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Optoma UHD38X Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£910Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:4000Throw ratio:1.5-1.66:1Lamp life:4000 hours

Optoma UHD38X Review: Compare 84 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Optoma UHD38X
7.3/10

Overall score

Score
7.3/ 10
✕
What it is
An overall evaluation of the projector's quality, based on technical analyses and user reviews.
When it matters
When you need a quick reference to identify the best projectors on the market.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 76% of models
Score components

90%

7.2

Technical score

10%

8.0

User score

▲Better than 76% of projectors
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 61% of models
Score components

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

5.7

Price

▲Better than 61%
7.2

Technical score

Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 76% of models
Score components

42%

8.7

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.1

Audio & Features

8%

5.6

Connectivity

6%

5.6

Design & Power

▲Better than 76%
8.0

User score

User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▲Better than 69%
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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 UHD38X

Technical score
Technical score
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An assessment of technical performance for products in the Projectors category across these key areas: Image Quality, Projection & Lens, HDMI & Gaming, Connectivity, Audio & Features, Design & Power.
When it matters
When you want to compare projectors based on technical performance and available features.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 76% of models
Score components:

42%

8.7

Image Quality

22%

6.0

Projection & Lens

12%

7.2

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.1

Audio & Features

8%

5.6

Connectivity

6%

5.6

Design & Power

7.2
User score
User score
8.0/ 10
✕
What it is
A rating that combines user reviews and the total number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you want to know how a projector performs in real use and how reliable it remains over time according to user feedback.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 69% of models
Score components

70%

8.4

User ratings

30%

7.2

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
8.0
Popularity
Popularity
7.2/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator based on the number of reviews received by the projector.
When it matters
When you prefer to buy a product chosen and reviewed by many other consumers.
Score distribution
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 67% of models
Popularity:
Optoma UHD38X has a popularity score of 7.2 points, which is higher than 66.6% of projectors.
7.2
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 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
▼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
▲ Better than 61% of models
Score components:

70%

7.3

Overall score

30%

5.7

Price

6.8
ANSI lumens
4,000
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 4,000 ANSI lumens, brighter than 85.9% of projectors and equal to 5.2% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
1,000,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 1000000:1, higher than 84.6% of projectors and equal to 2.1% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast ratio.
Native panel resolution
1920x1080
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1080, higher than 26.2% of projectors and equal to 59.7% of projectors.
Uses XPR pixel-shifting for 4K output.
Output Resolution
3840x2160
This projector supports output resolution up to 3840x2160, higher than 69.1% of projectors and equal to 26.1% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.5-1.66:1
Min throw distance
1.21 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.21 m, longer than 69.4% of projectors and equal to 0.9% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.9% of projectors and equal to 37.9% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.1
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.1, narrower than 86.1% of projectors and equal to 12.2% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
4.2 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 4.2 ms, lower than 93.1% of projectors and equal to 4.5% of projectors.
In 1080P.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not support ALLM. 17.2% of projectors support ALLM.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support VRR. 1.6% of projectors support VRR.
HDMI version
2
This projector supports HDMI 2, more modern than 45.3% of projectors and equal to 36.8% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
18 Gbps
Market range: <10 Gbps – >50 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 18 Gbps, higher than 47.7% of projectors and equal to 40.1% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
2
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 2 HDMI port/s, more than 45% of projectors and equal to 47.7% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not support Wi-Fi. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have smart TV features. 43.8% of projectors have smart TV features.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 18.8% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 35.2% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.6% of projectors include a remote control.
Show more
Light source type
lamp
This projector uses lamp light source technology, less advanced than 67.1% of projectors and equal to 33% of projectors.
Laser Light Source
no
This projector does not use a laser light source. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
Lamp life
4,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 4,000 hours, longer than 77.2% of projectors and equal to 9.9% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
10,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 10,000 hours, longer than 66.3% of projectors and equal to 7.8% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
?
Show more

