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

Sony VPL-DX126 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£370Native panel resolution:1024x768ANSI lumens:2600Throw ratio:1.47-1.77:1Lamp life:5000 hours

Sony VPL-DX126 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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 69% of models
Score components

35%

5.7

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 69% of projectors
7.4

Value for money

Value for money
7.4/ 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–² Better than 69% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.6

Price

â–²Better than 69%
5.7

Technical score

Technical score
5.7/ 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 83% of models
Score components

42%

5.9

Image Quality

22%

5.3

Projection & Lens

12%

5.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.7

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 83%
?

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
  • No image
No image
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.
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL-DX126

Technical score
Technical score
5.7/ 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 83% of models
Score components:

42%

5.9

Image Quality

22%

5.3

Projection & Lens

12%

5.9

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.7

Connectivity

6%

4.7

Design & Power

5.7
Reviews score
7.8
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.4/ 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–² Better than 69% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.6

Price

7.4
ANSI lumens
2,600
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,600 ANSI lumens, brighter than 56.8% of projectors and equal to 1.7% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
2,500:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 2500:1, lower than 69.4% of projectors and equal to 1.6% 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
3LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
1.47-1.77:1
Min throw distance
?
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
1.2
Market range: <1.1 – >2.06
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.2, narrower than 59.8% of projectors and equal to 21.6% of projectors.
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
?
Max HDMI bandwidth
?
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
yes
This projector connects to Wi-Fi networks for streaming. 46.7% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This projector uses Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than 50.1% of projectors and the same as in 5.4% of projectors.
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
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 63.3% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
Sony Projector Remote 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
5,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 5,000 hours, longer than 70.6% of projectors and equal to 5% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
7,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 7,000 hours, longer than 76.6% of projectors and equal to 1.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
100 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 100 W of power, less than 70.5% of projectors and equal to 3.2% of projectors.
Normal mode power draw.
Show more

Sony VPL-DX126 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    Sony Projector Remote app.
  • 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
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
  • 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
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 18.2% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,600 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,600 vs 2,200
  • 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
  • 130 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (100 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    100 W vs 230 W
  • 18.2% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (2,600 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    2,600 vs 2,200
  • 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
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
  • 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
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    Sony Projector Remote app.
  • 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
  • 130 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (100 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    100 W vs 230 W
  • 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
  • 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 Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (2500:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    2,500:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (2500:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    2,500:1 vs 10,000:1
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 8 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2013 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    2013 vs 2021
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • 0.1 2x narrower zoom range
    This projector has a lower zoom ratio than the average projector (1.2 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.2 vs 1.3
  • 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
  • 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 Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • No RS-232 control
    This projector does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • 90% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (1 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    1 W vs 10 W
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 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
  • 15,000 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    5,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 13,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (7,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    7,000 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

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony VPL-DX126

  • High portability and lightweight design at approximately 2.6 kg
  • Bright output for its class with 2,600 ANSI lumens, suitable for small to mid-sized rooms
  • Energy-efficient with a variety of smart power-saving features
  • Long lamp life of up to 7,000 hours in eco mode, reducing maintenance costs
  • Supports wireless presentations from tablets and smartphones via supplied Wi-Fi module
  • Produces crisp, high-contrast XGA images using 3LCD BrightEra technology

What customers don't like about Sony VPL-DX126

  • Reported long-term reliability issues, including the development of a 'pink blur' on the screen after 6-21 months of use
  • Limited native resolution (XGA 1024x768) which is lower than many modern widescreen or HD alternatives
  • Underwhelming 1W built-in speaker often necessitates external audio systems
  • Out-of-warranty repairs can be difficult or unsupported by the manufacturer for certain display faults
  • Native 4:3 aspect ratio is less ideal for modern widescreen video content compared to business presentations

Verdict

The Sony VPL-DX126 is a portable 3LCD desktop projector featuring a native XGA (1024 x 768) resolution and a brightness of 2,600 lumens, powered by Sony's BrightEra technology for consistent color stability and high contrast. Its primary advantages include energy-efficient features like Auto Lamp Dimming, a long lamp life of up to 7,000 hours in Eco mode, and versatile connectivity options including HDMI, LAN, and a supplied Wi-Fi module for wireless presentations from mobile devices. However, its downsides include a relatively low 2,500:1 contrast ratio, a modest 1W monaural built-in speaker, and a lower resolution compared to modern 1080p alternatives.

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