Making Sense of Ultra Short Throw Projectors: Hisense PX3-PRO vs XGIMI Aura 2

The home theater landscape has changed dramatically in recent years, with Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors becoming an increasingly popular alternative to massive TVs. Today, we're comparing two leading options: the $3,299 Hisense PX3-PRO and the $2,699 XGIMI Aura 2, released in 2022 and 2023 respectively.

Understanding UST Projectors

Before diving into our comparison, let's understand what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need significant distance from the screen, UST projectors sit inches from your wall, using clever optics to create massive images from very close range. Think of it like using a flashlight - traditional projectors are like shining it from across the room, while UST projectors are like holding it at an angle right next to the wall.

The Technology Behind These Projectors

The Hisense PX3-PRO uses a triple-laser system - imagine having three incredibly precise light sources (red, green, and blue) working together to create your image. This approach delivers excellent color accuracy and brightness, measuring 3,000 ANSI lumens (a standardized brightness measurement that helps compare projectors fairly).

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 2,300 lumens, this hybrid approach can reduce the "laser speckle" effect (those tiny sparkles some users notice with pure laser systems) and potentially offer more consistent performance over time.

Real-World Performance

Brightness and Ambient Light

Having tested both projectors in various lighting conditions, the PX3-PRO's extra brightness makes a noticeable difference during daytime viewing. While both projectors work well in controlled lighting, the PX3-PRO maintains better image quality when there's some ambient light in the room. This makes it more versatile for multipurpose rooms where you can't always control the lighting perfectly.

Color and Image Quality

Both projectors support 4K resolution (3840x2160 pixels) and HDR (High Dynamic Range) content, but they handle it differently:

• The PX3-PRO offers superior HDR processing and better contrast ratios, making movies look more cinematic with deeper blacks and brighter highlights
• The Aura 2 delivers excellent color accuracy and smooth motion handling, particularly noticeable during sports or gaming

Smart Features and Connectivity

Here's where we see some significant differences:

The PX3-PRO features:

• Google TV interface with full app support
• Netflix certification (surprisingly rare in projectors)
• HDMI 2.1 ports supporting advanced gaming features

The Aura 2 offers:

• Basic Android TV
• Limited native app support
• Good connectivity but less gaming-focused

Setting Up Your Home Theater

Both projectors excel in home theater applications, but they have different strengths:

Room Considerations

• Both units need about 8-12 inches from the wall for a 100-inch image
• The PX3-PRO works better in partially lit rooms
• The Aura 2 performs best in dedicated, light-controlled spaces

Audio Solutions

Audio has become increasingly important for UST projectors, as many users want an all-in-one solution:

• The Aura 2 surprises with its 60W Harman Kardon speaker system, providing rich, room-filling sound
• The PX3-PRO's 50W system is good but slightly less impressive

However, for a true home theater experience, I'd recommend an external sound system with either projector.

Value Proposition

When considering value, we need to look beyond just the $600 price difference:

The PX3-PRO justifies its higher price through:

• Better bright-room performance
• Superior HDR handling
• More polished smart features
• Better gaming capabilities

The Aura 2 offers excellent value through:

• Strong overall performance
• Better built-in audio
• Lower initial investment
• Potentially longer lifespan due to hybrid light source

Technology Evolution

Since their release, both manufacturers have provided firmware updates improving various aspects:

• The PX3-PRO has received updates enhancing HDR processing and gaming features
• The Aura 2 has improved its auto-calibration and added new smart features

Both companies have good track records for long-term support, which is crucial for expensive tech investments.

How to Decide

Your choice should ultimately depend on your specific needs:

Choose the PX3-PRO if:

• You're serious about image quality
• Your room has ambient light
• You want the best gaming experience
• You'll use the built-in streaming features extensively

Choose the Aura 2 if:

• You have a dedicated, dark viewing space
• Built-in audio quality is important
• You're budget-conscious
• You already have preferred streaming devices

Final Thoughts

Both the Hisense PX3-PRO and XGIMI Aura 2 represent excellent options in the UST projector space. While the PX3-PRO edges out in pure performance and versatility, the Aura 2 delivers remarkable value and might be the smarter choice for many users.

Remember that either projector will likely deliver a more impressive and immersive experience than similarly priced TVs, especially when it comes to screen size. The key is matching the projector's strengths to your specific viewing environment and needs.

Consider your room's lighting, your primary use case (movies, sports, gaming), and whether you need the extra brightness and features of the PX3-PRO, or if the Aura 2's excellent value proposition better suits your needs and budget.

Hisense PX3-PRO 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices

XGIMI Aura 2 Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices