Projector Reviews Images
Formovie-X5_MfrProdshot - Projector Reviews Images
Attractive design that matches the projector's video and audio performance.

The Formovie X5 is a new 4K UHD (Ultra High Definition) 3,840 x 2,160p HDR-capable video projector that retails for $1,599.99 MSRP. The Formovie X5’s ALPD laser light source is rated to produce 2,450 CVIA (China Video Industry Association) lumens of manufacturer-rated brightness. It has a Denon three-speaker sound system to provide users with an immersive sound experience.

Formovie Tech is a Mi ecosystem company jointly established by Appotronics Corporation, the maker of ALPD lasers, and Xiaomi (shau-mee) Technology, the leading global Laser TV and smart projector brand.

Formovie uses Appotronics ALPD laser light sources in their laser-powered projectors. Formovie is one of many Chinese-based projection makers looking to shake up the industry by offering innovative products. For example, the company's award-winning Formovie Theater ultra-short throw projector that I recently reviewed.

Will the X5 be another addition to the company's top-tier home video projector offerings?

Let’s get into it and find out.

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  • Formovie-X5_MfrProdshot - Projector Reviews Images
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Formovie X5 Specs
Price$1599.99 (MSRP)
TechnologyDLP (0.47" DMD)
Displayed Resolution3840 x2160
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)2450 CVIA Lumens
Light SourceALPD 3.0 laser (Blue Laser Phosphor)
Contrast1,200:1 
Zoom Lens RatioFixed
Lens ShiftNo
Lamp Life20,000 Hrs
Sound SystemDenon 3-channel 12w x2, 6w full range
Weight 8.8 lbs
WarrantyThree (3) Years

Overview

The Formovie X5 has an MSRP (Manufacturer's Suggested Retail Price) of $1,599. On paper, the projector looks impressive. The X5 is the company's first cube-style 4K home theater projector. Formovie does make an attractive cube-style portable projector called the Formovie Dice. Click on the link to read my full review.

The Formovie X5 uses one of the most popular image sensors made by Texas Instruments. This 0.47-inch XPR (1,920 x 1,080 x4) pixel-shifting projector can shift the imager in four directions faster than the human eye can see to create a displayed 4K image.

In my initial examination, I didn’t experience any rainbow effects often found in DLP projectors, which I tend to be very sensitive to.

Formovie-X5_ALPD3.0 - Projector Reviews Images
The world's most adopted projector laser technology

The Appotronics ALPD 3.0 laser light source was initially developed in 2015 and primarily uses red and blue 2-color laser + Phosphor technology. ALPD 3.0 lasers were originally designed to be used in movie theater projectors. The big advantage at the time, and still, is that the 3.0 laser light system offered a 20% increase in light output compared to the previous generation.

ALPD lasers are typically known for generating accurate colors and are often quoted as reproducing 100% of the DCI P3 color space.

Without getting into too much color performance, I can tell you that my impression of the X5’s out-of-the-box color was positive. Also, I could not detect any laser speckle in the projected image.

HDR (High Dynamic Range) is a complementary TV tech that allows you to watch HDR-encoded content on compatible projectors like the Formovie X5.

The amount of available HDR entertainment is growing, with a growing number of physical media games and films and HDR-encoded streaming content from almost all the major entertainment streaming platforms.

While 4K references the amount of pixels in your display, HDR is all about the quality of those pixels. If implemented correctly by the projector manufacturer, HDR encoding can look brighter and reveal more detail in your projector's displayed image.

As a result, good quality HDR-capable projectors can display darker blacks, brighter whites, and more contrast compared to non-HDR 4K TVs.

FireOS#1 - Projector Reviews Images
One of, if not the most popular content and streaming platform in the US.

The Formovie X5 uses Android-based FENG OS. As soon as you boot up the projector, you can see that this device was designed for sale primarily in Chinese markets. The majority of the content you see is in Chinese rather than English.

Formovie provides English menus for the basic projector's basic functionality. Projector Screen, the distributor for the X5 in the US, has attempted to address the issues with the OS by including an Amazon Firestick 4K Max with each projector shipped in the US. Using a Firestick means that users only have to interact with Feng OS for initial setup or making changes to the AV settings of the X5.

The Firestick takes care of the entertainment ecosystem. It even handles features like casting, network connectivity, and Bluetooth, allowing users to avoid doing these things in the projector's OS.

