If you’re looking for a portable projector to watch movies and TV shows on the go, the Xgimi Elfin and Halo are two popular options to consider. But what’s the difference between these projectors and which one is better for your needs?
In this guide, we’ll compare the key features of the Xgimi Elfin and Halo to help you decide which portable movie projector is the right fit. We’ll look at things like image quality, sound, connectivity, smart TV capabilities, and portability. By the end, you’ll have a clear sense of the pros and cons of each model.
A Brief Comparison Table
| Specs | Xgimi Elfin | Xgimi Halo Plus |
| Resolution | 1080p Full HD | 1080p Full HD |
| Brightness | 200 ANSI Lumens | 300 ANSI Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio | 1200:1 | 1000:1 |
| Speakers | Dual 3W | Dual 5W Harman Kardon |
| OS | Xgimi OS | Android TV |
| Video Inputs | 1x HDMI | 2x HDMI |
| Wireless Casting | None | Chromecast, Bluetooth |
| Battery Life | 2 hours | 2 hours |
| Weight | 2.2 lbs | 2.2 lbs |
| Dimensions | 5.5 x 5.5 x 2.2 inches | 7.4 x 5.3 x 2.0 inches |
| Price | $649 | $849 |
Image Quality
A projector lives and dies by its image quality, so let’s start by comparing the Elfin and Halo on key criteria like brightness, resolution, and contrast ratio.
The Elfin has a brightness of 200 ANSI lumens, while the Halo Plus clocks in at a brighter 300 lumens. What does this mean in everyday use? The Elfin can project a sufficiently bright picture in a dark room, while the Halo Plus gives you a bit more flexibility to use it in rooms with some ambient light.
In terms of resolution, the native output of both projectors is 1920 x 1080 FHD or 1080p. So no matter which Xgimi model you choose, you’ll get sharp, detailed images without any pixelation.
The Elfin has a contrast ratio of 1200:1 compared to the Halo’s 1000:1 ratio. This spec determines how much dynamic range appears between the brightest whites and deepest blacks in an image. While both projectors deliver solid contrast, the Elfin may have a slight edge when it comes to making dark scenes really pop.
Sound Quality
Since these portable projectors need to fit speakers into a compact chassis, how do their audio capabilities stack up?
The Elfin has dual 3W speakers, while the Halo Plus boasts a beefier set of 5W Harman Kardon speakers. In real-world use, the Halo Plus delivers louder, fuller sound that’s surprisingly immersive for such a small device. The Elfin’s speakers get the job done, but audio quality is clearly better on the Halo.
Connectivity And Smart Features
To function as a portable cinema, these mini projectors need a solid set of connectivity options and smart features.
Both the Elfin and Halo have an HDMI input to easily connect devices like laptops, streaming sticks, and gaming consoles. However, the Halo Plus ups the ante with a second HDMI port, allowing you to have multiple sources connected at once.
When it comes to built-in smart TV features, the Elfin runs Xgimi’s proprietary OS while the Halo Plus uses Android TV. Android TV offers more apps and better integration with Google Assistant for voice control. But the Elfin’s OS still provides access to popular streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video.
The Halo also supports Chromecast built-in, letting you cast content from your mobile device or laptop. And it has Bluetooth connectivity to stream audio from your phone or tablet. The Elfin lacks these wireless casting capabilities.
Portability
These projectors aim to provide big screen entertainment anywhere you go. So how portable are they actually?
The Xgimi Elfin is incredibly compact at just 5.5 x 5.5 x 2.2 inches. It weighs a mere 2.2 lbs, so you can easily fit it into a bag or backpack. Integrated battery life is rated for 2 hours of continuous projection.
Meanwhile, the Halo Plus clocks in at 7.4 x 5.3 x 2.0 inches and 2.2 lbs. So it’s still highly portable, just slightly larger than the Elfin. Battery life is nearly identical at 2 hours.
Both projectors charge via USB-C for convenience. Overall, the Elfin gets the edge for its more pocket-friendly and travel-ready design. But the Halo Plus isn’t far behind.
Also Read: Comparison Between Manantz SR5015 and Cinema 60
Ease Of Use
Complex projector setups can quickly kill the movie night vibe. So how easy are the Elfin and Halo to get up and running?
In general, both Xgimi models provide a user-friendly experience. Their intuitive menus make it simple to tweak settings and get your content beamed onto the wall.
