The International Funkausstellung Berlin (IFA) 2025 showcased an impressive array of projectors, highlighting advancements in portable technology, particularly within the 4K market. A notable trend was the emphasis on high brightness, solid contrast, and vibrant colors, all packaged in compact designs.
Leading Innovations in Portable Projectors
Among the standout devices was the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max, the flagship model in its lineup. This 4K, triple-laser RGB projector is equipped with support for Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced, and Filmmaker Mode. It boasts an impressive brightness of 5,700 ISO lumens, significantly surpassing competitors like the Hisense PX3 Pro, which delivers 3,000 lumens.
The Horizon 20 Max also caters to gamers with a 1ms input lag and a refresh rate of up to 240Hz. During a demonstration of the game Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, the projector showcased exceptional clarity and responsiveness, making it a strong contender for premium gaming setups. With a launch price of $2,999.99 (£2,599.99), it places itself firmly in the high-end market but promises a quality experience.
Another noteworthy entry is the Valerion VisionMaster Max, a 4K RGB laser projector that offers up to 3,500 ISO lumens of brightness. It supports advanced features, including HDR10+ and AI picture enhancements. Its standout claim is to provide a ‘rainbow-free’ viewing experience, ensuring rich blacks and accurate color representation. Set to be released in October 2025 for $4,999.99, it will be interesting to see how it performs in real-world settings.
The Anker Nebula X1 Pro also captivated attention with its integrated 7.1.4 Dolby Atmos sound system, enhancing its appeal as an all-in-one entertainment solution. With 3,500 ISO lumens and detachable speakers for easy storage, it promises both quality audio and visual performance, further establishing Anker’s reputation in the projector market. The X1 Pro is expected to launch on Kickstarter at the end of September for $2,999.99.
Exciting Developments from Emerging Brands
The Dangbei S7 Ultra Max emerged as a strong competitor, boasting a brightness of over 6,000 ISO lumens, which the company claims is class-leading. This projector supports both Dolby Vision and HDR10+, and its performance in a brightly lit environment at IFA demonstrated vibrant colors and accurate textures. Although it will initially launch in China, it is expected to hit the US market in January 2026.
The TCL PlayCube attracted attention with its unique cube design, promoting portability for outdoor activities like camping. Although its 750 ISO lumens brightness is modest compared to other models, its distinctive appearance and functionality make it an intriguing option. Set to retail for around €799 (approximately $930 or £693), it is expected to draw interest from casual users seeking a portable solution.
Lastly, the Hisense M2 Pro, touted as the brand’s most portable 4K projector, is capable of displaying images up to 200 inches with a brightness of 1,300 ANSI lumens. Its appeal is enhanced by upcoming tuner-free support for Freely, allowing users to enjoy cable-free streaming. With a launch price of $1,299.99 (approximately £960), it positions itself competitively within the market.
An honorable mention goes to the Hisense HTP80 Tri-Chroma, which drew crowds with its massive 300-inch display and a remarkable brightness of 15,000 ANSI lumens. While details on pricing and launch dates are yet to be announced, its sheer size and visual capabilities highlight the potential for future innovations in projection technology.
As IFA 2025 concludes, the showcased projectors illustrate the industry’s commitment to advancing home entertainment technology, catering to both casual viewers and dedicated gamers alike. The blend of portability, high performance, and innovative features promises an exciting future for projector enthusiasts.
