It's been a long time since I had a TV at home and I opted for a video projector. Since I can't fix it to the ceiling, I have to take my video projector out of a cupboard every time I want to use it. It is connected to my Freebox on one side and to an electrical outlet on the other by two 5m cables that keep getting tangled. The sound comes out through my HiFi system to which the Freebox is connected...
The years have passed, light bulbs have blown, I've changed video projectors and the technologies used continue to improve... So much so that it is essential for manufacturers to stand out in a market where devices are always more powerful!
So to differentiate yourself, XGIMI has made a big splash by offering a pretty incredible device! Indeed, the XGIMI Elfin, despite its small size (192.1 x 194.19 x 48.31mm for 900g) is a 3-in-1 Full HD video projector! It is not only a projector, it integrates a speaker and an AndroidTV device!
As you will have understood, its goal is to replace your TV, your HiFI system for sound and your TV box!
So let's take a closer look!
Unpacking, installation and start-up
Well packaged in its cardboard box, the XGIMI Elfin comes with very few superfluous elements. Thus in the box, we discover the video projector, its power supply, the remote control and a multilingual user guide.
The case surprises (positively) with its small size and its sleek and elegant design. Its rounded lines are pleasant and the matte white is very effective. XGIMI has really done a great job of making this device small and relatively versatile!
On the front of the box, we can see the various sensors intended for focusing as well as the projector part and the speaker output.
The rear side is occupied by the fan vents, the various ports (HDMI, Audio, USB and power) as well as a power button.
Finally, the bottom of the device has a support for screwing a tripod.
My only big regret when unpacking the device is not having found a carrying case in the box... Indeed, since it is a device with a "portable" vocation, I would have appreciated finding a case to store the projector and its accessories. But hey, given its size, it is not difficult to find a pouch that does the job!
It could also be criticized for not having a built-in battery, but I think the choice was made on the basis of size. A built-in battery would have undoubtedly caused an increase in the dimensions and weight of the device.
Remote control
The remote control is also very successful. Small and very functional, it only has 10 buttons and a directional pad! And that's enough!
On the lower edge of the remote control there is also a small switch that allows you to change the role of the volume buttons to the image focus button! Clever!
Finally, I don't know if it's intentional, but the choice to make a white remote control turns out to be particularly clever! Indeed, it is much easier to find in a dark environment than a black remote control!
Installation and start-up
In terms of installation, the longest will be the first time! Indeed, it is during your first use that the start-up time will be the longest since you will have to configure AndroidTV! If you have an Android smartphone, this configuration will be very quick, otherwise it will take a few minutes to start.
But regarding the installation and configuration of the projector and the image, the XGIMI Elfin proves to be most efficient! Indeed, the focus and the trapezoidal distortion are done automatically when the device is turned on… A few seconds are enough for the image to be clear and rectangular regardless of the position of the video projector!
The cherry on the cake is that this intelligent image correction technology can instantly optimize the screen size and avoid obstacles such as tables, switches, etc. If you have a screen, the projector will adapt the image size to fit inside! It's really great and amazing!
And this is a major advantage since the XGIMI Elfin and its small dimensions are designed to be transportable! So, no worries, at each new location, the projector will adjust everything by itself!
If you're ever not happy with the automatic setting, it's also possible to manually adjust distortion and focus!
In short, getting started is particularly well managed for this portable device!
Image quality
Before talking about the image quality, the first thing that blew me away was the speed at which the image was displayed when you turned on the device. I counted 5 seconds for the image to appear and it appeared with its final colors (no heating)… Thanks to LED technology! And what's cool is that there is no power-on screen with the brand logo; the video projector turns on directly on AndroidTV!
After 5 seconds, the device will make its keystone and sharpness adjustments, which will only take a few more seconds... These adjustments can also be disabled if you are using the projector in a fixed location that does not require focusing.
Second surprise, the device turns off instantly!
Brightness
One of the most important parameters of a video projector is probably its brightness... in fact, this is what will determine whether you will be able to use it at any time of the day without having to close doors and shutters!
So, the XGIMI Elfin displays a brightness of 800 ANSI lumens… it's not necessarily very impressive but it allows you to use the device in the dark and even in broad daylight provided you're not in direct sunlight. And we mustn't forget that we're in the presence of a portable video projector!
Image resolution and quality
With its 1080p resolution, the Elfin offers a very decent picture quality up to 200 inches. The colors are vibrant without being garish and the image is very sharp.
The HDR10+ technology offered by XGIMI improves image contrast by making colors more vivid and dark areas darker. The result is quite convincing, but we regret a lack of detail in the slightly darker images.
Finally, the projector integrates MEMC technology (Motion Estimation Motion Compensation) which improves the fluidity of the image. This technology analyzes the movements of the image then creates and inserts additional images of the moving objects in order to make the movements more fluid…. We tested it on football matches and the rendering is really very correct!
