OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
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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

Optoma ML1050ST Plus review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£710Native panel resolution:1280x800ANSI lumens:1000Throw ratio:0.8:1Lamp life:20000 hours

Optoma ML1050ST Plus Review: Compare 86 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Optoma ML1050ST Plus
7.0/10

Overall score

Score
7.0/ 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 62% of models
Score components

35%

6.0

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

?

Reviews scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

10%

?

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

â–¼Worse than 62% of projectors
6.9

Value for money

Value for money
6.9/ 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 54% of models
Score components

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 54%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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 73% of models
Score components

42%

5.6

Image Quality

22%

7.2

Projection & Lens

12%

6.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.1

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 73%
?

Reviews score

Reviews score
✕
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
Grades by review (0)
We have not found an independent test of this model yet. Until we do, its review part counts as 7.8.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
No expert tests yet
?

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
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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.
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Technical Specifications of projector Optoma ML1050ST Plus

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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 73% of models
Score components:

42%

5.6

Image Quality

22%

7.2

Projection & Lens

12%

6.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.1

Audio & Features

8%

4.0

Connectivity

6%

7.3

Design & Power

6.0
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.9/ 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 54% of models
Score components:

70%

7.0

Overall score

30%

6.8

Price

6.9
ANSI lumens
1,000
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 1,000 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 2.6% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
20,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 20000:1, higher than 58.9% of projectors and equal to 4.8% of projectors.
Full on/off contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1280x800
This projector uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 73.7% of projectors and equal to 8.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1280x800
This projector supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 74.8% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
0.8:1
Min throw distance
0.43 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.43 m, shorter than 91.5% of projectors and equal to 0.5% of projectors.
Max projection size
200 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 200 inch, smaller than 51.4% of projectors and equal to 12.5% 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
16 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 16 ms, lower than 73.1% of projectors and equal to 3.7% of projectors.
In low-latency mode.
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
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 48.9% of projectors and equal to 39.7% of projectors.
Different HDMI ports reach 18 and 10.2 Gbps.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% 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
led
This projector uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.6% of projectors and equal to 39.9% of projectors.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 35.2% of projectors and equal to 25.8% of projectors.
Lamp life is 20,000 hours; Eco mode extends it up to 30,000 hours.
Lamp life (eco mode)
30,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 64% of projectors and equal to 31.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
77 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 77 W of power, less than 77.5% of projectors and equal to 0.1% of projectors.
Show more

Optoma ML1050ST Plus vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (90% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    90% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 0.58 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.4 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.43 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • 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
  • 6 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (22 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    22 dB vs 28 dB
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (20000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Full on/off contrast ratio.
    20,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 11 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (16 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In low-latency mode.
    16 ms vs 27 ms
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (90% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    90% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (20000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Full on/off contrast ratio.
    20,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers more advanced focus control than the average projector (auto-focus vs manual). Typical projector: manual.
    Manual remote fine-tuning available.
    auto-focus vs manual
  • 0.58 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.4 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.43 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • 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
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 45.6% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • 11 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (16 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In low-latency mode.
    16 ms vs 27 ms
  • Memory card slot included
    This projector has a memory card slot, while the average projector does not. 9.4% of projectors offer a memory card slot.
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
    Via included universal I/O cable.
  • 6 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (22 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    22 dB vs 28 dB
  • 85.9% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.4 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.42 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 3 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (28 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    28 dB vs 31 dB
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    Lamp life is 20,000 hours; Eco mode extends it up to 30,000 hours.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 153 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (77 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    77 W vs 230 W
  • 185 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (112 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    112 mm vs 297 mm
  • 65 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (57 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    57 mm vs 122 mm
  • 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
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 54.5% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    1,000 vs 2,200
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • 54.5% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (1,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    1,000 vs 2,200
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • 3 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2018 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    September 2018
    2018 vs 2021
  • 0.02 inch smaller DMD chip
    This projector has a lower DMD chip size than the average projector (0.5 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.45 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 50 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (200 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    200 inch vs 250 inch
  • 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 (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.4 vs 2
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • 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.
  • 85% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (1.5 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    1.5 W vs 10 W
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser

Video reviews

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

Shop video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Optoma ML1050ST Plus

  • Extremely compact and lightweight at just 420-460g, making it highly portable
  • Short throw lens allows for a large 100-inch image from just over a metre away
  • High brightness (1,000 LED lumens) for its size, suitable for presentations and small spaces
  • Long LED lamp life of up to 30,000 hours in eco mode
  • Includes autofocus and auto keystone features for quick, seamless setup
  • Versatile connectivity options including HDMI, microSD card slot, and USB
  • Superior image quality and vibrant colors compared to many other portable competitors

What customers don't like about Optoma ML1050ST Plus

  • No built-in battery option, which limits true portability as it requires a power outlet
  • Autofocus can be unreliable, sometimes constantly cycling or requiring manual adjustment to stay sharp
  • Poor built-in speaker quality; users recommend connecting external speakers for movies
  • Noticeable fan noise, especially in brighter 'movie' modes
  • Some users report a greenish tint in eco mode that may require manual color correction
  • Native resolution is WXGA (1280x800), which is lower than many newer 1080p or 4K alternatives

Verdict

The Optoma ML1050ST Plus is an ultra-compact, palm-sized LED projector designed for mobile presentations and home entertainment, weighing only 420g with dimensions of 112 x 123 x 57 mm. It features a native WXGA (1280x800) resolution, 1,000 LED lumens of brightness, and a high 20,000:1 contrast ratio for vivid imagery. Its standout hardware includes a short-throw lens with a 0.8:1 ratio that can project a 100-inch image from just over a meter away, complemented by autofocus and auto-keystone for quick setup. The long-lasting RGB LED light source is rated for up to 30,000 hours, and the unit supports PC-free use via a built-in media player, microSD slot, and USB-A port. Main pros include its extreme portability, rapid on/off functionality, and low 16ms input lag for gaming. However, notable cons include the lack of a built-in battery—requiring a constant AC power source—and a relatively weak 1W/1.5W internal speaker that may require external audio for better immersion.

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