Xgimi Halo Plus Review

The XGIMI Halo Plus is a strong contender in the portable projector market, offering a compelling blend of brightness, portability, and smart features that make it an excellent choice for anyone looking to bring a big-screen experience on the go.

While it may not replace a dedicated home theater setup, its impressive auto-focus and keystone correction, built-in Android TV, and decent battery life position it as a top-tier option for casual backyard movie nights, camping trips, or even impromptu business presentations.

For those who value convenience and a fuss-free setup, the Halo Plus definitely delivers.

Here’s a quick rundown of some comparable portable projectors and home entertainment devices:

• Anker Nebula Capsule 3 Laser

  

  • Key Features: Laser light source, 1080p resolution, Android TV 11, compact soda-can design, 2.5-hour battery life, 8W speaker.
  • Price: ~$800
  • Pros: Extremely portable, sharp laser image, good smart features.
  • Cons: Lower brightness 300 ISO Lumens compared to Halo Plus, premium price for its size.

• BenQ GS50

  • Key Features: 1080p resolution, IPX2 splash-proof and 2.3 ft drop-proof, Android TV, 2.5-hour battery life, 2.1 channel audio with woofer, 500 ANSI Lumens.
  • Price: ~$700
  • Pros: Durable and rugged, excellent sound for a portable projector, good for outdoor use.
  • Cons: Bulkier than some ultra-portable options, lower brightness than Halo Plus.

• Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12

  • Key Features: Laser array projection, 1080p resolution, Android TV, Yamaha 2.0 speaker system, auto-focus/keystone, 1000 ANSI Lumens AC power only.
  • Price: ~$900
  • Pros: Very bright when plugged in, great sound quality, sharp image.
  • Cons: Not truly battery-powered for portability, larger form factor.

• Samsung Freestyle

  • Key Features: Unique swivel design, 1080p resolution, Tizen OS smart TV platform, 360-degree sound, auto-focus/keystone, 550 ANSI Lumens.
  • Price: ~$600
  • Pros: Extremely versatile positioning, excellent smart TV experience, good aesthetics.
  • Cons: Requires external battery pack for portability sold separately, brightness is adequate but not stellar.

• Xiaomi Mi Smart Projector 2 Pro

  • Key Features: 1080p resolution, Android TV, 1300 ANSI Lumens, dual speakers, auto-focus/keystone.
  • Pros: Very bright, good value for the lumens, solid smart features.
  • Cons: Not battery-powered, less portable than Halo Plus.

• Portable Projectors

  • Key Features: General category covering a wide range of specs and prices.
  • Price: Varies widely
  • Pros: Options for every budget and need.
  • Cons: Quality and features can be inconsistent across brands.

• Gaming Projectors

  • Key Features: Low input lag, high refresh rates, vibrant colors, often higher brightness.
  • Price: Generally higher than standard portable projectors.
  • Pros: Optimized for gaming performance, immersive experience.
  • Cons: Less emphasis on portability, often requires AC power.

Unpacking the XGIMI Halo Plus: A Deeper Dive

The XGIMI Halo Plus isn’t just another projector.

It’s designed to be a versatile companion for entertainment and even some productivity on the go.

When you pull this thing out of the box, you immediately get a sense of its robust build quality. It feels premium, not like some flimsy plastic toy. This isn’t just about showing movies.

It’s about delivering a complete experience, from its impressive optics to its integrated smart platform.

Design and Build Quality: Portability Meets Premium Feel

First impressions matter, and the Halo Plus makes a strong one.

It’s compact enough to toss into a backpack, but it doesn’t feel like a compromise in terms of construction.

XGIMI has really focused on creating a device that’s both practical for travel and durable enough to handle real-world use.

