XGIMI Halo vs Epson EF12 Review: Pros, Cons, and Verdict

Initially, portable projectors were mainly used for presentations in business and educational contexts. However, as these devices have become smaller and carry more functionalities, many people even use them to replace televisions. This is especially true as the home entertainment product industry is taking advantage of the global pandemic, as more people are looking for ways to have fun at home.

At the same time, portable projectors are supporting increasingly sophisticated technology and a significant drop in prices. But are they worth it? We’re comparing two products, the XGIMI Halo and Epson EF12, to see what’s the deal with them. Let’s check XGIMI Halo vs Epson EF12.

XGIMI Halo Review

With a sleek and innovative design, Halo has won three Red Dot Design Awards for XGIMI, the Chinese tech company that produced it. Using Android TV as an operating system, it’s very much similar to modern smart TVs.  It also comes with an embedded battery which makes it completely portable.

XGIMI Halo Features

The XGIMI Halo is 11 cm tall and 15 cm wide, weighing 1.6 kg. Overall, it has a sufficiently compact size for a portable projector. The body is equipped with buttons for quick access to the settings menu and input options, as well as navigation, volume, and focus controls.

At the core of its DLP projector is a 0.33” digital micro-mirror (DMD). With an LED light source designed to last for 30,000 hours, you can use it for about eight hours over a decade.

In the sound department, the device has two 5W speakers utilizing a Harman Kardon sound system. The result is a clear and sophisticated audio quality. It’s also possible to connect the projector to headphones and soundbars for a more enchanting experience.

Halo creates its images using its fixed lens, which has a 1.2:1 aspect ratio. You’ll get top-notch visuals in 1080P resolution plus True 3D and Full HD projections.

If you enjoy outdoor movie nights, Halo is an excellent choice for you. You can adjust the brightness and contrast to fit your surroundings. Moreover, the internal battery can last through up to a four-hour-long movie.

The XGIMI Halo can be used in tandem with both Android and iOS devices. It has an integrated Android TV which allows you to access streaming apps such as YouTube, Hulu, Disney+, and HBO Max, and you can also access Netflix through the DesktopManager app. However, you need to install a third-party app first when syncing it with an iOS device.

>> See the latest pricing for XGIMI Halo on Amazon <<

XGIMI Halo Pros and Cons

Epson EF12 Review

The Epson EF-12 is designed to fill the gap between home cinema projectors and truly portable projectors. It’s lightweight enough that you can carry it around easily. Yet, on the other hand, it’s also equipped with sophisticated features you can expect to find in real home theatre projectors.

Epson EF12 Features

With a compact dimension of 17,5 x 17,5 x 12,8 cm, EF12 sports a sleek and simple design. Nevertheless, it has outstanding video quality. It supports Full HD images for up to 150-inch video quality, ensuring a pleasant experience in watching movies and playing games.

Even if the maximum resolution that EF12 can produce is 1080, you can still use a 4K video as an input. This portable projector also supports HRD10.

Furthermore, the device has a state-of-the-art scene color correction feature. Utilizing advanced 3LCD technology, it shows a perfect balance between the accuracy and brightness of colors. You’ll enjoy sharp, natural images just like in a real home theatre.

These exceptional visuals are boosted by the sound quality. The audio system of Epson EF12 is supported by exceptional Yamaha sound technology, which offers a powerful performance. You can also connect separate speakers to the device via Bluetooth.

Like Halo, EF12 also has an Android TV interface that allows you to access various streaming channels, such as YouTube, HBO, Hulu, and many more. You can also use an Android device to stream programs on your projector.

This portable projector is excellent for both indoor and outdoor use. It has the Epson MicroLaser Array Technology, which ensures that you can watch with sufficient brightness, whether you’re holding an outdoor movie screening during the day or around dinnertime.

However, one major downside to Epson EF12 is it doesn’t have a built-in battery. This means you need to have it plugged in at all times.

>> See the latest pricing for Epson EF12 on Amazon <<

Epson EF12 Pros and Cons

Difference between XGIMI Halo and Epson EF12?

Both projectors have extraordinary features and quality. Nevertheless, there are slight differences in their features. Firstly, XGIMI Halo has an internal battery, which EF12 lacks.

In terms of accessibility and storage, EF12 is equipped with a Type C USB and Mobile High Definition (MHL) connection, as well as an integrated SD card reader. Halo doesn’t have them but has an Ethernet LAN which isn’t found in the other.

Finally, Halo has a built-in display and supports 3D. On the other hand, these features aren’t present in EF12. However, the latter has a much higher contrast ratio than the former.

Which is Better, XGIMI Halo or Epson EF12?

When it comes to the question of which portable projector is better, the answer depends on what you’re looking for. You must first and foremost consider their features and the differences between the two. Afterward, think of which one would be better suited for your needs.

If what you want is a truly portable projector that doesn’t have to be near a power source all the time, then you should get an XGIMI Halo. But if you desire a portable projector that gives you the grand impression of a home theatre, EF12 is the ideal choice that you should make.