XGIMI Aura 2
A stylish ultra short throw projector for living rooms that want Netflix and Dolby Vision without extra boxes and easy setup.
Amazon $1,549$1,549
The XGIMI Aura 2 is the better projector overall, rated 4.4 to 3.6. The XGIMI Aura 2 leads on brightness, value and gaming. The Optoma Photon GO costs $650 less ($899 vs $1,549).
Optoma Photon GO
#10 in Ultra short throwFull review
A battery powered ultra short throw projector for people who want a big picture without placing a projector across the room, in a dark room or outdoors at night.
Amazon $899$899
Prices were last checked October 29, 2026 and are subject to change; the price and availability shown by the retailer at the time of purchase apply.
Which should you buy?
- Choose the XGIMI Aura 2 for brightness (2,300 ISO 21118 lumens vs 650 ISO 21118 lumens), value ($0.67 per lumen vs $1.38 per lumen) and gaming (20 ms input lag vs 27 ms input lag).
Scores side by side
Each factor is scored 0-100 against the same fixed reference points for every ultra short throw projector; a clear win is highlighted. How we rank explains each one.
| Factor weight | XGIMI Aura 2 | Optoma Photon GO |
|---|---|---|
| Overall rating | 4.4/5 | 3.6/5 |
| Brightness 25% | 60 2,300 ISO 21118 lumens | 0 650 ISO 21118 lumens |
| Value 15% | 88 $0.67 per lumen | 41 $1.38 per lumen |
| Resolution 10% | 100 4K (pixel shift) | 100 1920 x 1080 native |
| Streaming 15% | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix | 100 Google TV with licensed Netflix |
| Setup 10% | 100 Autofocus, auto keystone | 100 Autofocus, auto keystone |
| Light life 10% | 100 20,000 hour hybrid laser | 100 20,000 hour RGB laser |
| Gaming 10% | 71 20 ms input lag | 55 27 ms input lag |
| Warranty 5% | 50 2-year warranty | 50 warranty not published (neutral score used) |
Specifications
| XGIMI Aura 2 | Optoma Photon GO | |
|---|---|---|
| Picture | ||
| Brightness | 2,300 ISO 21118 | 650 ISO 21118 |
| Native resolution | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) | 1920 x 1080 (1080p) |
| Picture resolution | 4K (pixel shift from 1920x1080) | 1080p |
| Display | DLP | DLP |
| Light source | hybrid laser | RGB laser |
| Light source life | 20,000 hours | 20,000 hours |
| HDR | Dolby Vision, HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Color gamut | 99% DCI-P3 | 110% BT.2020 |
| Dynamic contrast | 1,000,000:1 | 2,500,000:1 |
| Placement | ||
| Throw | Ultra short throw (0.2:1) | Ultra short throw (0.2:1) |
| Largest image | 150 in | 100 in |
| Autofocus | Yes | Yes |
| Auto keystone | Yes | Yes |
| Obstacle avoidance | No | - |
| Auto screen fit | No | - |
| Optical zoom | None | None |
| Streaming and gaming | ||
| Built-in apps | Google TV, licensed Netflix | Google TV, licensed Netflix |
| Input lag | 20 ms | 27 ms |
| Top refresh rate | - | 60 Hz |
| HDMI ports | 3 | 1 |
| eARC | Yes | - |
| Speakers | 60 W | 20 W |
| Build | ||
| Battery | None | 1.5 hours |
| Fan noise | 32 dB | 30 dB |
| Power | 180 W | 85 W |
| Dimensions | 20.1 x 10.6 x 5.7 in (W x D x H) | 9.92 x 6.18 x 2.56 in |
| Weight | 19.8 lb | 3.8 lb |
| Warranty | 2 years | - |
| Released | 2024-09 | 2025-07 |