• Compact Form Factor: The Halo Plus measures roughly 6.7 x 5.7 x 4.4 inches 17.2 x 14.5 x 11.2 cm and weighs in at about 3.5 pounds 1.6 kg. This is a sweet spot for portability – small enough to be genuinely portable, but weighty enough to feel substantial and stable.
• Aesthetics: It sports a sleek, minimalist design, often with a dark grey or black finish that blends well into various environments. The mesh fabric grille covering the speakers adds a touch of elegance, making it look less like a piece of tech and more like a high-end audio device.
• Robust Construction: The outer casing is typically made from a durable plastic or metal alloy, giving it a solid feel. This isn’t a projector you’re worried about dropping from a small height, although it’s certainly not ruggedized like some specialized outdoor projectors.
• Integrated Kickstand: A thoughtful design touch is the integrated kickstand on the bottom. This allows for quick and easy angle adjustments without needing a separate tripod, which is incredibly useful for on-the-fly setups. It’s a small detail, but it speaks volumes about the user experience XGIMI aims for.
• Button Layout: Physical controls are minimal, usually confined to a power button and perhaps some volume controls on the top or side. The reliance on the remote and Android TV interface keeps the design clean and uncluttered.

Image Quality and Brightness: Punching Above Its Weight Class

This is where the rubber meets the road for any projector, and the Halo Plus genuinely impresses for a portable unit.

It delivers a sharp, vibrant picture that often exceeds expectations for its size and price point, especially considering its battery-powered capability.

• Full HD 1080p Resolution: The Halo Plus boasts native 1920 x 1080p Full HD resolution. This is a significant step up from many portable projectors that are still stuck at 720p. The difference is noticeable, providing clearer text and more detailed images, making it suitable for both movies and presentations.
• ANSI Lumens vs. ISO Lumens: XGIMI rates the Halo Plus at 900 ANSI Lumens. It’s important to understand what this means. ANSI lumens are a standardized measurement of brightness, making them more reliable for comparison than “LED lumens” or “ISO lumens” which can be inflated. For a portable, battery-powered projector, 900 ANSI lumens is exceptionally bright.
  • Real-World Brightness: In a dark room, 900 ANSI lumens can throw a massive, bright image – easily 100-120 inches without feeling washed out. In a dimly lit room, you can still get a very watchable 60-80 inch image. Don’t expect it to compete with a bright living room TV during the day, but for its class, it’s a top performer.
  • Light Source: It utilizes an LED light source, which offers several advantages:
    • Long Lifespan: LEDs typically last 25,000-30,000 hours, meaning you likely won’t ever need to replace the lamp.
    • Instant On/Off: No warm-up or cool-down time required.
    • Consistent Brightness: LED brightness degrades much slower than traditional lamps.
• Color Reproduction: While not professional-grade, the color reproduction is surprisingly good, offering vibrant and natural hues. XGIMI often includes various picture modes Standard, Bright, Movie, Game to optimize colors for different content types.
• HDR10 Support: It supports HDR10, which means it can decode and display HDR content, theoretically offering a wider dynamic range and better contrast in compatible videos. While a portable projector’s brightness limitations mean you won’t get true HDR performance like on a high-end TV, it still processes the HDR signal, potentially leading to a more nuanced image than SDR.
• Contrast Ratio: Typical for DLP projectors, the dynamic contrast ratio is decent, allowing for noticeable differentiation between dark and light scenes. However, native contrast on LED projectors can sometimes be a challenge in comparison to high-end lamp-based or laser projectors.

Smart Features: Android TV and Connectivity

The inclusion of Android TV is a must for the Halo Plus, transforming it from just a projector into a complete smart entertainment hub. This isn’t some stripped-down proprietary OS. it’s the full Android TV experience, complete with Google Play Store access. Canon Maxify Gx4020 Review

