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Optoma UHD51A Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,500Native panel resolution:1920x1080ANSI lumens:2400Throw ratio:1.21-1.59:1Lamp life:4000 hours

Optoma UHD51A 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 UHD51A
7.1/10

Overall score

Score
7.1/ 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 70% of models
Score components

90%

7.0

Technical score

10%

7.9

User score

▲Better than 70% of projectors
5.7

Value for money

Value for money
5.7/ 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
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

2.6

Price

▼Worse than 78%
7.0

Technical score

Technical score
7.0/ 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 70% of models
Score components

42%

8.1

Image Quality

22%

4.8

Projection & Lens

12%

6.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.1

Audio & Features

8%

8.0

Connectivity

6%

5.4

Design & Power

▲Better than 70%
7.9

User score

User score
7.9/ 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
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 71%
  • optoma-uhd51a
  • optoma-uhd51a
optoma-uhd51a
optoma-uhd51a
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 owners say about the Optoma UHD51A

Based on 45 owners sharing their experience in online comments

42%positive20%mixed38%negative

Owners praise the picture and value, while repeated 4K/HDR signal problems and repair frustrations temper enthusiasm.

What owners dislike

  • Owners report 4K and HDR often fail together, with no signal or flicker from streaming sticks, consoles and 4K Blu-ray players; 1080p usually works.8
  • Stripping the projector to repair it is hard: owners have fitted the lamp cable backwards, left indicator lights dead, or damaged the mainboard plate.4
  • Some owners see odd pixel marks in fast-moving scenes with 4K from a satellite box, and visible pixels even on Full HD content.3
  • Some owners find the fan loud, and a buzz appears when the input is not 4K at 24Hz, lasting a minute or two.3

Points mentioned by at least 3 owners, most mentioned first.

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Technical Specifications of projector Optoma UHD51A

Technical score
Technical score
7.0/ 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 70% of models
Score components:

42%

8.1

Image Quality

22%

4.8

Projection & Lens

12%

6.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

8.1

Audio & Features

8%

8.0

Connectivity

6%

5.4

Design & Power

7.0
User score
User score
7.9/ 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
▼ Worse than 71% of models
Score components

70%

7.5

User ratings

30%

8.8

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.9
Popularity
Popularity
8.8/ 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 80% of models
Popularity:
Optoma UHD51A has a popularity score of 8.8 points, which is higher than 79.7% of projectors.
8.8
Value for money
Value for money
5.7/ 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
▼ Worse than 78% of models
Score components:

70%

7.1

Overall score

30%

2.6

Price

5.7
ANSI lumens
2,400
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,400 ANSI lumens, brighter than 51.9% of projectors and equal to 1.3% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
500,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 500000:1, higher than 81.6% of projectors and equal to 1.7% 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
1.21-1.59:1
Min throw distance
1.2 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.2 m, longer than 61.2% of projectors and equal to 8.1% of projectors.
Max projection size
302 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 302 inch, larger than 91.4% of projectors and equal to 1.9% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.3
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.3, wider than 39.5% of projectors and equal to 13.7% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
68 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 68 ms, higher than 90.2% of projectors.
In Frame Interpolation off.
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
yes
This projector supports Wi-Fi. 47.2% of projectors support Wi-Fi.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This projector supports Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), more modern than 49.2% of projectors and equal to 5.8% of projectors.
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
Android
Android OS
yes
This projector runs Android OS. 81.3% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 64.9% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
EZCast 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
317 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 317 W of power, more than 74.9% of projectors and equal to 0.3% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more

Optoma UHD51A vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 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
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (500000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    500,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 55.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (302 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    302 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (80% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    80% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • 3 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (4 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    4 vs 1
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 35.2% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    EZCast app.
  • 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
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (500000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast ratio.
    500,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Supports pixel shifting
    This projector supports pixel shifting, while the average projector does not. 28.4% of projectors support pixel shifting.
    Via XPR technology.
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (80% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    80% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • 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
  • 9.1% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,400 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,400 vs 2,200
  • 55.5 inch larger image size
    This projector has a higher projection size than the average projector (302 inch vs 246.5 inch). The average projector has 246.5 inch of projection size.
    302 inch vs 246.5 inch
  • Supports frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
    Via PureMotion.
  • Supports HDMI ARC
    This projector supports HDMI ARC, while the average projector does not. 36% of projectors support HDMI ARC.
  • 3 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (4 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    4 vs 1
  • 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.
    Optical S/PDIF.
  • 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
  • Modern USB standard
    This projector supports a newer USB standard than the average projector (USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2). The average projector supports USB USB 2.0.
    Also includes USB 2 ports.
    USB 3.2 Gen 1 vs USB 2.0
  • Includes VGA
    This projector includes VGA input, while the average projector does not. 45.3% of projectors include VGA input.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 35.2% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    EZCast app.
  • Built-in stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 48.9% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.3% of projectors support voice commands.
    Alexa and Google Assistant supported.
  • 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
  • Android OS built-in
    This projector features Android OS, while the average projector does not. 18.8% of projectors feature Android OS.
  • 5 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (25 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    Eco mode figure.
    25 dB vs 30 dB
  • 3 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (25 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    Eco mode figure.
    25 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
  • 41 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (68 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Frame Interpolation off.
    68 ms vs 27 ms
  • 50 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (10 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    10 % vs 60 %
  • 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
  • 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
  • 0.18 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.
    1.2 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
  • 13.2% worse value for money
    Optoma UHD51A has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.75 vs 6.5).
    5.75 vs 6.51
  • 94.8% more expensive
    Optoma UHD51A is more expensive than the average projector (£1,500 vs £770).
    £1,500 vs £770
  • 1.6% lower user score
    User score
    7.9/ 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
    Optoma UHD51A
    the average projector
    Optoma UHD51A has a lower user score than the average projector (7.87 vs 8.000).
    7.87 vs 8
  • 50 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (10 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    10 % vs 60 %
  • 0.18 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.
    1.2 m vs 1.025 m
  • 41 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (68 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    In Frame Interpolation off.
    68 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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 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
  • 82 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (317 W vs 235 W). The average projector uses 235 W of power.
    Typical power draw.
    317 W vs 235 W
  • 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
  • 68.4% heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (5.2 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    5.22 kg vs 3.1 kg
  • 92 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (392 mm vs 300 mm). The average projector has a width of 300 mm.
    392 mm vs 300 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
4RAYS TECH
≈ estimated
25/06/2019
Hands-on review · setup, picture and sound tests
Verdict
Optoma UHD51A gives an excellent 4K picture with natural colors, though Alexa setup is fiddly and a soundbar is advisable.
9.5
all things tech
≈ estimated
04/09/2018
Hands-on review · daylight and night image tests
Verdict
Optoma UHD51A offers excellent picture quality and is a top pick for its price, though it lacks vertical keystone.
8.0
GamersLab
≈ estimated
20/12/2022
Full review · picture, smart features and gaming
Verdict
Optoma UHD51A is a solid 4K projector for gaming and box sets, though its smart features feel bolted on.
9.0
Kpaceguy
≈ estimated
25/06/2020
Unboxing and hands-on review · setup, menus and picture
Verdict
Optoma UHD51A has a clear, bright picture straight out of the box, with simple setup.
Overview video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Overview video
Shop video
Overview video

