JMGO O2S Ultra review: this 4K projector blew me away!

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What we liked

  • The ultra-detailed, precise images
  • The deep, nuanced blacks
  • The accurate, natural colors
  • The smooth, fluid picture
  • The automatic settings
  • The full, powerful sound, with real bass
  • The responsive interface

We would have liked

  • Better light uniformity across the entire image
  • More precise automatic image adjustment
  • A less shiny front panel, less sensitive to fingerprints

Our expert’s opinion

I was truly surprised by the JMGO O2S Ultra's performance. For a brand that is still discreet in Europe, JMGO has demonstrated real expertise here. From the very first images it projected, I was struck by their sharpness and precision: the triple MALC 3.0 laser technology delivers sustained brightness levels without ever compromising color accuracy. Skin tones remain natural, contrast is solid and 4K reproduction is extremely refined.
I was also very impressed by the black levels. To date, they're the deepest I've seen on a DLP 4K projector. Dark scenes have more relief and density, without flattening details, which reinforces the perception of contrast and depth. This also allows the colors to be displayed with greater intensity and realism. On demanding content such as the 4K Blu-rays of 1917, Alita Battle Angel and Top Gun: Maverick, this incredible black control adds a truly cinematographic dimension.
What also won me over was its overall balance. Where the Formovie Theater Premium favors the softness of cinematic pictures and the Hisense PX3-Pro focuses on showy brightness, the JMGO manages to find a happy medium: realism, smoothness and luminosity are combined in a picture that is always pleasing, even in ambient light.
Installation is particularly simple. The automatic settings (focus, framing, keystone correction) work with remarkable efficiency, enabling you to go from unboxing the projector to projection in a matter of minutes. This models is one of the easiest models to install that I've recently tested.
Last but not least, the Dynaudio sound impresses with its fullness and balance. Voices are clear, the sound effects are well distributed and the bass is surprisingly powerful for a projector of this size. For everyday use, it can be used on its own, without an external audio system.
The JMGO O2S Ultra is not only a wonderful surprise, but also a real challenger in the ultra short-throw projector category. Its controlled brightness, extreme precision, unprecedented blacks for DLP and ease of use make it a particularly coherent choice for those who want an immersive cinema experience without the complexity of a traditional home theater setup.

JMGO O2S Ultra

The JMGO O2S Ultra aims to shake up the ultra-short-throw projector category with its bright, high-contrast 4K picture, accurate color reproduction and automated set-up. This triple-laser model combines numerous assets in a surprisingly discreet format. As the flagship of a brand that is still relatively unknown in France and Europe, is this projector a serious alternative to the Formovie Theater Premium and Hisense PX3-Pro, the benchmarks of the segment?


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🗒️Note from the expert: Who is JMGO?
Founded in 2011 in Shenzhen, JMGO has established itself as one of the most dynamic Chinese players in the connected home theater market. The brand creates laser projectors combining sleek designs, optical innovations and ease of use. Its proprietary MALC (Microstructure Adaptive Laser Color) technology is based on a triple RGB laser architecture, designed to deliver a brighter, more precise and more accurate picture. Already well established in Asia, JMGO is now expanding internationally with models like the JMGO O2S Ultra, which perfectly illustrate its desire to make high-end laser projection more accessible and "plug & play", without compromising on image quality or user experience.

Presentation

JMGO O2S Ultra
The JMGO O2S Ultra immediately surprises with its compact size: this ultra-short-throw projector is just 31.2cm wide, 14cm high, and 29cm deep!

The JMGO O2S Ultra is an ultra short throw projector designed to deliver a high-end cinema experience in a compact format. It adopts DLP (micromirror) technology combined with a triple RGB laser light source in a proprietary optical system called MALC 3.0. Capable of projecting a 4K UHD picture with a diagonal ranging from 80 to 150 inches (203 to 381cm), placed just 9 to 37cm from the screen, it easily adapts to any space, even the smallest. For example, it only needs to be placed 16.8cm from the screen to project a 2.5m (100″) image! Automatic functions (focus, framing, keystone correction, screen detection) make installation quick and easy. This projector can even adjust the picture to maintain natural colors if you’re projecting without a screen, on a colored wall.

