XGIMI has lifted the veil on its latest ultra-short throw (UST) laser projector lineup: the Aura 3 Series, made official at IFA 2026. This duo—consisting of the Aura 3 Pro and Aura 3 Max—is positioned as the first 4K UST projectors able to push 120Hz output, appealing to enthusiasts in home theater and gaming spheres alike. The series integrates Google TV out of the box, delivering native streaming support for platforms like Netflix, Prime Video, and YouTube, alongside Google Cast functionality.
Specs, Features & Performance
Both models are built around an RGB triple-laser light engine and a Dynamic Dual Iris optical system designed to regulate light output. This setup yields a native contrast ratio of up to 8,000:1, enhanced with Dynamic Black Enhancement. HDR support is extensive: Dolby Vision, HDR10+, HDR10, HLG, and IMAX Enhanced are all included, along with a Filmmaker Mode, dynamic tone mapping, and an Anti-Rainbow (Anti-RBE) feature. Intriguingly, the projectors also ship with two pairs of 3D glasses—yes, 3D content still has a place in ’26.
The top-end Aura 3 Max is the brightness king here, rated up to 5,700 ISO lumens. It also boasts 110% coverage of the BT.2020 color gamut. With a throw ratio of just 0.163:1, it’s capable of casting a 120-inch image from about eight inches away from a wall. Screen sizes extend up to a massive 200 inches for those going all-in.
Gaming, Connectivity & Design
To drive 4K at 120Hz, XGIMI employs dual DLPC 8545 controllers working in tandem. Gamers will appreciate HDMI 2.1 inputs enabling Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), AMD FreeSync Premium, and even Dolby Vision Gaming. Input lag is claimed to dip as low as 1 ms in certain modes—significant for competitive gaming.
For audio, there’s an integrated 80-watt Harman Kardon speaker system supporting Dolby Atmos and DTS Virtual:X. When idle, the projectors transform into digital canvases thanks to “XGIMI WALL,” which displays curated wallpapers and art pieces.
Pricing, Launch & Availability
Pre-orders are live now through XGIMI’s store with a $50 (or £50) deposit, which entitles buyers to a $200 discount. Official launch is set for October 20, 2026, via Kickstarter. Aura 3 Pro starts at $2,199, while the flagship Aura 3 Max goes for $2,399. High-end pricing, yes—but among the most compact large-format projection options on the market.
This is not just a specs race: the Aura 3 lineup signals a shift in what’s possible for at-home display. These are projectors that bring massive, sharp, high-frame-rate visuals without needing to be far from a wall, making them more flexible in room layout and design.
