When it comes to creating a home theater experience, ultra short throw (UST) projectors represent an exciting sweet spot between traditional long throw projectors and large TVs. I've spent considerable time testing both the new XGIMI Aura 2 ($2,699) and the established VAVA Chroma ($3,599), and there's quite a bit to unpack in comparing these high-end UST options.
Ultra short throw projectors use specialized optics to project a massive image from just inches away from your wall. This solves the classic projector problem of people walking through the light beam or needing complex ceiling mounts. The technology has matured significantly since 2021 when the VAVA Chroma was released, with the Aura 2's 2024 release showcasing some meaningful advances.
The core technology difference between these units lies in their light sources. The VAVA Chroma uses a triple laser system (separate red, green, and blue lasers) while the XGIMI Aura 2 employs a hybrid approach combining laser and LED in what they call Dual Light 2.0. This newer hybrid approach helps eliminate laser speckle (a subtle sparkling effect) while maintaining excellent color accuracy.
Both projectors offer impressive brightness, with the Chroma rated at 2500 ANSI lumens and the Aura 2 at 2300 ISO lumens. While these numbers might suggest a Chroma advantage, in real-world testing the difference is minimal. Both perform admirably in moderate ambient light, though like all projectors, they look their best in controlled lighting.
A key point: The Aura 2's newer light engine seems to maintain its brightness more consistently across different content types. This matters when watching mixed content like sports or gaming where scene brightness varies dramatically.
The Chroma boasts an impressive 106% of the Rec.2020 color space while the Aura 2 covers 99% of DCI-P3. While the Chroma technically can produce a wider range of colors, the Aura 2's color accuracy and consistency are excellent. In side-by-side viewing, most users would be hard-pressed to see a meaningful difference.
The Aura 2 adds Dolby Vision support, which provides dynamic HDR optimization scene-by-scene. This is a notable advantage for movie viewing, especially with streaming content.
If you're planning to game on your UST projector, the Aura 2 has a clear advantage. Its 20ms input lag (with automatic keystone correction disabled) makes it responsive enough for all but the most competitive gaming. The Chroma doesn't publish its input lag specifications, which usually indicates less optimization for gaming.
The Aura 2 also includes a dedicated Game Mode that automatically adjusts picture settings for better visibility in dark scenes - particularly helpful for games like horror titles or dark open-world games.
Here's where the generational gap becomes apparent. The XGIMI Aura 2 runs Android TV 11 with full Google Play Store access, while the Chroma uses a more basic proprietary interface. The Aura 2's Intelligent Screen Adaptation 5.0 provides:
These features make setup and ongoing use significantly more user-friendly. The Chroma requires more manual adjustment, though once set up, it performs reliably.
Both projectors can create massive images from very close wall distances, but the Aura 2's 0.177:1 throw ratio versus the Chroma's 0.233:1 means it can sit slightly closer to the wall for the same image size. For a 100-inch picture:
This difference might seem small, but it can matter significantly when planning furniture placement in smaller rooms.
Both projectors feature Harman Kardon speaker systems, with different approaches:
The Aura 2's four-speaker setup provides better stereo separation and clearer dialogue, though both systems are surprisingly capable for built-in audio. However, for a proper home theater setup, you'll want to pair either with a good soundbar or AV receiver system.
The XGIMI Aura 2 launched at $2,699, while the VAVA Chroma remains at $3,599. The $900 price difference is significant, especially considering the Aura 2's newer technology and additional features.
Both use laser light sources rated for approximately 25,000 hours of use, meaning they should last about 17 years at 4 hours of daily use. The Aura 2's hybrid system might theoretically have more points of failure, but its newer design likely incorporates improved reliability features.
Choose the Aura 2 if:
Choose the Chroma if:
For most users, the XGIMI Aura 2 represents the better value. Its newer technology, gaming optimizations, and smart features make it more versatile and user-friendly. The only compelling reason to choose the Chroma would be if you're building a dedicated home theater room where you can fully utilize its slightly wider color gamut in perfectly dark conditions.
