XGIMI Horizon Ultra Review: The First Dolby Vision 4K Projector Tested

The Projector That Changes the Rules

The XGIMI Horizon Ultra is a landmark in the projection world. It's the first consumer projector to earn Dolby Vision certification — the same dynamic HDR format that makes the best TVs on the market shine. At around $1,699, it promises a home cinema experience that rivals projectors at three times the price.

After two months of intensive testing — movies, series, gaming, sports events — here's our complete analysis.

Design and Build

XGIMI has ditched the cubic design of its previous models for a more conventional but also more elegant rectangular format. The anthracite grey chassis, covered in fabric on top, blends discreetly into a living room. The dimensions (8.3 x 10.2 x 5.5 inches) are compact for a projector of this power, and the 9.9 lbs weight allows flexible placement.

Picture Quality

Dual Light Technology

The Horizon Ultra uses a Dual Light technology combining a laser and an LED in a hybrid system. The laser delivers brightness and color precision, while the LED extends the color gamut and handles HDR tone mapping. This combination enables the Dolby Vision certification — a first in consumer projection.

Brightness and Contrast

At 2,300 ISO lumens, the Horizon Ultra is bright enough for semi-lit viewing. In a dark room — the ideal condition for any projector — the image is vibrant and rich.

Native contrast is decent without being exceptional for a DLP projector: approximately 1,500:1. The APLD (Adaptive Picture Light Dimming) system improves perceived contrast by dynamically adjusting the light source scene by scene.

HDR and Dolby Vision

This is the Horizon Ultra's highlight. Dolby Vision transforms the HDR experience in projection. The same intelligence that adapts content on TVs adapts HDR content to the inherent constraints of projection — limited brightness, shallower blacks — with remarkable results.

In practice, Dolby Vision on the Horizon Ultra makes a visible difference versus HDR10:

• Dune: Part Two: desert scenes retain highlight detail without shadows crushing to black. Dynamic tone mapping brilliantly handles transitions between dark Sietch Tabr interiors and the blinding desert glare.

• Oppenheimer: black-and-white IMAX sequences benefit from tone mapping that preserves every shade of grey. The Trinity test is spectacular.

• The Zone of Interest: wide garden shots in full sunlight maintain natural colors and detailed textures where HDR10 would overexpose the sky.

Resolution and Sharpness

The Horizon Ultra is native 4K via Texas Instruments' XPR technology. Perceived resolution is excellent — fine textures, hair, skin pores are rendered with impressive clarity on a 100-120 inch screen.

The ISA (Intelligent Screen Adaptation) auto-focus system detects your screen and automatically adjusts focus, image size, and keystone correction in 3-5 seconds.

Built-in Audio

The integrated Harman Kardon speakers (2 x 12W) are surprisingly competent for a projector. They deliver clear, balanced sound with enough volume for rooms up to 270 sq ft.

But for Atmos soundtracks, an external audio system is essential. The Horizon Ultra supports Dolby Atmos passthrough via HDMI eARC.

Smart System

The Horizon Ultra runs Android TV 11 with Google Play Store access. Netflix with Dolby Vision and Atmos, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video — all major apps are available with smooth performance.

Connectivity

• 2 HDMI 2.1 ports (1 with eARC)
• 1 USB-A port
• 1 optical audio output
• 1 Ethernet port
• Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2

HDMI 2.1 is a gaming asset — the Horizon Ultra supports 4K at 60Hz with ALLM. Input lag measured at 28ms in Gaming mode is solid for single-player and co-op games.

Fan Noise

Fan noise measures 30 dB in Standard mode and 26 dB in Eco mode. At typical projection distance (10 feet or more for a 100-inch screen), the noise is masked by the film soundtrack.

The Verdict

The XGIMI Horizon Ultra is the most exciting projector of 2026. Dolby Vision certification isn't marketing gimmick — it genuinely transforms the HDR projection experience and bridges part of the gap between projectors and high-end TVs.

At $1,699, it's not cheap — but it delivers a 100-120 inch cinema experience you simply cannot get from a TV at this price. If you have a suitable room and the idea of watching your favorite films on a giant screen excites you, the Horizon Ultra is the smartest choice you can make today.

Final score: 8.5/10 — The 4K projector that democratizes Dolby Vision.