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

ViewSonic PA503X review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£310Native panel resolution:1024x768ANSI lumens:3600Throw ratio:1.96-2.15:1Lamp life:4500 hours

ViewSonic PA503X Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 1 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

ViewSonic PA503X
6.5/10

Overall score

Score
6.5/ 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 84% of models
Score components

35%

6.0

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

6.0

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 84% of projectors
7.2

Value for money

Value for money
7.2/ 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 59% of models
Score components

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

â–²Better than 59%
6.0

Technical score

Technical score
6.0/ 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 71% of models
Score components

42%

7.2

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

5.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.7

Audio & Features

8%

3.6

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 71%
6.0

Reviews score

Reviews score
6.0/ 10
✕
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
â–¼ Worse than 83% of models

6.0

Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

8.2

Average grade

20%

5.0

Popularity

Grades by review (1)
1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 83%
?

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
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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 ViewSonic PA503X

Technical score
Technical score
6.0/ 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 71% of models
Score components:

42%

7.2

Image Quality

22%

5.4

Projection & Lens

12%

5.5

HDMI & Gaming

10%

5.7

Audio & Features

8%

3.6

Connectivity

6%

4.9

Design & Power

6.0
Reviews score
6.0
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.2/ 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 59% of models
Score components:

70%

6.5

Overall score

30%

8.9

Price

7.2
ANSI lumens
3,600
Market range: <250 – >4k
This projector reaches 3,600 ANSI lumens, brighter than 79.9% of projectors and equal to 2% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
22,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 22000:1, higher than 63.8% of projectors and equal to 1.1% 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
DLP
Show more
Throw ratio
1.96-2.15:1
Min throw distance
1.19 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >2 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 1.19 m, longer than 61.7% of projectors and equal to 0.3% of projectors.
Max projection size
300 inch
Market range: <100 inch – >300 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 300 inch, larger than 51.5% of projectors and equal to 38% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
1.1
Market range: <1.1 – >2.1
This projector offers a zoom ratio of 1.1, narrower than 82.4% of projectors and equal to 16.1% of projectors.
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
Input lag
16 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 16 ms, lower than 73.1% of projectors and equal to 3.7% of projectors.
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
1.4
This projector supports HDMI 1.4, older than 54% of projectors and equal to 35.7% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10 Gbps – >50 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >6
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
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
?
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone 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
4,500 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 4,500 hours, longer than 75.8% of projectors and equal to 3% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
15,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 15,000 hours, longer than 60.9% of projectors and equal to 1.5% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
260 W
Market range: <50 W – >400 W
This projector uses 260 W of power, more than 56.9% of projectors and equal to 1.9% of projectors.
Show more

ViewSonic PA503X vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 63.6% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,600 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,600 vs 2,200
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 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
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (22000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    22,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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
  • 11 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (16 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    16 ms vs 27 ms
  • 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
  • 0.08 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.6 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.55 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 63.6% brighter image
    This projector has higher ANSI lumens than the average projector (3,600 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    3,600 vs 2,200
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (22000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    22,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • 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
  • 0.08 inch larger DMD chip
    This projector has a higher DMD chip size than the average projector (0.6 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.55 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 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
  • 11 ms lower input lag
    This projector has a lower input lag than the average projector (16 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    16 ms vs 27 ms
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support 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
  • 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
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • 18.9% lower review score
    Reviews score
    6.0/ 10
    ✕
    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
    â–¼ Worse than 83% of models

    6.0

    Mark 7.6 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    8.2

    Average grade

    20%

    5.0

    Popularity

    Grades by review (1)
    1 video review, counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    6.0 vs 7.4
  • 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
  • 4 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2017 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    2,017 vs 2,021
  • 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
  • 0.18 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 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    1.19 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.4 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.0.
    1.4 vs 2.0
  • 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 Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 1 fewer USB ports
    This projector has fewer USB ports than the average projector (0 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    0 vs 1
  • 80% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (2 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 W vs 10 W
  • 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
  • 15,500 hours shorter lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life than the average projector (4,500 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life.
    4,500 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 5,000 hours shorter eco lamp life
    This projector has a lower lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (15,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    15,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 68 mm thicker body
    This projector is thicker than the average projector (218 mm vs 150 mm). The average projector has a thickness of 150 mm.
    218 mm vs 150 mm

Video reviews

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

7.0
Juan N
≈ estimated
21/04/2020
Hands-on review · brightness, noise and gaming tests
Verdict
ViewSonic PA503X is fine for single-player games on a large screen, but resolution and competitive gaming hold it back.
7.0
Juan N
≈ estimated
21/04/2020
Unboxing · first look and key details
Verdict
ViewSonic PA503X is an adequate projector for the price, with enough brightness for presentations.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about ViewSonic PA503X

  • A 16 ms input lag keeps controls responsive for games.
  • 3600 lumens gives a clear picture when the room is not totally dark.
  • A picture up to 300 inch gives a large image.
  • Eco mode cuts the noise to 27 dB, against 31 dB in normal mode.
  • It can be mounted on a ceiling.
  • A sleep timer switches the projector off on its own.

What customers don't like about ViewSonic PA503X

  • The lamp is rated for 4500 hours, which is short for heavy use.
  • The zoom is only 1.1, so placement needs care.
  • The 2 W speaker is too quiet to use on its own.
  • There is no USB port at all.
  • There is no Wi-Fi, so every source needs a cable.

Verdict

For a games console in a bedroom, the ViewSonic PA503X is worth a look, mainly because its 16 ms input lag keeps controls responsive. It is rated at 3600 lumens, which is bright enough for a room that is not totally dark. The picture is 1024x768 with 10-bit color, and it accepts 1080p at 60 Hz from an HDMI source. The 120 Hz refresh rate gives moving images a smooth look, and the 22000:1 contrast ratio adds depth. The main limits are the lamp, rated for 4500 hours, and the 1.1 zoom, which means careful placement. It has no USB port and no Wi-Fi, so everything runs through the single HDMI input. It suits a student or a casual gamer who wants a budget projector and does not need high resolution.

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