XGIMI · Projectors · XM13Q

XGIMI Halo+ (New) vs HORIZON S Max: Portable 1080p or Brighter 4K?

The XGIMI Halo+ (New) and HORIZON S Max serve very different projector shoppers. Halo+ prioritizes portability with a 1080p image, 700-ISO-lumen rating, Google TV with licensed Netflix and an internal battery rated for up to 2.5 hours. HORIZON S Max is the home-theater option, offering 3840 x 2160 output, a 3100-ISO-lumen claim, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced certification, stronger integrated audio and an adjustable built-in stand. Halo+ is easier to travel with, while HORIZON S Max delivers the stronger specification set for a permanent movie room.

Video summary

Tech Steve uses the Halo+ (New) for a week and highlights its compact design, battery-powered operation, saturated colors, smooth-looking sports playback and impressive audio for its size. Its automatic focus and keystone tools work well on a plain white surface, although the ALR screen in the demonstration requires manual keystone adjustment. Google TV feels responsive and provides built-in streaming without requiring an external source. The HORIZON S Max portion covers its motorized lens cover, adjustable gimbal-style base, 4K output, 3100-ISO-lumen rating, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced support, Android TV interface and automated image-alignment features.

Bottom line

Tech Steve Takeaway

Choose Halo+ (New) when portability, battery power and straightforward Netflix access matter most. Choose HORIZON S Max for a brighter, more detailed home-theater image, stronger speakers and more flexible positioning. Neither is the universal winner because one is designed for travel and the other for a more permanent installation.

HORIZON S Max is designed for larger, more permanent home-theater installations. Its Dual Light 2.0 system combines tri-color laser and LED illumination, while Intelligent Screen Adaption 5.0 automates focus, alignment, obstacle avoidance, keystone correction and wall-color adaptation.

Picture quality

Halo+ produces a 1920 x 1080 image and impressed Tech Steve with its color saturation during movies, television and sports. Its 700-ISO-lumen manufacturer rating is best suited to controlled lighting or portable evening use. HORIZON S Max steps up to specified 3840 x 2160 output and a 3100-ISO-lumen manufacturer claim, giving it the stronger foundation for larger images and rooms with some ambient light. Its Dual Light 2.0 system combines tri-color laser and LED illumination to pursue higher output and wider color coverage while reducing laser speckle and color breakup.

HDR performance

Halo+ supports HDR10 and HLG. HORIZON S Max supports HDR10 and HLG while adding Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced certification, making it the more versatile option for premium HDR movie formats. No direct HDR brightness or tone-mapping measurements are available, so the format advantage does not by itself establish how accurately every HDR title will be reproduced.

Gaming performance

Both projectors include low-latency game modes, but automatic keystone must be disabled to reach their specified results. Halo+ is rated at no more than 27 ms at 1080p/60Hz, while HORIZON S Max is rated at no more than 20 ms. HORIZON S Max therefore has the specification advantage for casual console gaming. A native-resolution high-refresh mode, VRR and ALLM have not been established for either model, and the HDMI 2.1 label on HORIZON S Max should not be interpreted as confirmation of 4K/120Hz support.

Motion handling

Tech Steve found sports playback on Halo+ smooth and fluid during the demonstration. HORIZON S Max officially supports MEMC, which can smooth lower-frame-rate video, while Halo+ (New) does not have verified MEMC support. The physical imaging refresh rate and maximum refresh rate at native resolution are not established for either projector.

Sound quality

Halo+ uses two 5W Harman/Kardon speakers, and Tech Steve found the built-in sound impressive for such a compact projector. HORIZON S Max increases output to two 12W Harman/Kardon speakers and supports Dolby Audio, Dolby Digital, Dolby Digital Plus, DTS-HD and DTS Virtual:X. Halo+ has HDMI ARC, while HORIZON S Max provides eARC. Each projector has only one HDMI input, so connecting an audio system uses the sole HDMI connection.

Features and connectivity

Halo+ runs Google TV and includes licensed Netflix support, making it the more convenient self-contained streaming projector. Tech Steve found its interface responsive and highlighted its app store, voice control, streaming channels and ambient display options. HORIZON S Max runs Android TV 11.0 with Google Assistant, Chromecast and app downloads, but its Netflix implementation is less direct and may require a workaround or external streaming device. HORIZON S Max includes 2GB of RAM and 64GB of total storage.

Calibration notes

Automatic focus, screen alignment and keystone correction simplify temporary setups. Tech Steve found Halo+'s automatic keystone effective on a white surface, but manual corner adjustment was needed to fit the ALR screen accurately. Digital zoom is available but can reduce usable image resolution, so physical projector placement remains preferable when possible. HORIZON S Max adds wall-color adaptation, obstacle avoidance and uninterrupted keystone correction through Intelligent Screen Adaption 5.0.

What we like

Clear choice between a genuinely portable battery model and a higher-output home-theater model
Halo+ combines Google TV, licensed Netflix and up to 2.5 hours of specified battery operation
HORIZON S Max offers 3840 x 2160 output, Dolby Vision and a 3100-ISO-lumen manufacturer rating
Both models include automated focus and image-alignment tools
Harman/Kardon speakers are built into both projectors

What to consider

Each projector provides only one HDMI input
Native-resolution maximum refresh rates are not established for either model
Halo+ is limited to 1080p and has substantially lower rated light output
HORIZON S Max is heavy, AC-powered and less convenient for travel
HORIZON S Max lacks the same officially integrated Netflix experience as Halo+ (New)

Tech Steve verdict

Halo+ (New) is the better purchase for travelers, renters and backyard viewers who value its 3.53-pound design, internal battery, Google TV interface and licensed Netflix access. Its compromises are 1080p resolution, a lower 700-ISO-lumen rating, modest 10W audio and just one HDMI 1.4 ARC input. HORIZON S Max is the stronger home-theater projector, combining 3840 x 2160 output, a 3100-ISO-lumen claim, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced certification, 24W audio and a highly adjustable integrated stand. It is substantially heavier, requires AC power, costs more and offers only one HDMI input, while Netflix may require an extra step. Buy Halo+ for mobility and convenience; buy HORIZON S Max for brightness, image detail and a more capable fixed-room setup.

What makes it different

Exclusive technology

Dual Light 2.0

Combines a tri-color laser system with an LED light source to increase brightness and color coverage while reducing laser-related speckle and color breakup.