The X5 is one of two 4K home entertainment projectors Formovie offers. The X5 is a short throw projector compared to the Theater’s ultra-short throw capability. More details between the two projectors are listed in the chart below.

Formovie Home Theater Projector Comparison
Formovie TheaterFormovie X5
$3,499.99 MSRP$1,599.99 MSRP
4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
2,800 ANSI  Lumens2450 CVIA Lumens (3000 Peak Lumens)
ALPD 4.0 RGB Triple LaserALPD 3.0 laser
Ultra-Short ThrowShort Throw
20,000-HoursOver 20,000-Hours
30W Bowers & Wilkens sound systemDenon 3-channel 12w x2, 6w full range
21.6 lbs 8.8 lbs
Three (3) Year WarrantyThree (3) Year Warranty
Formovie-X5_SmartHardware - Projector Reviews Images
Auto setup features make getting the projector up and running fast and easy.

The X5 also features several built-in smart hardware features designed to make initial setup easy.

  • Omnidirectional Auto-Correction
  • Ambient Light Adaptive (Auto brightness adjustment)
  • Laser Auto-Focus
  • Intelligent Obstacle Avoidance
  • Automatic Curtain Alignment (Auto object avoidance)

These types of AUTO features are still relatively new to projectors, and while they are available from multiple projector brands, speed and accuracy can vary even within the same brand. I will provide more detail about how these features work in the HARDWARE LENS section of the review.

Formovie-X5_Denon - Projector Reviews Images
Formovie has partnered with a premier audio company to develop this projector's sound system.

Formovie has partnered with Denon Audio to design and implement the projector onboard sound system. Partnering with a name-brand audio manufacturer is becoming more common in the projector industry. Sometimes, this is just marketing hoping to leverage a well-known audio name brand. The Formovie Theaters Bowers and Wilkens sound system was an excellent example of synergy between a projector manufacturer and a high-quality audio company. With that experience in mind, I have big expectations for the X5’s triple-channel Denon sound system.

Let's get into the details.

HIGHLIGHTS

  • $1,599.99 MSRP
  • Single Chip 0.47" DLP Texas Instruments DMD
  • 4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160) displayed resolution
  • HDR10 and HLG signal support
  • 1200:1 Contrast ratio
  • 12W 3 Channel onboard Denon sound
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • WiFi 6 connectivity
  • Standard throw lens
  • Horizontal and vertical auto keystone correction
  • Omnidirectional Auto-Correction provides automatic keystone correction
  • Laser auto-focus
  • Ambient Light Adaptive feature provides auto-brightness adjustments
  • Automatic Curtain Alignment avoids photos and windows while maximizing the size of the
  • projected image
  • 1,200:1:1 contrast ratio
  • HDR10 and HLG signal support
  • Auto and manual electronic focus
  • 2X HDMI
  • Premium streaming, including NetFlix via Firestick 4K Max
  • Dimensions: (HxWxD) 6.57" x 8.54" x 8.27"
  • Weight: 8.8 lbs
  • 3-year warranty

HARDWARE

The Formovie X5 is one of a growing list of projectors to embrace the cube-style design that is growing in popularity with many mainstream projection manufacturers. A cube-shaped projector can offer significant benefits in transportability and usage, including raising the projector lens when it’s sitting on a bed.

CHASSIS

The Formovie X5 is a beautifully designed projector with a premium look and feel. The projector combines matte and gloss surfaces, providing a nice visual contrast. Formovie has also wrapped the top panel and about an inch of the upper sides in a gray cloth.

In a world where so many video projectors are just variations on a theme, I love that Formovie built such an elegant-looking and visually appealing device. Many projectors tout the benefits of blending into a room, which is what you want if the projector's design is so out there that it only fits on the bridge of the Starship Enterprise. The Formovie X5 is different. This projector's elegant design makes me want to display it as part of my living room.

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The projector measures (WxDxH) 8.54” x 8.27” x 6.57" (215.9 x 210 x 166.8 mm) and weighs only 8.77 lbs (3.97 kg).

The lens is located at the center/top of the projector's front panel. Directly below the lens are a series of sensors for the projector's auto geometric and focus features and an IR sensor. The rest of the front panel is used for ventilation.

The power on/off button is located on the top left (when looking at the projector from the front) of the device.

The sides of the projector are a combination of speaker grills and vents for cooling.

