Optoma is stepping up its game with its line of affordable 4K projectors. You can expect to pay a little more for a resolution higher than full HD, but Optoma has two projectors that aren’t going to break your wallet. Along with the ability to produce stunning onscreen images, these Optoma projectors were also made with gamers in mind.
The Optoma UHD38 and UHD55 are two examples, but which one is the best choice for your home (>>> Check on Amazon)? We’ll take a look at both projectors so you can make a smart buying decision.
Optoma UHD38 vs UHD55 Specifications:
| Optoma UHD38 | Optoma UHD55 | |
|---|---|---|
 |  |
|
| Resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
| Contrast Ratio | 1,000,000:1 | 1,200,000:1 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 4,000 ANSI | 3,600 ANSI |
| Throw Distance | 4.0' - 32.7' | 3.9' - 26.6' |
| Screen size | 33" - 300" | 34" - 302" |
| Internal Speakers | 10.0 Watts Mono | 10.0 Watts Mono |
| Price | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com | Find on Amazon ProjectorScreen.com Bhphotovideo.com |
Image Quality
Image quality is key whether you are looking for a gaming or movie projector. Both Optoma models produce vivid and immersive 4K images. HDR and HLG support are also standard, ensuring you see movies and shows the way they are meant to be seen.
The UHD38 uses an 8-segment color wheel and 10-bit processing technology. The UHD55 also uses a color wheel. You get accurate colors without bleeding or rainbowing. The difference between the two projectors is the lumens rating. The UHD38 has a 4,000 lumens light source, compared to the UHD55 with 3,600 lumens. It’s not going to make a difference in a dark room, but you will get a slightly brighter picture in ambient light with the UHD38.
Best Image Quality: Optoma UHD38
Gaming Quality
Both Optoma projectors are marketed for gamers. You are not going to complain about slow input lag or refresh rates. You will lose some image quality in gaming mode, but full HD resolution is more than enough to ensure you see every character on the screen.
The UHD55 is advertised as a gaming projector. It has an input latency ranging from 4.4ms to 16.9ms, depending on the mode. The 240Hz refresh rate is the same with both projectors. It’s fast enough for casual and competitive gaming. The UHD38 is slightly faster with a 4.2ms input lag. However, it’s not enough to make a noticeable difference regardless of the type of game.
Best for Gamers: Tie
Ease of Installation and Setup
You are not going to have a problem setting up either projector. Both weigh under 10 lbs., with the UHD55 coming in around a pound lighter. The UHD38 is a standard throw projector which means installation may take a little time. You need around 13ft or so to cast 100” images.
However, the UHD55 only needs around 4 ft. It does make installation a little easier. It also makes the UDH55 a more versatile option. It works great in small and large spaces. The projectors can be placed on a table or mounted on the ceiling. Mounts are an added expense, so it’s something to consider.
Keystone correction and automatic zoom make it easy to align onscreen images. Since the UHD55 is a short-throw model, you can also center images with the projector’s placement.
Easiest to Install: Optoma UHD55
Connectivity
Connectivity is key in a home theater projector. You want to be able to connect your external devices. Wireless connectivity is also a nice bonus. It makes it easier to access your games and streaming content.
The projectors come with dual HDMI inputs, along with a USB port. You can also connect external speakers via the audio in and out ports. You get a built-in media player with UHD55. Download your favorite content to a USB stick and the projector plays everything in amazing color. The UHD38 is also compatible with most streaming devices. You can easily watch your favorite shows and movies. Gamers can also connect their consoles or streaming sticks to either projector.
Best Connectivity: A tie
Optoma UHD38
The UHD38 is a relatively budget-friendly home theater projector. It boasts a 4K resolution and a 4,000 lumens lamp. An eight-segment color wheel produces crisp, bright colors, especially when you add in UltraDetail and Dynamic black technology. HDR and HLG support further enhance onscreen image quality.
It is a lightweight, standard throw projector, so you will need around 10 feet or so of space to cast 100” images. With 13 feet of space, you can enjoy 130” images. It’s almost like sitting in a movie theater. Horizontal and vertical keystone correction make it easy to align images. You can also take advantage of the 1.1x manual focus and zoom.
The projector comes with onboard 10-watt speakers. They are not powerful enough to replace a soundbar, but they are a step up from the internal speakers in your smart TV. You get plenty of connections for external devices, and gamers will love the fast 240Hz refresh rate and low input lag. The fast refresh rate also ensures that live-action sports play smoothly without any delays. Check comparison vs. UHD50x
Pros
- True 4K resolution
- Dynamic contrast
- Dual HDMI inputs
- Low input lag
- 3D support
Cons
- The standard throw distance limits where the projector can be installed
- It lacks the streaming services often included with other projectors
Optoma UHD55
You get an affordable projector for movies and games with the Optoma UHD55. In gaming mode, you lose some resolution, but it’s worth it to enjoy latency speeds of around 4.2ms. It’s fast enough for competitive gaming and you are still getting full HD resolution.
When it comes to image quality, you will not be disappointed. Along with true 4K resolution, and a 3,600 light source, the projector also uses an eight-segment color wheel. You get bright, crisp colors across the spectrum. PureMotion technology prevents action scenes from appearing blurry. You also get full 3D support for your gaming consoles and DVD players.
Its short-throw distance makes setup a breeze, along with the projector’s relatively lightweight. Add in dual HDMI inputs and a port for your USB device, and the UHD55 covers most of your entertainment needs.
Pros
- Low latency
- 4K resolution
- 3D support
- Support for Netflix
- Accurate, vibrant colors
Cons
- Latency depends on the HDMI port
- The projector lacks onboard streaming services
Detailed review: https://hometheaterabc.com/optoma-uhd55-review/
Conclusion
Comparing the Optoma UHD38 vs the UHD55 highlights the projectors’ similarities and differences. Both produce stunning images and have a low input lag for gamers, the primary difference is the throw distance. If you are looking for a short-throw projector, the UHD55 is the better option. However, if you have the space you may want to take a closer look at the UHD38 (>>> Find on ProjectorScreen). It produces a slightly brighter picture, especially in well-lit spaces.