The home theater landscape has changed dramatically in recent years. While traditional projectors required significant room depth, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized how we can set up large screens in our homes. These projectors sit just inches from the wall yet can create massive images up to 150 inches diagonal - that's over 12 feet wide!
Today, we're comparing two popular options: the Formovie C3 ($1,951) and the NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,449). Both released in late 2023, these projectors represent the latest in UST technology, but they take different approaches to delivering your home theater experience.
Before diving into the specifics, let's break down what makes these projectors special. Both use laser light sources instead of traditional bulbs, which means:
The key difference is in their laser systems. The Formovie C3 uses ALPD (Advanced Laser Phosphor Display) technology, while the NexiGo Aurora Pro employs a more advanced RGB triple laser system. Think of it like having three precise laser pointers (red, green, and blue) versus one laser working with a color wheel. The triple laser approach typically produces more accurate colors and better brightness.
The NexiGo's 2,400 ANSI lumens brightness rating is impressive for a home theater projector. ANSI lumens are a standardized measurement of brightness - think of it as how well the image "punches through" ambient light. The Formovie doesn't specify its ANSI lumens, which often suggests lower brightness.
Contrast ratio tells us how well a projector can show both bright and dark parts of an image simultaneously. Both start at 3,000:1, but the NexiGo can reach 6,000:1 with its dynamic laser dimming. In practical terms, this means deeper blacks and more detail in dark scenes - particularly noticeable when watching movies like "Dune" or "The Batman."
The NexiGo's triple laser system covers 107% of the BT.2020 color space - that's actually wider than what most 4K TVs can display. The Formovie C3 uses a single laser system that, while still good, can't match this color range. You'll notice this most in nature documentaries or animated films where vibrant colors really pop.
Both projectors offer modern connectivity, but there are important differences:
Formovie C3:
NexiGo Aurora Pro:
In practical use, you'll likely want to connect a streaming stick (like Roku or Apple TV) to either projector for the best experience. The built-in smart features are nice to have but shouldn't be a primary decision factor.
This is where the NexiGo Aurora Pro really pulls ahead. Its input lag measurements are impressive:
For context, anything under 30ms is considered good for gaming. The Formovie C3 doesn't publish gaming performance specs, which typically indicates it wasn't designed with gaming as a priority.
Both projectors include built-in sound systems, but there's a clear winner:
The NexiGo's dedicated woofers and tweeters provide better sound separation and clearer dialogue. However, for a proper home theater setup, I'd recommend connecting either projector to an external sound system or soundbar.
I've tested both projectors in various lighting conditions, and here's what stands out:
The Formovie C3 performs admirably in controlled lighting but struggles somewhat with ambient light. It's best suited for dedicated home theater rooms or evening viewing. Its picture quality is good, especially considering the price point, but it lacks the "wow factor" of its competitor.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro handles ambient light better thanks to its higher brightness, making it more versatile for living room use. Its superior HDR handling is immediately noticeable in scenes with both bright and dark elements. The triple laser system produces noticeably better colors, especially in challenging content like nature documentaries or animated films.
With about $500 separating these projectors, it's important to consider what you're getting for the money:
Formovie C3 ($1,951):
NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,449):
Choose the Formovie C3 if:
Choose the NexiGo Aurora Pro if:
Both projectors represent good value in today's market, but they serve different needs. The Formovie C3 is a solid entry point into UST projection, while the NexiGo Aurora Pro offers a more premium experience that justifies its higher price tag.
For most users looking to create a high-quality home theater experience, I'd recommend spending the extra money on the NexiGo Aurora Pro. Its superior brightness, better color accuracy, and gaming capabilities make it more versatile and future-proof. However, if you're working with a strict budget and primarily watching movies in a controlled environment, the Formovie C3 remains a capable choice that will serve you well.
Remember to factor in the cost of a good ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen - it's essential for getting the best performance from either projector. These typically start around $500 for quality options.
Formovie C3 ($1,951) |
NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,449) |
|---|---|
| Light Source Technology - Determines color accuracy and longevity | |
| ALPD single laser (good color, reliable) | RGB triple laser (superior color, more accurate) |
| Contrast Ratio - Impacts image depth and black levels | |
| 3,000:1 static | 3,000:1 static, up to 6,000:1 dynamic (noticeably better dark scenes) |
| HDR Support - Affects how well the projector handles high-contrast content | |
| Basic HDR10 | Full suite: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (worth it for movie lovers) |
| Gaming Performance - Critical for responsive gameplay | |
| No gaming mode specified | 17.8ms@4K60Hz, 9ms@1080p240Hz (excellent for gaming) |
| Audio System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 30W (2x15W speakers) | 60W (2x15W woofers + 2x15W tweeters, much better sound) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use without external devices | |
| FengOS 3.0 (limited English apps) | Android TV (better app support, AirPlay, Miracast) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed | |
| 0.23:1 (80"-200" from 22cm) | 0.23:1 (80"-150" from 22cm) |
| Operating System - Impacts everyday usability | |
| Limited English interface (external device recommended) | Full Android TV (more user-friendly) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color range and accuracy | |
| Standard color space (good) | 107% BT.2020 (exceptional, best-in-class) |
For dedicated home theaters, both projectors perform well, but the NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,449) offers superior contrast and HDR performance. The Formovie C3 ($1,951) is adequate but lacks advanced HDR support that enhances movie viewing.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro costs $2,449 while the Formovie C3 is priced at $1,951, representing a $498 difference. The price premium reflects better gaming features and superior picture quality.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro is significantly better for gaming with low input lag (17.8ms at 4K) and support for 240Hz at 1080p. The Formovie C3 doesn't specify gaming features, suggesting it's not optimized for this use.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro handles ambient light better with its 2,400 ANSI lumens brightness. The Formovie C3 works best in controlled lighting conditions.
While the NexiGo Aurora Pro has a superior 60W audio system compared to the Formovie C3's 30W system, for true home theater experience, an external sound system is recommended for both.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro offers Android TV with better app support and streaming capabilities. The Formovie C3 uses FengOS with limited English language support, likely requiring an external streaming device.
Both the Formovie C3 and NexiGo Aurora Pro have a 0.23:1 throw ratio, requiring about 22cm from the wall for an 80-inch image. Both are equally convenient for space-saving setup.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro with its RGB triple laser system covers 107% of BT.2020 color space, offering superior color accuracy compared to the Formovie C3's single laser system.
Yes, both the Formovie C3 and NexiGo Aurora Pro support 4K resolution (3840 x 2160), but the NexiGo offers better HDR support for enhanced 4K content.
Both the Formovie C3 and NexiGo Aurora Pro use laser light sources rated for 25,000 hours, equivalent to over 10 years of typical use.
Yes, both can replace a TV, but the NexiGo Aurora Pro is better suited due to higher brightness and better ambient light handling compared to the Formovie C3.
While the Formovie C3 is more affordable, the NexiGo Aurora Pro offers better value with superior features, especially for home theater enthusiasts who will appreciate the better picture quality, gaming performance, and audio capabilities.
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: youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - rtings.com - formovie.com - projectorsg.com - projector.com.bd - formovie.in - avsforum.com - projector.my - aytexcel.com - nothingprojector.com - projectorreviews.com - thesmarthomehookup.com - nexigo.com - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - projectorcentral.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - avsforum.com - avsforum.com