• Android TV 10.0: The Halo Plus typically ships with Android TV 10.0, providing a familiar and intuitive interface. This means direct access to thousands of apps.
  • Streaming Apps: Netflix requires a workaround for official certification, but often works via custom installs or third-party apps, YouTube, Hulu, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, HBO Max, Plex, Spotify, and countless others. It’s important to note that due to specific certification processes, some streaming services like Netflix might require sideloading or using specific apps like DesktopManager to function optimally on XGIMI devices. This is a common situation with many non-certified Android TV projectors.
  • Gaming: While not a dedicated gaming console, Android TV offers a selection of casual games. You can also connect a Bluetooth gamepad for a more console-like experience.
  • Google Assistant: Integrated voice control via the remote allows you to search for content, control smart home devices, and get information just by speaking.
• Chromecast Built-in: This allows you to wirelessly cast content from your smartphone, tablet, or Chrome browser directly to the projector, making it incredibly convenient for sharing photos, videos, or web pages.
• Connectivity Options:
  • HDMI 2.0: A single HDMI port is standard, allowing you to connect external devices like gaming consoles PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, Blu-ray players, laptops, or streaming sticks Roku, Fire TV Stick.
  • USB 2.0: A USB port is available for playing local media files videos, photos, podcast directly from a USB drive.
  • Bluetooth 5.0: Enables connection to external Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or gamepads. This is crucial for improving audio or for private listening.
  • Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac: Supports both 2.4GHz and 5GHz bands for stable and fast wireless internet connectivity, essential for streaming high-resolution content.
  • 3.5mm Audio Jack: For connecting wired headphones or external speakers.
• User Interface: The Android TV interface is clean, easy to navigate, and generally responsive. Updates are pushed periodically by XGIMI to improve performance and add features.

Audio Quality: Harmon Kardon Integration

Audio is often an afterthought in portable projectors, but XGIMI has taken it seriously with the Halo Plus, partnering with Harman Kardon to deliver a surprisingly robust sound experience for its size.

• Dual 5W Harman Kardon Speakers: The Halo Plus features two 5-watt speakers tuned by Harman Kardon. This isn’t just marketing fluff. they genuinely sound better than the tiny, tinny speakers found in many competitors.
  • Clarity and Volume: The audio is clear, and the projector can get quite loud without significant distortion. It’s perfectly adequate for casual movie watching in a small to medium-sized room, or outdoors in a quiet setting.
  • Bass Response: While you won’t get room-shaking bass from these small drivers, there’s a noticeable low-end presence that adds depth to movies and podcast, far beyond what you’d expect.
• DTS-HD and Dolby Audio Support: The projector supports decoding of both DTS-HD and Dolby Audio formats, enhancing the spatial audio experience when playing compatible content.
• Bluetooth Speaker Mode: A cool feature allows you to use the Halo Plus as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. This means you can connect your phone or other device and play podcast through the Harman Kardon speakers even when the projector lamp is off, extending its utility beyond just projecting video.
• External Audio Options: Despite the decent built-in speakers, for a truly immersive experience, you’ll still want to connect external audio.
  • Bluetooth: Easily connect to soundbars, Bluetooth speakers, or headphones. This is often the most convenient option for portability.
  • 3.5mm Audio Jack: For wired headphones or traditional wired speaker systems.
  • HDMI ARC Audio Return Channel: While the Halo Plus typically has an HDMI port, it might not always feature HDMI ARC, which would allow a single HDMI cable to handle both video input and audio output to an ARC-compatible sound system. Check specific model specifications for this feature.

Battery Life and Portability: The Freedom to Project Anywhere

The “Plus” in Halo Plus signifies its enhanced battery capacity and brighter output compared to its predecessors.

This is the core appeal for many users – the ability to enjoy big-screen entertainment without being tethered to a power outlet.

• Integrated High-Capacity Battery: The Halo Plus comes with a built-in 59Wh battery. This is a substantial capacity for a portable projector.
  • Battery Life Expectations: XGIMI typically rates the battery life at around 2.5 hours in “Standard” or “Performance” mode and potentially longer up to 4-5 hours in a lower-brightness “Eco” or “Battery” mode. Real-world usage will vary based on:
    • Brightness Setting: Higher brightness drains the battery faster.
    • Content Being Played: More visually complex scenes require more processing power.
    • Wi-Fi/Bluetooth Usage: Constant streaming and external device connections consume more power.
    • Volume Level: Louder audio also consumes more power.
  • Practical Usage: For a single movie, the 2.5-hour runtime is usually sufficient. For binge-watching or extended outdoor use, you’ll likely want a power bank or access to an outlet.
• Charging: It comes with its own power adapter for charging. Some larger power banks might be able to charge it, but ensure they can deliver the necessary wattage typically 65W or more via USB-C PD, though the Halo Plus often uses a proprietary barrel jack charger.
• Ultimate Portability: The combination of compact size, relatively light weight, and built-in battery makes the Halo Plus truly portable. It’s ideal for:
  • Backyard Movie Nights: Easy to set up on a patio or deck.
  • Camping Trips: Bring entertainment to remote locations just remember to manage battery life.
  • Travel: Perfect for hotel rooms or Airbnb rentals to enjoy content on a larger screen.
  • Presentations: Impromptu business presentations in various locations.
  • Gaming on the Go: Connect a console and project onto any available wall.