Formovie-X5_MfrProdshot - Projector Reviews Images
The back panel is where all the projectors inputs and connections are located.
Formovie-X5_AdjustableFeet - Projector Reviews Images

Formovie has included four adjustable feet that unscrew a little under ½ inch, allowing the projector to be fine-adjusted forward and back as well as left and right, and there is also a ¼ standard tripod screw mount in the center of the projectors bottom plate.

LENS

Formovie-X5_Lens - Projector Reviews Images

The Formovie X5’s fixed focal length provides a 1.27:1 throw ratio.

Formovie lists the projector as projecting an image from 60 to 1000 inches. While this number may sound like a fantasy, I can assure you that it is not. But just because you can do something does not mean that you should. I would not recommend using a screen above 150 inches for this projector.

The X5 comes with a laundry list of convenience setup features, including.

Omnidirectional auto-correction is automatic geometric correction, sometimes called auto-screen fit. This feature allows the projector to detect and correct any distortion caused by an uneven surface or a non-perpendicular angle, ensuring a smooth, seamless viewing experience.

This feature is not exclusive to Formovie. Variations of it exist on many other brands of projectors. However, results vary from brand to brand. Formovie’s implementation of this technology is superb. It is fast and one of the most accurate implementations of the feature I have seen.

Laser Autofocus on the X5 uses a high-precision laser sensor to detect the distance between the projector and the screen and adjust the focus accordingly.

Formovie’s implementation of this technology is again excellent, with auto-focus happening fast with little to no searching visible, even when the X5 is knocked out of position.

Automatic Curtain Alignment, sometimes called Automatic Object Avoidance, is the most valuable feature of using the projector in different environments. ACA can detect any objects on the wall, like curtains or blinds, and automatically adjust the image to compensate for any obstruction, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. Object avoidance technology ensures the setup process is quick and hassle-free.

Ambient Light Adaptive is sometimes called Auto-Brightness or Ambient Light Compensation. For this feature, the projector uses advanced sensors to detect the level of ambient light and adjust color settings accordingly.

REMOTE

Formovie-X5_Remote - Projector Reviews Images

The remote control included with the Formovie X5 is a Bluetooth remote. Like many modern projectors, the remote shares a similar design to a typical Android media box remote control with basic buttons for power, voice, the D-pad navigation wheel home, back volume, and a shortcut for accessing adjustments for the projector audio and video settings.

Because the included Amazon Firestick 4K Max will be used for the majority of content and some hardware features, I would like to have the Firestick remote control the projector's basic functions. Still, as of this review, I have yet to be able to make the Firesticks CEC settings recognize and control the X5. Because of this, I’m stuck using two remotes if I want access to the projectors and Firesticks features.

There is no on-screen or remote shortcut for inputs, so the only way to switch to the HDMI input that the Firestick is plugged into is to navigate multiple layers into the projector's menu. Also, the remote is not backlit.

MENUS

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  • Formovie-X5_Menus - Projector Reviews Images

It looks like the Formovie X5 was initially designed for the Chinese market because all of the menu streaming content is unusable outside of China.The basic menu controls for the HDMI inputs came in English out of the box and are activated by pressing the three stacked hash lines on the remote. From these menus, users can adjust video, audio, and advanced settings on the projector.

The projector is bundled with a FireTV so most of the time you will be using that interface to access smart features and streaming services. However, pressing the HOME button on the projector's remote control takes the user back to the Chinese interface which is rather annoying.

PERFORMANCE

COLOR REPRODUCTION

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  • Formovie-X5_Color - Projector Reviews Images
  • Formovie-X5_Color - Projector Reviews Images
  • Formovie-X5_Color - Projector Reviews Images

I would rate the Formovie X5 color performance as average. Formovie includes seven preset picture modes on this projector: STANDARD, MOVIE, SPORTS, SHOWY, DISPLAY, GAME, and CUSTOM.  The Brightness mode is set to Day; all the picture modes delivered similar light output. Selecting the MOVIE picture mode with the Brightness mode set to Night delivers the most accurate color reproduction, but brightness is reduced by about 25%. 

Most of the preset modes modes offer limited adjustability. If you want to make picture adjustments, use the CUSTOM mode to tweak and save your changes. 