Optoma UHD38X vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 81.8% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (4,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    4,000 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (1000000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    1,000,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    240 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • 22.8 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (4.2 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In 1080P.
    4.2 ms vs 27 ms
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Includes S/PDIF output
    This projector has an S/PDIF output, while the average projector does not. 17.2% of projectors have an S/PDIF output.
  • 81.8% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (4,000 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    4,000 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (1000000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    1,000,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (3840x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    3840x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • 2.82x higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (240 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    240 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • 10 degrees greater vertical keystone correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of vertical keystone correction.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 10 degrees greater horizontal keystone correction
    This projector offers more horizontal keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees degrees vs 30 degrees degrees). The average projector offers 30 degrees degrees of horizontal keystone correction.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 53.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (300 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    300 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • 22.8 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (4.2 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In 1080P.
    4.2 ms vs 27 ms
  • Includes S/PDIF output
    This projector has an S/PDIF output, while the average projector does not. 17.2% of projectors have an S/PDIF output.
  • Includes VGA
    This projector includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 45.3% of projectors include VGA input.
  • 1 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (1 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    1 vs 0
  • 4 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (26 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    26 dB vs 30 dB
  • 2 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (26 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    26 dB vs 28 dB
  • 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 Wi-Fi support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No Bluetooth support
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 0.2 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.1 vs 1.3
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 0.19 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.2 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    1.21 m vs 1.025 m
  • 10,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 0.2 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.1 vs 1.3
  • 0.19 m longer throw distance
    This projector has a higher throw distance than the average projector (1.2 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.025 m of throw distance.
    1.21 m vs 1.025 m
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    4K/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • No Wi-Fi support
    This projector does not support Wi-Fi, while the average projector does. 52.9% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
  • No Bluetooth support
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.5% of projectors support Bluetooth.
  • 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
  • 16,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    4,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 10,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    10,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 125 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (270 mm vs 145 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 145 mm.
    270 mm vs 145 mm
  • 28.4% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (4 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    3.98 kg vs 3.1 kg

Video reviews

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

8.0
LaurentWillen.be
≈ estimated
15/12/2023
Hands-on test · image, calibration, noise and sound
Verdict
Optoma UHD38X offers top image quality for the price, but it runs noisy with weak sound, so you'll need extra kit.

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

cnet.com
05/07/2023
Lab test · Bright 4K DLP
Verdict
The Optoma UHD38x is very bright for a 4K projector, suited to lit rooms and screens over 150 inches, though the BenQ HT2060 has better color.
laurentwillen.de
06/12/2023
Hands-on test · Movies and gaming
Verdict
The Optoma UHD38x suits movie fans who own a streaming box, with a larger chip for fine detail, but it is heavy and has an awkward remote.
rehders.de
14/03/2021
Hands-on test · Entry-level 4K
Verdict
The Optoma UHD38 is a bright entry-level 4K projector with sharp detail and 3D, but dark scenes look hazy because its contrast and black level are weak.
laurentwillen.nl
06/12/2023
Hands-on test · Lamp-based 4K
Verdict
The Optoma UHD38x is a heavy lamp projector with a larger image chip, but it has no built-in apps, so films need a streaming stick.
beamernerd.de
25/08/2021
Hands-on test · Gaming and movies
Verdict
The Optoma UHD38x is a bright, quiet 4K projector with low input lag for gaming, but it lacks HDMI 2.1 and lens shift.
laurentwillen.be
06/12/2023
Hands-on test · Large-screen movies
Verdict
The Optoma UHD38x is a heavy lamp projector with a larger image chip, but its long throw needs a deep room and its remote is awkward.
laurentwillen.nl
06/12/2023
Hands-on test · Lamp-based 4K
Verdict
The Optoma UHD38x is a heavy lamp projector with a larger image chip, but it has no built-in apps, so films need a streaming stick.

Third-party reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
Reviews last updated: October 2026 · How we calculate this

What customers like about Optoma UHD38X

  • High brightness (4,000 lumens) makes it usable even in rooms with ambient light
  • Exceptional 4K UHD picture quality with crisp, sharp details
  • Ultra-low input lag (as low as 4.2ms) and high 240Hz refresh rate provide a top-tier gaming experience
  • Intense backlit remote that is highly functional in dark rooms
  • Vibrant colors and solid HDR support for cinematic viewing
  • Straightforward initial setup and intuitive menu options
  • Long lamp life of up to 15,000 hours in dynamic mode

What customers don't like about Optoma UHD38X

  • Noticeable fan noise, especially in higher performance or bright modes
  • Reports of significant light leakage from the projector case vents
  • Average black levels can appear washed out or grey in dark room environments
  • Limited installation flexibility due to a long-throw lens and weak 1.1x optical zoom
  • Lack of built-in smart features and pre-installed streaming apps
  • Underwhelming integrated audio quality typically requires external speakers
  • Concerns regarding long-term reliability, specifically issues with dead pixels or DMD chip failure
  • Lacks horizontal lens shift and has limited keystone correction for image alignment

Verdict

The Optoma UHD38x is a high-performance DLP projector featuring True 4K UHD resolution, an exceptional 4,000 lumens of brightness, and a massive 1,000,000:1 contrast ratio for vibrant visuals even in well-lit rooms. Its primary focus is gaming, offering an industry-leading 4.2ms input lag at 1080p/240Hz and compatibility with HDR10 and HLG formats. Main pros include its superior brightness for daylight viewing, ultra-responsive gaming performance, and long lamp life of up to 15,000 hours in dynamic mode; however, cons include limited setup flexibility due to a lack of lens shift, audible fan noise in high-power modes, and a mediocre 10W integrated speaker.

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