When you're looking to create a true home theater experience with a massive screen, Formovie's 4K Max ($3,499) and XGIMI's Aura 2 ($2,699) represent two of the most compelling ultra short throw (UST) projector options available. Let's dive into how these sophisticated home theater devices compare and help you decide which one best fits your needs.
Ultra short throw projectors have revolutionized home theater setups by allowing massive screen sizes from just inches away from your wall. Unlike traditional projectors that need significant distance, UST projectors use specialized optics to create large images from extremely close positions - typically 4-15 inches from your wall. This technology has matured significantly since its introduction, with both contenders here representing the latest advances in laser projection.
The Formovie 4K Max's 4500 ANSI lumens represents a significant advantage in raw brightness over the Aura 2's 2300 ISO lumens. But what does this mean in practical terms?
ANSI lumens measure the total light output using a standardized testing method. In real-world use, this difference means the Formovie 4K Max can maintain vibrant images even with significant ambient light - think afternoon viewing with windows uncovered. The XGIMI Aura 2 still performs admirably but works best with some light control.
Having tested several UST projectors, I've found that anything above 2000 lumens provides good viewability in moderate ambient light. The Formovie's extra brightness offers more flexibility, but unless you're planning primarily daytime viewing, the Aura 2's output is more than sufficient for most users.
Here's where things get interesting. While the Formovie covers 80-85% of the NTSC color gamut, the XGIMI achieves 99% of the DCI-P3 standard. For context, DCI-P3 is the color space used in digital cinema, offering more vibrant and accurate colors than the older NTSC standard. In practical terms, the Aura 2 can display more subtle color variations and more accurate skin tones.
The Aura 2's Dual Light 2.0 technology, combining LED and laser light sources, represents a clever approach to achieving both color accuracy and brightness. This hybrid system helps reduce the "laser speckle" effect sometimes seen in pure laser projectors, resulting in a more film-like image.
While the raw numbers (3300:1 for Formovie vs 1,000,000:1 dynamic for XGIMI) seem drastically different, real-world performance is much closer. Dynamic contrast ratios, while impressive on paper, don't always translate to noticeably better image quality. Both projectors deliver excellent black levels for their category, though neither quite matches OLED TV performance.
Modern gaming demands quick response times and specific features for optimal performance. The Aura 2's 20ms input lag in gaming mode makes it suitable for casual gaming - fine for most single-player experiences but potentially limiting for competitive multiplayer games. The Formovie's gaming performance, while adequate, doesn't include specific gaming optimizations.
Neither projector offers HDMI 2.1 features like Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) or 4K/120Hz support, common in modern gaming TVs. For serious gamers, a dedicated gaming TV might be a better choice.
The Aura 2's quad 15W Harman Kardon speakers provide impressive room-filling sound with good clarity and decent bass response. The Formovie's three-speaker system, while competent, doesn't quite match the Aura 2's audio performance. However, for a true home theater experience, you'll likely want to pair either projector with a dedicated sound system.
Both projectors take different approaches to their operating systems. The Formovie runs on Fengmi OS, while the Aura 2 uses Android TV. Neither solution is perfect - the Aura 2 notably lacks native Netflix support, and Fengmi OS can feel less polished than mainstream alternatives. I recommend budgeting for an external streaming device like an Apple TV 4K or NVIDIA Shield for the best experience.
Both projectors offer powered focus and keystone correction, making initial setup relatively straightforward. The Aura 2's slightly shorter throw ratio (0.177:1 vs 0.233:1) means it can sit slightly closer to the wall for the same image size. Both include geometry correction features to ensure a perfectly rectangular image even if the projector isn't perfectly aligned.
The $800 price difference between these projectors requires careful consideration. The Formovie 4K Max justifies its premium primarily through superior brightness and larger maximum screen size (200" vs 150"). However, the XGIMI Aura 2 offers better color accuracy, superior built-in audio, and generally better value for most users.
Both use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000-25,000 hours of use, meaning they should last many years before requiring replacement. This longevity helps justify their premium prices compared to traditional lamp-based projectors.
Both projectors represent excellent choices in the UST category, with different strengths that will appeal to different users. The Formovie 4K Max excels in raw brightness and maximum screen size, while the XGIMI Aura 2 offers superior color accuracy and better overall value.