Remember that both projectors will benefit significantly from a proper ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen, which can add $500-1000 to your setup cost but dramatically improves image quality, especially in rooms with ambient light.
| XGIMI Aura 2 Ultra Short Throw 4K Projector | VAVA Chroma Triple Laser Projector |
|---|---|
| Price - Key consideration for value assessment | |
| $2,699 (Better overall value) | $3,599 (Premium pricing) |
| Light Technology - Impacts color accuracy and consistency | |
| Dual Light 2.0 (Laser + LED hybrid, reduces speckle) | Triple Laser (Wider color gamut but can show speckle) |
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance | |
| 2300 ISO lumens (Consistent across content types) | 2500 ANSI lumens (Slightly brighter but less consistent) |
| Color Space Coverage - Determines color richness | |
| 99% DCI-P3 (Excellent for most content) | 106% Rec.2020 (Marginally better but rarely utilized) |
| Gaming Performance - Important for interactive content | |
| 20ms input lag with optimized gaming mode | Unspecified lag, no gaming optimizations |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use | |
| Android TV 11.0, auto-focus, keystone correction | Basic interface, manual adjustments required |
| Throw Ratio - Determines installation flexibility | |
| 0.177:1 (7.2" for 100" image) | 0.233:1 (9.3" for 100" image) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 4x15W Harman Kardon (Better stereo separation) | 2x30W Harman Kardon (Equal power, less separation) |
| HDR Support - Impacts dynamic range | |
| Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG, IMAX Enhanced (pending) | HDR10, HLG (More limited HDR support) |
| Operating System - Affects content access | |
| Full Android TV with Play Store access | Proprietary interface with limited apps |
| Lamp Life - Long-term durability | |
| 20,000 hours (Hybrid system) | 25,000 hours (Pure laser system) |
| Released Date - Indicates technology generation | |
| 2024 (Current generation) | 2021 (Previous generation) |
The XGIMI Aura 2 at $2,699 offers better overall value with newer technology and more features compared to the VAVA Chroma at $3,599. Unless you specifically need the Chroma's wider color gamut, the Aura 2 is the better choice for most users.
Both projectors are similar in brightness, with the VAVA Chroma offering 2500 ANSI lumens and the Aura 2 providing 2300 ISO lumens. The real-world difference is minimal, and both perform well in moderate ambient light.
Yes, both the XGIMI Aura 2 and VAVA Chroma work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen for optimal picture quality, especially in rooms with ambient light.
The XGIMI Aura 2 is significantly better for gaming with its 20ms input lag and dedicated gaming mode. The VAVA Chroma doesn't specify gaming performance metrics, suggesting it's not optimized for this use.
For a 100-inch image, the Aura 2 needs about 7.2 inches from the wall, while the Chroma requires about 9.3 inches. Both are true ultra-short throw projectors suitable for tight spaces.
The XGIMI Aura 2 has significantly better smart features with Android TV 11, automatic focus, and keystone correction. The VAVA Chroma uses a basic proprietary interface with limited smart capabilities.
The VAVA Chroma offers 25,000 hours of lamp life, while the Aura 2 provides 20,000 hours. Both should last many years under normal use (about 13-17 years at 4 hours daily use).
Both projectors have good built-in Harman Kardon speakers, but for a true home theater experience, an external sound system is recommended. The Aura 2's four-speaker setup provides better stereo separation.
Both offer excellent 4K picture quality, but they use different approaches. The VAVA Chroma has slightly wider color gamut, while the XGIMI Aura 2 offers more consistent performance and Dolby Vision support.
Yes, both projectors can effectively replace a TV, offering 90-150 inch images. The Aura 2's smart features make it more TV-like in daily use.
While both perform best in controlled lighting, they're bright enough for moderate ambient light. For optimal performance in bright rooms, an ALR screen is recommended.
The XGIMI Aura 2 is significantly easier to set up with its automatic focus and keystone correction features. The VAVA Chroma requires more manual adjustment but maintains settings well once configured.
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: techradar.com - hometheatershack.com - projectorcentral.com - us.xgimi.com - projectorreviews.com - projectorcentral.com - sfgate.com - youtube.com - eu.xgimi.com - projectorscreen.com - eu.xgimi.com - androidcentral.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - vava.com - projectorscreenstore.com - youtube.com - projector.com.my - ust-projector.com
