XGIMI Halo review: Small projector, really big
A TEST REPORT from Nils Ahrensmeier 
on October 31, 2021, 16:31 am | write a comment
In addition to home theater projectors, there is also a growing market for mobile devices. We tested the XGIMI Halo on a representative basis.
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What's in the box
If you don't know XGIMI yet, they are one of the leading companies in the field of “Projectors with Android TV”. In addition to the projector, the scope of delivery also includes a remote control and the power supply unit. It was very easy to set up and set up. Cable connected, batteries (unfortunately not included) packed into the remote control and the projector started at the push of a button. Android TV greets the user directly, and the setup can be done there via a link on the smartphone. The facility was completed within a few minutes.
Design and workmanship
The Halo is very compact (especially compared to the Horizon). The height is 17 cm, the width only 12. The weight is approx. 1,6 kg, so it can be transported without any problems. The design is kept relatively simple, the halo is provided with aluminum, which extends over the housing in a "holey" structure. The connections and the on / off switch are located on the top of the rear, and the fan is located below.
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- On top of the projector are three buttons and a microphone (picture: TechnikNews)
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- This is what the projector looks like from the front (picture: TechnikNews)
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- The halo can also be screwed onto a stand (Image: TechnikNews)
picture
The XGIMI Halo can produce an HDR-10 1080p image with a maximum of 300 inches, the best image was at approx. 2,5 m with approx. 100 inches. The maximum brightness is 800 lumens, which is a high number for a portable projector. A home theater projector is definitely not an option, but for on the go (for a slide show or a movie, for example) it is completely sufficient. Films can be played back natively at 1080p and 60 frames per second, 4K material is scaled down to 1080p (but looks noticeably better with more details and a sharper image).
It can even display 3D content, but unfortunately I didn't have the glasses to test it. In daylight the number of lumens is only sufficient; in the evening the blinds no longer have to be drawn. Gaming is also possible via HDMI, the input was 30ms. For Fifa or other "casual" games this is fully sufficient, but I would not play competitively COD or Battlefield on them. The refresh rate was constant at 60 frames per second.
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- The XGIMI Halo projects a good image (Image: TechnikNews)
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- The maximum size is 300 inches (Image: TechnikNews)
The image can be output in three "modes", so the projector can also be hung under the ceiling. The automatic keystone correction then adjusts the image to the wall, which ensured a sharp image review.
Hardware and OS
Classic Android TV 9.o, which Xiaomi and co also use, runs on the projector. It runs smoothly, offers a lot of settings and the Play Store also allows you to load apps. All major streaming services work without problems, Netflix has to be loaded via an external "TV Manager" app, as there is no official licensing. That wasn't a problem for me, but it should be mentioned. Streaming runs smoothly via the WLAN module, but those who still like to use external hard drives can do so via a USB 2.0 input. A Chromecast is also built in, so you can use your smartphone or laptop as a "selection device" for content.
External Anschlüsse
The Halo has x connections. On the back there is the power connection, a 3,5 mm jack connection as well as HDMI and the USB 2.0 connection for hard drives or USB sticks. I could easily connect a Bluetooth speaker to the jack connector, and files such as photos or videos can be played using a media player. Speakers could also be connected via USB if there was no jack cable. Alternatively, an external loudspeaker can also be connected via Bluetooth; this is integrated in the SoC and also worked without any problems in Android TV.
The XGIMI Halo has three connections (Image: TechnikNews)
Remote Control
A big advantage of the Halo is the remote control. Although this is also not processed on the same level as the Horizon, it fulfills its purpose on the way. The Bluetooth connection in particular means that there are few incorrect entries; the remote control does not have to be pointed at the projector. A Google Assistant button is also built in, which can also be used to operate the projector by voice.
The XGIMI Halo's remote control has many useful buttons (Image: TechnikNews)
Loudspeakers
The Halo's speaker is much more than a “smartphone speaker”. The two 5W speakers were developed together with Harman / Kardon and ensure a good sound. They also drown out the fan, which is relatively quiet. If you want to use the Halo as a "Bluetooth box", you can use the specially created mode. If you don't want to drag another one around with you, you will be pleased.
The speaker of the XGIMI Halo can also be used as a "Bluetooth speaker" (picture: TechnikNews)
Accumulator
A 5400 mAh battery is located in the XGIMI Halo, which can be used with the projector for up to 4 hours or as a "loudspeaker" for 8 hours. In the practical test, I was able to show a slide show for about 2 hours at full brightness, whereas in Netflix mode it was 90 minutes at full brightness to watch series. Fortunately, the power cord is so long that the projector can also be used on the mains without any problems.
Summary
The XGIMI Halo is a very good portable projector. It impresses with its compactness and the (almost) uncompromising overall package. A good picture, a pre-installed operating system as well as loudspeakers and a remote control ensure a very good “all-in-one” entertainment system, especially when on the move. The price is definitely okay, there have been a few interesting offers in the past.
Here you can find more information about the projector.