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XGIMI Elfin vs XGIMI Halo Plus
Hey everyone, it's Jim from Gagadget! Today, I'm comparing two popular portable projectors from XGIMI: the Elfin and the Halo+. Both models offer Full HD 1080p resolution, built-in Harman Kardon speakers, Android TV, and auto keystone correction for easy setup. But the Halo+ boasts higher brightness, a built-in battery, and a few extra smart features that could make it worth the premium for certain users.
I've spent quality time testing both the Elfin and Halo+, evaluating picture quality, portability, ease of use, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my hands-on experience to help you decide which XGIMI projector best fits your on-the-go entertainment needs. Let's dive in!
XGIMI Elfin vs Halo+: Quick Overview
I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.
If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: The XGIMI Elfin and Halo+ are very similar portable 1080p projectors with Android TV and auto keystone. The main differences are brightness (600 lumens on Elfin vs 900 lumens on Halo+) and the Halo+'s built-in battery for wire-free use. Both have great Harman Kardon sound and an easy-to-use interface.
I recommend the XGIMI Halo+ if you need maximum brightness and portability for outdoor movie nights or travel. The extra lumens and battery are great for sub-optimal lighting. But if you mostly use your projector indoors near an outlet, the Elfin offers similar image quality, sound, and smarts for less money. It's also a bit smaller and lighter.
Table of Contents
- XGIMI Elfin vs Halo+: Full Comparison
- XGIMI Halo+ vs Elfin: Design
- XGIMI Elfin or Halo+: Owner Reviews
- XGIMI Elfin and Halo+ Alternatives
- Should You Buy the XGIMI Elfin or Halo+?
XGIMI Elfin vs Halo+: Full Comparison
| Specification | XGIMI Elfin | XGIMI Halo+ |
| Image |
|
|
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Brightness | 600 lumens (ISO) | 900 lumens (ANSI) |
| Display Technology | DLP 0.33" | DLP 0.33" |
| Light Source | LED | LED |
| Light Source Life | 30,000 hours | 30,000 hours |
| Throw Ratio | 1.20:1 | 1.20:1 |
| Built-in Battery | No | Yes (59W) |
| Battery Life | - | 2 hours |
| Built-in Speakers | 2 x 3W Harman Kardon | 2 x 5W Harman Kardon |
| HDR Support | HDR10+ | HDR10 |
| Game Mode | No | Yes |
| Audible Noise | 30 dB | 30 dB |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 19.2 x 19.2 x 4.8 cm | 15.0 x 13.6 x 10.7 cm |
| Weight | 0.9 kg | 1.6 kg |
| Release Date | August 2021 | September 2021 |
Starting with the core specs, both the XGIMI Elfin and Halo Plus use a 0.33" DLP chip with native 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution. This means identically sharp images with no visible pixel structure from normal viewing distances. I found text to be crisp and graphics to look smooth and detailed on both projectors. They also accept 4K input and downscale it cleanly to 1080p.
The main image quality difference is light output. The Halo+ is rated at 900 ANSI lumens compared to the Elfin's 600 lumens (ISO). In my real-world tests, this translates to a noticeably brighter and punchier image from the Halo+, especially in rooms with some ambient light. It can comfortably handle a 100" screen in moderate lighting, while the Elfin is best limited to 80-90" in a dimmer environment.
Both projectors leverage an LED light source with an estimated 30,000 hour lifespan. This is effectively maintenance-free for the life of the projector with no expensive lamps to replace. I appreciate not having to worry about diminishing brightness or color over time.
The Elfin supports the more advanced HDR10+ format compared to the Halo+'s standard HDR10. However, the visible difference is minor given the projectors' limited contrast and color gamut. I wouldn't choose one over the other solely for HDR performance - it's more of a future-proofing bonus.
A unique advantage of the Halo+ is its built-in 59W battery. This allows for completely wire-free operation, which is incredibly handy for outdoor movie nights, camping trips, or ad-hoc gaming sessions. XGIMI quotes a runtime of about 2 hours on a full charge, which aligned with my testing. Just keep in mind that max brightness and volume will drop as the battery depletes.
