ZDNET's key takeaways Xgimi's Horizon S Max is on sale now for $1,899.
It offers sharp, vibrant picture quality that punches well above its price tag, and the new gimbal design is easy to set up.
Its minimal port selection might be a problem for some. View now at Bhphotovideo View now at Xgimi more buying choices
I won't bury the lede: the Xgimi Horizon S Max is one of the brightest projectors I've tested, and that's one of the prime concerns with replacing a TV for a projector. The Horizon S Max also includes my favorite design element from the JMGO N-series of projectors, making it easy to plug in, set up, and play.
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I'm also fond of the sleek and portable form factor. It builds upon the predecessor's physical limitations, although one software hindrance will annoy you -- or maybe a few, depending on your use case. That said, I still like the Horizon S Max, and here's why you should consider it.
A design that's hard to complain about
Unlike the Horizon Ultra, the new Xgimi projector comes with a built-in rotating stand, so you don't need to spend extra on a stand to hold the projector. It's very similar to the one you can find on the JMGO N1 Ultra and the newly-launched N1S Ultimate. Personally, I love it because it's extremely simple to adjust the screen placement -- both vertically (135 degrees) and horizontally (360 degrees). Also, the mounting system is solid and stays at the angle you set it unless you connect a heavy HDMI cable that pulls it down.
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The Xgimi projector retains the sliding cover on the front. Apart from looking classy, it protects the lens from attracting dust. You'll find two USB 2.0 ports and an HDMI (eARC) port on the back. The port situation is downgraded from the Horizon Ultra, which had another HDMI port, a 3.5mm audio jack, and an Ethernet port in addition to the ones on the Horizon S Max.
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