to know the iris position used for the test. That detail will determine how impressive the claim really is. If AURA 3 Max can approach the figure without obvious pumping or crushed blacks, UST buyers will have a new reason to pay attention.

The RGB triple-laser engine carries a claimed 110% BT.2020 specification, all it needs to do is cover rec.2020 100% since that's the widest color space used to master consumer content. Meanwhile true 4K/120 gives gamers a real seat at the table.

AURA 3 Max accepts 4K/120 from compatible HDMI 2.1 sources. USB playback at that resolution and frame rate is excluded. The comparison table also lists 1080p at up to 240Hz, along with VRR and ALLM. Dolby Vision Gaming is supported, and XGIMI claims input lag as low as 1 ms.

Those features make gaming central to the brief. A 120-inch racing rig or console setup is squarely within reach, provided the latency claim survives independent testing.

Movie support is broad. Dolby Vision and HDR10+ are included, while HDR10 and HLG cover the familiar bases. The page also lists dynamic tone mapping. IMAX Enhanced and Filmmaker Mode badges appear on the U.S. comparison table, with ISF listed alongside them. Native 24 fps playback is supported, as are 25 and 50 fps signals.

Ready for daily duty

Google TV is built in, with Netflix and the other major streaming services shown on the launch page. The integrated Harman Kardon system is rated at 80 watts and supports Dolby Atmos plus DTS Virtual:X processing.

3D also makes the cut. Two pairs of 3D glasses are included, a welcome bit of stubbornness in an industry that keeps treating 3D fans like they imagined the whole thing.

XGIMI AURA 3 Max price and availability

XGIMI says AURA 3 Max will launch through Kickstarter in 2026. An MSRP has yet to be published, and the campaign date remains open. We will update this story with pricing and availability when the listing goes live.

If the measured performance tracks the specification sheet, AURA 3 Max could move the premium UST goalposts. Brightness gets the easy headline. Contrast will decide whether enthusiasts keep reading, while latency will decide whether gamers stay. The usual Kickstarter caveats apply and our meters get the last word.

All specifications and performance figures in this article are manufacturer claims supplied by XGIMI. Independent testing by ProjectorScreen.com will follow.