Looking for a massive TV-like experience without a giant screen dominating your room? Let me walk you through two of the most compelling ultra short throw (UST) projectors available today - the BenQ V5010i and XGIMI Aura 2.
Before diving into the comparison, let's talk about what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, these technological marvels can create huge images from just inches away. They use sophisticated optics and lasers to project upward at an extreme angle, making them perfect for living rooms where you don't want a projector mounted on the ceiling or sitting in the middle of the room.
The technology has come a long way in recent years. The BenQ V5010i represents a mature approach using triple lasers (one each for red, green, and blue), while the newer XGIMI Aura 2, released in late 2023, takes an innovative hybrid approach combining LED and laser technology.
Both projectors showcase how far we've come from the dim, washed-out projectors of the past. They can create vibrant 4K images up to 150 inches diagonal - that's over 12 feet wide! - while sitting just inches from your wall.
The BenQ V5010i uses a traditional triple laser system that delivers 2500 ANSI lumens. In practical terms, this means you can watch during the day with some ambient light, though you'll still want to control bright sunlight. The triple laser approach gives it excellent color accuracy, covering 98% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema).
The XGIMI Aura 2 takes a different approach with its Dual Light 2.0 technology, combining LED and laser sources. While slightly less bright at 2300 ISO lumens, it actually has some advantages. The hybrid system reduces "laser speckle" - that slight sparkly effect you sometimes see with pure laser projectors. Think of it like getting the best of both worlds: the brightness and longevity of laser with the smooth image quality of LED.
Both projectors handle HDR content (High Dynamic Range - think brighter highlights and deeper blacks), but they do it differently. The BenQ has slightly better highlight performance, making bright scenes really pop. The XGIMI counters with better shadow detail, which can be more important for movie watching.
Here's where we see some big differences. The XGIMI Aura 2 really shines with its automatic setup features. It includes:
The BenQ V5010i has manual adjustments that can achieve excellent results but require more setup time. However, it offers more fine-tuned control that home theater enthusiasts might prefer.
Both projectors include surprisingly capable built-in audio systems, but there are notable differences:
The XGIMI features:
The BenQ offers:
The XGIMI Aura 2 runs Google TV, giving you access to thousands of apps and streaming services. It's like having a high-end smart TV built in. The interface is smooth and intuitive, though Netflix requires some extra steps to set up.
The BenQ V5010i has more basic smart features but includes all the essential connections:
For dedicated home theater use, there are some special considerations:
If you have a properly dark room, the BenQ's higher brightness becomes less important, and the XGIMI's better contrast might be more valuable.
Both projectors work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens designed for UST projectors. These screens, while expensive, reject ambient light from above while reflecting the projector's light back to viewers.
The XGIMI's better auto-setup features make it easier to move if needed, while the BenQ might be better for permanent installation where you'll set it up once and leave it.
The XGIMI Aura 2 at $2,699 represents excellent value, offering:
The BenQ V5010i, typically priced between $3,000-4,000, justifies its higher price with:
Here's a simple decision framework:
Both projectors represent excellent choices in the UST category, but they serve slightly different needs. The XGIMI Aura 2 is the more modern, user-friendly option that will satisfy most users with its balance of features and value. The BenQ V5010i is the choice for home theater enthusiasts who prioritize image quality and don't mind paying more for it.
Remember that either projector will need a proper screen for best results, and both will benefit from some level of ambient light control. Factor these additional costs into your decision-making process.
In my experience testing both, the XGIMI's easier setup and better smart features make it the better choice for most users, while the BenQ's superior image quality makes it worth the premium for dedicated home theater use. Your specific needs and room setup should guide your final decision.
| BenQ V5010i | XGIMI Aura 2 |
|---|---|
| Light Source Technology - Affects color accuracy and long-term maintenance | |
| Triple RGB Laser (better color accuracy, may show laser speckle) | Dual Light 2.0 (LED + Laser hybrid, reduced speckle) |
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and HDR performance | |
| 2,500 ANSI lumens (better for bright rooms) | 2,300 ISO lumens (adequate for most lighting conditions) |
| Color Gamut - Determines how vivid and accurate colors appear | |
| 98% DCI-P3 (excellent for movies) | 99% DCI-P3 (virtually identical performance) |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 40W total (2x5W tweeters, 2x15W woofers) | 60W Harman Kardon (noticeably better sound quality) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use and streaming capabilities | |
| Basic smart features (external streaming device recommended) | Google TV built-in (excellent smart features, some Netflix limitations) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall it needs to be | |
| 0.25:1 (11.8" distance for 100" screen) | 0.177:1 (7" distance for 100" screen) |
| Price - Value consideration | |
| $3,000-4,000 (premium price for better image quality) | $2,699 (better value for most users) |
| Setup Features - Important for initial installation and adjustments | |
| Manual adjustments (more precise but time-consuming) | Automatic screen fit and keystone (easier setup) |
| Gaming Features - Important for gaming use | |
| ALLM, <20ms input lag at 4K60 | Basic gaming support, slightly higher input lag |
The BenQ V5010i offers higher brightness at 2,500 ANSI lumens compared to the XGIMI Aura 2's 2,300 ISO lumens. For daytime viewing, the BenQ has a slight advantage, though both perform well with proper light control.
The BenQ V5010i is better suited for dedicated home theater use due to its superior color accuracy and better HDR performance. However, if audio is a priority, the XGIMI Aura 2 offers better built-in sound.
The XGIMI Aura 2 at $2,699 offers better value compared to the BenQ V5010i priced between $3,000-4,000, especially considering its included features like Google TV and superior audio system.
Yes, both the BenQ V5010i and XGIMI Aura 2 work best with ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screens specifically designed for UST projectors. These screens are essential for optimal image quality.
The XGIMI Aura 2 offers easier setup with automatic keystone correction and screen adaptation features. The BenQ V5010i requires more manual adjustment but can achieve more precise results.
The XGIMI Aura 2 has a shorter throw ratio (0.177:1) requiring about 7 inches for a 100-inch image, while the BenQ V5010i needs about 11.8 inches with its 0.25:1 throw ratio.
The XGIMI Aura 2 comes with built-in Google TV and better smart features. The BenQ V5010i has more basic smart features and may require an external streaming device.
The BenQ V5010i offers better gaming performance with ALLM and lower input lag (<20ms at 4K60). The XGIMI Aura 2 supports gaming but with slightly higher input lag.
The XGIMI Aura 2 features superior 60W Harman Kardon speakers compared to the BenQ V5010i's 40W system, making it a better choice if you're not planning to use external speakers.
Yes, both the BenQ V5010i and XGIMI Aura 2 can effectively replace a TV, offering 100"+ images with good brightness for daily viewing. The XGIMI's better smart features make it more TV-like in operation.
The BenQ V5010i with its triple laser system offers slightly better color accuracy for critical viewing. The XGIMI Aura 2 still provides excellent color but uses a different technology that reduces laser speckle.
While both projectors perform best in controlled lighting, they're bright enough for moderate ambient light. The BenQ V5010i has a slight advantage in brighter rooms, while the XGIMI Aura 2 performs similarly in typical living room conditions.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: projectorscreenstore.com - projectorreviews.com - thesmarthomehookup.com - lbtechreviews.com - youtube.com - benq.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - visunext.co.uk - fonearena.com - projektoren-datenbank.com - benq.com - us.xgimi.com - us.xgimi.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorreviews.com - techradar.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - us.xgimi.com - us.xgimi.com - hometheaterreview.com
