The 4K projector that promises ultra-smooth 120Hz: is it worth the hype?

Xgimi Spotlights the Aura 3 Series at IFA 2026

Right now, IFA 2026—Europe’s largest consumer electronics trade show—is buzzing in Berlin, and Xgimi, the well-known Chinese specialist in projectors, is drawing the crowds thanks to its new Aura 3 line. These are not just any projectors: with ultra-short throw technology, the Aura 3 Pro and Aura 3 Max can sit right in front of the wall you want to use, freeing you from the tyranny of ceiling mounts and room-length cables.

How close, exactly? For a sprawling 100-inch image, all you need is about 5 inches (12.8 cm) of space from wall to projector. No more tripping over wires or rearranging your entire living room. And while a dedicated screen will give you the best visuals, Xgimi says that for casual viewing, a simple white wall will do the trick—because sometimes, you just want to Netflix and relax without an engineering degree.

120Hz 4K UHD: What Sets These Projectors Apart

So what makes these projectors truly stand out? It’s the holy grail for many TV lovers: 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels) and a dazzling 120Hz refresh rate. While this dynamic duo has become standard-issue for TVs, it’s still rare among ultra-short-throw projectors, especially at this price point.

Inside, you’ll find a 0.47-inch DMD chip teamed up with two DLPC 8555 controllers. This 120Hz refresh rate has another bonus: it significantly reduces the infamous rainbow effect (RBE) that can ruin a good projection for those with extra-perceptive eyes.

To bring 4K to life, Xgimi relies on wobulation—a clever trick that essentially shifts a 1920 x 1080 Full HD image created by the DMD chip four times, multiplied by the refresh rate, to simulate a true 4K picture. It’s not quite native, but it gets very close—think of it like optical sleight of hand, except nobody gets sawed in half.

RGB Triple Laser, Dazzling Contrast, and All the Trimmings

Under the hood, both models boast an RGB triple laser light source that covers 110% of the BT.2020 color gamut. The Aura 3 Max throws out a blinding 5,700 lumens, while the Aura 3 Pro isn’t far behind at 4,100 lumens. Thanks to Xgimi’s dual iris system, the Max achieves an impressive native contrast of 8,000:1, while the Pro offers 7,000:1. According to Xgimi, this means you’ll enjoy vibrant images even in a bright room, while the system will automatically adjust the brightness when darkness falls and movie night begins.

Made for Gaming and Sports—with Full Connectivity

With its high refresh rate, this series is fully geared for gaming and watching sports. Connectivity is generous, with:

Three HDMI 2.0 and 2.1 ports with eARC support

Two USB 2 ports and one USB 3 port

Gigabit Ethernet

Optical audio output

Standard headphone jack

Both models feature two powerful 80-watt Harman Kardon speakers and support Dolby Vision Gaming, ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode), VRR (Variable Refresh Rate), and AMD FreeSync. In other words, whether you’re gaming, streaming, or watching the big match, you’re covered.

Pricing, Kickstarter Launch, and Holiday Delivery

The Aura 3 Pro comes in at a list price of $3,999, while the flagship Aura 3 Max lands at $4,999. But savvy early adopters can get a deal: the projectors will launch on Kickstarter in October. Those who back the campaign early can snag the Aura 3 Pro for $1,999 and the Aura 3 Max for $2,199. Shipments are expected before Christmas 2026—so if you play your cards right, your living room just might become the neighborhood’s holiday movie hotspot.