What's the difference between expensive and cheap projectors? A thorough comparison based on five key points

When purchasing a projector, why is there such a large price difference between "cheap models in the 10,000 yen range" and "high-end models over 50,000 yen"? Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it's good, and even cheap models can be quite useful if they meet your needs.

In this article, we'll thoroughly compare the core differences between expensive and affordable projectors across five key areas (image quality, brightness, durability, functionality, and sound quality) and explain which model is best suited to which scenario. We'll also use Aestiquo's popular projector ( the Aestiquo P1 ) as an example to show you how to choose a model that offers a good balance of price and performance, providing a guide to choosing a projector that best suits your needs.

1. Price ranges for expensive and cheap projectors

First, let's clarify the price ranges of "expensive projectors" and "cheap projectors." Generally, home projectors are divided into the following categories:

2. Five key differences between expensive and cheap projectors

The price difference between expensive and cheap projectors comes down to five main factors: image quality, brightness, durability, functionality, and sound quality. Let's compare the differences between each in detail.

① Image quality: The resolution and color reproduction capabilities are fundamentally different

Image quality is the most important factor in a projector, and it is one of the major factors that determine its price. Expensive projectors are equipped with high-quality optical components and image processing technology to ensure both detailed images and accurate colors.

Comparison items	Cheap projectors (10,000-30,000 yen)	Expensive projectors (50,000-150,000 yen)
resolution	Mostly 720P (1280 x 720 pixels). Some models claim to be "pseudo 1080P" (720P images enlarged using software), but the image quality is different from true 1080P. Small text and image details are often blurred.	1080P (1920 x 1080 pixels) is the standard, and premium models support 4K (3840 x 2160 pixels). With true high resolution, even the edges of text and the fine details of images are reproduced clearly.
color reproduction	The color reproduction range is narrow (e.g., sRGB 60-80%), and reds and blues are often faded or the colors are biased. The color adjustment function is simple, making it difficult to adjust the colors to your liking.	Achieves a wide color reproduction range (e.g., sRGB 90-100%, DCI-P3 compatible). Accurately reproduces the original colors of movies and photos, resulting in natural hues. Equipped with detailed color adjustment functions (fine-tuning of brightness, contrast, and saturation).
Contrast ratio	Many of them have a low contrast ratio (1000:1 to 2000:1), which means that the black in dark scenes is not reproduced properly, and the image may appear washed out overall.	Achieves a high contrast ratio (3000:1~10000:1), providing depth in dark scenes and rich gradation between bright and dark areas, providing a realistic image.

② Brightness: Differences between ANSI lumen values ​​and actual usage scenarios

Projector brightness is measured in "ANSI lumens," and the higher this number, the brighter the screen. High-quality projectors are equipped with high-quality light sources and optics to achieve usable brightness even in bright rooms.

③ Durability: Differences in part quality and lifespan

The durability of a projector depends heavily on the quality of its internal components (light source, fan, power supply unit). High-quality projectors use high-quality components and heat dissipation designs to ensure long-term use.

Comparison items	Cheap projectors (10,000-30,000 yen)	Expensive projectors (50,000-150,000 yen)
Light source life	10,000 to 20,000 hours (in eco mode). Brightness decreases rapidly over time, and the light source often needs to be replaced every 2 to 3 years. Replacement parts can also be difficult to obtain.	25,000-50,000 hours (in eco mode). High-quality LED light source with slow light decay means you won't need to replace the light source for 5-10 years (assuming 3 hours of use per day). Replacement parts are readily available.
heat dissipation design	They only have one or two small fans, making them inefficient at dissipating heat. They can easily overheat over long periods of use, causing the power to automatically shut off (overheat protection). The fans also tend to be noisy.	Equipped with multiple large-diameter, quiet fans and a unique heat dissipation structure (heat sink and airway design), the unit's temperature does not rise even during extended use, reducing the frequency of overheat protection activation. The fan noise is also low (25-30dB), allowing for use in a quiet environment.
Power supply unit	They use low-quality power supply components and are vulnerable to voltage fluctuations. After extended use, the power supply unit is prone to failure, and repair costs are high, so many users end up buying new equipment.	They use high-quality power supply components and are designed to be resistant to voltage fluctuations. Even with long-term use, the power supply unit has a low failure rate and comes with a long product warranty (typically 1 to 3 years).

④ Function: The difference between ease of use and versatility

High-quality projectors are equipped with a variety of features to enhance user convenience, greatly improving installation flexibility and the viewing experience.

⑤ Sound quality: Differences in built-in speaker quality and output

A projector's built-in speakers have a significant impact on your movie and music viewing experience. High-quality projectors feature high-quality speakers and acoustic processing technology to ensure clear sound and deep bass.

