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Sony VPL VW870ES Review | 84 Data compared

Avg. price:~£22,000Native panel resolution:4096x2160ANSI lumens:2200Throw ratio:?Lamp life:20000 hours

Sony VPL VW870ES 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 VW870ES
7.4/10

Overall score

Score
7.4/ 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 79% of models
Score components

90%

7.4

Technical score

10%

?

User score

▲Better than 79% of projectors
5.5

Value for money

Value for money
5.5/ 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 83% of models
Score components

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

▼Worse than 83%
7.4

Technical score

Technical score
7.4/ 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 79% of models
Score components

42%

7.9

Image Quality

22%

8.4

Projection & Lens

12%

7.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

7.8

Design & Power

▲Better than 79%
?

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
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

  • sony-vpl-vw870es
sony-vpl-vw870es
Where to buy
    N/A~ £22,000
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 Sony VPL VW870ES

Technical score
Technical score
7.4/ 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 79% of models
Score components:

42%

7.9

Image Quality

22%

8.4

Projection & Lens

12%

7.3

HDMI & Gaming

10%

4.4

Audio & Features

8%

5.3

Connectivity

6%

7.8

Design & Power

7.4
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
▼ Worse than 69% of models
Score components

70%

?

User ratings

30%

?

Number of reviews

?
Popularity
Popularity
1.0/ 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 99% of models
Popularity:
Sony VPL VW870ES has a popularity score of 1 point, which is lower than 64.5% of projectors.
1.0
Value for money
Value for money
5.5/ 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 83% of models
Score components:

70%

7.4

Overall score

30%

1.0

Price

5.5
ANSI lumens
2,200
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 2,200 ANSI lumens, brighter than 45.9% of projectors and equal to 4.7% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
?
Native panel resolution
4096x2160
This projector uses a native resolution of 4096x2160, higher than 95.3% of projectors and equal to 4.7% of projectors.
Output Resolution
4096x2160
This projector supports output resolution up to 4096x2160, higher than 95.3% of projectors and equal to 3.6% of projectors.
Projection technology
LCoS
Show more
Throw ratio
?
Min throw distance
?
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
2.06
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 2.06, wider than 90.1% of projectors and equal to 3.3% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
yes
This projector has motorized zoom. 83.8% of projectors have motorized zoom.
Show more
Input lag
27 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 27 ms, lower than 49.4% of projectors and equal to 2.2% of projectors.
In 4K.
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
laser
This projector uses laser light source technology, more advanced than 74% of projectors and equal to 26% of projectors.
Z-Phosphor.
Laser Light Source
yes
This projector uses a laser light source. 72% of projectors use a laser light source.
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.
Laser light source life.
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.
Eco mode rating.
Operating power consumption
490 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 490 W of power, more than 97.4% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Show more