JMGO O2S Ultra
To focus and frame the image all by itself, the JMGO O2S Ultra is equipped with a ToF sensor and two cameras that analyze the distance between the projector and the wall, the shape of the image and the presence or absence of a screen.

The heart of the JMGO O2S Ultra is its triple-laser light source, which eliminates the color wheel in favor of direct luminous flux. This process ensures 110% BT.2020 color coverage, one of the widest color spaces used in Ultra HD video. This results in vivid colors that are both natural and accurate. Its high ISO brightness of 3,600 lumens should ensure a clear image, even in a room with some ambient lighting. Its native contrast is announced at 4,000:1, promising deep blacks and light dynamics worthy of a movie theater.

JMGO O2S Ultra
The MALC optical system of the JMGO O2S Ultra combines a triple RGB laser, a 0.47″ DLP chip with 4K XPR emulation and coated lenses for optimum light transmission.

The 4K resolution of this projector is certified by the CTA (Consumer Technology Association), an American organization that sets industry standards for consumer electronics. It is obtained by interpolation from a 0.47-inch Full HD DMD chip, combined with XPR (eXpanded Pixel Resolution) processing to display the full 8,294,400 pixels of native 4K UHD images. Dolby Vision and HDR10 technologies enhance color contrast and richness, while the projector’s out-of-the-box color accuracy (ΔE < 1) should guarantee impeccable fidelity to the source video file.

For fluidity, MEMC (Motion Estimation, Motion Compensation) technology inserts intermediate frames to limit motion blur. As a result, fast-moving scenes such as football matches or action films retain optimum sharpness.

JMGO O2S Ultra
JMGO called on renowned Danish manufacturer Dynaudio to design the audio section of the O2S Ultra, which promises dynamic, powerful sound.

The audio section was developed in partnership with Danish speaker and driver manufacturer Dynaudio. The two 10-watt drivers cover a wide bandwidth down to 40Hz, promising a strong bass response. They support Dolby Audio, Dolby Atmos and DTS:X formats. The manufacturer promises a full, immersive sound reproduction without the need for an external system. However, the HDMI eARC and optical audio outputs allow additional audio equipment to be connected if required.

JMGO O2S Ultra
With Google TV built-in, the JMGO O2S Ultra ensures access to virtually every streaming service on the market, including 4K HDR with Dolby Atmos 3D sound. The remote control features buttons for direct access to Netflix, YouTube and Prime Video.

As for the operating system, the JMGO O2S Ultra runs on Google TV, providing access to thousands of apps, including Netflix, Apple TV+, Prime Video, Disney+ and YouTube TV. The MT9679 processor, coupled with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage, should ensure smooth browsing. Connectivity is comprehensive, with two HDMI 2.1 ports (including ARC/eARC), a USB 2.0 multimedia port, an optical audio output, an Ethernet LAN port, WiFi 6 and Bluetooth 5.2.

Key specifications

  • Triple MALC 3.0 laser: pure, bright colors without a color wheel
  • 4K (XPR emulation): ultra-detailed picture
  • 3,600 ISO lumens: projection possible in ambient light
  • 110% BT.2020: rich, natural colors
  • ΔE < 1: near-perfect color accuracy
  • Dolby Vision + HDR10: enhanced contrast and image dynamics
  • 0.16:1 ratio + auto adjustments: large, perfectly adjusted image at a short distance from the screen
  • Audio Dynaudio: immersive Dolby Atmos and DTS:X sound

Included accessories

  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra

The JMGO O2S Ultra’s box includes a polypropylene foam (PP-E) carrying case containing:

  • the JMGO O2S Ultra projector,
  • a power supply unit and detachable mains cable (c5 clover leaf connector),
  • a USB-C rechargeable remote control
  • a USB-C charging cable (15cm)
  • a microfiber cloth
  • a quick-start guide

The practical carrying case protects the projector if you want to take it with you on vacation for movie nights, or to a friend’s house for a sports or gaming session.