Auto-Correction Features: Setup Made Simple

One of the most praised aspects of the Halo Plus, and XGIMI projectors in general, is their intelligent auto-correction features.

This significantly reduces the setup time and frustration, making it incredibly user-friendly for people who just want to plug and play.

• Intelligent Screen Adaptation ISA Technology: This suite of features automatically optimizes the projected image.
  • Auto Focus: Using a time-of-flight ToF sensor, the Halo Plus can instantly and accurately focus the image without manual intervention. You move the projector, it auto-focuses. It’s remarkably fast and precise.
  • Auto Keystone Correction: This corrects distorted images when the projector isn’t perfectly square to the screen. If you place the projector at an angle, it automatically adjusts the image shape trapezoid into a perfect rectangle. The Halo Plus supports both vertical and horizontal auto keystone correction up to ±40 degrees, which is excellent.
  • Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance: This feature detects obstacles in the projection path like a picture frame or a plant and automatically scales the image down to fit within the clear projection area. This is a brilliant feature for real-world scenarios where you can’t always find a perfectly clear wall.
  • Intelligent Screen Alignment: This feature detects the edges of a projection screen or a clear wall and automatically aligns the image to fit perfectly within those boundaries. This saves significant time compared to manually tweaking image size and position.
• Benefits of Auto-Correction:
  • Time-Saving: No more fiddling with focus rings or manual keystone sliders. Setup takes seconds.
  • User-Friendly: Ideal for novices or anyone who just wants to enjoy their content without a technical headache.
  • Flexibility: Allows for easy placement in various locations, even imperfect ones, without sacrificing image quality.
  • Portability Enhancement: Crucial for a portable device where you’re constantly moving it and setting it up in different environments.

Performance and User Experience: Smooth Operator

Beyond the raw specs, how does the XGIMI Halo Plus actually feel to use? The overall performance, driven by its internal processing and software optimization, contributes to a very smooth and enjoyable user experience.

• Processor and RAM: The Halo Plus is typically powered by a decent projector-specific processor e.g., MediaTek or Amlogic coupled with a healthy amount of RAM often 2GB. This ensures that Android TV runs smoothly, apps load quickly, and multitasking is responsive.
• Storage: It usually comes with 16GB of internal storage, which is sufficient for downloading a good number of apps and storing some local media.
• Input Lag for Gaming: While not marketed as a dedicated gaming projector, the Halo Plus offers a “Game Mode” or similar setting that can significantly reduce input lag.
  • Typical Lag: Without Game Mode, input lag might be in the 50-80ms range, which is fine for casual gaming or movies but noticeable for competitive play.
  • With Game Mode: Activating Game Mode can drop the input lag significantly, often into the 30-40ms range. While this isn’t console-level 15-20ms, it’s perfectly playable for most single-player games and many multiplayer titles where pinpoint accuracy isn’t absolutely critical. For a portable projector, this is a very respectable performance.
• Fan Noise: All projectors generate heat and require cooling. The Halo Plus is generally quiet for its class. The fan noise is audible but usually subtle enough to be drowned out by the movie soundtrack or game audio, especially when projecting at a good distance. XGIMI often optimizes fan curves to keep noise levels down.
• Remote Control: The included Bluetooth remote control is typically minimalist and functional, featuring dedicated buttons for Google Assistant, home, back, and navigation. The Bluetooth connection means you don’t need to point it directly at the projector.
• Software Updates: XGIMI regularly pushes firmware updates that can improve performance, add new features, fix bugs, and enhance compatibility with streaming apps. This commitment to ongoing support adds value to the product.