For audio, both projectors rely on built-in Harman Kardon speakers - 2 x 3W on the Elfin and 2 x 5W on the Halo+. I found the sound to be crisp and dynamic for the size, with the Halo+ unsurprisingly playing a bit louder and fuller. They're fine for casual viewing but a soundbar or external speakers are still recommended for more immersive sessions.
Noise levels are evenly matched at a claimed 30dB. In my experience, fan noise was only audible during very quiet scenes and faded into the background after a few minutes. Neither model has an auto-focus lens - you make adjustments through the Android TV interface. But both have ±40° auto keystone correction to quickly square the image when placing the projector off-center.
The Halo+ is a bit more compact but heavier than the Elfin, likely due to the internal battery. But I found both easy to carry around in a backpack or tote bag. They also have near-identical throw distances, producing a 100" image from about 8.5 feet away.
XGIMI Halo+ vs Elfin: Design
The XGIMI Elfin and Halo+ share a similar Android TV interface and auto keystone features but differ in overall form factor and portability.
XGIMI Elfin Design
XGIMI Halo+ Design
The Elfin has a taller, thinner profile at 19.2 cm wide x 4.8 cm high. I found the bright white body and fabric grille to be stylish and understated - a projector that wouldn't look out of place sitting on a bookshelf or side table. The Halo+ adopts a more traditional rectangular shape at 15.0 cm wide x 10.7 cm high with rounded edges and corners for easier portability.
Controls and connectivity are similar between the two models. Both have power buttons and manual focus wheels on the chassis along with indicator lights for power and battery status (on the Halo+). Ports are located on the rear panel, with a single HDMI 2.0 input, USB port, and headphone jack. A threaded hole on the bottom allows for tripod mounting.
The remotes are nearly identical, with D-pads for navigation, dedicated buttons for Google Assistant and app shortcuts, and volume and power controls. They operate via Bluetooth, so you don't need line-of-sight to the projector. I found the minimal button layout intuitive and responsive.
Build quality is solid on both units, with dense plastic housings that feel durable enough for frequent travel. The Elfin is lighter at 0.9 kg vs the Halo+'s 1.6 kg, likely due to the latter's built-in battery. The lens is slightly recessed on both to avoid scratches or smudges.
XGIMI includes a soft carrying case with each projector. The Elfin's is a simple fabric sleeve while the Halo+ gets a fuller zippered case with pockets for accessories. A small tripod is also bundled with each unit for more flexible positioning.
All in all, these are polished and highly portable projectors well-suited for on-the-go use. The Halo+ has a slight edge for impromptu movie nights or gaming sessions thanks to its built-in battery and sturdier carrying case. But the Elfin remains impressively compact and totable for its feature set.
XGIMI Elfin or Halo+: Owner Reviews
Let's see what actual buyers have to say about their experiences with the XGIMI Elfin and Halo+ projectors:
XGIMI Elfin Owner Reviews
Praises: "The picture quality is amazing for the size - vibrant colors, sharp details, and great contrast even in a not fully dark room. Setup was also a breeze with the Android TV interface."
"This projector is so portable and convenient. I can quickly move it between rooms or take it outside for a backyard movie night. The auto keystone and focus are game-changers."
***
Drawbacks: "The brightness is fine for a dark room but it struggles with ambient light. Don't expect a vivid picture in your living room during the day."
"No battery means you always need to be near an outlet. Not a huge deal but it would be nice to have the option to go wire-free like some other portable projectors."
XGIMI Halo+ Owner Reviews
Praises: "The built-in battery is a lifesaver for outdoor use or rooms without easy access to power. I get about 2 hours of playtime which is perfect for most movies."
"I'm blown away by how crisp and detailed the image is for such a compact projector. The 900 lumen brightness is also impressive - I can use it in my living room with the curtains drawn and still get a watchable picture."