Comparison items	Cheap projectors (10,000-30,000 yen)	Expensive projectors (50,000-150,000 yen)
Speaker Output	Equipped with low-output speakers ranging from 1W x 2ch to 2W x 2ch. The volume is low, so the sound does not reach large rooms. When the volume is turned up to the maximum, the sound often distorts or generates noise.	Equipped with high-output speakers ranging from 5W x 2ch to 10W x 2ch. Enough volume is ensured, providing clear sound even in large rooms. There is little distortion or noise even at maximum volume.
Sound quality adjustment function	There's essentially no sound quality adjustment, meaning you can't adjust the bass or treble, and you can't reproduce the finer details of movie sound effects or music.	Equipped with sound quality adjustment functions such as equalizer (EQ), bass booster, and sound field modes (Theater, Music, Game), you can optimize the sound quality to suit your usage scenario. Some high-end models support DTS and Dolby Audio, providing a theater-quality sound experience.
Connecting to external audio equipment	Many models only have an AUX OUT port and do not support Bluetooth or optical digital output. Connecting external speakers requires a cable, which can be cumbersome.	Equipped with various connection methods such as Bluetooth 5.0, AUX OUT, optical digital output, and HDMI ARC, you can easily connect wireless speakers and sound bars to enjoy a high-quality audio experience.

3. Which projector should I choose for which scene?

Not all expensive projectors are superior, and cheaper projectors can also be used effectively in certain situations. Below we will introduce how to choose the best projector for each usage scenario.

① Scenes where a cheap projector is suitable

• If your child only watches educational videos for a short time (less than 30 minutes a day), a cheap projector with 720P resolution and 300-500 ANSI lumens will suffice. To be gentle on your child's eyes, we recommend using it in a dark room with low brightness settings.
• For temporary use while traveling or on a business trip , a small, lightweight, and inexpensive projector is suitable for temporary use, such as watching movies in a hotel room while traveling. It can meet your basic entertainment needs while keeping your budget low.
• If you want to try using a projector (for beginners)
  If you are using a projector for the first time, we recommend that you first learn the basic operation and installation methods of a cheaper model, and then upgrade to a more expensive model as needed. This will help you avoid unnecessary expenses.
• If your budget is tight (between ¥10,000 and ¥30,000) <br>Even if you're on a tight budget, you can use a cheap projector for simple home movie viewing or presentations. Avoid using it in a bright room; use it in a dark room to maximize image quality.

② Scenes where expensive projectors are suitable

• If you want to build a home theater and watch high-definition movies
  You need a high-quality projector with a high resolution of 1080P to 4K, a brightness of 600 ANSI lumens or more, and a wide color reproduction range. A 1080P Full HD model like the Aestiquo P1 provides the immersive feeling of a home theater, vividly reproducing the fine details and colors of movies (see the Aestiquo P1 product page ).
• For use in a bright room (living room during the day) , a projector with high brightness (600 ANSI lumens or higher) is required. A high-brightness projector can maintain screen contrast even in bright environments and provide a clear image.
• For extended gaming sessions, a projector with low latency (20ms or less), high brightness, and stable image display is recommended. Low latency allows for faster screen response and improved gaming experience.
• If you plan to use it for a long period of time (3 years or more) <br>Expensive projectors use high-quality components, which means they have a long service life and are less likely to break down even after long-term use. They also come with a long product warranty, so you can use them with peace of mind.
• If you want to take advantage of a wide range of features (wireless connection, automatic keystone correction, sound quality adjustment) , whether you want to cast videos from your smartphone, connect wireless speakers, or easily adjust the screen, the versatility of a high-quality projector will come in handy. This can significantly improve ease of use and your viewing experience.

4. Aestiquo P1: A mid-range option with a good balance of price and performance

For general home entertainment (watching movies, playing games, giving presentations), a "mid-range, balanced model" is best suited, as it compensates for the lack of functionality of cheaper projectors while avoiding the high price of more expensive projectors. The Aestiquo P1 is a popular model in this mid-range, boasting the following features:

5. Checklist for buying a projector

When purchasing a projector, follow the checklist below to compare your needs with the model's specifications and make a decision you won't regret.

