XGIMI Horizon S Max 4K projector Review

The home projector market has long been a story of compromise, forcing users to choose between convenience and pure performance. XGIMI’s latest offering, the Horizon S Max, arrives as a bold statement that you might not have to choose anymore. This device elegantly packages bleeding-edge imaging technology and smart-home intelligence into a form factor that challenges the very idea of a traditional home theater.

The Horizon S Max immediately distinguishes itself with a design that feels more like a piece of high-end audio equipment than a projector. Its compact, cuboid form is wrapped in a tasteful fabric grille and topped with a metallic finish, exuding a premium quality that begs to be displayed rather than hidden. A motorized lens cover slides open upon power-up, a small but satisfying detail that reinforces its high-end aspirations. This is a projector built for the modern living room, not a dedicated, blacked-out media cave.

Performance is where the S Max truly shines, thanks to its innovative Dual Light 2.0 technology. By combining a laser with an LED light source, XGIMI has managed to deliver the best of both worlds: the brightness and wide color gamut of a laser without the distracting color speckle effect. The result is a stunningly vibrant and accurate 4K image. With 1100 ISO Lumens, it’s bright enough for viewing in rooms with some ambient light, and its impressive coverage of the DCI-P3 color space ensures that movies and games look rich and cinematic.

What truly sets the S Max apart from the competition is its “set it and forget it” convenience. XGIMI’s Intelligent Screen Adaptation (ISA) 5.0 is a masterclass in user-friendly engineering. Upon startup, the projector automatically adjusts focus, keystone correction, and screen alignment with remarkable speed and accuracy, even remembering settings for different walls. This removes the single biggest point of friction for projector newcomers and is a welcome luxury for veterans. The integrated Google TV interface is snappy and familiar, providing instant access to all major streaming services without the need for an external dongle. The built-in Harman Kardon speakers are also surprisingly robust, delivering clear dialogue and decent bass that easily suffices for casual viewing, though cinephiles will still want a dedicated sound system.

However, the S Max is not without its trade-offs. While bright for its class, it can’t defy the laws of physics; in a sun-drenched room, the image will appear washed out. The reliance on digital zoom and keystone correction for image sizing means that for the absolute best image fidelity, physical placement is still key, as there is no optical zoom or lens shift. Furthermore, its premium price point places it in a competitive bracket where buyers could opt for more traditional, less “smart” projectors that may offer higher brightness or more flexible installation options, albeit with a far more complex setup.

Ultimately, the XGIMI Horizon S Max is a triumph of integration and intelligent design. It’s not aimed at the hardcore home theater enthusiast who obsesses over calibration charts and perfect light control. Instead, it’s crafted for the tech-savvy consumer who demands a premium, hassle-free cinematic experience that fits seamlessly into their lifestyle and living space. For that user, the S Max isn’t just a great projector; it’s a glimpse into the future of home entertainment.

Where to Buy:

Check it out on Amazon