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

projectorcentral.com
13/06/2018
Lab test · Smart 4K DLP
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A suits movie nights with its sharp 4K picture, 3D support and quiet fan, but its 68 ms lag and uneven brightness limit it.
projectorreviews.com
29/07/2018
Hands-on test · Alexa 4K DLP
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a smart 4K projector with voice control, Wi-Fi and 3D, and good contrast once tuned, but its brightness falls short of its 2,400-lumen claim.
techaeris.com
23/09/2018
Hands-on review · Smart 4K projector
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a fairly quiet 4K HDR projector that's easy to set up with Google Home, but light spill and casting stutters hold it back.
techradar.com
08/11/2018
Hands-on review · Alexa projector
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a bright, sharp 4K projector with a rare 3D option, though its Alexa controls add little and setup can be fiddly.
liveforfilm.com
22/08/2019
Home test · Movies and games
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a clear, sharp 4K projector for films and games, and its voice control is a bonus, though it needs a proper sound system.
menshealth.com.au
01/05/2021
Hands-on review · 4K home cinema
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a bright, detailed 4K projector for movies and casual games, though it lacks keystone correction and has somewhat high gaming lag.
gamesradar.com
09/08/2022
Review · Gaming and movie use
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a bright, sharp 4K projector for gaming and TV box sets, though its voice control is fiddly to set up and only handles basic tasks.
projectorreviews.com
29/07/2018
Lab test · 4K home theater projector
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a quiet 4K projector with Alexa control and lens shift, but its input lag is too slow for serious gamers.
gottabemobile.com
05/10/2018
Hands-on review · Smart 4K projector
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a clear, detailed 4K projector that Alexa or Google Assistant can switch on, though its gaming lag is high.
h-m-entertainment.com
17/10/2024
In-depth review · Picture and ports
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a strong 4K projector with a rich set of ports and good HDR, though it measures dimmer than its 2,400-lumen rating.
popzara.com
05/12/2018
Full review · Smart projector
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A has deeper blacks for dark rooms, but its Alexa control feels like a gimmick and PureMotion can make films look like soap operas.
mondoprojos.fr
16/05/2018
Hands-on test · Home cinema DLP
Verdict
The Optoma UHD51A is a quiet, sharp DLP projector with good motion smoothing for 1080p, but edge light leaks and a hand-adjusted lens hold it back.

Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Optoma UHD51A

  • Sharp 4K UHD resolution with impressive detail and clarity
  • Excellent 1080p 3D performance with minimal crosstalk
  • Rich and accurate color reproduction thanks to the RGBRGB color wheel
  • Notably quiet fan operation, especially in Eco mode
  • Creative Frame Interpolation (CFI) provides smooth motion for sports
  • Includes voice control support for Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant
  • Built-in media player supports a wide range of file formats from USB

What customers don't like about Optoma UHD51A

  • Black levels are decent but not deep enough for dedicated dark home theaters
  • High input lag (approx. 60-70ms) makes it less suitable for competitive gaming
  • Presence of a light border or light bleed around the image edge
  • Remote control lacks a backlight, making it harder to use in dark rooms
  • Alexa/Google Assistant setup can be complex and sometimes unreliable
  • Limited placement flexibility due to modest zoom and vertical lens shift
  • Lack of keystone correction requires very precise physical alignment

Verdict

The Optoma UHD51A is a 4K UHD smart home theater projector utilizing a 0.47-inch DLP chipset with pixel-shifting technology to deliver 8.3 million on-screen pixels. Key technical specifications include 2,400 ANSI lumens of brightness, a 500,000:1 dynamic contrast ratio, and a six-segment RGBRGB color wheel that covers 100% of the Rec.709 color gamut. Its main pros include HDR10 and HLG compatibility for enhanced dynamic range, PureMotion frame interpolation for smooth motion, full 3D support, and integrated Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant voice control functionality. However, notable cons include an input lag of approximately 64ms to 70ms, which may be slow for competitive gaming, limited vertical lens shift of only +10%, and black levels that, while respectable, do not match high-end dedicated cinema models.

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