Check items	Points to check	cheap projectors	High projector
Purpose of use	Will it be primarily used for watching movies, playing games, teaching, or giving presentations?	Suitable for simple movie viewing and education	Perfect for high-definition movie viewing, gameplay, and presentations
Brightness of the place of use	Will it be used in a dark, dimly lit, or bright room?	Limited to use in dark rooms	Can be used in dimly lit or brightly lit rooms
Required resolution	Is 720P enough, or do I need 1080P or more?	720P is the mainstream (some pseudo-1080P)	1080P~4K is mainstream
Required brightness	How much brightness do you need in ANSI lumens? (Dark room: 300-500, Dim room: 600-800, Bright room: 1000 or more)	300-500 ANSI lumens (for dark rooms)	600~2000 ANSI lumens (suitable for a variety of lighting conditions)
Required features	Do you need features like keystone correction, wireless connectivity, low latency mode, and sound quality adjustments?	Only basic functions	Equipped with a variety of advanced functions
Service life	How long do you want to use it for? 1-2 years, 3-5 years, or more than 5 years?	Suitable for short-term use of 1-2 years	Suitable for long-term use of 3 to 5 years or more
budget	What is your budget for purchases? (10,000-30,000 yen, 30,000-50,000 yen, over 50,000 yen)	Fits a budget of 10,000 to 30,000 yen	A budget of 50,000 yen or more is required

6. Summary: Key points for choosing between expensive and cheap projectors

The difference between expensive and cheap projectors can be summed up in five key elements: image quality, brightness, durability, functionality, and sound quality. Just because something is expensive doesn't mean it's good, so the most important thing is to choose a model that suits your usage scenario and needs.

Finally, before purchasing a projector, we recommend seeing the actual product to check the image and sound quality, or reading user reviews. For the Aestiquo P1, you can also contact official support for detailed product information and usage advice. We hope you will choose a projector that suits your needs and enrich your home entertainment.

7. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Even cheap projectors claim to have 1080P resolution, but is this different from true 1080P?

A: Yes, it is often called "pseudo-1080P," and the image quality differs from true 1080P. Pseudo-1080P uses software to enlarge a 720P image to display it at 1080P size, which can result in blurred and noisy images and poor reproduction of fine text and details. True 1080P projectors have a physical pixel count of 1920 x 1080 pixels, allowing them to faithfully reproduce high-resolution images. It is important to check the "physical resolution" when purchasing.

Q: Do expensive projectors have higher maintenance costs?

A: Expensive projectors tend to have lower maintenance costs than cheaper projectors that use lower-quality components. There are two reasons for this: 1) They use high-quality LED light sources, which means light source replacements are less frequent (with a lifespan of over 25,000 hours), reducing replacement costs; 2) Their high-quality heat dissipation design and power supply unit mean less frequent breakdowns and reduced repair costs. In addition, expensive projectors also have long product warranties (generally 1-3 years), so any breakdowns within the warranty period are often repaired free of charge, reducing the burden of maintenance.

Q: Can the mid-priced Aestiquo P1 be used in a bright room?

A: The Aestiquo P1 has a brightness of 700 ANSI lumens, so it should be clear enough to display in a dimly lit living room during the day with blackout curtains. However, in a bright room with direct sunlight, the screen contrast may decrease, resulting in poor image quality. If you frequently use the P1 in a bright room, we recommend the following: 1) Install blackout curtains to block direct sunlight; 2) Use the P1's "Bright Mode" to maximize brightness; and 3) Use a projection screen (especially a high-gain screen) to improve the screen brightness and contrast. These measures will allow you to comfortably use the P1 even in a bright room.

Q: What is the difference between "ANSI lumens" and "lumens" for projectors?

A: "ANSI lumens" and "lumens" are different standards for measuring brightness, so their numerical values ​​cannot be simply compared. "ANSI lumens" is an international standard (ANSI standard) for measuring projector brightness. It is measured by dividing the screen into nine areas, measuring the brightness of each area, and calculating the average value. In contrast, simple "lumens" measures the brightness of the light source itself and does not take into account light loss due to the projector's optical system (lens, etc.). Therefore, when comparing projector brightness, you should use the "ANSI lumens" value as your standard. Many inexpensive projectors advertise their brightness in "lumens," but the actual screen brightness may be a fraction of the ANSI lumen equivalent.

Q: How long do projectors last? Do expensive projectors last longer?

A: A projector's lifespan is primarily determined by the lifespan of its light source and the deterioration of its internal components. Cheap projectors use low-quality LED light sources (with a lifespan of 10,000-20,000 hours) and components, which significantly reduce brightness and increase the likelihood of breakdowns after 2-3 years of daily use (even if used for 3 hours). In contrast, more expensive projectors use high-quality LED light sources (with a lifespan of 25,000-50,000 hours) and components, which typically last 5-10 years of normal use (even if used for 3 hours). Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the lens and removing dust from the vents, can further extend the projector's lifespan. The Aestiquo P1's LED light source has a lifespan of 30,000 hours, and with proper maintenance, it can last for 7-8 years.