The new Z9X mini 4K projector from Xgimi features a gimbal style hinge and Harman Kardon audio

Xgimi has announced its new Z9X 4K projector, which is now open for pre-orders in China on JD.com for 4,124 yuan, approximately $580. The official sale date is set for October 15, and the company is expected to debut a global version of the device under its Elfin Flip series. This new model presents a compelling package of high-end features within a highly portable and flexible form factor.

The projector comes in a Mocha Brown finish and emphasizes portability with its 1.5 kg weight and a thickness of just 7.8 cm. A key feature of its design is a built-in gimbal-style hinge, which provides 150 degrees of tilt adjustment. This feature allows for easy projection onto various surfaces, including walls and ceilings, without requiring additional mounting equipment.

At the heart of its visual system is a 0.39-inch DMD chip that delivers a native 4K resolution. The Z9X is rated for 1300 CVIA lumens of brightness, powered by a new Qualas 32 laser light engine. Xgimi claims this new engine results in an 18% improvement in light efficiency and helps achieve a 20,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio. The optical zoom lens has a 0.98-1.3:1 throw ratio, which can create a sharp 100-inch image from a distance of 2.17 meters. The lens module itself is a 10-layer optical stack with an LSR coating designed to reduce visual artifacts like speckle and chromatic aberrations.

Support for multiple high-dynamic-range formats is included, such as HDR10, HLG, and HDR Vivid. The image quality is further refined by Xgimi’s AI-based processing, which includes AI-HDR, AI-PQ, and AI-SR upscaling technologies. The projector's color reproduction capabilities are extensive, covering four color gamuts: 110% BT.2020, DCI-P3, Rec.709, and Adobe RGB. With a color accuracy rated at ΔE < 1, the projector promises precise visuals. Xgimi has also integrated a human-eye bionic color algorithm and collaborated with professional cinematographers to develop finely tuned color modes for specific content like films and documentaries.

Internally, the projector is equipped with the MT9681 flagship chipset, the same processor used in the company’s high-end models. This is complemented by a G57-MC1 GPU clocked at 816MHz, 3GB of RAM, and 64GB of storage. This hardware configuration should provide a good gaming experience with support for 240fps gameplay at 1080p resolution, along with Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) and Auto Low-Latency Mode (ALLM).

For audio, the Z9X includes a pair of 7W speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, with support for both Dolby Audio and DTS:X immersive sound formats. The device operates on Xgimi’s AI operating system, which works with Xiao Ai voice control and integrates into the Mi Home smart ecosystem. It also comes with a suite of intelligent functions for ease of use, including automatic focus, keystone correction, screen alignment, obstacle avoidance, and color wall detection.

Connectivity options are comprehensive, featuring two HDMI ports, one with eARC support, as well as USB 3.0 and 2.0 ports and a DC input. For wireless connections, it is equipped with Wi-Fi 6 and Bluetooth 5.4. The projector maintains a quiet profile, operating at under 28 dB, and has a power consumption of around 100W.