Xgimi Aura 3 Max vs Aura 3 Pro: What’s the Difference Between These UST Projectors?

Before getting into the differences, it is helpful to look at what both of these projectors have in common, as Xgimi has kept the core feature set largely the same across both models.

First is the light engine. Both the Max and the Pro use an RGB Triple Laser setup. This means they rely on dedicated red, green, and blue lasers, which allows them to cover 110% of the BT.2020 color space. In practical terms, this translates to accurate and saturated colors for movies and games.

Speaking of gaming, the Aura 3 series includes support for 4K resolution at a 120Hz refresh rate. Powered by dual Texas Instruments DLPC controllers, this feature is particularly relevant if you own a PlayStation 5 or an Xbox Series X.

Alongside the higher refresh rate, both models support Variable Refresh Rate (VRR), Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM), and AMD FreeSync Premium, while offering a 1ms response time. This makes either projector a viable option for playing fast-paced games on a large screen.

On the optical side, both projectors feature a dual-iris system. An iris physically adjusts the amount of light passing through the lens frame by frame. This helps improve black levels and shadow detail in darker scenes without relying entirely on digital processing, which can sometimes wash out the image.

They also share a 19-element optical glass system with a 0.163:1 throw ratio, meaning you only need to place the projector about eight inches away from the wall to achieve a 120-inch image.

The everyday usability features are also identical. Both come with an 80W Harman Kardon 2.0 channel sound system that supports Dolby Atmos. They also have Google TV built-in, which includes native support for apps like Netflix, YouTube, and Prime Video, so you don’t necessarily need to plug in a separate streaming stick. Setup is handled by Xgimi’s automated tools, including auto keystone, auto focus, and wall color adaptation.

If the two models share so many features, the decision really comes down to how much ambient light you have in your viewing room.

The Aura 3 Max is the higher-end model designed for bright living rooms and larger screen sizes. It outputs 5,700 ISO lumens. If you have a living room with large windows and you want to watch TV during the day without drawing the curtains, this model is built to handle that environment. It also has a higher native contrast ratio of 8,000:1, which helps maintain deeper black levels even with the higher brightness output.

The Aura 3 Pro is designed for more typical viewing environments. It has a lower light output of 4,100 ISO lumens and a native contrast ratio of 7,000:1. To be clear, 4,100 ISO lumens is still quite bright for a home projector and will comfortably handle a moderately lit room. However, if you are projecting onto a wall that gets direct, harsh sunlight, the Pro will show more image washout than the Max.

Then there is the pricing structure. The Aura 3 Max has an MSRP of $4,999 (with an early Kickstarter price of $2,199). The Aura 3 Pro is priced lower, with an MSRP of $3,999 (and an early Kickstarter price of $1,999).

Choosing between the Aura 3 Max and the Aura 3 Pro is fairly straightforward because Xgimi didn’t restrict software or processing features to the more expensive model. You get the same 4K 120Hz gaming support, the same Google TV interface, and the same audio system regardless of which one you pick.

Your choice should be based on your room’s lighting and your budget. If you are setting up the projector in a basement, a dedicated media room, or a living room where you can easily close the blinds to control ambient light, the Aura 3 Pro is a very practical choice. It saves you money while delivering the same core features.

On the other hand, if you are replacing a TV in a bright, open-concept space and want the best possible daytime visibility, the Aura 3 Max is the better fit. The additional 1,600 ISO lumens will make a noticeable difference in keeping the image clear and visible during the day.

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