With the evolution of technology and the fall in prices, portable video projectors have experienced an incredible boom in recent years, for enjoying cinema at home, on the terrace, outdoors on vacation, and so on. Xgimi is just one of the brands that are making their mark. In fact, we had the opportunity to test the Xgimi Halo some time ago, a very compact system for on-the-go use. But with the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro, the Chinese brand is promising an even more compact, high-performance, technology-packed projector… But does it really live up to its promises? Let's find out in more detail in this test…
Unpacking the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro
For the test I had the opportunity to have the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro accompanied by its tripod, which also serves as a battery.
As soon as I unpacked it, the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro impressed me with its design. Its vertical format combines elegance and discretion.
Easy to carry, thanks in particular to its integrated strap, it weighs just 1 kg and fits comfortably in one hand. Ideal for mobile cinema enthusiasts or those who want a projector they can take anywhere.
Another nice touch: its aluminum and textured plastic finish gives it a premium feel. This isn't the kind of gadget that looks cheap as soon as you pick it up. No, here you can feel that Xgimi has taken care of its copy.
On the back, you'll find the power button and the Usb-C power port. Some connections are protected by a cover on the side of the projector: a micro HDMI port and a USB-A port.
And for wireless fans, it also integrates Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. In short, it's easy to plug in a PC, a console or an external hard drive for Netflix evenings (or any other platform, don't judge!).
To deploy the projector, simply raise it a little:
Then rotate it as desired:
The lens appears:
The advantage of this design is that the lens is perfectly protected when not in use, so you won't have to worry about shocks when you need to take it with you.
On the opposite side, a large grille provides ventilation for the projector:
The audio part is located in the stand, which remains fixed. It also features a screw thread for tripod mounting:
Which brings us to the Xgimi stand, which comes in two parts:
One end unfolds into a tripod:
Most importantly, this tripod features two Usb ports and a switch: one of the Usb-C ports will be used to recharge the battery contained in this cylinder, while the other port will be used to power the projector, transforming it into the perfect nomadic video projector.
Finally, a word about the remote control, which features direct shortcuts to Youtube, Netflix, Prime, and a 4th customizable shortcut. A microphone button is also available for triggering the Google Assistant.
Let's get on with the tests!
A brilliant image despite its size
First, let's talk image. After all, it's projection quality that makes or breaks a projector. Here, Xgimi strikes hard with Full HD resolution (1920 x 1080). And frankly, for such a small size, it's quite impressive, as most competitors have stuck to 720p.
With its 450 ANSI lumens, the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro delivers a bright, colorful image, even in moderate ambient light. Of course, you can't expect perfect clarity in broad daylight (no portable projector really does), but in a slightly dimmed room, the experience is really pleasant. Contrast is good, and HDR10 support further enhances rendering.
A detail that makes all the difference: automatic keystone correction and artificial intelligence-assisted focusing. How does it work? You position the projector just as you like, and it adjusts the image itself so that it's straight and sharp. No more time-consuming manual adjustments!
Oh, and if you like big images, the MoGo 3 Pro can project up to 120 inches! Doesn't that make a great home theater screen?
Of course, the Xgimi MoGo Pro 3 comes with a host of manual settings for fine-tuning the image.
The Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro runs on Android TV 11, which changes everything. There's no need to stick a PC or TV box on it: just connect it to Wi-Fi, and presto, all the streaming services are there. Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube… everything is just a remote control away. Yes, even Netflix, which was unfortunately not present on its big brother Aura 2.
With built-in Chromecast compatibility, streaming content from your smartphone is also child's play. And, the icing on the cake, Google Assistant is on board. Yes, you can actually talk to your projector to ask it to start a video or turn down the volume. How convenient!
Sound that's second to none
Can such a compact projector deliver decent sound? The answer is a resounding “yes”. Xgimi collaborated with Harman Kardon to integrate two speakers, each rated at 5W. And it sounds really good!
The sound is clear, well-defined and convincingly spatialized. For such a small device, it's impressive. Whether you're watching a movie, playing a game or listening to music, it's more than up to the job. Of course, if you're an audiophile or a fan of thunderous cinema-style explosions, a soundbar or Bluetooth headset will always do better. But for an all-in-one solution, it's very satisfying.
What's more, the manufacturer has thought about using it as a speaker only if you so wish. In this case, the projector remains in a quasi-closed position, letting out only a luminous halo (customizable) to follow the mood.
In this case, only the speaker part is used, while the lens remains protected.
Autonomy a little short
Let's talk about an essential point for a device designed to be nomadic: autonomy. Xgimi promises up to 2.5 hours of video playback with its built-in battery. In reality, it's more like 2 hours in normal use, and even less if the volume is turned up.
That's enough to watch a classic movie, but for a movie night with friends, you'll either need to find an outlet nearby, or find an external battery powerful enough to recharge it along the way. A small compromise to consider.
Should you go for the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro?
After several days of use, it's hard not to be won over by the Xgimi MoGo 3 Pro. Its ultra-portable format, image quality and Android TV system make it an ideal companion for mobile cinema enthusiasts.
Its strong points? A quality Full HD picture, powerful sound for its size, a fluid interface and well-thought-out features such as auto keystone correction. Its autonomy remains its main drawback, but you can't have everything. I'd also have liked to be able to place the projector completely vertically for ceiling projection, but you'll have to offset it a little to orient it as you wish. Finally, a little message for the manufacturers of mobile projectors: would it be possible to supply a storage pouch? To date, it seems to me that only BenQ has supplied a case for its nomad models… :/ No-ma-de means transport, which means protection!
Finally, there's the price, at €499 for the projector alone, or €579 with the tripod acting as a battery, which proves extremely practical in use.
If you're looking for a compact, high-performance, easy-to-use projector, the MoGo 3 Pro is an excellent option. Whether you're looking to set up an extra home cinema, go on a trip or even use it as a second screen in the office, it's a perfect fit for any situation.
In short, a real favorite for anyone who wants an efficient projector… without lugging around a bulky brick!
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