The Elfin’s automatic focus and keystone correction make it particularly easy to position – just point and project. The Halo Plus has manual focus and keystone dials, giving you more control but adding a little complexity.
Speaking of focus, the Elfin has an auto-focusing camera with a throw ratio of 1.2, letting it project a 100” image from just 8 feet away. The Halo Plus has a manual focus lens with a ratio of 1.6, meaning you need over 10 feet to get a 100” picture. So the Elfin is a bit more flexible for positioning in tight spaces.
Picture Quality
How do these portable projectors handle audio when connected to a portable Bluetooth speaker like the JBL Xtreme 2 or Xtreme 3?
The key benefit is that you can position the speaker wherever you want, while the projector beams the image onto a wall or screen. This avoids any sync issues between the audio and visuals.
With its Bluetooth connectivity and Harman Kardon speakers, the Halo Plus gives you the flexibility to use its built-in sound or pair it with the JBL Xtreme 2 or 3 for room-filling audio.
The Elfin lacks Bluetooth, so you’ll need to connect the JBL speaker directly via an auxiliary cable. This gives you great sound, but less placement flexibility due to the wired connection.
No matter which route you choose, pairing these mini projectors with the bold sound of the JBL Xtreme 2 or 3 creates an immersive viewing experience. Their audio power and bass make action films and concerts spring to life.
Price Considerations
With their smart features and portable designs, these mini projectors don’t come cheap. How much do the Elfin and Halo Plus cost?
The Xgimi Elfin retails for $649, landing on the budget end of Xgimi’s lineup. Meanwhile, the Halo Plus carries a higher $849 price tag.
For the extra $200, the Halo Plus offers added connectivity like dual HDMI and Bluetooth, a brighter lamp, and superior Harman Kardon audio. But the Elfin gives you very solid performance in a more compact form factor at a lower cost.
So if you’re looking for an entry-level smart projector, the Elfin provides fantastic value. But the Halo Plus is worth the upgrade if you need more brightness and premium features.
Also watch the review of Xgimi Elfin!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
The Xgimi Halo Plus and Anker Nebula projectors both offer portable designs and built-in streaming features. Key differences:
Brightness: Halo Plus 300 lumens Vs. Nebula 200 lumens
Resolution: Halo Plus 1080p Vs. Nebula 720p
OS: Halo Plus runs Android TV, Nebula has a proprietary smart interface
Audio: Halo Plus has 5W Harman Kardon speakers Vs. 3W on Nebula
So the Halo Plus has an edge when it comes to brightness, resolution, and sound quality. But the Nebula provides good performance at a lower cost.
Yes, XGIMI is a Chinese consumer electronics brand founded in 2013 that specializes in portable projectors and laser TVs. Their products are designed in China but meet U.S. quality and safety standards for the North American market.
The native resolution of the Xgimi Elfin portable projector is Full HD 1920 x 1080p. This allows it to display 1080p content from Blu-ray players, streaming devices, and gaming consoles without any downscaling.
The Elfin combines its 1080p resolution with 200 ANSI lumens brightness and 1200:1 contrast ratio to project clear, detailed images up to 300 inches.
Some of the top alternatives to XGIMI projectors are:
Anker Nebula: Budget 720p models like the Nebula Capsule lineup provide solid performance at lower prices.
LG Cinebeam: For 4K resolution and higher brightness, LG’s portable projectors are comparable alternatives.
BenQ GV1: Compact lightweight option good for occasional entertainment.
ViewSonic M1: Brighter than XGIMI models with integrated smart TV features.
Optoma CinemaX P2: Pricier high-end 4K UHD projector with 3000 lumens brightness.
Each brand has pros and cons to weigh against your needs and budget. But XGIMI projectors strike a great balance of portability, features, image quality, and value.
Also Read: Comparison Between Xgimi Horizon And Horizon Pro.
Conclusion
The Xgimi Elfin and Halo Plus are both impressive portable cinema projectors that allow you to view a big screen experience anywhere.
The Elfin is the more compact and budget-friendly option at just 2.2 lbs and $649. It provides a bright 200 ANSI lumen 1080p picture and decent built-in audio.
For $200 more, the Halo Plus offers a brighter 300 lumen image and better sound with its Harman Kardon speakers. It also has an edge in connectivity and smart features with Android TV.
So, if having maximum portability and value is most important, go with the Elfin. But the Halo Plus is worth the upgrade for those needing more brightness and premium quality. Either way, Xgimi’s portable projectors pack a lot of performance into a small package.
