The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max is a projector with a unique character, boasting impressive specs but with some quirks. It promises a stunning 5,700 ISO lumen brightness, but there's a catch—you'll likely avoid its single picture mode that achieves this, as it has a noticeable green tint and a loud fan noise. But even without this mode, it's remarkably bright compared to its peers. And while its menus can be tricky to navigate, they offer a wealth of settings for the dedicated user.
Design-wise, it's a sleek, portable cube with a gimbal mount, weighing just 11.9 pounds. Its 4K display uses TI's pixel-shifting technology, and an RGB triple laser light source provides a vibrant color range. With a rated lifetime of 20,000 hours, it's built to last.
Setting up the Horizon 20 Max is straightforward, with on-screen Google TV instructions. It offers various connectivity options, including HDMI and USB ports, for your video sources. The projector's auto-adjustment features are handy, especially when tilting or swiveling the mount, but manual adjustments provide better results. The 1.25x zoom lens and lens shift are rare features in this category, allowing for precise optical adjustments without distorting the image.
The built-in Harman Kardon audio system is powerful, supporting various audio formats. You can also connect external speakers or use the projector as a Bluetooth speaker. The image quality is impressive, with multiple picture modes for SDR and HDR, offering excellent color accuracy and contrast. However, the projector shines in HDR10, delivering stunning visuals.
While not a dedicated gaming projector, the Horizon 20 Max surprises with incredibly short lag times, outperforming many gaming projectors. But achieving these low lag times requires specific settings, and finding the right combination can be a challenge. Xgimi is working on simplifying this process, but for now, it requires some trial and error.
The projector's brightness is versatile, suitable for both dark rooms and daytime viewing. And with its unique features and performance, the Horizon 20 Max is a compelling choice in its price range, competing with the likes of the JMGO N1S Ultimate and Editors' Choice picks like the Hisense C2 Ultra and Anker Nebula X1. But here's the catch: can it truly compete with these top-tier models? And is it worth the $2,999 price tag? That's for you to decide.
