XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser Projector: Full Review & Verdict
▼ Summary
– The Xgimi MoGo 4 Laser is a versatile, mid-range portable projector designed for adaptable, everyday use rather than high-power performance.
– Its standout features include multiple modes, such as transforming into an ambient light show or a music speaker, and intelligent screen alignment for easy setup on various surfaces.
– The projector is best used in dark environments, as its 550 ISO Lumens brightness is insufficient for well-lit rooms or daytime viewing.
– For gaming, it offers a workable ~20 ms latency in a dedicated mode and uniquely maintains keystone correction, but it is not suited for professional, fast-paced competitive play.
– While portable and feature-rich at a sub-$800 price, it makes trade-offs like average battery life and a Google TV interface with ads to prioritize its adaptability and nomadic design.
The XGIMI MoGo 4 Laser projector carves out a unique niche by prioritizing versatility and portability over raw power, making it an ideal companion for casual gaming and entertainment in adaptable spaces. This stylish, mid-range device feels less like a traditional projector and more like a multi-talented gadget designed to follow your lead, whether you’re gaming, listening to music, or setting a mood with ambient lighting. While it demands a dark environment for the best visual experience, its clever features and impressive handling of keystone correction in gaming mode set it apart in the portable category.
A standout feature is its transformative nature. With magnetic creative filters, the device can instantly shift from projecting a movie to bathing your room in a cosmic light show. This novelty adds a fun, creative dimension that appeals to a wide audience. You can also rotate the body 360 degrees on its slide rail base, pointing the front downward to signal a switch to audio-only mode, leveraging its built-in Harman Kardon speakers.
The projector’s intelligent screen alignment is a significant boon for portability. Move it to a new room or even flip it to project on the opposite wall, and it automatically adapts the image. Ceiling projection is notably straightforward thanks to a handy swivel mechanism. The system does occasionally struggle with identifying wall boundaries without a clear divider, but manual corrections via the software are simple to manage.
For gaming, the MoGo 4 Laser offers a latency of around 20 ms in its dedicated game mode. This is perfectly suitable for RPGs, simulators, and casual play, though competitive gamers might find it limiting for fast-paced titles. The major advantage here is the ability to maintain complex keystone corrections while gaming, a feature many portable projectors lack, allowing for flexible placement without compromising your setup.
Its performance is best in controlled lighting. The 550 ISO Lumens brightness means daytime viewing can be a challenge, even with indirect sunlight. This is a conscious trade-off for battery efficiency, offering about 2.5 hours of projection or nearly 6 hours in audio-only mode. For extended outdoor use, the optional Outdoor Collection variant includes a PowerBase stand that boosts battery life to around five hours, along with a screen and carry case.
The device runs on Google TV, which provides a streamlined, profile-friendly interface with robust parental controls. However, the persistent ad placements on the home screen may frustrate users seeking a cleaner experience. On the practical side, features like auto power-on and a programmable shortcut key on the remote add thoughtful convenience.
In essence, the MoGo 4 Laser is a specialist. It doesn’t compete with high-lumen, 4K home theater projectors or ultra-low-latency gaming rigs. Instead, it excels as a nomadic entertainment hub. For users who value adaptability, easy setup, and stylish design for use in dark rooms or on the go, it represents compelling value under $800. It captures the spirit of flexible, modern entertainment with undeniable flair.
(Source: PC Gamer)