For most users, I'd recommend the Aura 2. Its combination of excellent image quality, superior audio, and more attractive price point makes it the more practical choice. However, if you need maximum brightness for challenging viewing conditions or want the largest possible screen size, the Formovie 4K Max remains a compelling option despite its premium price.
Remember that either projector will benefit significantly from a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen and some level of light control in your viewing space. These additional investments should factor into your overall budget planning.
| Formovie 4K Max ($3,499) | XGIMI Aura 2 ($2,699) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for daytime viewing and ambient light performance | |
| 4500 ANSI lumens (excellent for bright rooms) | 2300 ISO lumens (best with some light control) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color accuracy and vibrancy | |
| 80-85% NTSC (good but not class-leading) | 99% DCI-P3 (superior color accuracy) |
| Contrast Ratio - Impacts black levels and image depth | |
| 3300:1 native (solid real-world performance) | 1,000,000:1 dynamic (similar actual performance) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines installation distance needed | |
| 0.233:1 (11.4" for 100" screen) | 0.177:1 (8.2" for 100" screen) |
| Maximum Screen Size - Affects room planning | |
| Up to 200 inches | Up to 150 inches |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 2x full-range + 1x tweeter (adequate) | 4x 15W Harman Kardon (superior room-filling sound) |
| Gaming Performance - Critical for interactive content | |
| Basic support (no specified latency) | 20ms latency with gaming mode |
| Operating System - Affects content access | |
| Fengmi OS (limited app support) | Android TV (no native Netflix) |
| Light Source Lifespan - Long-term durability | |
| 25,000 hours | 20,000 hours |
| Additional Features - Value-add capabilities | |
| Power focus, HDR10+, 8-point keystone | IMAX Enhanced, Dolby Vision (Q4 2024), intelligent screen adaptation |
The Formovie 4K Max ($3,499) is significantly better for bright rooms with its 4500 ANSI lumens compared to the XGIMI Aura 2's ($2,699) 2300 ISO lumens. If you plan to watch during daytime or with lights on, the Formovie is the better choice.
The XGIMI Aura 2 offers superior color accuracy with 99% DCI-P3 coverage, while the Formovie 4K Max covers 80-85% of the NTSC gamut. For movies and content where color accuracy matters most, the Aura 2 has the advantage.
The XGIMI Aura 2 offers better overall value at $2,699 compared to the Formovie 4K Max at $3,499. Unless you specifically need the Formovie's higher brightness, the Aura 2 provides better features per dollar.
The XGIMI Aura 2 is better for gaming with its dedicated gaming mode and 20ms input lag. The Formovie 4K Max doesn't specify gaming performance metrics, making the Aura 2 the safer choice for gamers.
While both have built-in speakers, the XGIMI Aura 2's quad 15W Harman Kardon speakers provide better audio. However, for a true home theater experience, an external sound system is recommended with either projector.
The Formovie 4K Max can project up to 200 inches, while the XGIMI Aura 2 maxes out at 150 inches. If you need an extremely large display, the Formovie is your only option between these two.
Neither projector has ideal Netflix support. The XGIMI Aura 2 doesn't support Netflix natively, and the Formovie's Fengmi OS has limited app support. An external streaming device is recommended for both.
The XGIMI Aura 2 can sit slightly closer with its 0.177:1 throw ratio compared to the Formovie's 0.233:1. For a 100-inch screen, the Aura 2 needs about 8.2 inches while the Formovie needs 11.4 inches.
The XGIMI Aura 2 runs Android TV which offers better smart features and app compatibility compared to the Formovie's Fengmi OS, though both have limitations that might require an external streaming device.
Both projectors offer excellent longevity - the Formovie 4K Max is rated for 25,000 hours while the XGIMI Aura 2 is rated for 20,000 hours. Both should last many years under normal use.
Yes, both projectors perform best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for ultra short throw projectors. This is especially important for daytime viewing or rooms with ambient light.
Both the Formovie 4K Max and XGIMI Aura 2 offer powered focus and keystone correction for easy setup. The Aura 2 has slightly more advanced automatic alignment features, making it marginally easier to install.
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: formovie.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorscreen.com - youtube.com - projectorsg.com - formovie.com - eu.formovie.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
