BenQ AH30ST vs Optoma UHD38X
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Choosing between the BenQ AH30ST and Optoma UHD38X? Both compete in the Projector segment. Here’s how they compare across the specs that matter most for your home theater.
Pricing for both models is currently unavailable. Check the retailer links below for current deals.
Looking at overall performance dimensions: The BenQ AH30ST scores higher in form factor, room fit. The Optoma UHD38X leads in value, video quality, gaming performance. They score similarly in ease of use.
The Optoma UHD38X offers higher brightness at 4000 ANSI lumens vs 3000. More lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room. Below 2000 lumens needs a dedicated dark room; 3000+ handles ambient light. In a dedicated dark room, contrast ratio and color accuracy may matter more than raw brightness.
These two Projector options trade wins across different dimensions. The right choice depends on which specs matter most for your room and listening preferences — review the detailed table below to decide.
For most home theaters, the Optoma UHD38X is the stronger choice — it leads in 3 of 6 scored dimensions. The BenQ AH30ST makes more sense if you prioritize the 2 dimensions where it leads.
Performance Overview
Scores based on specs and category benchmarks (0–100 scale)
Detailed Specifications
| Specification | ||
|---|---|---|
| Price | N/A | N/A |
| Native Resolution | 1080p | 4K |
| Technology | DLP | DLP |
| Throw Ratio Min | 0.69 | 1.5 |
| Throw Ratio Max | 0.83 | 1.66 |
| Lens Shift V | — | 5% |
| Lens Shift H | — | — |
| ANSI Lumens | 3000 | 4000 |
| CLO Lumens | — | — |
| Contrast Ratio | 20000:1 | 1000000:1 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | |
| Input Lag | 16.7ms | 4.2ms |
| Lamp Life | 30000hrs | 4000hrs |
| Light Source | LED | lamp |
| Lens Quality | — | — |
| Tone Mapping | — | — |
| Ultra Short Throw | No | No |
| Chip Size | — | 0.47" |
| Color Depth | 30bit | 10bit |
| Zoom Ratio | 1.2 | 1.1 |
| Zoom Type | manual | manual |
| Focus Type | — | Manual |
| Noise (Normal) | 32dB | 28dB |
| Noise (Eco) | 28dB | 26dB |
| Power Draw | 237W | 305W |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | 2 |
| HDMI Version | 1.4 | 2.0 |
| 3D Support | Yes | Yes |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker Power | 10W | 10W |
| Wi-Fi | No | No |
| Bluetooth | Yes | No |
| Streaming Apps | Yes | No |
| Lens Memory | No | No |
| 12V Trigger | No | Yes |
| Ethernet | No | No |
| Frame Interpolation | No | No |
| Native Aspect | — | 16:9 |
Key Differences
- Native Resolution: BenQ AH30ST at 1080p vs Optoma UHD38X at 4K
- Contrast Ratio: BenQ AH30ST at 20000:1 vs Optoma UHD38X at 1000000:1
- Lamp Life: BenQ AH30ST at 30000hrs vs Optoma UHD38X at 4000hrs
- Input Lag: BenQ AH30ST at 16.7ms vs Optoma UHD38X at 4.2ms. Sub-20ms is excellent for gaming. Above 40ms feels sluggish. Only matters for interactive content — film and TV don't benefit from low input lag.
- Color Depth: BenQ AH30ST at 30bit vs Optoma UHD38X at 10bit
Which Should You Choose?
Choose BenQ AH30ST if you want:
- + better throw ratio min
- + better lamp life
- + better power draw
Choose Optoma UHD38X if you want:
- + better ansi lumens — more lumens means a brighter image, critical if you can't fully darken your room
- + better contrast ratio
- + better input lag — sub-20ms is excellent for gaming
- + better noise (normal)
Specifications sourced from manufacturer datasheets and verified against retailer listings. Prices updated hourly from authorized retailers. Scoring uses our open methodology — products are never ranked, promoted, or suppressed based on affiliate commission rates.
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