Our favorite budget projector maker has a smart new portable model that folds away into a simple 'ornament' when not in use

• A Clever design makes Xgimi's new projector disappear
• 1080p image with 510 ISO Lumens
• Around $248 / £185 / AU$350 based on its price in China

Xgimi has launched a new budget projector, the Z6X, with a clever bit of design: its integrated gimbal stand enables you to hide the projector bit by turning it upwards so it blends in with the rectangular frame.

The design is practical as well as effective: it covers the front and back of the projector for traveling, and means that when you're not using it, it just looks like an object on your shelf.

Although Xgimi describes this as a portable projector, it doesn't have a built-in battery (like the impressive Xgimi MoGo 4) , but provided you're going somewhere with a power outlet, it looks like a bag-friendly and lightweight option.

It's roughly the size of an iPad at around nine inches wide, eight inches tall and two and a half inches deep. It weighs 1.1kg (2.4lbs).

Xgimi Z6X 5th Generation projector: key features

The Xgimi Z6X is a DLP model capable of a claimed 510 ISO Lumens of brightness and a resolution of 1920 x 1080 pixels. It has a throw ratio of 1.2: 1 and 124% coverage of the Rec.709 color space.

The integrated gimbal stand makes it easy to adjust the projector's tilt, and it has a range of 150 degrees so you can move between wall and ceiling projection.

Most of the specifications are only currently listed in Chinese, so I'm grateful to Notebookcheck.net for translating: it has HDMI 2.1 with eARC, USB and twin 3W speakers with Dolby Audio support.

The operating system is Xgimi's own GMUI 6.0 (likely to switch to Google TV if it launches in the UK and US, based on our experience with Xgimi's products) with both Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connections. It also integrates with Xiaomi's smart home system. Automation includes automatic focus and keystone correction.

We don't yet know if the Z6X is launching outside China, but it's likely: the very similar but slightly less bright 400 Lumen Xgimi Elfin Flip is available through the likes of Amazon and directly from Xgimi – although it looks like US and Australian customers will pay a premium if the Z6X does indeed come to those countries: while the Elfin Flip retails for around £289 (AU$545) and sometimes even less in the UK, Xgimi Australia sells it for AU$999 and Xgimi US charges $999.

The Xgimi Z6X is currently listed on Xgimi's Chinese website for 元1,705. That's roughly $248 / £185 / AU$350 before taxes or tariffs at today's exchange rates.

The best projectors for all budgets

➡️ Read our full guide to the best projectors
1. Best for home theater fans
Epson Pro Cinema LS12000
2. Best budget 4K projector
BenQ GP520
3. Best ultra short throw projectors
Hisense PX3-Pro
4. Best portable projector
Samsung The Freestyle 2nd Gen

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