Sony VPL VW870ES vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • 0.76 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (2.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    2.06 vs 1.3
  • Supports lens memory
    This projector supports lens memory, while the average projector does not. 9% of projectors support lens memory.
    Called Picture Position Memory.
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (91% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    91% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Has motorized zoom
    This projector has motorized zoom, while the average projector does not. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
  • Supports frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
    Via Motionflow.
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers Advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). The average projector uses manual focus control.
    motorized vs manual
  • Higher output resolution
    This projector supports a higher output resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • High native resolution
    This projector has a higher native panel resolution than the average projector (4096x2160 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    4096x2160 vs 1920x1080
  • Wider color gamut
    This projector has a higher color gamut coverage than the average projector (91% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %). The average projector has 99% Rec.709 % of color gamut coverage.
    91% DCI-P3 % vs 99% Rec.709 %
  • Supports HLG
    This projector supports HLG, while the average projector does not. 42.7% of projectors support HLG.
  • 0.76 2x wider zoom range
    This projector has a higher zoom ratio than the average projector (2.1 vs 1.3). The average projector has 1.3 of zoom ratio.
    2.06 vs 1.3
  • Supports lens memory
    This projector supports lens memory, while the average projector does not. 9% of projectors support lens memory.
    Called Picture Position Memory.
  • Has motorized zoom
    This projector has motorized zoom, while the average projector does not. 16.3% of projectors have motorized zoom.
  • Advanced focus control
    This projector offers Advanced focus control than the average projector (motorized vs manual). The average projector uses manual focus control.
    motorized vs manual
  • 20 % more vertical lens shift
    This projector has more vertical lens shift than the average projector (80 % vs 60 %). The average projector has 60 % vertical lens shift.
    80 % vs 60 %
  • 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
  • Motorized focus
    This projector supports motorized focus, while the average projector does not. 47.2% of projectors support motorized focus.
  • Supports frame interpolation
    This projector supports frame interpolation, while the average projector does not. 37.1% of projectors support frame interpolation.
    Via Motionflow.
  • 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
  • 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.
  • 6 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (24 dB vs 30 dB). The average projector has 30 dB of audible noise.
    24 dB vs 30 dB
  • 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
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
  • 7.1x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (22 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    22 kg vs 3.1 kg
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.6% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • 28.57x more expensive
    Sony VPL VW870ES is more expensive than the average projector (£22,000 vs £770).
    £22,000 vs £770
  • 255 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (490 W vs 235 W). The average projector uses 235 W of power.
    490 W vs 235 W
  • 28.57x more expensive
    Sony VPL VW870ES is more expensive than the average projector (£22,000 vs £770).
    £22,000 vs £770
  • 4.87x less popular
    Sony VPL VW870ES has a lower popularity than the average projector (1 vs 4.9).
    1 vs 4.87
  • 19.3% worse value for money
    Sony VPL VW870ES has a lower value-for-money score than the average projector (5.45 vs 6.5).
    5.45 vs 6.51
  • 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 3.5 mm jack
    This projector does not include a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 82.9% of projectors include a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • No built-in speaker
    This projector drawback: no built-in speaker. 85.3% of projectors have a built-in speaker.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 80.6% of projectors have a sleep timer.
  • 7.1x heavier weight
    This projector is heavier than the average projector (22 kg vs 3.1 kg). The average projector weighs 3.1 kg.
    22 kg vs 3.1 kg
  • 255 W higher power use
    This projector uses more power than the average projector (490 W vs 235 W). The average projector uses 235 W of power.
    490 W vs 235 W
  • 260 mm wider body
    This projector is wider than the average projector (560 mm vs 300 mm). The average projector has a width of 300 mm.
    560 mm vs 300 mm
  • 96 mm taller body
    This projector is taller than the average projector (223 mm vs 127 mm). The average projector has a height of 127 mm.
    223 mm vs 127 mm
  • 0.5 W higher standby power
    This projector uses more standby power than the average projector (1 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    1 W vs 0.5 W
  • 78 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (223 mm vs 145 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 145 mm.
    223 mm vs 145 mm

Video reviews

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

9.0
AVForums
≈ estimated
21/06/2019
Hands-on review · image quality and comparison with rival
Verdict
Sony VPL-VW870ES is expensive and aimed at custom cinemas, but overall it is a recommended projector with impressive sharpness and colour.
9.0
HDTVTest
≈ estimated
30/08/2018
Hands-on first look · calibration and measurements
Verdict
Sony VPL-VW870ES is the pick of the new Sony lineup, with a very sharp lens and accurate SDR colours.
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict
Shop video

Third-party reviews

What customers like about Sony VPL VW870ES

  • Phenomenal 4K sharpness and detail clarity due to the high-quality, all-glass ARC-F lens
  • Stunning colour reproduction and accuracy with high luminance, especially after professional calibration
  • Excellent motion handling and upscaling of lower-resolution content using Sony's Reality Creation and Motionflow technology
  • Convenient motorised lens controls for zoom, focus, and lens shift accessible via a backlit remote
  • Long-lasting Z-Phosphor laser light source with a rated lifespan of approximately 20,000 hours and minimal maintenance
  • Impressive HDR brightness and punch compared to many competitors, making HDR content more convincing

What customers don't like about Sony VPL VW870ES

  • Extremely high price point (approx. £25,000 / $35,000), making it a niche product for dedicated home cinemas
  • Black levels, while improved, are not as deep or profound as those found in rival JVC D-ILA projectors
  • HDR performance can be inconsistent without manual adjustment of the 'Contrast HDR' setting to avoid highlight clipping
  • Large and heavy physical footprint (22kg), requiring substantial mounting or dedicated furniture
  • Lack of support for dynamic HDR formats such as Dolby Vision or HDR10+
  • Potentially loud fan noise when using high brightness settings required for optimal HDR playback

Verdict

The Sony VPL-VW870ES is a flagship native 4K (4096 x 2160) home cinema projector featuring a Z-Phosphor laser light source that delivers 2,200 lumens of brightness and a lifespan of up to 20,000 hours. Its core characteristics include a professional-grade ARC-F (All-Range Crisp Focus) all-glass lens with 18 elements, three SXRD panels for high-speed response, and support for HDR10 and HLG formats via 18Gbps HDMI. Main pros include exceptional 4K sharpness, a vibrant colour palette covering 91% of the DCI-P3 gamut, and advanced 4K Motionflow for smooth motion handling. However, notable cons include its extremely high price point, black levels that can appear slightly grey in dark scenes compared to high-end lamp-based rivals, and the lack of support for dynamic HDR formats like Dolby Vision or HDR10+.

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