JMGO O2S Ultra test conditions

JMGO O2S Ultra
In the TV and ultra-short throw projector room at the Son-Vidéo store in Nantes, I was able to combine the JMGO O2S Ultra with the ALR Lumene Movie Palace UHD 4K Extra Bright UST screen to optimize contrast.

I tested this projector in the ultra-short throw TV and projection room of the Son-Vidéo store in Nantes, placing it at the foot of a 100″ ALR Lumene Movie Palace UHD 4K Extra Bright UST fixed screen. I connected the Sony UBP-X800M2 4K Blu-ray player to it with an Audioquest Forest 48 HDMI cable, to play a few 4K UHD Blu-rays. The projector was connected to the Internet via WiFi to enjoy streaming services via Google TV.

My impressions of the JMGO O2S Ultra

Design: discreet but well thought-out

The JMGO O2S Ultra is surprisingly compact, far smaller than most ultra short-throw projectors on the market. As a result, it is quite discreet on a piece of furniture, all the more so as its minimalist design and rounded edges are pleasing to the eye. Its attractive, curved chassis stands in stark contrast to competing models, which are usually rather angular.

  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra

To simplify installation, the height of the two feet can be adjusted, and the device has a ¼-inch mounting screw under the chassis for ceiling mounting.

  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra: close-up

It’s a pity that dust and fingerprints are so visible on the glossy front panel. Thankfully, a microfiber cloth is included with the projector. I would have preferred a front panel with a matte gray finish, like the rest of the chassis.

Installation: ready to project in minutes

The automatic picture adjustment is one of this projector’s greatest strengths. Simply place it at the foot of the screen, center it and launch the automatic screen adjustment function. The projector then displays two frames: a large, blue one, and a smaller, yellow one. Simply adjust the projector so that the yellow frame remains inside the screen and the blue is outside. The automatic adjustment process is then launched and, within seconds, the projector automatically reframes the image within the limits of the screen. If the adjustment is not perfect, it is then possible to fine-tune using the “adjust edges” function, which offers 14 points of adjustment.

  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
📝 Tips from the expert
Although this JMGO projector features high-performance automatic adjustment, careful placement helps improve final picture quality. Take the time to center the projector at the foot of the screen, with its rear panel parallel to the wall. Once you're in the automatic adjustment menu, position it so that the blue frame extends as little as possible beyond the edges of the screen before starting the process. Also make sure that the projector is level so that the vertical edges of the image are parallel. This will minimize the use of geometric correction, ensuring greater picture accuracy.

Connectivity: almost everything you need

Despite its compact size, the JMGO O2S Ultra boasts a full range of connectors, including two HDMI ports, one of which is 120Hz 4K compatible (120Hz 1080p display) and the other eARC-compatible, for easy transmission of 3D audio (Dolby Atmos and DTS:X) to a soundbar or AV receiver. Note that the optical audio output is limited to compressed 5.1 audio tracks (Dolby Digital and DTS).

JMGO O2S Ultra
All of the JMGO O2S’s connectors are located on the rear of the device, at the bottom, and include 2 HDMI ports, a USB port, a network port and an optical output.

The USB port accepts high-capacity hard drives, and the integrated media player plays the majority of video files, including 4K HDR with Dolby and even DTS audio tracks.

Last but not least, the Ethernet port ensures a fast, stable connection to the local network and the Internet, guaranteeing optimal streaming quality that’s more consistent than a WiFi connection.

However, the JMGO projector’s WiFi 6.0 connection proved very stable and fast during this test. I was able to enjoy Prime Video, Arte and YouTube without any judder or freezing, with good definition on the screen.
On the negative side, it’s a shame that there isn’t a USB 3.0 port, as it would have been ideal for very high bit-rate 4K HDR files, and a third HDMI port to add more sources more easily.

