After spending extensive time testing various UST projectors on my 100-inch ALR screen, the XGIMI AURA 2 repeatedly impressed me with how it balances performance, design, and practicality. My testing setup allowed me to evaluate the projector under both challenging daytime conditions with ambient light and in optimal dark-room viewing environments typical of home theater use. Having recently tested several leading UST projectors, I found the AURA 2's combination of features particularly compelling at its $2,699 price point. While the UST market is crowded with options, the AURA 2 stands out by excelling in areas that matter most for real-world use - especially color accuracy and everyday use with Android TV and quality sound. It is an all-in-one unit that builds on XGIMI exclusive innovations, while promising future updates like IMAX Enhanced support.
The XGIMI AURA 2 sets a new standard for projector aesthetics with its elegant "Moonlight Sand" fabric covering. While many UST projectors opt for basic black plastic housings, the AURA 2 feels more like a premium piece of home decor. The fabric isn't just for looks - it effectively repels dust and moisture while proving surprisingly durable in daily use. The automatic lens cover adds both protection and sophistication, smoothly sliding into place when powered down. Compared to plastic-heavy competitors, the build quality demonstrates exceptional attention to detail that feels more premium than its $2,699 price point would suggest.
The AURA 2's ISA 5.0 system transforms what could be a complex setup process into a seamless experience, addressing one of the most common pain points in UST projector installation. While competitors generally are designed for permanent positioning, the AURA 2's sophisticated auto-alignment capabilities make it remarkably flexible, solving my issue of a UST and motorized dropdown screen. Since our screen comes down in front of a large, 3 panel sliding door, we often move the projector and automated setup makes the realignment process faster.
The real magic happens during setup - ISA 5.0 scans the projection surface and makes real-time adjustments for both geometric alignment and color reproduction. For wall projection, it can compensate for surface irregularities and automatically calibrate the image based on wall color, with adjustments ranging from warm to cool color temperatures. When using a proper screen, the system helps achieve perfect alignment by detecting screen boundaries and automatically fitting the image.
While all UST projectors perform best with a proper ALR screen, the AURA 2's wall color adaptation makes it uniquely capable of delivering satisfying temporary setups on plain walls - a feature not found on competing models. This flexibility, combined with its best-in-class SDR color accuracy, makes it an excellent choice for users who want the option to easily move their projector between rooms or take it to different locations.
The AURA 2 runs on Android TV, offering a relatively smooth though not lightning-fast user experience. While the interface is generally responsive, it doesn't quite match the snappy performance found on Samsung's premium Premiere 9 with its Tizen OS. One notable limitation is the lack of native Netflix support - users need to either use a streaming stick, enable screen mirroring, or sideload the mobile version of the app. However, the projector shines with its extensive picture adjustment options, offering comprehensive controls for fine-tuning image settings, keystoning, and screen alignment. The settings menu is particularly well-organized, making it easy to access ISA 5.0 features and adjust Dolby Vision preferences for both dark and bright room viewing. Other popular streaming services like Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube work without issue through the native Android TV interface, and the built-in Google Assistant provides convenient voice control for content navigation.
To use Netflix on the XGIMI Aura 2 projector, you'll need to follow a specific process since Netflix isn't natively supported on this model. Here's how to set it up as of Dec 2024:
Sideloading apps isn't always the best way, so we might recommend purchasing a FireTV or Roku stick. It appears that the XGIMI remote will control the sticks natively.
Where the AURA 2 truly shines is with Dolby Vision content. The implementation here isn't just a checkbox feature - it's a revelation. The projector offers both dark and bright room presets that make a real difference in practice. Watching "The Rings of Power" Season 2, the dark preset delivered stunning shadow detail in Khazad-dûm's dimly lit halls while maintaining deep blacks that UST projectors often struggle with.
