17-07-2025
Xgimi MoGo 4 review: The most stylish portable projector you can carry
With full HD visuals, Google TV, and a bold, compact design, the Xgimi MoGo 4 proves that a portable projector can be more than just functional; it can be downright fun.
Design and build
The MoGo 4 resembles a Bluetooth speaker or a stylish travel mug, ready to sit on your desk. It's that compact. But don't let the sleek exterior fool you, because inside this 2025 iF DESIGN Award winner is a serious entertainment device.
Roughly the size of a large travel cup, the cylindrical MoGo 4 sports a stylish silver matte finish, smooth rounded edges, and a subtle LED light ring at the base. It's compact enough to slip into a backpack and comes with a detachable lanyard featuring a basic remote control on the end. This is a brilliant idea that lets you leave the standard remote at home while still retaining full control of the projector. Another thoughtful design touch is the use of bold orange accents, which add a playful and distinctive flair to the overall look.
The build quality is solid, with a weighty feel that suggests exceptional durability. The integrated pull-up stand allows for 360° rotation, so whether you're projecting onto a ceiling or a side wall, you won't need a tripod. That said, there's also a tripod screw mount on the base, allowing you to use a standard tripod.
You can also purchase the MoGo 4 with an optional power stand that includes a built-in 20,000mAh battery. The projector snaps securely into the stand and releases with a simple press of a button. The stand complements the MoGo 4's design language perfectly, adding extra setup flexibility, extended playtime, and overall convenience.
Setup
Setting up the MoGo 4 was surprisingly intuitive and straightforward. Pull the stand up, aim it at a surface, and the auto-keystone correction and autofocus instantly snap everything into place. I was able to project a sharp, perfectly aligned image on my wall in under 30 seconds, with little to no manual adjustment required. The auto keystone correction worked flawlessly, although I occasionally needed to make minor adjustments to the focus to achieve optimal sharpness, but only by a slight amount.
Even better, the instant setup tech handled tricky surfaces and uneven angles without any fuss. The built-in battery means no scrambling for a socket during setup either, making it ideal for outdoor movie nights or impromptu presentations.
Smart features
The MoGo 4 comes with Google TV built-in, and the interface is polished and intuitive, offering full access to the Play Store and built-in licensed services, including Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and more. No sideloading, no weird workarounds, just log in and start watching.
Amazingly, the MoGo 4 comes with two remote controls. The main remote includes a feature you don't always find, even in more expensive projectors: backlit keys for the most essential functions, making it much easier to use in the dark. You get four shortcut keys for YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video and a fourth shortcut to jump straight to any app downloaded from the Google Play Store. There's even a built-in microphone and Google Assistant button for voice commands.
The mini remote typically attaches to the projector itself but can be detached from its lanyard to handle basic functions. Sure, you could just use your phone as a remote, but this cutesy alternative is far simpler, and means you can leave the main remote at home when you take the Mogo 4 on the move.
Connectivity is excellent, featuring WiFi, Bluetooth 5.1, HDMI ARC, and USB. Whether casting from your phone or plugging in a console, the MoGo 4 handles it with ease.
Picture quality
The MoGo 4 delivers Full HD 1080p resolution with 450 ISO lumens, making it bright enough for indoor use, especially at night or with curtains drawn. During my testing, I streamed Netflix and YouTube content via Google TV, and the image held up well even on textured white walls.
Colours were vibrant, motion handling was smooth, and the image remained sharp up to around 100 inches before losing fidelity. For something this small and stylish, the picture performance was better than expected. That said, this projector isn't bright enough during the day, and the darker the room, the better the image quality will be. Although I haven't tested it myself, based on the spec sheet, the laser version of the MoGo 4 should deliver slightly better image quality, thanks to the improved brightness and contrast typically offered by laser projection.
Audio
Xgimi partnered with Harman/Kardon for the dual 6W speakers. Audio reproduces clear dialogue, with decent loudness, and surprisingly rich given the projector's size. For small to medium spaces, it easily replaces a portable speaker, but don't expect too much in the way of bass. However, its unique point of difference is the ambient speaker mode. Simply switch the MoGo 4 into Bluetooth speaker mode, and the base pulses to the beat of your music. It might be a bit of a party trick, but it's still pretty cool and adds a fun touch to the overall experience.
Creative filters and gesture controls
The MoGo 4 features magnetic filters like Sunset, Ripple, and Lunar. The Sunset filter is included in the box, while the other three filters need to be purchased separately. Snap them over the lens, and the image casts ambient hues to match your mood, making it great for parties, chill nights, or as an ambient background visual.
While you can switch filter effects using the remote, simply waving your hand in front of the lens also changes them. The gesture control worked reliably during my testing and adds a fun, interactive element, especially for kids.
Battery life
The MoGo 4 lived up to its rated 2.5 hours of video playback on eco mode, which is enough for most films. Using the PowerBase Stand (sold separately), it can stretch to around five hours. As a Bluetooth speaker, the MoGo 4 provides up to 6 hours of playback time.
For its size and features, these numbers are more than respectable. Charging is via USB-C, which is another practical plus.
Verdict
The XGIMI MoGo 4 combines everything you could want in a portable projector, including a stylish design, impressive visuals, decent audio, and ease of use. It delivers serious portable entertainment with fun extras to match.
€495 Xgimi MoGo 4 or €565 when bundled with PowerBase stand
