XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus review: the foldable projector that simplifies home theater

The successor to the Elfin Flip, the new XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus aims to shake up the lifestyle projector segment. Brighter and with better contrast, this ultra-compact model now integrates the Google TV interface for a comprehensive streaming experience. Priced at under €450, does it promise the best compromise between portability and performance for displaying a big cinema picture in the living room? That’s exactly what we investigated during this review.

Presentation

As the latest addition to the range, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus aims to combine extreme compactness with image performance. It marks a significant evolution from the standard Elfin Flip, thanks in particular to a 25% increase in brightness. With 500 ISO lumens at its disposal, it promises a sharp, legible image, even in a room with some ambient light.

But beyond the figures, it’s the ergonomics that impress. Its featherweight chassis and 150° rotating stand enable instant projection onto a wall or ceiling. This freedom of placement is backed up by a high degree of automation: keystone correction and focusing are carried out in real time, ensuring that the image is always straight without the need for manual adjustment.

Under the hood, the experience becomes richer with native Google TV integration, offering direct, smooth access to Netflix and the entire streaming ecosystem. Finally, the display makes no compromises on image quality, boasting a contrast ratio of 4,000:1 and 121% coverage of the Rec.709 color space. Practical, portable, and efficient, this model sets a new standard in the lifestyle segment.

Key specifications

• LED lamp and DLP technology
• Full HD resolution
• Brightness: 500 ISO lumens
• 4,000:1 contrast
• Integrated Google TV with Netflix
• Auto Keystone correction and focus
• Audio: 2 x 3 W with Dolby Audio
• Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1

Included accessories

The XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus comes with everything you need for immediate use. The box contains a 1.5 m power cable, a backlit Bluetooth remote control and two AAA batteries to power it. This simple yet comprehensive set-up means the projector can be used straight out of the box, without the need for additional accessories.

Test conditions

I was able to evaluate the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus under a variety of conditions to reproduce several use cases. At home, I paired it with a 100″ projection screen (white, 1.0 gain) at a distance of around 2.7 m, then, at the editorial office, I projected pictures with a diagonal of between 60 and 120″ onto a white wall. The projections took place alternately in normal and moderate ambient light conditions, as well as in semi-darkness.

I used different sources for the review: movies on Prime Video (such as Bullet Train), news on Arte, games on PlayStation (Red Dead Redemption 2, Gran Turismo 7) and YouTube videos in 4K HDR.

Finally, it should be pointed out that the 1.5 m power cable was often too short to be used comfortably, forcing me to add an extension cord. A longer cable would have improved installation flexibility.

Setup: disconcertingly easy installation

The user experience begins with seamless software configuration. After pairing the remote control via Bluetooth, you can sync it with your Google account directly from your smartphone. Simply scan the QR code using the Google Home app, and the projector will automatically detect your Wi-Fi network and set up your favorite streaming services. A short interactive tutorial then takes over to guide you through adjusting the focus and alignment.

The magic truly happens when these formalities have been completed. The Elfin Flip Plus allows the beam to be directed with total freedom. Thanks to its front-mounted sensors, the device detects the projection surface and instantly recalculates the proportions and sharpness of the image.

These adjustments, which take place almost instantaneously as soon as the projector is moved, will really wow users. They aren’t just technically impressive; they’re also extremely practical in everyday use: you can set up your cinema anywhere, in any room, without ever having to worry about manual adjustments. During my review, the system proved to be extremely efficient, consistently delivering a straight, crystal-clear image.

📝 Expert tip
Although auto keystone correction is extremely practical in everyday use, it should be avoided if you want the best possible image quality. To straighten the edges of the image, this process reduces the projection area used by applying a digital correction. By reducing the number of pixels used to compose the image, this reduces definition and limits the level of detail displayed on screen.
In addition, the parts of the projector array that are no longer used to project the image still allow light to pass through, generating a luminous frame around the image.
Whenever possible, it is therefore preferable to align the projector in front of the projection surface, rather than tilting it or placing it on its side, to avoid any deterioration in picture quality.  

My impressions

Design

The design of the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus is immediately appealing for its minimalism and level of finish. The materials used are of the highest quality, and the compact, lightweight, foldable chassis is designed for portability and discreet integration into a modern interior. When folded, it can be slipped effortlessly onto a shelf, almost like a book.

While this lightness is an asset when it comes to transport, it also results in less stability. When placed on a coffee table, slight knocks can easily tip it over! At most, a few hundred grams of base weight would have been enough to improve stability.

Connectors

In terms of connectivity, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus is efficient and to the point. There’s an ARC-compatible HDMI port, essential for connecting a console or soundbar, and a USB multimedia port. To take full advantage of the latter, I recommend installing the VLC app to ensure smooth playback of all your video files. Wireless connectivity hasn’t been left out, with stable Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1, which enabled me to pair headphones and portable speakers without latency, boosting immersion.

