When it comes to creating a stunning home theater experience, XGIMI Aura 2 and Formovie Theater represent two of the most exciting options in the growing Ultra Short Throw (UST) projector market. Both launched in late 2024, bringing fresh features to this premium category. Let's dive into everything you need to know to make the right choice.
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors use clever optics to create huge images from just inches away. Think of them as the perfect solution for people who want a massive screen but don't want to mount a projector on their ceiling or deal with people walking through the projection beam.
Both these projectors can turn a blank wall into a 100-inch or larger display while sitting in a normal TV console. Pretty neat, right?
Let's address the elephant in the room - these aren't budget devices. The XGIMI Aura 2 comes in at $2,699, while the Formovie Theater asks $2,999. That $300 difference might seem significant, but when you're already investing in this category, it's worth understanding exactly what that premium gets you.
Here's where things get interesting. The Aura 2 uses what XGIMI calls "Dual Light 2.0" - a hybrid system combining LED and laser light sources. Meanwhile, the Formovie goes all-in with a triple laser setup.
What does this mean in real terms? The Formovie delivers higher raw brightness at 2,800 lumens compared to the Aura 2's 2,300 lumens. However, brightness isn't everything. The Aura 2's hybrid approach actually helps reduce the laser speckle effect (those tiny sparkles you sometimes see in laser projector images).
In my experience testing both, the Formovie's extra brightness makes a noticeable difference in rooms with ambient light. However, the Aura 2's image has a more natural, film-like quality that many movie enthusiasts might prefer.
Both projectors deliver 4K resolution, but they go about it differently:
The Formovie Theater takes the lead here with a 3,000:1 contrast ratio that produces deeper blacks and more dynamic images. It handles HDR content particularly well, making those high-contrast scenes in movies really pop.
The Aura 2 covers 99% of the DCI-P3 color space (the standard used for digital cinema), while the Formovie claims 107% of Rec.2020 (an even wider color standard). In practical terms, both deliver gorgeous colors, but the Formovie has a slight edge in color volume.
Here's something interesting - the Aura 2 actually outperforms its pricier rival in audio. Its 60-watt Harman Kardon system (using four 15W speakers) delivers room-filling sound that might save you from needing a separate soundbar.
The Formovie Theater uses a 30-watt Bowers & Wilkins system that sounds good but doesn't quite match the Aura 2's audio punch. Both support Dolby Atmos, but you'll get better results from the Aura 2 if you're planning to use the built-in speakers.
Both projectors run Android TV, which means access to most major streaming services. However, there's a catch - neither has official Netflix certification. You'll need to use an external streaming device (like a Roku or Fire TV Stick) for Netflix, which isn't a huge deal but worth knowing.
The Aura 2 has a slight edge in user-friendly features:
If you're planning to use these for gaming, the Aura 2 has lower input lag in game mode. While neither will match a gaming monitor, the Aura 2 feels more responsive for casual gaming sessions.
For the best experience with either projector:
Choose the XGIMI Aura 2 if:
Go for the Formovie Theater if:
Both projectors launched with promises of future updates. The Aura 2 is scheduled to receive IMAX Enhanced certification via firmware update in Q4 2024, while the Formovie has already received several updates improving its HDR performance.
These are both excellent projectors that showcase how far UST technology has come. The Aura 2 offers tremendous value and versatility, while the Formovie Theater edges ahead in pure image quality. Your choice really comes down to your specific needs and viewing environment.
For most people, I'd recommend the Aura 2 - it's more affordable, has better sound, and delivers excellent image quality that will satisfy all but the most demanding videophiles. However, if you're building a dedicated home theater and image quality is your absolute priority, the Formovie Theater might be worth the extra investment.
Remember, whichever you choose, you're getting a dramatic upgrade from traditional TV viewing, with the ability to create a truly cinematic experience in your home.
| XGIMI Aura 2 | Formovie Theater |
|---|---|
| Price - Your starting budget decision point | |
| $2,699 | $2,999 ($300 premium) |
| Light Source Technology - Impacts image quality and maintenance | |
| Hybrid LED/Laser (reduces speckle, longer lifespan) | Triple Laser (brighter, better contrast) |
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light | |
| 2,300 ISO lumens (good for dim rooms) | 2,800 ANSI lumens (better for bright rooms) |
| Contrast Ratio - Determines black level depth and HDR impact | |
| 1,000,000:1 (dynamic) | 3,000:1 (native, better real-world performance) |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 60W Harman Kardon (4x15W, excellent for standalone use) | 30W Bowers & Wilkins (good but less powerful) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed | |
| 0.177:1 (slightly more compact placement) | 0.23:1 (standard UST distance) |
| Gaming Latency - Critical for responsive gaming | |
| <30ms (better for casual gaming) | >40ms (less suitable for gaming) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color range and accuracy | |
| 99% DCI-P3 (excellent for movies) | 107% Rec.2020 (wider range but may look less natural) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use | |
| Android TV 11 (no native Netflix) | Android TV 11 (no native Netflix) |
| HDR Support - Important for latest content | |
| HDR10, Dolby Vision (pending update) | HDR10, HDR10+, Dolby Vision (active) |
The Formovie Theater edges out the XGIMI Aura 2 for dedicated theater rooms due to its superior contrast ratio and better HDR performance. In controlled lighting conditions, the Formovie's higher brightness and deeper blacks create a more cinematic experience.
The XGIMI Aura 2 costs $2,699, while the Formovie Theater is priced at $2,999. The $300 difference primarily gets you higher brightness and better contrast with the Formovie.
Both projectors can handle some ambient light, but the Formovie Theater's 2,800 ANSI lumens performs better in bright conditions compared to the Aura 2's 2,300 lumens. However, both work best with proper light control.
Yes, an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is strongly recommended for both the XGIMI Aura 2 and Formovie Theater. These screens significantly improve image quality and help reject ambient light.
The XGIMI Aura 2 features a superior 60W Harman Kardon system compared to the Formovie's 30W Bowers & Wilkins speakers. For those not planning to use external speakers, the Aura 2 provides better audio performance.
The XGIMI Aura 2 is better suited for gaming with lower input lag. While neither matches a gaming TV's responsiveness, the Aura 2 provides a more responsive gaming experience than the Formovie Theater.
Neither the Formovie Theater nor XGIMI Aura 2 has native Netflix support. You'll need to use an external streaming device like a Roku or Fire TV Stick for Netflix access.
Both projectors can create a 100-inch image from very close to the wall. The Aura 2 needs about 11.7 inches, while the Formovie needs about 12.5 inches. The difference is minimal for most setups.
The Formovie Theater handles fast motion slightly better and its higher brightness makes it ideal for daytime sports viewing. However, the XGIMI Aura 2 still performs well and costs less.
Both projectors are designed for DIY setup with automatic alignment features. However, professional installation can help optimize picture quality and ensure proper screen placement for either model.
Both projectors offer around 20,000 hours of use. The XGIMI Aura 2's hybrid LED/laser system might have slightly better longevity, but both should last many years under normal use.
For most users, the XGIMI Aura 2 offers better value at $2,699 with its excellent picture quality, superior sound system, and good feature set. The Formovie Theater justifies its higher price mainly for dedicated home theater enthusiasts who prioritize ultimate picture quality.
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: us.xgimi.com - us.xgimi.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorreviews.com - techradar.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - us.xgimi.com - us.xgimi.com - hometheaterreview.com - techradar.com - projectorcentral.com - rtings.com - formovie.com - projectorreviews.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorscreen.com - projectorcentral.com - nothingprojector.com - formovie.com
