Tested Out the Innovative, Budget-Friendly Top-Tier Portable Projector: A Multi-talented Device Causing Potential Trouble for Samsung
In our XGIMI MoGo 4 review, we found this bad boy truly steps up the game from its predecessor, the MoGo 3 Pro. The initial flaws, like no built-in battery, weak speakers, and failings in bright conditions, have been nixed, making it our preferred budget choice among the best portable projectors.
Sunlight resistance ain't nothing new for the MoGo series, and you'll have to dish out some serious cash to get brighter performance that keeps up with sunshine. But fear not, the other two issues were easily resolved in the MoGo 4.
Spoiler alert: it comes with an integrated battery now, so setup couldn't be swifter. Design-wise, it's swankier than ever, with the smart 'fold-away' cylinder shape still protecting the lens. Despite the extra battery, XGIMI has managed to give it an even sleeker look.
XGIMI claims the battery should last about 2.5 hours, but I ain't tested that yet. Yet, what I can say is that being powered by batteries doesn't seem to slow down the device or chop up the smart TV software. Let's give a round of applause to Google TV integration – it's super speedy and slick, with seamless responses to every remote button press (and some high-end TVs can't even boast that).
Setup-wise, I needed to focus the image early on, and the keystone correction kicked in promptly. When moving the projector, it corrected the image within seconds, ensuring a stable picture at all times.
Speaking of sound, it's been significantly improved. With the MoGo 4's speakers, you'll get quality audio that's full, rich, bass-heavy, and clear. Sure, it might be a bit behind you if positioned incorrectly, but in my sweat-stained living room, it was the perfect entertainment hub with no additional equipment or cables required.
The visuals were decent and similar to the MoGo 3 Pro, capable of producing vivid colors, decent detail, and watchable brightness in ambient light. Darker tones, however, are still an issue, especially when projecting onto walls as opposed to screens. But hey, it's a common problem among portable projectors, so no hard feelings.
In summary, the MoGo 4 offers a satisfying viewing experience due to its quality picture and sound, is compact, and boasts Google TV integration. Thanks to its built-in battery, improved speakers, and brighter visibility, it surpasses the MoGo 3 Pro and makes for a nifty portable entertainment solution at just $499 / £509 / AU$1,299. XGIMI is also bringing a more expensive laser version, which is 25% brighter and claims to be the most compact laser projector to date. Can't wait to see how it shapes up!
Extra tidbits:
- The MoGo 4 comes with a 20,000mAh battery, offering up to 2.5 hours of video playback in Eco mode and up to 6 hours of music playback. With an optional PowerBase battery stand, playback time can be extended to around 5 hours.
- XGIMI has upgraded the speakers to dual 6W Harman Kardon speakers, giving improved audio clarity and volume.
- The MoGo 4 is brighter and boasts better color gamut compared to the MoGo 3 Pro, especially in its Laser version, enhancing usability in diverse lighting conditions, including sunlight.
Don't forget to check out the best projectors of all kinds, or the best 4K projectors for high-detail visuals, or learn why you need a projector screen for a budget portable model.
The MoGo 4 now comes with an integrated battery, offering a swifter setup compared to its predecessor. The technology advancements in this latest gadget extend to the speakers as well, as XGIMI has upgraded them to dual 6W Harman Kardon speakers, ensuring better audio clarity and volume.
Thanks to the improved technology, the MoGo 4 is brighter and boasts better color gamut than the MoGo 3 Pro, especially in its Laser version, making it more usable in various lighting conditions, including sunlight.