Remote control

The remote control, in the same “sand” color as the projector, is highly ergonomic. Simple and intuitive, it combines the essentials: a precise directional wheel, a dedicated button for voice control, and direct access to streaming platforms. The real luxury lies in its backlighting, a feature particularly appreciated during projection sessions in the dark to avoid pressing the wrong keys.

Smart TV features

The integration of Google TV radically transforms the user experience. Unlike some competitors’ interfaces, which are sometimes sluggish, the interface here is smooth and highly responsive. It doesn’t slow down when navigating the menus, and the native presence of Netflix makes life easier. It’s a simple system that reinforces the portable aspect of the device: a power outlet, a WiFi connection, and you’re ready to go.

Convincing, bright picture quality

In practice, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus’s Full HD resolution delivers a detailed image with sharp contours. While it obviously doesn’t achieve the surgical precision of a 4K model, the sharpness remains very flattering for a device of this size, provided you don’t overuse the digital geometric correction, which can alter the finesse of details.

With its 500 ISO lumens, the projector performs honorably in rooms with some lighting. Nevertheless, to take full advantage of the depth of blacks and intensity of colors, projecting in a dark room remains the best option. It’s with dim lighting that its dynamic range best expresses itself, offering good contrast for everyday use.

In terms of colorimetry, the Elfin Flip Plus is a treat for the eyes with its rich, vivid hues. The default rendering is a little warm, and while we regret the absence of a ‘Cinema’ preset, fortunately it is possible to adjust certain settings via the menu. These settings are comprehensive: brightness, saturation, sharpness, and, above all, precise color temperature management (with gain per primary color) for the most discerning users.

Fluidity was the other big surprise of this test. During the frenetic fight scenes in Bullet Train, the image remained perfectly stable, with no judder or annoying artifacts. Last but not least, HDR compatibility is a real plus for compatible content, offering better contrast amplitude and more subtle color gradations. In short, the promise has been kept: immersion is total, and the visual experience is very balanced.

An immersive, responsive gaming experience

The XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus doesn’t just project movies; it proves to be a very appealing gaming companion. Once the ‘Game’ mode has been activated to reduce input lag, responsiveness is great. On a title like Red Dead Redemption 2, immersion is immediate: crossing the vast plains of the Wild West with a picture measuring over 2 meters in diagonal offers a new and spectacular perspective, impossible to achieve with a conventional TV.

The projector confirms its excellent performance on Gran Turismo 7. The smoothness of the laps around the circuit and the visual rendering of the car bodies take full advantage of the projector’s enhanced contrast. Although the most discerning gamers will note the absence of 4K or very high refresh rates, gaming is still a pleasant experience.

In short, for casual or family gaming sessions, the Elfin Flip Plus does its job perfectly. It turns any wall into a dynamic gaming arena, with a visual fidelity that does justice to the most meticulous artistic direction.

Audio and operating noise

In terms of sound, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus features two 3-watt Dolby Audio-compatible drivers. In practice, the system delivers the essentials: voices are clear, which is enough for occasional use. However, the compact format naturally limits bass depth and spatial imaging.

For a truly immersive experience, I highly recommend using Bluetooth to connect separate speakers. For this test, I paired the projector with a pair of Altec Lansing HydraMini speakers. Placed on either side of the screen, they totally changed the experience, offering a true stereo soundstage and dynamism, which was lacking when using the built-in drivers. Note that the projector’s setup menus include a latency compensation feature allowing the audio to be perfectly synchronized with the video. It’s the ideal solution for creating a high-performance and portable home theater.

XGIMI’s real achievement, however, lies not in its drivers but in its silent operation. The ventilation system is extremely discreet. Even when placed close to the user, the hum of the device is almost inaudible, making itself completely forgotten during the quietest scenes of a movie. A rare occurrence in this price segment.

XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus compared to the XGIMI Elfin Flip

The XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus brings several notable improvements over its predecessor. It boasts increased brightness (500 ISO lumens vs. 400), offering a clearer picture, even in environments with moderate lighting. Contrast is also improved, and it covers a wider color space (121% of Rec.709 vs. 113% for its predecessor), offering richer colors and better visual reproduction. What’s more, Google TV integration enhances its practicality and gives it access to all streaming platforms.

Who is the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus designed for?

The XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus is ideal for those looking for a compact, high-performance, easy-to-use projector. Thanks to its light weight and foldable design, it is equally suited to modern homes and mobile users. Its Google TV access, Full HD image quality, and HDR compatibility make it an excellent choice for home theater enthusiasts and occasional gamers. Its portability and quick set-up make it a versatile projector, perfect when traveling or for flexible use at home.