Remote control: simple, efficient and equipped with backlighting

JMGO O2S UltraJMGO O2S Ultra

The remote control included with the JMGO O2S Ultra resembles most Google TV models, with the on/off and Google Assistant buttons at the top, and the directional pad with a central confirmation key underneath. The Home, return, settings, contextual menu and volume control buttons are in the center, and shortcut keys to streaming services are located just below.

The icing on the cake is that all its keys are backlit, so you don’t end up pressing the wrong button in the dark, and it recharges via USB-C (cable supplied).

Smart TV features: seamlessly integrated Google TV

JMGO O2S Ultra
The integration of Google TV into the JMGO projector is a success, with perfectly smooth navigation and excellent responsiveness with the remote control buttons.

With Google TV built in and 4K HDR access to all streaming services, including Netflix, we’re on familiar ground. In use, the JMGO interface is very smooth and responsive, responding instantly to the remote control.

4K picture: impressive results

To assess the picture quality of the JMGO O2S Ultra, I used the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark test Blu-ray as well as the 4K Blu-rays of the films 1917, Alita Battle Angel and Top Gun: Maverick, ideal references for judging the precision, contrast and colorimetry of this projector. I also watched a few episodes of Fallout in 4K HDR on Prime Video.

From the very first seconds, the JMGO O2S Ultra surprised me with the sharpness and precision of the projected images. Resolution test patterns and test videos from the Spears & Munsil disc confirmed an excellent level of detail, with fine reproduction of textures and contours without artificial accentuation. On 1917, close-ups and landscapes filmed in natural light took full advantage of this definition: every skin tone, every costume detail, every light reflection was rendered with precision. On both Alita and Top Gun, close-ups offered a wealth of detail, notably regarding the texture of skin, clothing, helmets and flight suits. The same goes for Fallout, in which the rendering of the power-assisted armor, costumes and scenery was highly realistic, both outdoors and in the shelters built by Vault-Tec. Implemented in this way, DLP XPR 4K emulation technology can truly compete with native 4K projectors, as confirmed by this projector’s CTA (Consumer Technology Association) certification.

  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra

The second surprise was that blacks were deep and well defined, the best I’ve ever seen on a DLP projector! The picture benefited from excellent contrast and dynamics between highlights and dark areas, providing a great sense of depth. HDR content took full advantage of this, with numerous gradations in different parts of the picture.

  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra

However, in certain high-contrast scenes, I did notice a slight loss of detail in the darker areas of the image. But this isn’t a deal-breaker, as the overall contrast remained excellent, with a luminous dynamic range that brought out the highlights in HDR content. The brightness of 3,600 ISO lumens ensured a striking picture, even in a dimly lit room.

As for colors, this projector stands out for its accuracy and naturalness. The triple MALC 3.0 laser technology offered a broad palette without excessive saturation. In 1917, skin tones were realistic, the green and brown hues of the scenery were balanced, and the colorimetric precision (ΔE < 1) resulted in a highly coherent, natural image. The costumes of the spectators in the Motorball arena had a rich palette of hues and superb management of light and shadow. In Top Gun Maverick, the brightly colored helmets inside the cockpits stood out against the intense blue of the sky. In Fallout, the ruins of Los Angeles, from the irradiated desert to the remnants of the West Coast, offered an array of ultra-realistic hues, as did Lucy’s costume and Maximus’ armor.

  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra
  • JMGO O2S Ultra

In terms of fluidity, MEMC technology did its job well: the tracking and panning shots in 1917 were extremely smooth, while action scenes in Alita and aerial sequences in Top Gun are fluid, with no blurring or judder. On the specific test sequences of the Spears & Munsil disc, the projector provided perfectly clear moving images and text.

Among the points to improve upon, I noted a slightly perfectible luminous uniformity, with a very discreet vignetting that sometimes appeared in the corners of the image, on some light backgrounds. The rainbow effect, often present on DLP projectors, was very limited here: I only noticed it on a few high-contrast transitions.