Looking ahead, the AURA 2 is set to receive IMAX Enhanced certification through a firmware update in Q4 2024. This promising addition will enable viewing of select content in IMAX's signature 1.9:1 expanded aspect ratio, offering a 26% larger image compared to standard widescreen formats. While initial content will likely be limited to Disney+ offerings, the feature is expected to deliver color reproduction quality rivaling Dolby Vision, complemented by virtualized DTS surround sound. Though the content library may be modest at launch, the potential for a more immersive viewing experience is intriguing.
The AURA 2's color accuracy is particularly impressive, especially with skin tones. Whether rendering the ethereal glow of elven faces or weathered human complexions, the projector achieves remarkable naturalism - earning it the highest SDR color accuracy score among all projectors in the 2024 shootout. While its 2300 ISO lumens may not lead the brightness race, it's more than adequate for most viewing environments, though competitors will outperform with larger screen sizes in ambient light. The projector does show some limitations with standard HDR content, occasionally struggling with highlight detail, but using Dolby Vision when available dramatically improves the dynamic range and overall image quality. When IMAX Enhanced is released, we are hopeful this firmware may include improved HDR handling as well.
With a measured input lag of 19.4ms at 4K/60Hz (tested at the ProjectorScreen.com 2024 shootout), the AURA 2 proves highly capable for gaming. This puts it among the better performers in its class, only 2.7ms behind the category leader. Motion handling maintains good clarity without introducing artificial smoothing artifacts, making it suitable for both fast-paced gaming and film content.
The AURA 2's built-in Harman Kardon speaker system delivers surprisingly capable audio that rivals many standalone soundbars. The four-speaker array, pushing 60 watts of total power, creates a wide soundstage with clear dialogue positioning and good stereo separation. During my testing, the system handled both subtle atmospheric effects and dramatic action sequences with confidence, though bass response, while present, won't rattle your furniture the way a dedicated subwoofer would.
The Dolby Atmos support is more than just a specification - it adds noticeable depth to the soundfield, even if it can't fully replicate the immersion of physical rear speakers. Watching content like "The Rings of Power," the system did an admirable job with both intimate dialogue scenes and larger-scale battle sequences, maintaining clarity across different volume levels. While serious home theater enthusiasts will still want to pair the AURA 2 with a dedicated audio system, many users may find the built-in speakers more than adequate for everyday viewing.
What's particularly impressive is how the audio system integrates with the projector's form factor. Unlike some competitors that treat audio as an afterthought, the AURA 2's speaker implementation feels purposeful, with smooth treble reproduction and enough bass presence to give weight to movie soundtracks without overwhelming the mid-range. The system's ability to fill a room while maintaining audio clarity makes it a legitimate all-in-one solution for many users, though those seeking deeper bass response or true surround sound will want to consider external audio options.
At $2,699, the AURA 2 sits in a competitive space within the UST market. Even at full price, the combination of premium design, superior Dolby Vision performance, and versatile placement options unique only to XGIMI makes it a top choice.
In the competitive $2,000-3,500 UST market, the AURA 2 ($2,699) sits between the more expensive Hisense PX3-Pro ($3,499) and the more affordable Formovie Cinema Edge ($1,999). While the PX3-Pro offers higher brightness (3000 vs 2300 lumens) and better overall HDR performance, and the Formovie Theater Premium ($2,999) edges out in black levels, the AURA 2 distinguishes itself with best-in-class SDR color accuracy, superior design aesthetics, and unique features like ISA 5.0 auto-alignment. Its gaming performance nearly matches the category leaders, making it a particularly compelling option for users who prioritize flexible placement, accurate colors, and gaming responsiveness.
The XGIMI AURA 2 excels where it matters most: real-world performance. While it might not win every specification battle on paper, the actual viewing experience - especially with Dolby Vision content and in dark room conditions - is outstanding. Its unique combination of premium design, excellent image quality, and practical mobility makes it a standout choice in the UST market.
The AURA 2 represents a thoughtful balance of features that matter in daily use. It's a projector that not only delivers excellent performance but does so in a package that enhances rather than disrupts your living space. For many users, especially those who prioritize movie performance and appreciate the stunning design, this could be the ideal UST solution.
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