Since your room and screen material significantly impact the overall picture, we don't recommend using someone else's calibration adjustments. If your room is brighter/darker or your walls are a different color, your settings would probably be different. Also, the color characteristics of different individual projectors can vary. Therefore, copying someone else's results can be detrimental to the picture quality rather than improving it. However, I am including my specific room before and after calibration results.

If you want to make BRIGHTNESS, CONTRAST, and SHARPNESS adjustments to optimize your projector for your room, several free test patterns are available on Murideo’s  website and YouTube channel. Check out our YouTube video on utilizing several test patterns called Optimize The Image of a Projector or TV Using Free Murideo Test Patterns. Murideo also has written instructions located under the resource section of its website. We use Portrait Displays Calman color calibration software to test the projector's color accuracy.

Pre-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

Formovie-X5-Calibration-Pre-Results - Projector Reviews Images

When measured all the picture modes, including CUSTOM, delivered a cool image, but this is common for a projector that utilizes a Blue Phoshor laser light source.

While MOVIE was the most accurate mode, we calibrated the CUSTOM mode because it is on only mode that offers picture adjustments.  Also to make color temperature adjustments, the Brightness mode must be set to View, Night, or Silent.

Out of the box, the CUSTOM mode measured 12540K, which is far off my color temperature target of 6500K. In this mode, the projector’s projector gamma was around 1.9, which is brighter than my gamma target of 2.2.

The projector also did better than average job tracking colors in SDR, but brighter shades of blue were over-saturated. The X5 does not offer CMS adjustments so color tracking errors could not be corrected.

  • Picture Mode: CUSTOM
  • Gamma: 1.9
  • Color Temperature: 12540K
  • Average Grayscale dE: 14
  • Average Color Tracking dE: 3.8

Post-Calibration Color Tracking and Grayscale

Formovie-X5-Calibration-Post-Results - Projector Reviews Images

Picture adjustments such as Contrast, Saturation, Sharpness, Brightness, and Color Temperature are only available under the CUSTOM picture mode. 

We switched the Color Temperature setting to Custom. I increased the RED GAIN while reducing the BLUE GAIN to finetune the RGB balance to improve the projector's RGB balance (grayscale). Once the RGB Balance was adjusted the color temperature was much closer to my target of 6500K.

Note that the Color Temperature settings only work when the projector's Brightness is set to View, Night, or Silent but not in Day, which is the projector's brightest mode. 

The Formovie X5 does not have a Gamma adjustment. I could only reduce the BRIGHTNESS setting to get closer to my Gamma target 2.2. 

  • Picture Mode: CUSTOM
  • Gamma: 2.0
  • Color Temperature: 6805K
  • Average Grayscale dE: 1.7
  • Average Color Tracking dE: 3.8

Delta E measurement of 3 or less is considered ‘Excellent’ and imperceptible by the human eye.  Once calibrated, the Formovie X5 had a grayscale average dE of 1.7, which is good, but you must sacrifice a large amount of the projector's light output to achieve that measurement.  The average post-calibration Color Tracking dE was 3.8. Since the Formovie X5 does not have CMS adjustments, the projector's color tracking could not be fine-tuned any further. 

The color reproduction of the Formove X5 is not bad, but there are several projectors in its price range that offer better color accuracy before and after calibration. Most Formovie X5 owners are not going to spend the time and money to have their professionally calibrated and they would be more than satisfied with its out-of-the-box picture quality.  

BRIGHTNESS

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  • Formovie-X5_Brightness - Projector Reviews Images
  • Formovie-X5_Brightness - Projector Reviews Images
  • Formovie-X5_Brightness - Projector Reviews Images

Formovie lists the manufacturers rated brightness as 2,450 CVIA lumens. At projector reviews, we only measure using the industry standard of ANSI lumens so that you can compare apples to apples. To calculate the projector's brightness, I set its light source to Day mode which is its highest setting, then took 3-4 readings about 15-20% out from the center of the lens.

At wide zoom for maximum brightness and in SPORTS mode, the Formovie X5 measured 2613 ANSI lumens compared to Formovie’s 2450 CVIA lumens.

I measured all seven picture modes at wide zoom; my measurements are below.

Formovie X5 Brightness

ImageBrightness Measured (ANSI Lumens)
SPORTS2613
STANDARD2604
MOVIE2607
SHOWY2609
DISPLAY2566
GAME2600
CUSTOM2602

While setting the brightness to Day delivers the highest brightness, its color temperature is overall cool. If you want to adjust the color temperature, you will need to switch the Brightness to either View, Night, or silent. The Night setting delivers the best color reproduction, but the projector's light output is reduced by about 25%.