My recommended picture settings

Backlighting (light output)10
Picture modeCinema or Cinema Settings Master
Brightness, contrast and saturation 50/100
Color0
Sharpness10
Motion compensationLow
Color temperatureStandard

If you wish, you can have the image of this projector precisely calibrated by a professional, or calibrate it yourself. The setup menu offers a white balance correction function as well as separate hue, saturation and brightness settings for the different color channels.

Gaming: smooth and immersive on PS5

The JMGO O2S Ultra is ideal for PlayStation 5 gaming. Thanks to its HDMI 2.1 connectivity and 120Hz 1080p compatibility, it offers a smooth, responsive picture, ideal for fast-paced titles like Gran Turismo 7. The manufacturer doesn’t provide a precise figure for the input lag, but the low-latency mode seemed to effectively reduce display lag, making the feeling of control precise and natural. In 60Hz 4K, the rendering remained superb, with vivid colors and well-managed contrast. However, the projector has its limitations when it comes to highly demanding competitive gaming, but for an immersive and smooth large-format gaming experience, it is an excellent companion for your console.

Sound: Dynaudio makes the difference

Given the size of the projector and the limited space available in the chassis for speakers, I wasn’t expecting miracles in terms of sound quality. Suffice to say, I was completely blown away from the very first seconds of viewing. The partnership with renowned hi-fi speaker brand Dynaudio is not just a marketing pitch. Clearly, the audio section has been carefully designed with impressive results. Not only is the sound rich and powerful, but the bass is strong down to 40Hz (manufacturer’s figures), giving voices substance and sound effects intensity.

JMGO O2S Ultra
Despite its side-mounted drivers, the JMGO projector’s audio section delivers very convincing sound, with strong bass that adds depth to the soundtracks.

JMGO O2S Ultra vs Formovie Theater Premium

Formovie Theater Premium

Compared to the Formovie Theater Premium, the JMGO O2S Ultra has a brighter, more vivid approach. Where the Formovie favors a soft, cinematographic image, the JMGO relies on high brightness (3,600 ISO lumens vs. 2,200 for the Formovie), an ultra-precise picture and more vibrant colors. The texture of the picture provided by the Formovie Theater Premium is more reminiscent of a home theater projector, while the JMGO model offers a brighter image that is better suited to mixed use (movies and TV in a living room).

Black depth and contrast are also in the JMGO’s favor, with a native contrast of 4,000:1 versus around 3,000:1 on the Formovie. With the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark test disc, the JMGO proves more incisive, while the Formovie retains a slight upper hand regarding smooth gradations and the reproduction of skin tones. Dolby Vision and HDR10 are supported by both devices, but the JMGO O2S Ultra benefits from a more precise calibration (ΔE<1) that ensures better color fidelity, without having to adjust the settings.

As for audio, the JMGO O2S Ultra’s Dynaudio system rivals the Formovie’s Bowers & Wilkins sound signature: the latter’s spatialization remains broader and more refined, but the JMGO projector delivers deeper bass with superior dynamics, giving more body to soundtracks. In terms of integration, both projectors take full advantage of Google TV, offering a smooth and comprehensive user experience.

This makes the Formovie Theater Premium the ideal choice for movie lovers seeking the smoothness and precision typical of cinema images, while the JMGO O2S Ultra will win you over with its brightness, liveliness and overall balance, more versatile for everyday use.

JMGO O2S Ultra vs Hisense PX3-PRO

Hisense PX3-Pro

Compared to the Hisense PX3-Pro, the JMGO O2S Ultra boasts a more natural and less demonstrative picture. The Hisense projector’s brightness is slightly lower (3,000 lumens), but it offers more comprehensive HDR processing, with HDR10+ and Dolby Vision compatibility, as well as an IMAX Enhanced certification. It delivers a more “TV-like” picture: bright, highly dynamic and sometimes a little too saturated. The JMGO model offers a more accurate color balance, with more credible skin tones and more nuanced contrast.

The JMGO’s projection ratio of 0.16:1 offers a clear advantage for small spaces, where the Hisense needs to be placed further frrom the screen (12 to 46cm). On the HDR sequences of both the Spears & Munsil disc and the movie 1917, the Hisense PX3-PRO emphasizes light intensity and brightness, while the JMGO projector retains more subtlety in tonal transitions and shadows.