Use Cases and Who It’s For: Versatility is Key

The XGIMI Halo Plus isn’t just a gadget.

It’s a versatile tool that can enhance various aspects of your life, from entertainment to education and even some professional use.

Understanding its strengths helps pinpoint the ideal user. Lenovo Thinkpad P16 Gen 1 Review

• The Casual Movie Enthusiast: If you love movies but don’t want a dedicated home theater setup or crave the flexibility to watch anywhere, the Halo Plus is perfect. Its 1080p resolution and 900 ANSI lumens deliver a compelling cinematic experience in dark or dimly lit environments.
• Outdoor Entertainment Aficionado: Backyard movie nights, camping trips, or even tailgating events are where the Halo Plus truly shines. Its battery power and robust brightness make it a fantastic companion for outdoor fun.
• Travelers and Digital Nomads: For those constantly on the move, projecting a big screen in a hotel room or an Airbnb can significantly upgrade your travel entertainment. It’s compact enough not to be a burden in luggage.
• Gamers Casual to Semi-Serious: While not a professional gaming projector, its decent input lag in Game Mode makes it suitable for playing console games on a massive screen, whether at home, at a friend’s house, or even outdoors.
• Presenters and Educators: Its auto-correction features and portability make it excellent for impromptu presentations in classrooms, meeting rooms, or client sites where a dedicated projector isn’t available. Just plug in a laptop via HDMI or load files from a USB drive.
• Anyone Seeking Portability Without Major Compromises: The Halo Plus aims to offer a “no-compromise” portable experience. It’s brighter than many battery-powered units, offers full Android TV, and has impressive auto-correction. It’s for those who want a premium portable experience without stepping up to full home theater projectors that require constant power.
• Families: Easy to set up for kids’ movie nights, educational content, or even projecting games onto a wall for active play. The robust speakers are a plus here too.

Ultimately, the XGIMI Halo Plus excels at providing a hassle-free, high-quality big-screen experience in a portable package.

It’s for users who prioritize convenience, smart features, and image quality over absolute maximum brightness which typically requires a much larger, AC-powered projector or super-low input lag for competitive esports.

It’s a fantastic all-rounder that justifies its price tag through its sheer versatility and user-friendly design.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the native resolution of the XGIMI Halo Plus?

The XGIMI Halo Plus features a native resolution of 1920 x 1080p Full HD, ensuring a sharp and detailed image.

How bright is the XGIMI Halo Plus?

The XGIMI Halo Plus is rated at 900 ANSI Lumens, which is exceptionally bright for a portable, battery-powered projector.

Does the XGIMI Halo Plus have a built-in battery?

Yes, the XGIMI Halo Plus has a high-capacity 59Wh built-in battery that offers up to 2.5 hours of video playback in standard mode.

What operating system does the XGIMI Halo Plus use?

The XGIMI Halo Plus runs on Android TV 10.0, providing access to the Google Play Store and built-in Chromecast.

Can I watch Netflix on the XGIMI Halo Plus?

While the Halo Plus runs Android TV, official Netflix certification can be tricky for many XGIMI projectors. Users often find success by sideloading the Netflix app or using apps like DesktopManager to access Netflix content.

Does the XGIMI Halo Plus support auto-focus and keystone correction?

Yes, the XGIMI Halo Plus features XGIMI’s Intelligent Screen Adaptation ISA technology, which includes lightning-fast auto-focus and automatic vertical/horizontal keystone correction.

What kind of speakers does the Halo Plus have?

The Halo Plus comes with dual 5W speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, offering surprisingly good audio quality for a portable projector. Sennheiser Profile Streaming Set Review

Can I connect external devices like a gaming console to the Halo Plus?

Yes, the Halo Plus includes an HDMI 2.0 port for connecting gaming consoles, Blu-ray players, laptops, or other streaming devices.

Does the XGIMI Halo Plus have Wi-Fi and Bluetooth?