BLACK LEVEL AND SHADOW DETAIL

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  • Formovie-X5_Blacks - Projector Reviews Images

The black levels and shadow detail on the Formovie X5 were competitive with similarly specced ALPD 3.0 projectors in this model's brightness range. Blacks are more gray, with a good amount of shadow detail being visible. This Formovie projector will not provide deep, inky black levels and shadow details like you can find on DLP projectors using a larger 0.65 Digital Micromirror Device (DMD) (like the Formovie Theater).

Most of the target customers for the Fromovie X5 will be more concerned with brightness than black levels. Since the projector will probably be utilized in a room with ambient light, deeper black levels would probably not be noticeable. 

To get the most from this projector, ensure the HDMI RANGE mode is set to at least 2.0, one of three settings (1.4, 2.0, and 2.1) that Formovie provides.

HIGH DYNAMIC RANGE

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  • Formovie-X5_HDR - Projector Reviews Images
The Formove X5 supports both HDR10 and HLG.

The Formovie X5 supports HDR (High Dynamic Range), designed to enhance the contrast ratio and color capabilities compared to SDR (Standard Dynamic Range) content. HDR is designed to improve visible detail in both bright and dark areas of the image compared to SDR, which tends to focus on enhancing elements in the bright or dark areas of the displayed image, not both.

Much of this depends on the quality of the HDR encoding, but how the projector processes the signal can make a huge difference without flattening the overall image contrast.

HDR content is where the Formovie X5 is at its best. As you can see in the slideshow above, HDR improves overall detail in dark areas. However bright highlight details in HDR content mastered at 4000 nits or above are often clipped.

GAMING

Formovie-X5_gaming - Projector Reviews Images

If low input lag is what you are after, the X5 is not the worst “gaming” projector I have reviewed. Gaming on X5 is more of a big-screen gaming experience than a competitive FPS experience.

Formovie rates the 4K 60 Hz gaming lag at roughly 42 ms. 42 ms will not keep you from getting fragged by an enemy when playing a 4K FPS game.
As I’ve said in many a review, I am not a heavy gamer, so for me, 42 ms provided a very good gaming experience with the games I play and my skills, such as they are. “He Died Fast and Messy.” should be written on my gaming tombstone. Considering that, I liked gaming on this projector because I like watching movies on this projector.

The out-of-the-box color is good. I can see enough detail in darker areas to see my enemies, and the projector's MEMC judder correction makes for an incredibly smooth, immersive in-world experience. Would I take this projector to a LAN party? No. While the Formovie X5 may not be a gaming projector, it is a projector that is capable of gaming.

SOUND QUALITY

Formovie-X5_Denon - Projector Reviews Images
12W speakers and a full-range audio 6W speaker by Denon.

In recent years, big on-board sound systems have been, for the most part, something found in ultra-short throw projectors designed to take the place of the flat panel television in a living room.

The growing sub-category of cube-shaped projectors has been embracing putting more powerful audio systems on board. I like it because there are so many times that I don’t want sound coming through my home entertainment system or sound bar. For those times, I like the projector sound system to be good enough to offer a good enough audio experience to add to my TV, movie, or gaming experience. Specifically, I want enough mid-bass to provide a little boom to go with explosions and project audio across a larger sound stage with good stereo imaging. So many projectors, even some ultra-short throw models, offer some bass but no immersive aspects.

Fortunately, Formovie provides a good range and sound stage in the X5. The company has partnered with Denon, a Masamo Audio company, so that they can integrate the company's excellent speakers as part of the X5’s sound system. Formovie has collaborated with a Masamo Audio subsidiary, Bowers & Wilkins, on the Formovie Theater ultra-short throw laser TV projector.

Formovie provides users with an innovative triple chamber system design resulting in an array of two large 12W speakers and a full-range audio 6W speaker by Denon. The 6W speaker is housed in a 540cc acoustic chamber for improved resonance. When the speakers and amps are combined with the DTS-HD Master Audio and FAA Sound Engine, the X5 is capable of crisp audio, decent mid-bass, and immersive onboard sound. The X5 even supports Dolby Atmos.

CINEMA, GAME, MUSIC, SOFT, SPORTS, and CUSTOM sound profiles provide users with six EQ presets to match the type of content used and a CUSTOM mode allowing users to create their custom profile.

