the Xgimi picoprojector reinvents itself to do even better

For several years, the Chinese manufacturer Xgimi has made a name for itself in the market for affordable picoprojectors, or at least offering good value for money. The MoGo 2 Pro was already a very interesting model, but suffered from some flaws such as the absence of the Netflix application which required the inconvenient installation of an APK. The MoGo 3 Pro (500 euros) corrects this with a native application, thanks to the use of the Google TV operating system.

But it is above all its design which completely changes compared to its predecessor. Goodbye to the speaker look similar to a Sonos One, welcome to a cylindrical shape (20 cm high and 9.5 cm in diameter) which completely changes and improves its ergonomics. The upper part of the cylinder slides on a rail placed on the side and pivots to position itself horizontally. We thus obtain a clearance provided with a total angle of 130°. However, it is impossible to put it completely vertically to project an image on the ceiling, for example.

Ultra practical ergonomics

This system is extremely practical since you can place the MoGo 3 Pro on a coffee table and direct the projector to the desired angle without having to prop up its base with an object. This base not only serves as a support, but also has two 5W Harman Kardon speakers. Size requires, the audio quality is not extraordinary, but nevertheless much superior to competing models. The output is sorely lacking in bass, but the rest of the spectrum is quite respectable and can completely stand on its own for portable use. It is of course possible to connect a Bluetooth speaker (5.1) to obtain a more consistent result. But the opposite is also possible since the MoGo 3 Pro can itself serve as a Bluetooth speaker when placed in a vertical position, even emitting some customizable light effects synchronized with the music.

An optional tripod is offered by Xgimi (80 euros). Very clever, it is made up of two parts which screw together. The lower one incorporates the tripod, the upper one has a 20,000 mAh battery. We screw the projector onto it and connect the two components using a USB-C cable provided to benefit from battery power. This accessory has the merit of correcting one of the flaws of the MoGo 3 Pro: its lack of integrated battery for truly portable use. In addition to raising the video projector by approximately 65 cm, it allows use of between 2 and 2.5 hours according to our test in real conditions. To take with you, however, it weighs down your bag by its 760 grams, to add to the 1.1 kg of the projector.

Limited connectivity, well-designed remote control

The finish of the device is impeccable, and even rather elegant in its slightly gold metallic livery. Its connectivity is relatively limited, in addition to the USB-C port which is only used for power, two others are hidden under a plastic cover. A USB-A to connect for example a USB key and a micro-HDMI. The latter certainly allows you to gain in compactness, but requires you to use an adapter not supplied to connect a peripheral, which is a shame. A wrist strap highlights the adventurer aspect of the MoGo 3 Pro, but is not essential.

In addition to its power adapter, the projector also comes with a very well-designed remote control that is easy to use. Powered by two AAA batteries, it is Bluetooth and therefore does not need to be pointed at the MoGo 3 Pro. It has a microphone to make voice requests to Google Assistant, three buttons dedicated to YouTube, Netflix and Prime Video and a customizable shortcut button. We just regret that it is not backlit so it can be used more easily in the dark.

Very smooth to use and set up

Once turned on, connected (Wi-Fi 5) and configured with your Google account, the interface is pleasant, fluid and very responsive, much more so than on a Chromecast key for example. You can find all the applications dedicated to VOD and SVOD services on the Play Store: from Molotov to Canal+, including Arte, Max, Apple TV+ and even Paramount+. The system is obviously Google Cast compatible so that it can send content from a compatible smartphone or tablet.

As soon as the image is projected onto a wall (or more ideally a dedicated screen), the automatic keystone correction operates. In just a few seconds, it corrects the projection angles to obtain a perfect rectangle. And it works quite well, since we rarely have to improve the result manually. Focusing is also done automatically and with the same reliability. A dedicated button on the remote control allows you to restart the process in the event of a failure (very rare). The MoGo 3 Pro also has a function to clear obstacles on a wall (such as a poster or an electrical outlet).

Sufficient image quality if not incredible

Using DLP technology (via a Texas Instruments DMD 0.23 component) and an LED light source (25,000 hours of use announced), the projector has a native definition of 960 x 540 pixels and therefore simulates its real Full definition. HD (1929 x 1080 pixels) by wobulation. With its projection ratio of 1.2:1, we can expect an image ranging from 40 to 200 inches, although Xgimi recommends staying within a range of 60 to 120 inches for ideal quality. For example, to obtain a 100-inch image, you will need to place the projector approximately 2.7 m from the wall or screen.

Obviously, we are far from the 4K quality of a home cinema worthy of the name. The colors are not extremely faithful. However, we were able to warm them up adequately by setting the parameters to “Desktop” mode, oddly the most suitable for showing films. If you project the image on a wall that is not completely white, the MoGo 3 Pro unfortunately does not have a color correction system.

Ultra HD enthusiasts will inevitably be a little disappointed by the sharpness of the image (also slightly blurry at its edges), but the device nevertheless copes adequately. No miracles either for the brightness which is far from equaling short focal length models. It is therefore better to make the room as dark as possible to benefit from it. We then realize that the contrast is not optimal either, but it nevertheless remains quite suitable for this type of portable device. Note that it is only compatible with HDR 10, but the lack of HDR 10+ or ​​HDR Dolby Vision is not really a defect given its performance.

Finally, we note that it is very quiet in operation since we measured a noise of only 33 to 34 dB at one meter. Enough to be completely covered by the sound of the film you are watching without being disturbed by parasitic blower noise.

An excellent choice at this price

Admittedly, the MoGo 3 Pro doesn’t provide incredible image quality compared to sedentary projectors. Despite everything, it does quite well in its price range and offers a completely suitable result provided that it is used in the dark if possible. It’s also a shame that it doesn’t directly include a battery and a real HMDI port rather than the micro version chosen here.

But the projector has many other qualities, starting with its practicality due to its form factor and its very reliable automatic keystone correction and focus. Its sound quality is also above average and can easily stand on its own in portable use. An excellent choice for those who don’t necessarily want a 4K model. For others, the very good LG CineBeam Q will do the trick, but at most double the price of the Xgimi model.

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