Hello everyone, and welcome to another of my reviews. In this article, I’ll review the AURO V2 Projector from the homegrown electronics label LUMOS.
As mentioned in my previous articles, I recently moved into a new apartment. My living room doesn’t have a TV—instead, I have my PC, along with the ErgoTune Vesby ergonomic chair and ErgoTune Hexon standing desk. However, I still wanted a wide screen for cinematic movies/Netflix and chill sessions, so I searched for a compact projector for my bedroom. That online search led me to LUMOS, and I decided to opt for its latest release, the AURO V2. Let’s see if it’s any good.
LUMOS AURO V2 Projector – Review
The first thing that struck me about the LUMOS AURO V2 was its compact form factor.
My mental stereotype of projectors is that they are big and chunky – you know, the bulky ones hung from the ceilings in classrooms. As such, I was pleasantly surprised when I discovered that the LUMOS AURO V2 was svelte in size. It’s one of the main benefits of the V2 versus the V1 – the AURO V2 is only 22cm wide and 13cm tall, meaning it will fit in lots of tight spaces (such as bookshelves, etc).
The LUMOS AURO V2 has side air vents, which help dissipate heat. The air vents are relatively quiet, though still noticeable when there’s no audio output.
The connectivity ports are at the back: two USB ports, a HDMI port (which I use for my Nintendo Switch), and a 3.5mm headphone jack. This also means that the LUMOS AURO V2 is compatible with console gaming, allowing you to play your favourite games in bed.
There’s also a nifty little remote to control the projector’s functions, including Netflix/YouTube/Prime Video buttons for quick access to your favourite video streaming platforms. LUMOS claims that the AURO V2 is Netflix and YouTube-certified, which means lesser lag and a more stable connection when watching videos.
Another great feature of the LUMOS AURO V2 is its autofocus and correction feature. The projector uses its AI sensors to automatically gauge the position of the projector and determine the optimal shape and focus. This means that, unlike traditional projectors, even if the projector is moved, one doesn’t need to recalibrate the settings.
There’s also a manual autofocus function in case the AI autofocus feature misses the mark.
I was impressed by the number of modes offered—for example, there are sports, cinema, game, etc. modes for image projection, allowing for optimal visual effects depending on the use case.
The same applies to the sound settings, where a variety of modes are available. As I mainly used the AURO V2 for Netflix/YouTube, I mostly left the sound mode on the “movies” setting.
If the preset modes don’t suit you, fret not—you can tweak settings such as brightness, contrast, saturation, sharpness, noise reduction, and colour temperature individually.
I was genuinely blown away by the video and sound quality of the AURO V2. The AURO V2 utilises what LUMOS calls “high-pixel 1080P technology,” which the brand says results in 33% sharper visuals compared to standard 1080P projectors. I agree—the picture quality was impressive, especially considering the short throw range of just 2 meters (the minimum is just 1.5m). Furthermore, the sound quality is phenomenal, eliminating the need (and additional cost) for separate speakers. The AURO V2 comes with dual speakers, which deliver certified Dolby Audio for an immersive cinematic experience. Watching movies on the AURO V2 was a joy to behold.
The AURO V2 has several bells and whistles, such as a web browser. The browsing experience was satisfactory due to the AURO V2’s processing chip (like a phone/computer), which ensures a relatively smooth browsing experience.
This means that you can use the AURO V2 to browse shopping sites like Amazon, just in case you need a magnified view of the shirt you are eyeing. I should also highlight that the AURO V2 has a maximum brightness of 6000 lumens (double that of standard projectors in this price range), which results in crisp and clear web pages.
Lastly, the AURO V2 also supports screen mirroring for Apple and Android devices, provided all are on the same Wi-fi network.
I tried the screen mirroring function with my iPhone and faced no obstacles—the connection was easy and straightforward.
With the AURO V2, the screen mirroring function is in-built (no third-party apps here), which allows you to mirror your phone’s content to the big screen with minimal disruption. For the Gen Zs out there, you can now watch your favourite Tiktokers on the big screen.
Speaking about screens, I should also mention that the projector screen is from LUMOS. Not only is it relatively affordable (sub-$100), but the screen also has a clean and sleek aesthetic. Compared to a tripod screen, the LUMOS wall screen is space-saving and practical, allowing users to easily transform their bedroom wall into a home theatre experience.
Conclusion – so the LUMOS AURO V2 “shiok” or not?
I’m mightily impressed by the AURO V2 projector—it ticks a lot of boxes. First, it is compact and space-saving, easily fitting into tight spaces. Second, the projector is relatively affordable, with a sub-$500 price point. For comparison, the cheapest home models from traditional brands such as Canon and Epson still cost upwards of four figures. Thirdly, the AURO V2 delivers crisp and bright visuals, with a theatre-esque surround sound system that punches way above its price point. Lastly, the AURO V2 projector also has a few nifty features, such as in-built screen mirroring and web browsing, which further enhance its utility. I don’t have any complaints about the product, though I suppose LUMOS can offer more colour options (perhaps a slick black variant or pastel colourways) in the future. There’s nothing wrong with the current silver aesthetic, but it does look a tad generic.
Those interested in purchasing the AURO V2 can use the promo code “WAHSOSHIOK” to enjoy a $55 discount off LUMOS’ entire webstore. After the discount, the AURO V2 would cost just $443, making it a terrific value for money. The promo code is also a better deal than the previous $40 discount that LUMOS is running for 11/11, so I’ll encourage readers to make use of it while it lasts. If you want a home theatre experience in the bedroom, the LUMOS AURO V2 projector will upgrade your Netflix and chill experience without breaking the bank.
View the LUMOS AURO V2 Projector here.
View the full range of LUMOS’ offerings here.
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P.P.P.P.S Shiok is a common word Singaporeans use to express admiration or approval. As of 2016, you can find the definition of the word in the Oxford English Dictionary.
