Have you been dreaming of a massive TV-like experience without dedicating your entire room to a traditional projector setup? Ultra Short Throw (UST) laser projectors might be exactly what you're looking for. Let's dive into a detailed comparison of two leading options - the recently released XGIMI Aura 2 ($2,699) and the premium LG CineBeam HU915QB ($6,499).
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors use clever optics to create huge images from just inches away from your wall. Think of them as the evolution of big-screen TV technology - they can give you a 100-inch or larger display while sitting in a normal TV cabinet.
The technology has come a long way in recent years. Early UST projectors often struggled with image quality and required perfect room conditions, but modern laser-based systems have largely solved these issues. Both of our contenders represent the latest generation of this technology.
The XGIMI Aura 2 uses an innovative hybrid approach called Dual Light 2.0, combining LED and laser light sources. Released in late 2023, this technology aims to provide better color accuracy while reducing the "speckle" effect (tiny sparkles) that can appear with pure laser systems. In practice, it produces a bright, vibrant image that works well even with some ambient light.
The LG HU915QB takes a more traditional high-end approach with a triple laser system (separate red, green, and blue lasers). This results in exceptionally accurate colors and deeper blacks, though at a significant price premium. Having seen both in action, the LG's image quality advantage is noticeable but not revolutionary - think of it as the difference between a very good 4K TV and an excellent one.
While these numbers might seem straightforward, there's a catch - ISO and ANSI measurements aren't directly comparable. In real-world use, both projectors are bright enough for most rooms, but the LG has a clear advantage in challenging lighting conditions.
The Aura 2 shines in ease of use, offering excellent auto-adjustment features that make initial setup and ongoing use much simpler. Its Android TV interface will feel familiar to many users, and the built-in Harman Kardon speakers provide surprisingly good sound without extra equipment.
The LG system offers more precise manual adjustments and professional calibration options, but requires more expertise to get the best results. Its webOS smart platform is polished but somewhat more limited in app selection.
For dedicated home theater setups, both projectors can deliver impressive results, but they serve different audiences:
The LG HU915QB excels in controlled lighting conditions, offering superior black levels and color accuracy that home theater enthusiasts will appreciate. Its advanced calibration options allow for precise tuning to match professional standards.
The XGIMI Aura 2 performs admirably in the same environment but really shows its versatility in multi-purpose rooms. Its auto-adjustment features help maintain good image quality even when lighting conditions change throughout the day.
Both projectors handle motion well, but there are differences:
The Aura 2's integrated 60W Harman Kardon speaker system is a standout feature, providing room-filling sound that many users will find sufficient. The LG's built-in audio is competent but less impressive - most buyers at this price point will likely use an external sound system anyway.
Here's where things get interesting. The XGIMI Aura 2 at $2,699 represents excellent value for most users. Its performance comes remarkably close to the LG in many areas, while its auto-adjustment features and superior integrated audio might actually make it more practical for many setups.
The LG HU915QB at $6,499 is harder to justify purely on performance metrics. You're paying a premium for:
Both projectors use laser light sources rated for around 20,000 hours of use. At 4 hours per day, that's over 13 years of service. The XGIMI's hybrid system is newer technology, so long-term reliability is less proven, but the company's track record with previous models is good.
For most users, the XGIMI Aura 2 represents the sweet spot in today's UST projector market. It offers 90% of the premium experience at less than half the price of the LG HU915QB. Unless you have specific needs that justify the LG's premium features, the Aura 2 is the more logical choice.
The LG remains an excellent projector and a showcase of what's possible in UST technology, but its price premium makes it a specialty product for enthusiasts rather than a mainstream recommendation.
Remember, whichever you choose, proper installation and room setup will have a bigger impact on your viewing experience than the differences between these projectors. Consider factors like wall color, ambient light control, and viewing distance in your decision-making process.
| XGIMI Aura 2 | LG CineBeam HU915QB |
|---|---|
| Price - The deciding factor for most buyers | |
| $2,699 (excellent value for features) | $6,499 (premium pricing) |
| Brightness - Critical for rooms with ambient light | |
| 2,300 ISO lumens (good for most rooms) | 3,000 ANSI lumens (superior for bright rooms) |
| Light Source - Affects color accuracy and longevity | |
| Dual Light 2.0 (LED + Laser hybrid, newer tech) | Triple Laser (proven tech, better colors) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall needed | |
| 0.177:1 (100" from 17.8cm) | 0.19:1 (100" from 19cm) |
| Contrast Ratio - Impacts image depth and black levels | |
| 1,000,000:1 (very good) | 2,000,000:1 (excellent) |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 60W Harman Kardon (impressive) | 40W (adequate, expect to upgrade) |
| Smart Features - Affects ease of use | |
| Android TV (more apps, easier setup) | WebOS (limited apps, better calibration) |
| Color Gamut - Important for color accuracy | |
| 99% DCI-P3 (excellent) | 100% DCI-P3 (reference quality) |
| Auto Calibration - Impacts setup complexity | |
| Advanced auto-adjustments (user friendly) | Manual professional calibration (expert level) |
| Gaming Features - Critical for gamers | |
| Lower input lag, good for gaming | Higher input lag, focus on movie performance |
The LG CineBeam HU915QB offers superior performance in controlled lighting conditions with better contrast (2,000,000:1) and professional calibration options. However, the XGIMI Aura 2 still performs excellently at less than half the price.
The XGIMI Aura 2 costs $2,699 while the LG CineBeam HU915QB is priced at $6,499. The $3,800 difference is significant and makes the XGIMI a better value for most users.
Both projectors work in moderate ambient light. The LG HU915QB offers 3,000 ANSI lumens compared to the Aura 2's 2,300 ISO lumens, making it better for brighter rooms, though both perform best with some light control.
The XGIMI Aura 2 features superior 60W Harman Kardon speakers compared to the LG's 40W system. For basic viewing, the XGIMI's audio is notably better, though dedicated home theater setups should use external speakers.
Both are ultra-short throw projectors with similar requirements. The XGIMI needs 17.8cm for a 100" image, while the LG needs 19cm. The difference is negligible for most setups.
The XGIMI Aura 2 has lower input lag and better gaming features, making it the better choice for gamers. The LG HU915QB focuses more on cinema performance.
Yes, both projectors offer true 4K (3840x2160) resolution. Image quality differences come from contrast, brightness, and color accuracy rather than resolution.
The XGIMI Aura 2 offers superior auto-adjustment features and easier setup. The LG HU915QB provides more precise manual adjustments but requires more expertise to optimize.
Both use laser light sources rated for approximately 20,000 hours. At 4 hours daily use, that's 13+ years of operation. The XGIMI's hybrid system is newer technology but should offer similar longevity.
While both projectors can project onto a white wall, an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen is recommended for optimal performance, especially in rooms with ambient light.
The XGIMI Aura 2 runs Android TV with more app options and better smart features. The LG HU915QB uses WebOS, which is more limited but stable.
For most users, the XGIMI Aura 2 at $2,699 offers the better value. Only choose the LG HU915QB if you specifically need its premium features like professional calibration options and higher brightness.
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 - projectorreviews.com - bestbuy.com - techradar.com - hometheaterforum.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorcentral.com - vividstorm.eu - lg.com - billsmith.com - queencityonline.com - projectorscreen.com
