OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

Acer S5201 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£880Native panel resolution:1024x768ANSI lumens:3000Throw ratio:0.61:1Lamp life:2500 hours

Acer S5201 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 3 expert reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Acer S5201
6.7/10

Overall score

Score
6.7/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 79% of models
Score components

35%

6.2

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.2

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 79% of projectors
6.4

Value for money

Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

â–¼Worse than 69%
6.2

Technical score

Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components

42%

6.5

Image Quality

22%

6.7

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.7

Audio & Features

8%

5.8

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 62%
6.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 78% of models

6.2

Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.4

Average grade

20%

6.7

Popularity

Grades by review (3)
3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 78%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
  • acer-s5201
acer-s5201
Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the Acer S5201

Based on 3

Reviewers agree the interactive pen works well and is the standout feature.
Praised
Pick a topic to see who said what
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Technical Specifications of projector Acer S5201

Technical score
Technical score
6.2/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 62% of models
Score components:

42%

6.5

Image Quality

22%

6.7

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.7

Audio & Features

8%

5.8

Connectivity

6%

4.1

Design & Power

6.2
Reviews score
6.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.4/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components:

70%

6.7

Overall score

30%

5.9

Price

6.4
ANSI lumens
3,000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 62.9% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
4,500:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 4500:1, lower than 61.2% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1024x768
This projector uses a native resolution of 1024x768, lower than 88.6% of projectors and equal to 5.6% of projectors.
Output resolution
1024x768
This projector supports output resolution up to 1024x768, lower than 89.4% of projectors and equal to 5.6% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
0.61:1
Min throw distance
0.5 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.5 m, shorter than 87.1% of projectors and equal to 3.2% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
?
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
1.3
This projector supports HDMI 1.3, older than 89.8% of projectors and equal to 7.3% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 47.3% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 66.5% of projectors and equal to 33.5% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
2,500 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 2,500 hours, longer than 96% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
5,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 5,000 hours, longer than 86.3% of projectors and equal to 6.5% of projectors.
ExtremeEco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
315 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 315 W of power, more than 76.4% of projectors and equal to 0.7% of projectors.
Normal mode power draw.
Show more

Acer S5201 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 36.4% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,000 vs 2,200
  • 3 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes microphone input.
    3 vs 0
  • 0.51 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 2 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (3 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    3 vs 1
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 36.4% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,000 vs 2,200
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.08 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.6 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.55 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 0.51 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 50 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 250 inch
  • 2 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (3 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    3 vs 1
  • 1 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    1 vs 0
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • 3 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (3 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes microphone input.
    3 vs 0
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.3 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.3 vs 2
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • 16.2% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.2/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 78% of models

    6.2

    Mark 8.0 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.4

    Average grade

    20%

    6.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (3)
    3 reviews: 1 with a printed score, 2 estimated from the review. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.2 vs 7.4
  • 8.2% worse value for money
    Acer S5201 has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (6.42 vs 6.9).
    6.42 vs 6.95
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1024x768 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1024x768 vs 1920x1080
  • 11 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2010 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    February 2010
    2010 vs 2021
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (4500:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    4,500:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.3 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.3 vs 2
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (lamp vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    lamp vs laser
  • 17,500 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (2,500 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    2,500 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 15,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    ExtremeEco mode rating.
    5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 2 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (33 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    33 dB vs 31 dB
  • 85 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (315 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    315 W vs 230 W

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

Shop video
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

9.0
projectorreviews.com
≈ estimated
14/05/2012
Review summary · Interactive short-throw projector
Verdict
The Acer S5201M is a bright, sharp interactive projector for presentations, though its network presentation options are missing.
6.0
uk.pcmag.com
≈ estimated
16/05/2014
Lab test · Interactive short-throw projector
Verdict
The Acer S5201M is a fairly typical interactive projector for text and data, but its video loses dark detail and shows rainbow streaks.
10
projectorcentral.com
✓ explicit
20/09/2011
Hands-on test · Interactive short-throw projector
Verdict
The Acer S5201M is a portable interactive projector with a smooth SmartPen and short throw for small rooms, though it lacks network presentation.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Acer S5201

  • Excellent short-throw capability, producing large images from short distances
  • High brightness (3,000 lumens) suitable for well-lit rooms
  • Sharp image quality for data presentations and text readability
  • Effective interactive features with a responsive smart pen
  • Good value for money compared to competitors in its class
  • Portable and lightweight design for easy transport
  • Versatile connectivity options including dual HDMI and VGA ports
  • Includes a variety of wall color compensation settings

What customers don't like about Acer S5201

  • Subpar video quality with poor shadow detail in dark scenes
  • Noticeable DLP rainbow artifacts, especially during video playback
  • Lacks an optical zoom lens, requiring physical movement for resizing
  • Confusingly labeled and time-consuming sub-menus
  • Inability to use 3D and interactive features simultaneously
  • Built-in speakers suffer from distortion at higher volumes
  • Missing network presentation/LAN capabilities
  • No support for 16:10 aspect ratio settings

Verdict

The Acer S5201 is a versatile short-throw DLP projector featuring a native XGA (1024x768) resolution, 3,000 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a 4,500:1 contrast ratio. Its short-throw lens allows it to project an 80-inch image from just one meter away, making it ideal for tight spaces and educational environments. Key pros include high portability at 7.7 lbs, dual HDMI inputs, 3D readiness, and sharp data image quality for text and charts. However, some models exhibit noticeable DLP rainbow artifacts in video, subpar shadow detail in dark scenes, and lack a 16:10 aspect ratio option.

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