By the way, if you want to use this device for video games, no problem, the XGIMI Elfin displays a latency of less than 28ms.
Picture modes
Regarding image settings, XGIMI offers several presets (Movie, Football, Office or Game) but also gives you the possibility to adjust the image yourself.
Not much to say on this subject, but it gives you the ability to adjust the image to your preferences.
In terms of audio, this tiny multifunction device still has enough space to integrate two Harman Kardon speakers of 3W each. We no longer present the Harman Kardon brand which is renowned for the quality of its products! These two speakers are positioned on the front of the device.
Regarding the sound, I had high expectations from these speakers. But I was disappointed…
Indeed, no miracle, the size of the device does not allow for incredible sound performance.
The sound is far from being catastrophic, but it does not develop depth and amplitude... If you are used to Home Cinema speakers or to outputting your sound from your HiFi system, you can only be disappointed...
But to be honest, the sound performance achieved is still respectable considering the size of the device... and above all, this sound defect becomes an asset when it comes to using the device on the move! From then on, this one and only device allows you to obtain the image and the sound... and frankly, that allows you to be a little less fussy!
In terms of audio processing, the projector integrates DTS and Dolby formats… but I was really not convinced by the rendering of DTS Studio Sound, which I find more annoying than anything else.
In addition, the video projector can also be used as a portable speaker by connecting your smartphone via Bluetooth... Practical!
Noise level of the device
For me, a video projector is synonymous with a fairly noisy fan giving off hot air that is not always pleasant.
The XGIMI Elfin and its LED technology seem to require less cooling and are equipped with ultra-quiet fans. In fact, you really have to listen and get close to the device to hear anything… and that's really great!
AndroidTV and other features
The XGIMI Elfin allows you to connect any source using an HDMI cable: your operator's TV box, computer, game console, etc. But, as it is not a simple video projector, it integrates the famous Android TV into its guts.
This is a particularly interesting point since it allows you to use the device completely independently, without connecting any source!
AndroidTV
To be able to use Android TV, you will first need to have connected the device to a WiFi network (the device does not have an Ethernet input).
Setting up Android TV shouldn't take you more than 5 minutes, and it's even quicker if you have an Android smartphone.
I won't go into the details of Android TV, but for those who are not familiar with Google's connected TV system, it allows you to find most of the web giant's services on your TV: YouTube, Video on Demand, Music... but also to access the Android application store, the Google Play Store. From then on you can install a large number of compatible applications like Netflix, Amazon Prime View... or even Molotov if you want to be able to watch live TV!
chromecast
Another particularly interesting feature is that the device has Chromecast. This way, you will be able to stream media (photos, videos, music, etc.) from your Android or iPhone smartphone directly via the video projector!
Characteristics
Image characteristics and projection
| Display technology | DLP |
| Standard resolution | 1920x1080 (1080p) |
| Compatible resolution | 2K / 4K |
| Picture mode | HDR10 + |
| Display chip | 0.33 ″ DMD |
| Brightness | 600 – 800 ANSI lumens |
| Lamp type | LED |
| Projection report | 1.2:1 |
| Projection modes | front, back, ceiling |
System Features
| RAM | Go 2 |
| Storage | Go 16 |
| System | Android 10.0 |
| Mirror display | chromecast |
Audio Features
| Sound system | 2 x Harman Kardon 3W speakers |
| Audio formats | Dts and Dolby |
Other experience
| Noise level | <30dB |
| Dimensions (HxWxD) | 192.1 x 194.19 x 48.31 mm |
| Weight | 900g |
| To Begin | HDMI 2.0 and USB 2.0 |
| Outings | Jack 3.5mm |
| WiFi | Dual-band 2.4/5GHz, 802.11a/b/g/n/ac |
| Bluetooth | 5.0 / BLE |
| Lamp life | 30 000 hours |
Conclusion
The XGIMI Elfin video projector is a very good surprise! It offers a really satisfactory image quality combined with sufficient brightness for any time of the day (indoors in any case). Its automatic focus and image adjustment functions are a real plus given the "portability" of the device (only 900g) which can slip very easily into a bag.
Only the sound quality of its integrated speakers deserves a small criticism... but, this sound is almost miraculous when you see the size of this video projector!
And finally, the price of the device is quite reasonable considering that it replaces not one, not two... but three devices (video projector, TV box and audio speaker)! Indeed, you will have to pay €649 to buy this beautiful object!
Highlights
- Automatic adjustment of image sharpness, distortion and size
- Image display in just 5 seconds
- Ultra-quiet device (fan)
- Small footprint and portable device
- Brightness and image quality very satisfactory for a portable device
- 3-in-1 video projector
Weak points
- No carrying case which is a shame for a portable device
- No batteries supplied with the remote control
- No foot allowing adjustment of the projection angle
- No battery that would allow truly nomadic use