Yes, it supports Wi-Fi 5 802.11ac for internet connectivity and Bluetooth 5.0 for connecting external audio devices or gamepads.

What is the lifespan of the LED light source in the Halo Plus?

The LED light source in the XGIMI Halo Plus has an impressive lifespan of up to 25,000-30,000 hours, meaning you likely won’t ever need to replace the lamp.

Is the XGIMI Halo Plus good for gaming?

Yes, while not a dedicated gaming projector, the Halo Plus has a “Game Mode” that can reduce input lag to a respectable 30-40ms, making it suitable for most casual and semi-serious gaming.

How big of a screen can the XGIMI Halo Plus project?

The Halo Plus can project a screen size up to 200 inches, though optimal brightness and clarity are typically found between 60 and 120 inches.

Can I use the Halo Plus as a portable Bluetooth speaker?

Yes, the XGIMI Halo Plus has a Bluetooth Speaker Mode that allows you to use its Harman Kardon speakers to play podcast from your phone even when the projector lamp is off.

What is Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance?

Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance is a feature of XGIMI’s ISA technology that detects obstacles in the projection path and automatically scales the image to fit within the clear projection area.

What is Intelligent Screen Alignment?

Intelligent Screen Alignment is another ISA feature that automatically detects the edges of a projection screen or clear wall and aligns the image perfectly within those boundaries.

How much does the XGIMI Halo Plus weigh?

The XGIMI Halo Plus weighs approximately 3.5 pounds 1.6 kg, making it easily portable.

Does the Halo Plus support HDR?

Yes, the XGIMI Halo Plus supports HDR10 decoding, which can enhance contrast and color in compatible content. Microsoft Designer Review

What kind of charging port does the Halo Plus use?

The XGIMI Halo Plus typically uses a proprietary barrel jack charger for power and charging.

Can I project content from my smartphone to the Halo Plus?

Yes, with Chromecast built-in, you can easily cast content wirelessly from your smartphone or tablet to the Halo Plus.

How loud is the fan noise on the XGIMI Halo Plus?

The fan noise on the Halo Plus is generally subtle and quiet for its class, typically blending into the audio of whatever you’re watching.

Does the Halo Plus have a USB port?

Yes, it usually includes a USB 2.0 port for playing media files directly from a USB drive.

Is the XGIMI Halo Plus suitable for outdoor use?

Yes, its portability, battery life, and brightness make it very suitable for outdoor use in the evening or at night.

What is the throw ratio of the XGIMI Halo Plus?

The XGIMI Halo Plus typically has a throw ratio of around 1.2:1, meaning for every 1.2 feet of distance, it projects 1 foot of screen width.

Can I mount the XGIMI Halo Plus on a tripod?

Yes, the Halo Plus usually has a standard tripod screw mount on the bottom, allowing for flexible positioning.

Does the Halo Plus require a separate streaming stick like a Fire TV Stick?

No, because it has Android TV 10.0 built-in, it functions as a standalone smart projector, eliminating the need for an external streaming stick.

How long does it take to fully charge the Halo Plus?

Charging time can vary, but it typically takes a few hours to fully charge the Halo Plus from empty to full.

What is the expected lifespan of the XGIMI Halo Plus projector itself?

With its long-lasting LED light source and robust build, the projector itself is designed for many years of use, often exceeding 10,000 hours of overall operational life under normal conditions. Jabra Evolve2 Buds Review

Can I connect wired headphones to the XGIMI Halo Plus?

Yes, the Halo Plus typically features a 3.5mm audio jack for connecting wired headphones or external speakers.

Is the XGIMI Halo Plus good for presentations?

Yes, its 1080p resolution, brightness, and intelligent auto-correction features make it very effective for impromptu business or educational presentations.

What are the main advantages of the XGIMI Halo Plus over cheaper portable projectors?

The main advantages include its higher brightness 900 ANSI lumens, native 1080p resolution, full Android TV experience, superior Harman Kardon audio, and advanced auto-correction features auto-focus, keystone, obstacle avoidance, screen alignment, providing a much more premium and user-friendly experience.