 

SUMMARY

Formovie-X5_PJBProdShot - Projector Reviews Images
The Formovie X5 is one of the most attractive projectors I've recently reviewed.

The out-of-the-box color on this projector is excellent, with the MOVIE mode looking like one of the most accurate factory-tuned modes I have seen in a long time. The difference between all the preset modes is not dramatic but instead subtle. Depending on the content, I also liked the projector's DISPLAY or GAMING modes. It is much harder for me to pick my preferred picture preset mode on the X5 because they are tuned so well.

Measured color accuracy was (fill in from color measurements).

The Formovie X5 is designed by Denmark’s Kvadrat. The X5 design is an excellent blend of materials, colors, and finishes, making me want to display it in my room rather than needing it to blend into the background. The X5 is a beautifully designed projector.

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  • Formovie-X5_HDR - Projector Reviews Images
  • Formovie-X5_brightness - Projector Reviews Images
  • Formovie-X5_Color - Projector Reviews Images

Brightness performance was very good and even held up to uncontrolled ambient light from both lights and windows in the room.

Black-level performance was not my favorite on the X5, but it is competitive with other projectors in the X5’s class, where blacks are more charcoal gray. On the plus side, a decent amount of shadow details were visible.

HDR content looked best on this projector, offering the best black-level performance and visible dark details. White highlights and details can be blown out at times.

The onboard Denon audio system sounded great. It was loud, and more importantly, the sound from movies and games was very immersive.

The X5 does not offer support for 3D. Even though there is almost no new 3D content, there is legacy content, like movies and games, and it all looks good on a big screen. I would have liked to see this feature supported on the X5.

The biggest weakness of this projector is the Feng OS operating system, where the majority of content is in Chinese. It would be great if Formove offered an update for a more English-centric version of the OS, but I don’t expect it to happen.

Including the Amazon Fire Stick 4K Max is a nice gesture but does not completely free users from using two separate and distinct menu ecosystems.

THE COMPETITION

BenQ GP500 $1,699 MSRP

Benq Gp500 Projector Chassis - Projector Reviews - Image

The GP500 produces an excellent picture in a completely dark room or with a small amount of uncontrolled ambient light. It is similar to the X5 in that it does well with ambient light sources in the room. However, the X5 holds up to a higher level of uncontrolled ambient light than the GP500. This difference may be because BenQ uses an LED light source, and Formovie uses an ALPD laser light source.

One of the big advantages that the BenQ GP500 offers over the Formovie X5 is that it is a short-throw projector, so if you're in a situation where you have limited space between your seating and the screen, this projector can still offer the ability to project an incredibly large image in a small space.

The GP500 comes factory-calibrated. BenQ engineers are top-tier in color science, which shows in the GP500's color performance. Unlike many DLP projectors, this projector's colors are rich without being overly saturated. BenQ is likely the better choice for users wanting maximum out-of-the-box color accuracy and a robust color management system. Formovie can’t compete with BenQ in this regard.

The GP500’s 4LED light engine covers 90% of the DCI-P3 color gamut and 97% of the Rec.709 color gamut. The BenQ GP500 is not your typical projector design. BenQ has managed to shrink the size of the projector and change its shape away from the usual rectangular slab we so often see. The GP500's built-in 5-watt Bongiovi DPS 3D surround sound is excellent.

Finally, the BenQ fully supports the Android ecosystem with full access to the Google Play store and the thousands of apps, games, and streaming content I want on a home entertainment projector. The Amazon Firestick 4K Max is a good effort to overcome the limitations of the X5’s FENG OS. Still, if I had to pick between streaming environments, I would have to give the edge to Google vs. Amazon. Yes, Amazon is built on Android, but it is not Google.

XGIMI Horizon Ultra - $1,599 MSRP

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The XGIMI Horizon Ultra is in our hands and being put through its paces, and while the full review is not ready yet, I feel confident listing it as a worthy competitor to the Formovie X5 in both features and price.

The Horizon Ultra is a brighter projector than the X5, with an adjustable iris and motorized optical zoom. XGIMI is no stranger to making unique, high-quality projectors that offer excellent lumen performance, and the Horizon Ultra is no exception.

The Horizon Ultra uses a dual LED/Laser light source, providing accurate color reproduction and excellent grayscale.