***
Drawbacks: "The fan noise is definitely noticeable, especially when the projector is working hard. It's not obnoxious but it's always there in quiet scenes."
"The starting price is a bit steep compared to other 1080p Android TV projectors. You're paying a premium for the battery and XGIMI brand name."
Overall, owners of both projectors are very satisfied with the image quality, ease of use, and portability. XGIMI Elfin buyers frequently praise the crisp Full HD picture, vibrant colors, and quick setup via Android TV. Some wish for higher brightness and an internal battery, but most feel it performs well for the size.
XGIMI Halo+ reviewers love the flexibility of the built-in battery for outdoor movie nights and travel. The 900 lumen output is also a clear favorite for lights-on viewing. A few users note above-average fan noise and a relatively high price but still consider it an excellent value for the feature set.
Both models receive high marks for build quality, with no widespread complaints of dead pixels, color issues, or software bugs. XGIMI's customer service also earns positive mentions for quickly addressing any concerns or questions. While not perfect, the Elfin and Halo+ appear to be reliable and high-performing portable projectors for their respective prices.
XGIMI Elfin and Halo+ Alternatives
If you're not totally sold on the XGIMI Elfin or Halo+, here are a couple other well-regarded portable 1080p projectors to consider:
- Anker Nebula Solar Portable: A 1080p DLP projector with 400 ANSI lumens, a built-in battery, Android TV 9.0, and auto keystone - all in an ultra-compact design under 3 pounds.
- ViewSonic M1 Mini: A tiny 1080p LED projector with a 120" max image size, 50 ANSI lumens, a built-in battery, and 360° speakers - perfect for impromptu movie nights or presentations on the go.
The Anker Nebula Solar is the closest match for the Halo Plus, with a similar size, battery, Android TV interface, and auto keystone features. The main tradeoff is brightness - 400 lumens vs the Halo+'s 900. But it's a great alternative if you prioritize the lowest possible weight and price over max performance.
On the truly pocket-sized end, the ViewSonic M1 Mini is a marvel of miniaturization. At just 4 x 4 x 1 inches and 0.8 pounds, it's small enough to slip into a purse or hoodie pocket, yet can still produce a clear 1080p image up to 100 inches. The 50 lumen output, 1.5 hour battery life, and limited Android functionality (no Google Play store) make it more of a niche option vs the Elfin, but frequent travelers and backpackers may prefer its extreme portability.
Should You Buy the XGIMI Elfin or Halo+?
After extensive hands-on testing, I can confidently say the XGIMI Elfin and Halo+ are two of the best portable 1080p projectors you can buy today. With their sharp Full HD images, built-in Android TV, auto keystone correction, and Harman Kardon sound, they deliver true all-in-one entertainment you can easily take anywhere. Factor in the impressive LED light source life and solid build quality and you have reliable, flexible projectors that will last for years.
The deciding factor for most buyers will be the Halo+'s integrated battery pack. Being able to watch movies, play games, or view presentations completely untethered from power is incredibly liberating and useful for frequent travelers, campers, and backyard movie hosts. The extra 300 lumens of brightness and slightly more compact design are also noteworthy perks.
However, if you don't need a battery and mostly plan to use your projector indoors within reach of an outlet, the Elfin is the better value. It offers very similar core features and image quality as the Halo+ for around $150 less. The HDR10+ support, lighter weight, and arguably sleeker aesthetics are nice bonuses too.
Whichever model you choose, you're getting a highly capable and convenient projector that punches well above its size. For movie nights, game sessions, and business presentations in places that weren't practical before, the XGIMI Elfin and Halo+ are tough to beat. Just add a portable screen (or blank wall) and you have a big-screen experience that goes wherever you do.
Thanks for reading! Let me know if you have any other questions about the XGIMI Elfin vs Halo+ or portable projectors in general. I'm always happy to help fellow road warriors and backyard cinema fans find their perfect match.
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