When it comes to creating a truly cinematic experience at home, ultra short throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized what's possible. Today, we're comparing two fascinating options: the NexiGo Aurora Pro 4K ($2,699) and the Leica Cine 1 ($9,495), both released in the last year as manufacturers push the boundaries of what's possible in home projection.
Before diving into our comparison, let's talk about what makes UST projectors special. Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors use sophisticated optics to create large images from just inches away. This means you can place them in a console directly below your screen, making them perfect for rooms where a ceiling mount isn't practical or desired.
UST technology has come a long way since its introduction. The latest models offer 4K resolution, laser light sources (which last much longer than traditional bulbs), and smart features that rival high-end TVs. Both of our contenders today represent the cutting edge of this technology.
The Leica Cine 1 brings the company's legendary lens expertise to projectors, and it shows. Its Summicron lens system delivers exceptional clarity and reduces an issue called chromatic aberration (those colored fringes you might see around bright objects). Having tested numerous UST projectors, I can say the difference is noticeable, especially in high-contrast scenes.
However, the NexiGo Aurora Pro isn't far behind. Its 3,000:1 native contrast ratio actually beats the Leica's 1,000:1, meaning it can display deeper blacks and more detail in dark scenes. Both use RGB triple laser technology, which provides more vibrant colors than traditional lamp-based projectors.
In real-world viewing:
Here's where things get interesting. The NexiGo Aurora Pro was clearly designed with gamers in mind. It offers:
The Leica isn't optimized for gaming in the same way. While it handles games fine, serious gamers will notice the difference in responsiveness.
Both projectors offer modern smart features, but implement them differently:
In my experience setting up home theaters, UST projectors require careful planning. Both models need:
The Leica's superior lens makes initial setup slightly easier, but both projectors perform admirably once properly positioned.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro includes a surprisingly capable 60W sound system with dedicated woofers and tweeters. While the Leica also offers good sound, most buyers at this price point will likely use an external audio system.
This is where the comparison gets really interesting. The nearly $7,000 price difference between these projectors is substantial. The Leica Cine 1 delivers marginally better image quality and higher brightness, but the NexiGo Aurora Pro offers:
Since their releases, both manufacturers have provided firmware updates improving performance:
For most users, the NexiGo Aurora Pro represents the sweet spot of performance and value. It delivers stunning image quality, gaming capabilities, and smart features at a reasonable price. The Leica Cine 1 is for those who demand the very best and are willing to pay for incremental improvements in image quality.
Remember that either projector requires proper setup and a good screen to reach its full potential. When I'm recommending projectors to friends or clients, I typically suggest the NexiGo unless they specifically want the premium Leica experience - the value proposition is just too strong to ignore.
These projectors represent how far UST technology has come, offering genuine alternatives to traditional long-throw projectors and large TVs. Whether you choose the value champion or the premium option, you'll be getting a capable centerpiece for your home entertainment system.
| NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,699) | Leica Cine 1 ($9,495) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light viewing and HDR impact | |
| 2,400 ANSI lumens (good for moderate ambient light) | 3,000 ANSI lumens (better for bright rooms) |
| Native Contrast Ratio - Determines black level performance and image depth | |
| 3,000:1 (excellent for dark room viewing) | 1,000:1 (good but lower than competitor) |
| Gaming Input Lag - Lower numbers mean more responsive gaming | |
| 9ms at 1080p/240Hz (excellent for competitive gaming) | Not specified (standard performance) |
| Lens Quality - Affects image clarity and color fringing | |
| Standard lens (good but visible fringing at edges) | Leica Summicron (superior edge clarity, minimal fringing) |
| Color Coverage - Wider gamut means more vibrant colors | |
| 107% BT.2020 (excellent color range) | 100% BT.2020 (excellent color range) |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 60W system (15Wx4, impressive for built-in) | Basic built-in speakers (external audio recommended) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use and streaming capability | |
| Android TV, AirPlay, Miracast (comprehensive) | Google TV, AirPlay 2 (comprehensive) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall for given screen size | |
| 0.25:1 (120" from 14.5" away) | 0.25:1 (120" from 14.3" away) |
| Value Proposition - Price vs Performance | |
| Excellent value, 90% of premium performance | Premium price for incremental improvements |
The NexiGo Aurora Pro ($2,699) offers excellent dark room performance with its 3,000:1 contrast ratio, making it ideal for dedicated theater spaces. However, if budget isn't a concern, the Leica Cine 1 ($9,495) provides superior lens quality and better edge-to-edge clarity.
The price gap is substantial - nearly $7,000. The NexiGo Aurora Pro costs $2,699 while the Leica Cine 1 is priced at $9,495.
The Leica Cine 1 has a higher brightness rating of 3,000 ANSI lumens, making it better suited for rooms with ambient light. The NexiGo Aurora Pro at 2,400 ANSI lumens still performs well but may require more light control.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro is significantly better for gaming with its 9ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz and HDMI 2.1 support. The Leica Cine 1 doesn't specifically optimize for gaming performance.
Yes, both projectors require a specialized UST (Ultra Short Throw) ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen for optimal performance. Regular projection screens won't work as effectively with either model.
Both the NexiGo Aurora Pro and Leica Cine 1 use triple laser light sources rated for 25,000+ hours of use, which equals about 8-10 years of typical viewing.
Yes, both projectors can effectively replace a TV, offering smart features and streaming capabilities. The Leica Cine 1 has higher brightness for daytime viewing, while the NexiGo Aurora Pro offers better gaming features.
While both projectors can be set up by users, professional installation is recommended for optimal alignment and performance. The Leica Cine 1 has slightly easier initial setup due to its superior lens.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro features a more powerful 60W audio system with dedicated woofers and tweeters, outperforming the Leica Cine 1 in built-in audio capabilities.
Both projectors support major streaming services. The NexiGo Aurora Pro uses Android TV while the Leica Cine 1 uses Google TV, both offering comprehensive streaming options.
Both projectors need to be placed approximately 14-15 inches from the wall for a 120-inch image, with nearly identical throw ratios of 0.25:1.
The NexiGo Aurora Pro offers significantly better value, delivering about 90% of the Leica Cine 1's performance at less than one-third of the price. Unless you specifically need the Leica's premium features, the NexiGo provides better value for most users.
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: projectorreviews.com - thesmarthomehookup.com - nexigo.com - projectorscreen.com - avsforum.com - rtings.com - projectorcentral.com - youtube.com - rtings.com - avsforum.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - leicacamerausa.com - projectorreviews.com - whathifi.com - leicacamerausa.com - bhphotovideo.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorscreen.com - crutchfield.com - leicarumors.com - projectorscreen.com
