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Sony VPL PHZ51 Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£1,720Native panel resolution:1920x1200ANSI lumens:5300Throw ratio:1.23-1.97:1Lamp life:20000 hours

Sony VPL PHZ51 Review: Compare 84 technical specifications and user reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

Sony VPL PHZ51
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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 64% of models
Score components

90%

6.9

Technical score

10%

7.2

User score

▲Better than 64% of projectors
5.3

Value for money

Value for money
5.3/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

1.4

Price

▼Worse than 87%
6.9

Technical score

Technical score
6.9/ 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 65% of models
Score components

42%

7.9

Image Quality

22%

5.7

Projection & Lens

12%

6.7

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.0

Audio & Features

8%

5.8

Connectivity

6%

7.0

Design & Power

▲Better than 65%
7.2

User score

User score
7.2/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

3.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
▼Worse than 87%
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Where to buy
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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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Projectors model ranking

Ranked #223 of 878 models in Projectors (Overall score)

Technical Specifications of projector Sony VPL PHZ51

Technical score
Technical score
6.9/ 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 65% of models
Score components:

42%

7.9

Image Quality

22%

5.7

Projection & Lens

12%

6.7

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.0

Audio & Features

8%

5.8

Connectivity

6%

7.0

Design & Power

6.9
User score
User score
7.2/ 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 87% of models
Score components

70%

9.0

User ratings

30%

3.0

Number of reviews

Based on ratings from across the web.
7.2
Popularity
Popularity
3.0/ 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
▼ Worse than 60% of models
Popularity:
Sony VPL PHZ51 has a popularity score of 3 points, which is lower than 57.8% of projectors.
3.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.3/ 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 87% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

1.4

Price

5.3
ANSI lumens
5,300
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 5,300 ANSI lumens, brighter than 96% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
Infinity:1 (dynamic)
This projector has a contrast ratio of Infinity:1 (dynamic), higher than 99.4% of projectors and equal to 0.6% of projectors.
Dynamic contrast is described as effectively infinite.
Native panel resolution
1920x1200
This projector uses a native resolution of 1920x1200, higher than 85.9% of projectors and equal to 3% of projectors.
Output Resolution
1920x1200
This projector supports output resolution up to 1920x1200, higher than 66% of projectors and equal to 3% of projectors.
Supports 4K input.
Projection technology
3LCD
Show more
Throw ratio
1.23-1.97:1
Min throw distance
1.06 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.06 m, longer than 51.1% of projectors and equal to 1.9% 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
1.6
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.6, wider than 58.4% of projectors and equal to 18.6% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorized zoom. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
?
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
?
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
laser
This projector uses laser light source technology, more advanced than 74% of projectors and equal to 26% of projectors.
Laser diode.
Laser Light Source
yes
This projector uses a laser light source. 72% of projectors use a laser light source.
Z-Phosphor laser diode.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 34.4% of projectors and equal to 27.6% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
20,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 36.3% of projectors and equal to 19% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
220 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 220 W of power, less than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more

