XGIMI Halo review: Small projector, big impact
A TEST REPORT from Nils Ahrensmeier 
on October 31, 2021, 16:31 am | Write a comment
In addition to home cinema projectors, there is also a growing market for mobile devices. We tested the XGIMI Halo as a representative.
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Delivery
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 delivery also includes a remote control and the power supply. The assembly and setup were very simple. Connect the cable, put batteries (unfortunately not included) in the remote control and start the projector at the touch of a button. Android TV welcomes the user directly, and the setup can be carried out there via a link on the smartphone. The setup was then 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 is only 12. The weight is about 1,6 kg, so it can probe transported without problems. The design is kept relatively simple, the halo is provided with aluminum, which stretches over the housing in a "holey" structure. The connections and the on/off switch are located on the back at the top, with the fan underneath.
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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 (Image: TechnikNews)
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- The halo can also be screwed onto a stand (Image: TechnikNews)
BILD
The XGIMI Halo can produce an HDR-10 1080p image with a maximum of 300 inches, the best image was at about 2,5 m with about 100 inches. The maximum brightness is 800 lumens, which is a high number for a portable projector. It definitely does not come close to a home cinema projector, but it is perfectly adequate for on the go (for example for a slide show or a film). Films can be played natively at 1080p and 60 frames per second. pro second, 4K material is downscaled to 1080p (but looks noticeably better with more details and a sharper image).
Even 3D content can be displayed, but unfortunately I didn't have the glasses to test this. In daylight the number of lumens is only sufficient, in the evening the blinds no longer have to be closed. Gaming is also possible via HDMI, the input lag is around 30ms. That's enough for Fifa or other "casual" games, but I wouldn't play COD or Battlefield competitively on it. However, the refresh rate was constant at 60 frames pro Second.
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- The XGIMI Halo proejects a good picture (picture: 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 from the ceiling. The automatic keystone correction then adjusts the image to the wall, which ensured a sharp image review.
Hardware and OS
The projector runs classic Android TV 9, which Xiaomi and co also use. It runs smoothly, offers a number of settings and also offers the option of downloading apps via the Play Store. All major streaming services work without problems, Netflix has to be downloaded via an external "TV Manager" app because there is no official license. This was not a problem for me, but it should be mentioned. Streaming runs via WLAN module proproblem-free, but if you still like to use external hard drives, you have the option of doing 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 connectors. On the back 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. At the jack connection I could proEasily connect a Bluetooth speaker, files such as photos or videos can be played back via media player. Speakers can also be connected via USB if no jack cable is available. Alternatively, an external speaker can also be connected via Bluetooth, this is integrated in the SoC and also worked in Android TV proflawless.
The XGIMI Halo has three connections (Image: TechnikNews)
Remote Control
A big advantage of the Halo is the remote control. Although it is not as well made as the Horizon, it does the job when you are on the move. The Bluetooth connection means there are fewer input errors and the remote control does not have to be pointed at the projector. There is also a Google Assistant button built in, which allows you to operate the projector using your 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)
Rechargeable battery
The XGIMI Halo has a 5400 mAh battery, which should last for up to 4 hours as a projector or 8 hours as a “speaker”. In the practical test, I was able to show a slide show for about 2 hours at full brightness, while in Netflix mode it took 90 minutes at full brightness to watch series. Fortunately, the power cable is long enough that the projector can also procan be used without problems in mains operation.
Conclusion
The XGIMI Halo is a very good portable projector. It impresses with its compactness and the (almost) comproflawless overall package. A good picture, a pre-installed operating system as well as speakers and a remote control ensure a very good "all-in-one" entertainment system, especially on the go. The price is definitely okay, in the past there have been a few interesting offers.
Here you can find further information about the projector.