Like the Formovie X5, the XGIMI Horizon Ultra supports HDR10 and HLG. However, XGIMI is the only standard throw projector that supports displaying Dolby Vision encoded content, which is a huge advantage in XGIMI’s favor.

The XGIMI Horizon Ultra offers a 12-watt Harmon Kardon sound system comparable to the Formives 12-watt Denon sound system.

Both projectors offer a stunning design that uses various materials and finishes, producing projectors that provide a premium look. These two projectors offer two completely different colors, with the XGIMI offering a champagne-style color pallet compared to Formovie's darker blacks and grays. They both look amazing so you must decide which color you prefer.

XGIMI uses a fully integrated Android TV OS, preferable to the FengOS used in the Formovie X5. XGIMI Horizon Ultra also fully supports 3D, whereas XGIMI does not.

Competitive Projector Comparison
Formovie X5XGIMI Horizon UltraBenQ GP500
$1,599.99 MSRP$1,699.99 MSRP$1,699.00 MSRP
4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)4K UHD (3,840 x 2,160)
2450 CVIA Lumens (3000 Peak Lumens)2300 ISO Lumens1500 ANSI Lumens
ALPD 3.0 laserDual Light LED and Laser Technology4-LED
Short ThrowLong ThrowShort Throw
Over 20,000-Hours25,000-Hours30,000-Hours
Denon 3-channel 12w x2, 6w full range2x 12W Harman Kardon Speakers5-watt Bongiovi DPS 3D surround
8.8 lbs11.4 lbs 11.9 lbs
Three (3) Year WarrantyThree (3) Year WarrantyTwo (2) Year Warranty

The Formovie X5 joins a growing list of Home Entertainment projectors that deliver a large immersive image and excellent sound from a compact and stylish package. With a retail price of just $1699, it will be a long time before you can buy a flat panel that can match the projector's cost per inch. The Formovis X5 is designed to appeal to nontraditional projector customers as a viable option for a large flat-panel TV. 

PROS AND CONS

PROS

  • Beautifully designed by Denmark’s Kvadrat
  • ALPD 3.0 laser light source
  • No observable laser speckle
  • 2613 ANSI lumens of measured brightness
  • Autofocus is very accurate, even at the far edges of the screen
  • Offers auto geometry features to make setup fast and easy for users who don’t want to do it manually
  • Three-way Denon on-board sound is excellent with decent mid-bass and good sound stage
  • Dedicated gaming mode with 42 ms input lag at 4k 60 Hz
  • Includes Amazon Firestick 4K Max with Netflix and other premium streaming services fully supported
  • Four adjustable feet to help square the picture to the screen, avoiding the use of digital geometry correction that reduces picture quality
    1-year warranty

CONS

  • Black levels are just average.
  • While highlights are often blown out
  • No CMS for advanced color calibration
  • No 3D support
  • Feng OS can be confusing, especially if a customer accidentally presses the home button. It’s all Chinese.
  • Inputs can only be changed via the projector menu.
  • The remote is not backlit

FORMOVIE X5 - SPECIFICATIONS

Formovie-X5_MfrProdshot - Projector Reviews Images
Full Specifications
Projector ModelX5
Price$1,799.00 MSRP
Imager TypeDLP (0.47” DMD)
Displayed Resolution3840 x 2160 pixels
Native Resolution1920 x 1080 x 4 pixels
Brightness (Manufacturer Claim)2450 CVIA lumens
Light Source TypeALPD 3.0 Laser Light Source
Light Source LifeOver 20,000 hours 
Contrast Ratio1,500:1 (Dynamic)
Zoom Lens RatioFixed
Power Zoom/FocusYes - Focus
Lens ShiftNo
Interchangeable LensNo
Ultra-Short ThrowNo - Short Throw
Native Aspect Ratio16:9 (Widescreen)
HDTV/4K Yes
DVI or HDMIYes
3DNo
Blu-Ray 3DNo
SpeakersDenon 12W x2 + 6W Full Range
Noise Level (-db)34 dB
Low Lag GamingYes - 4K 42 ms
Smart FunctionalityYes - Via included Amazon Firestick 4K Max
BusinessNo
ClassroomNo
PortableYes
Special Features4 Auto setup and configuration modes
NetworkingWireless
Dimensions (WxDxH) 8.54” x 8.27” x 6.57"
Weight8.8 lbs.
Warranty3 Year
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