Sony VPL PHZ51 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 2.41x brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (5,300 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    5,300 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (Infinity:1 (dynamic) vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast is described as effectively infinite.
    Infinity:1 (dynamic) vs 10,000:1
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    Supports 4K input.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • 2 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    2 vs 0
  • Uses laser light source
    This projector uses a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
    Z-Phosphor laser diode.
  • 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
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.6 vs 1.3
  • 2.41x brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (5,300 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    5,300 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (Infinity:1 (dynamic) vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    Dynamic contrast is described as effectively infinite.
    Infinity:1 (dynamic) vs 10,000:1
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (1920x1200 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    Supports 4K input.
    1920x1200 vs 1920x1080
  • 0.3 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (1.6 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    1.6 vs 1.3
  • 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
  • Modern HDCP version
    This projector offers Modern HDCP version than the average projector (2.3 vs 2.2). The average projector supports HDCP 2.2.
    2.3 vs 2.2
  • 2 more RJ45 ports
    This projector has more RJ45 ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 RJ45 ports.
    2 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
  • 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
  • 60% stronger audio output
    This projector has a higher audio output power than the average projector (16 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    16 W vs 10 W
  • Uses laser light source
    This projector uses a laser light source, while the average projector does not. 28.1% of projectors use a laser light source.
    Z-Phosphor laser diode.
  • 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
  • 15 % less horizontal lens shift
    This projector has fewer horizontal lens shift than the average projector (15 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
    15 % vs 30 %
  • 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
  • 5 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (35 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    35 dB vs 30 dB
  • No 3D support
    This projector does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55% of projectors support 3D playback.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.6% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • 23.7% worse value for money
    Sony VPL PHZ51 has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.26 vs 6.5).
    5.26 vs 6.51
  • 11.1% lower user score
    User score
    7.2/ 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
    Sony VPL PHZ51
    the average projector
    Sony VPL PHZ51 has a lower user score than the average projector (7.20 vs 8.000).
    7.2 vs 8
  • 2.23x more expensive
    Sony VPL PHZ51 is more expensive than the average projector (£1,720 vs £770).
    £1,720 vs £770
  • 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
  • No 3D support
    This projector does not support 3D playback, while the average projector does. 55% of projectors support 3D playback.
  • Narrower color gamut
    This projector has a lower color gamut coverage than the average projector (92% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    92% Rec.709 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not support 3D glasses, while the average projector does. 55.1% of projectors support 3D glasses.
  • 15 % less horizontal lens shift
    This projector has fewer horizontal lens shift than the average projector (15 % vs 30 %). The average projector has 30 % horizontal lens shift.
    15 % vs 30 %
  • 5 % less vertical lens shift
    This projector has fewer vertical lens shift than the average projector (55 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    Asymmetrical range: -35% to 55%.
    55 % vs 60 %
  • 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.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.6% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • 5 dB louder operation
    This projector has a higher audible noise than the average projector (35 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    35 dB vs 30 dB
  • 4 dB louder eco mode
    This projector has a higher audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (32 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    32 dB vs 28 dB
  • 2.19x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (6.8 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    6.8 kg vs 3.1 kg
  • 122 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (422 mm vs 300 mm). The average projector has a width of 300 mm.
    422 mm vs 300 mm

Video reviews

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

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Third-party reviews

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

What customers like about Sony VPL PHZ51

  • Exceptional brightness (5,300–5,800 lumens) that performs well even in rooms with high ambient light
  • Ultra-compact and lightweight design, often cited as one of the smallest in its class
  • Excellent picture clarity and color accuracy due to Reality Creation and BrightEra 3LCD technology
  • Long-lasting laser light source rated for up to 20,000 hours of maintenance-free operation
  • Native support for 4K 60P input signals with high-quality scaling to WUXGA resolution
  • Flexible installation features, including a wide +55% vertical lens shift and 1.6x manual zoom

What customers don't like about Sony VPL PHZ51

  • High initial purchase price compared to some competitors
  • Lacks built-in Wi-Fi and an integrated USB media player
  • Manual focus, zoom, and image shift rather than motorised controls
  • Absence of 360-degree placement options found in some rival professional models
  • Lack of a dedicated gaming or low-latency mode, resulting in higher input lag

Verdict

The Sony VPL-PHZ51 is an ultra-compact 3LCD laser projector featuring a native WUXGA (1920 x 1200) resolution and an impressive 5,300 ANSI lumens brightness (5,800 center lumens), making it ideal for well-lit professional or educational spaces. Key characteristics include Sony's Bright View technology for rich colors in ambient light, Reality Creation for 4K-like detail from lower-resolution signals, and a sealed laser light source rated for up to 20,000 hours of near-maintenance-free operation. Its primary pros are its lightweight 6.8 kg build, flexible installation with a +55% vertical lens shift and 1.6x manual zoom, and support for 4K 60P input. Notable cons include the lack of native 4K output, no 3D capability, and the absence of motorized zoom or focus controls.

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