By: Dipin Sehdev
Projectors have long been associated with darkened home theaters, basement setups, or carefully controlled environments. But at IFA 2025, Xgimi announced a new lineup that flips that perception on its head. The Xgimi Horizon 20 series is built for brightness, speed, and cinematic flair — all with gamers in mind.
With the flagship Xgimi Horizon 20 Max rated at 5,700 ISO lumens and offering a 1ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz, this projector is marketed as the most gamer-friendly big-screen option yet. And unlike many ultra-bright projectors that run into five-figure price tags, the Horizon 20 Max launches at $2,999 (or as low as $2,399 during early bird promotions).
For comparison, Xgimi’s earlier models already impressed critics. The Xgimi Horizon Ultra 4K projector holds a 92% CE Critic Score, while the company’s Aura 2 UST Laser Projector earned an 84% CE Critic Score. With the Horizon 20 series, Xgimi is clearly doubling down on premium yet accessible projectors for both home theater enthusiasts and gamers.
A Lineup Designed for Gamers
The Horizon 20 lineup consists of three models:
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Horizon 20 – Base model, 3,200 ISO lumens
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Horizon 20 Pro – Mid-tier, 4,100 ISO lumens
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Horizon 20 Max – Flagship, 5,700 ISO lumens
All three are powered by RGB triple-laser architecture, paired with an all-new X-Master Red Ring Lens. This design promises vivid color, consistent brightness, and long-term performance. Xgimi claims 110% BT.2020 color coverage and a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, ensuring both daytime clarity and nighttime cinematic immersion.
But brightness and color are only part of the story. Xgimi has positioned the Horizon 20 series as a legitimate gaming display alternative, complete with specs more commonly associated with high-performance monitors.
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1ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz
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2.2ms at 1080p/120Hz
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3ms at 4K/60Hz
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240Hz refresh rate support
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Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) compatibility
For console or PC gamers, these numbers are remarkable. Traditional projectors often struggle with input lag exceeding 30ms — acceptable for movies, but frustrating for competitive play. Xgimi’s promise of sub-5ms latency makes the Horizon 20 series a different kind of projector: one that could genuinely replace a TV or monitor for gaming.
Brightness in Perspective
The 5,700 ISO lumens claim for the Horizon 20 Max is staggering. To put this in context:
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TVs generally output 300–1,000 nits, depending on panel type.
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Most home projectors fall in the 1,500–3,000 lumen range.
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Projectors exceeding 5,000 lumens are usually reserved for large auditoriums or commercial spaces, often costing over $10,000.
By adopting ISO lumens as a standard, Xgimi avoids the credibility problem that plagued some Chinese projector makers in the past. ISO lumens typically yield slightly lower brightness numbers than ANSI lumens, but they are a globally recognized, legitimate measurement.
At this brightness, the Horizon 20 Max can cut through daylight in a living room — something most projectors fail at. Even the mid-range Horizon 20 Pro, with 4,100 ISO lumens, should be more than sufficient for mixed-use environments.
Feature Set: More Than Just Gaming
While the gaming specs are the standout, Xgimi hasn’t neglected the cinematic side:
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4K resolution with support for Dolby Vision, HDR10+, Filmmaker Mode, and IMAX Enhanced.
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Lens shift and optical zoom, allowing image adjustment without distortion or digital scaling.
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Netflix support out of the box — a rarity for all-in-one projectors.
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Built-in 24W Harman Kardon speakers with 360-degree sound, useful for portable setups.
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Google TV integration, ensuring smooth app access and smart features.
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DTS:X audio compatibility.
This blend of features makes the Horizon 20 Max not just a gaming projector, but a full home theater replacement device. For many households, this could function as both a massive gaming monitor and a 4K cinema setup.
Competitive Landscape
Xgimi isn’t the only projector brand chasing gamers. At IFA 2025, Dangbei also showcased its S7 Ultra Max with a claimed 6,200 ISO lumens. However, that model is limited to the Chinese market and priced at around 15,999 yuan (~$2,250).
Where Xgimi gains ground is availability and ecosystem support. The Horizon 20 series will be sold in both the U.S. and U.K., making it a far more accessible option for international buyers. It also includes native Netflix support, Google TV, and gaming-optimized modes — features many rivals still lack.
Compared to ultra-short-throw (UST) projectors like the Xgimi Aura 2, the Horizon 20 series targets a different use case. The Aura 2, with its 84% CE Critic Score, works best in smaller rooms where wall placement is essential. The Horizon 20, however, is designed for flexibility, capable of filling large screens in varied environments.
Pricing and Availability
The Horizon 20 lineup is available for preorder in the U.S. and U.K. starting September 5, 2025, with shipments expected in October.
Retail pricing:
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Horizon 20: $1,699
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Horizon 20 Pro: $2,499
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Horizon 20 Max: $2,999
Early bird pricing (limited):
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Horizon 20: $1,189
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Horizon 20 Pro: $1,749
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Horizon 20 Max: $2,399
Xgimi is sweetening the deal by bundling a floor stand and a free copy of Assassin’s Creed: Shadows for early adopters.
Specs at a Glance
| Model | Brightness (ISO Lumens) | Input Lag | Refresh Rate | Price (Retail) | Price (Early Bird) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Horizon 20 | 3,200 | 1ms (1080/240Hz) | Up to 240Hz | $1,699 | $1,189 |
| Horizon 20 Pro | 4,100 | 1ms (1080/240Hz) | Up to 240Hz | $2,499 | $1,749 |
| Horizon 20 Max | 5,700 | 1ms (1080/240Hz) | Up to 240Hz | $2,999 | $2,399 |
A New Era for Gaming Projectors?
Projectors have historically been sidelined in gaming discussions. Latency, brightness, and refresh rate limitations made them unsuitable for fast-paced genres like shooters or competitive esports. Instead, they were seen as devices for movie nights, sports viewing, or presentations.
The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max challenges that notion. By offering gaming monitor-level input lag and console-friendly refresh rates, it positions itself as a TV alternative for gamers who want a cinematic scale.
Imagine playing Call of Duty, Fortnite, or Assassin’s Creed: Shadows on a 120-inch screen, with virtually no delay. That’s the vision Xgimi is selling — and it may resonate with a growing audience of gamers who want both performance and spectacle.
Early Verdict
Based on specs, the Horizon 20 Max could be one of the most disruptive projectors in years. It doesn’t just push brightness into uncharted territory for sub-$3,000 models — it also makes projectors relevant in the gaming conversation.
When paired with Xgimi’s strong reputation (backed by the 92% CE Critic Score of the Horizon Ultra and the 84% score of the Aura 2), the Horizon 20 Max feels like the next logical step.
Of course, real-world testing will determine how well Xgimi’s brightness and latency claims hold up. But if performance matches the promise, the Horizon 20 Max could finally blur the line between gaming monitors, TVs, and projectors.
Final Thoughts
The Xgimi Horizon 20 Max represents an evolution in home entertainment: a projector equally suited to daytime gaming, streaming, and cinema-style viewing. With aggressive pricing, bundled extras, and availability in Western markets, it stands out in an increasingly competitive projector landscape.
For gamers who’ve long avoided projectors due to latency and brightness issues, Xgimi’s latest offering might finally be the big-screen solution worth considering.
