XGIMI Horizon S Max: The XGIMI Horizon S Max has arrived, promising an ultra-bright 4K experience in a compact package. As the latest addition to XGIMI’s projector lineup, this device boasts 3,100 ISO lumens, making it one of the brightest projectors available in its class. But is it truly the best choice for home entertainment? Let’s explore its features, strengths, and limitations.
XGIMI Horizon S Max
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Resolution | 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) |
| Brightness | 3,100 ISO Lumens |
| Sound System | Dual 12W Harman/Kardon speakers |
| Operating System | Android TV 11.0 |
| IMAX Enhanced | Yes |
| Optical Zoom | No (Digital Zoom only) |
| Streaming Support | No native Netflix support |
| Price & Availability | Check the official website |
The XGIMI Horizon S Max is one of the brightest, most feature-packed 4K projectors available today. With IMAX Enhanced visuals, premium sound, and a high 3,100-lumen brightness, it’s a fantastic choice for home theaters and multimedia setups. While Netflix support and optical zoom are missing, its overall performance, affordability, and image quality make it a standout choice.
Why the XGIMI Horizon S Max Stands Out
1. Ultra-Bright 4K Projection: A True Game-Changer?
Brightness is a crucial factor for projectors, and the Horizon S Max delivers 3,100 ISO lumens, ensuring crisp visuals even in rooms with ambient light. Compared to previous models like the XGIMI Horizon Pro (2,200 lumens), this increase in brightness makes a significant difference, especially for daytime viewing.
Who Needs This Level of Brightness?
- Home Theater Enthusiasts: Experience vivid HDR visuals without needing blackout curtains.
- Gamers: Enjoy responsive gaming with enhanced contrast and clarity.
- Office & Presentations: Ideal for brightly lit conference rooms.
- Outdoor Movie Lovers: Perfect for backyard cinema setups where ambient light is unavoidable.
2. IMAX Enhanced Certification: Does It Make a Difference?
The IMAX Enhanced badge isn’t just a marketing gimmick—it ensures optimized HDR processing, improved contrast, and enhanced audio. When paired with supported content from Disney+ and other IMAX Enhanced platforms, users can expect a true cinematic experience at home.
Furthermore, the projector supports Dolby Vision, HDR10+, and HLG, making it versatile for all major HDR formats, ensuring deep blacks and dynamic color range.
3. Built-in Sound: Harman/Kardon Audio for Immersive Experience
Unlike many projectors that require external sound systems, the Horizon S Max is equipped with two 12W Harman/Kardon speakers. These provide clear mids, deep bass, and loud volume, making it suitable for casual movie nights without extra speakers.
However, for audiophiles:
If you crave surround sound, pairing it with a Dolby Atmos soundbar or home theater system will enhance immersion significantly. The projector also supports Bluetooth audio output, allowing seamless integration with external speakers.
4. Android TV 11.0: Seamless Streaming But No Native Netflix
The Horizon S Max runs Android TV 11.0, giving users access to over 5,000+ apps from the Google Play Store, including YouTube, Prime Video, and Disney+. However, Netflix isn’t officially supported, meaning users must rely on workarounds like:
- Casting from a laptop or phone
- Using an external streaming device (Fire Stick, Roku, or Apple TV)
This might be a deal-breaker for some, but it’s a common limitation across many projectors. That being said, the native Chromecast support helps in easy mirroring from mobile devices.
5. No Optical Zoom: A Tradeoff for a Compact Design
One of the biggest design changes is the removal of optical zoom, meaning users must rely on digital zoom to adjust image size. This can slightly degrade image quality when resizing.
Ideal Setup Considerations:
- Best for fixed placements rather than frequent repositioning.
- Use manual adjustments to maximize clarity without over-relying on digital zoom.
- Consider a retractable screen to match the projector’s native aspect ratio and minimize digital adjustments.
Performance Breakdown: Pros & Cons
Pros:
Ultra-bright (3,100 lumens) for daytime viewing. IMAX Enhanced for superior contrast and visuals. Built-in premium sound (Harman/Kardon speakers). Android TV 11.0 with Google Assistant support. Auto Keystone Correction & Autofocus for easy setup. Multiple HDR formats supported for enhanced video quality.
Cons:
No optical zoom (relying on digital scaling). No native Netflix app (requires workarounds). Mediocre black levels compared to OLED TVs. Higher price than some competing models.
How It Compares to Competitors
| Feature | XGIMI Horizon S Max | Epson LS11000 | BenQ TK850 |
| Brightness | 3,100 ISO Lumens | 2,500 Lumens | 3,000 Lumens |
| Resolution | 4K UHD | 4K UHD | 4K UHD |
| Sound | Harman/Kardon (12W x2) | External Required | External Required |
| IMAX Enhanced | Yes | No | No |
| Price | ~$1,899 | ~$3,999 | ~$1,599 |
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Frequently Asked Questions About XGIMI Horizon S Max
1. Is the XGIMI Horizon S Max good for gaming?
Yes! It supports low-latency gaming mode, 120Hz refresh rate, and 4K visuals, making it a solid choice for console gaming on PS5 and Xbox Series X.
2. Does it support 3D content?
No, the Horizon S Max does not support 3D playback.
3. How long does the lamp last?
The LED light source is rated for over 25,000 hours, meaning years of usage without needing replacement.
4. Can I mount it on the ceiling?
Yes! It has universal mounting compatibility, making it easy to install.
5. What’s the best alternative if I need native Netflix support?
The Epson LS11000 or BenQ TK850 offer native Netflix support, but require an external sound system.