In terms of sound, the Hisense’s 50-watt Harman Kardon soundbar is more punchy, with greater stereo width and superior power reserve. The JMGO O2S, on the other hand, is more balanced, with better bass and better integrated system for use at home without a separate system.

The Hisense PX3-Pro is aimed at those who want to replace their TV with a bright, spectacular projector. The JMGO O2S Ultra, with its more subtle rendering, is aimed more at those who prefer the visual fidelity, fluidity and compactness of a modern cinema projector.

Who is the JMGO O2S Ultra designed for?

JMGO O2S Ultra

The JMGO O2S Ultra is aimed at lovers of accurate, faithful images, who are looking for a projector capable of combining cinema quality with ease of use. Positioned between the more cinema-like Formovie Theater Premium and the more demonstrative Hisense PX3-Pro, it’s aimed at those who want a realistic, bright and balanced 4K picture, without worrying about complex settings. An ideal choice for a smooth, immersive widescreen experience from the comfort of your living room.


Frequently asked questions about the JMGO O2S Ultra

Is the JMGO O2S Ultra a true 4K projector?

It’s not a native 4K projector, but it reproduces all the pixels of a 4K image, and the results are very similar to those of a real 4K projector. The JMGO O2S Ultra uses a 0.47″ Full HD DLP chip combined with XPR (eXpanded Pixel Resolution) technology. This process moves the micro-mirrors very quickly to display, in sequence, the 8.3 million pixels of a 4K picture (4K emulation). Thanks to persistence of vision, the brain perceives these pixels as if they were being displayed simultaneously. It is therefore not native 4K, but it projects a complete 4K image that complies with the UHD CTA certification, with visual finesse very close to that of a native 4K model.

What projection technology is used?

The projector uses a triple RGB MALC 3.0 laser system, with no color wheel. Each primary color is generated by a separate laser, guaranteeing pure colors, high brightness (ISO 3,600 lumens) and 110% coverage of BT.2020, one of the widest color spaces available.

Can it be used in a bright room?

Yes, thanks to its 3,600 ISO lumens, the JMGO O2S Ultra performs well in ambient light, especially when combined with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejection) screen. The image retains contrast and remains clear, even in daylight.

What image size is possible?

It can project a picture with a diagonal of 80 to 150 inches (approx. 2 to 3.8 meters) with an ultra-short throw ratio of 0.16:1. To achieve a 100-inch picture, the projector only needs to be set back 16 to 17cm from the wall.

What’s the difference between Dolby Vision and HDR10 on this projector?

Dolby Vision dynamically adapts brightness and contrast frame by frame, while HDR10 applies a fixed curve to all content. The JMGO O2S Ultra manages both formats, optimizing HDR sources according to their type.

Can I play video games with the JMGO O2S Ultra?

Yes, thanks to its low-latency mode and HDMI 2.1 compatibility. The projector can display games at up to 120Hz in 1080p. MEMC technology also contributes to smooth motion.

Is the integrated sound sufficient for cinema use?

Surprising as it may seem, the answer is yes! The 2 x 10-watt Dynaudio system delivers full, accurate sound, with bass that reaches 40Hz and Dolby Atmos / DTS:X compatibility. It’s self-sufficient for everyday use, but can also be connected to a soundbar or AV receiver via HDMI eARC or optical.

Is it compatible with Netflix and other streaming services?

Yes, the built-in Google TV system provides direct access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube TV and more. Navigation is smooth, and voice control via Google Assistant is built into the backlit remote.

What automatic settings are available?

The projector features autofocus, keystone correction, automatic framing and on-screen adjustment. These functions greatly simplify set-up and guarantee a well-framed image right from the outset.

Does the JMGO O2S Ultra heat up or make noise?

No, laser lamp cooling is very quiet. In normal operation, the projector’s low noise level is barely audible in a living room.

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