BenQ AH500ST vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST
Prices updated hourly. Check retailer for current availability.
Choosing between the BenQ AH500ST and Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST? 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 AH500ST scores higher in video quality, gaming performance. The Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST leads in value, form factor, room fit. They score similarly in ease of use.
The BenQ AH500ST offers higher brightness at 4000 ANSI lumens vs 650. 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 Photon Go ML1080UST is the stronger choice — it leads in 3 of 6 scored dimensions. The BenQ AH500ST 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 | 1080p |
| Technology | DLP | DLP |
| Throw Ratio Min | 0.499 | 0.18 |
| Throw Ratio Max | 0.499 | 0.18 |
| Lens Shift V | — | — |
| Lens Shift H | — | — |
| ANSI Lumens | 4000 | 650 |
| CLO Lumens | — | — |
| Contrast Ratio | 3000000:1 | 2500000:1 |
| HDR Support | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Input Lag | 16.7ms | — |
| Lamp Life | 38000hrs | 20000hrs |
| Light Source | laser | rgb_laser |
| Lens Quality | — | — |
| Tone Mapping | — | — |
| Ultra Short Throw | Yes | Yes |
| Chip Size | — | — |
| Color Depth | 30bit | 10bit |
| Zoom Ratio | 1 | — |
| Zoom Type | fixed | Fixed |
| Focus Type | — | Motorized |
| Noise (Normal) | 35dB | 35dB |
| Noise (Eco) | 32dB | 30dB |
| Power Draw | 250W | 85W |
| HDMI Inputs | 2 | 1 |
| HDMI Version | 2.0 | 2.0 |
| 3D Support | Yes | No |
| Built-in Speaker | Yes | Yes |
| Speaker Power | 10W | 20W |
| Wi-Fi | No | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes | Yes |
| Streaming Apps | Yes | Yes |
| Lens Memory | No | No |
| 12V Trigger | No | No |
| Ethernet | Yes | Yes |
| Frame Interpolation | No | No |
| Native Aspect | — | 16:9 |
Key Differences
- ANSI Lumens: BenQ AH500ST at 4000 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 650. 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.
- Color Depth: BenQ AH500ST at 30bit vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 10bit
- Power Draw: BenQ AH500ST at 250W vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 85W
- Throw Ratio Min: BenQ AH500ST at 0.499 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 0.18
- Throw Ratio Max: BenQ AH500ST at 0.499 vs Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST at 0.18
Which Should You Choose?
Choose BenQ AH500ST 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 lamp life
Choose Optoma Photon Go ML1080UST if you want:
- + better throw ratio min
- + better noise (eco)
- + better power draw
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.
Related Comparisons
CinemaConfig may receive compensation for purchases made at participating retailers linked on this site. This compensation does not affect what products or prices are displayed, or the order of prices listed. Learn more