Optoma was one of the first companies to release an affordable ultra short throw projector. The Optoma CinemaX P2 UST projector improves on that original model with better specs and even greater entertainment value.
With their first foray as a projector manufacturer, Vava came out strong with their affordable 4K ultra short throw projector. The Vava 4K UST, also known as the VA-LT002, premiered as the lowest priced 4K laser TV.
So which is better the Optoma P2 or the Vava 4K UST?
Read our expert comparison of these two fantastic ultra short throw projectors to find out.
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Optoma P2 |
Vava 4K UST |
Our Thoughts: |
Brightness |
3000 |
2500 |
The Optoma P2 is clearly a brighter projector. Though when it comes to color brightness the Vava takes full advantage of the 2500 lumens. |
Throw Ratio |
0.25:1 |
0.23:1 |
The Vava UST can sit a few inches closer to the screen than the Optoma UST. While it might not seem like a big deal, a few inches can make a difference. |
Chipset |
.47" DLP |
.47" DLP |
Both projectors use the same .47" DLP chipset |
Light Source |
Single Blue Laser w/RGBRGB color wheel |
Single Blue Laser |
Both projectors use a single blue laser light source. The P2 uses a 6 segment RGBRGB color wheel to give more accurate colors. |
Color |
85% DCI-P3 |
90% DCI-P3 |
Both projectors have a fantastic color gamut. From our measurements, the Vava did have a wider gamut but the P2’s processor does a significantly better job with color accuracy |
Contrast Ratio |
2,000,000:1 |
1,500,000:1 |
The superiority of the contrast ratio on the Optoma really presents itself in the content we watched. |
Input Lag |
67 ms |
98 ms |
Neither projector is especially strong when it comes to video gaming but the P2 has a significant edge. |
Audio |
40W Dolby Digital 2.0 |
30.0 Watts × 2
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While the Vava has louder speakers the audio on the Optoma P2 sounds much better in terms of quality especially with bass. |
Price |
##PRICE##
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$2,799.00
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The biggest advantage of the Vava over the P2 is the price. The Vava is the lowest priced 4K UST projector on the market that’s actually worth getting. |
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Add to Cart
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Add to Cart
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Vava 4K Vs. Optoma P2 Side By Side Comparison
We put together this video of the Vava and the Optoma CinemaX P2 comparing them side by side to show you how the image looks in a well lit room. We also broke down how each laser TV performed in the various scenes. Watch this video first then read our analysis.
Pepper being cut
Your first impression of the Vava is “wow that’s bright!” but if you look at the image the Vava completely blows out the details of the highlights. This will be a common theme of the Vava, a lot of bright colorful flash but lacking in the fine detail.
Sautéing meat
There’s a bit of a pinkish tinge to the Vava 4K where it appears the Optoma P2 has a bit of a blue push overall I’d give the edge to the P2 because you're able to see more of the texture in the meat
Lobster close up
Look at the detail on the lobster’s back on the P2. You can see the tiny indents in the shell
The P2 does a great job with the contrast of this image. The lobster looks like it has depth where the lobster on the Vava looks almost cartoonish with how flat the image looks.
Water boiling over
The motion is solid on both but I am seeing a bit of a blur in the motion of the Vava. When it comes to motion handling the P2 does it better
Hand breaking lobster
I’ve got to give the edge to the P2 on this scene. The skin tones look much more natural where the pink push is showing up in the hands on the Vava.
Again the Lobster on the Vava looks very bright and colorful but because of that color brightness you lose some of that detail.
Steak being placed down
This clearly shows the advantage of the P2’s processor. While the Vava looks much brighter, look at the black levels in the background.
Soup veggies being lifted
In this scene you can see some banding in the background of the Vava. The Vava only has an 8 bit capable display so if you’re putting an HDR 60Hz signal through it you might see these types of issues.
Soup lid being lifted
The image on the P2 is definitely much sharper. This is likely from the superior lens on the P2. The Vava looks almost blurry by comparison.
Because of the way we cropped the video you’re unable to see the edges of the screen, if you were you’d notice the edges of Vava’s picture look a bit out of focus.
Green stuff being poured
The vibrancy of the Vava is on full display in this scene. Look how incredibly bright and vivid the colors are, where the P2 just looks kind of dull.
Caviar on ice
Both these UST projectors do a good job handling the details in the ice and the caviar though I need to give the edge to the P2 because you’re able to see significantly more detail in the fabric at the top of the screen
Shrimp on plate
In this scene the Optoma P2 looks somewhat washout and dull so we’re not seeing as much detail in the engraving on the plate
Berries on dessert
The color on the Vava really pops in this scene, the reds of the fruit just look so vibrant. On the P2, while it’s more dull, the color accuracy of the Optoma is definitely superior.
Spinning orange
My first impression of the Vava with this scene is “wow! Look how orange that orange is!” but after that initial pop the Vava looks somewhat unnatural with oversaturation.
If you look at the whipped cream on the Vava there’s a large amount of bleed from the vibrancy of the orange, where the whipped cream has a yellow tinge to it.
While it doesn’t pop colorwise, the Optoma CinemaX P2 definitely looks significantly shaper and more color accurate.
Pros And Cons Of Each UST Projector
Optoma P2
The Pros
- Higher lumen output than most USTs
- Realistic looking colors
- One of the best built-in soundbars
- Supports 3D
- Available in either black or white casing
The Cons
- Colors are not as vibrant as other UST Projectors
- Not great for gaming
- Slight image softness at the top of the image
- More prone to rainbow effect than most UST DLP projectors
Vava 4K UST
The Pros
- Low priced 4K Ultra Short Throw
- Colors are bright and vivid
- Can project an image up to 150 inches
- Supports 3D
- Available in either black or white casing
The Cons
- While the colors appear more vivid they lack color accuracy
- Picture was not as sharp as other laser TVs
- Not great for gaming
- Only comes with a 1 year warranty
- Doesn't have Netflix app
So Which Is Better, The Optoma P2 Or The Vava 4K UST?
Both these UST projectors are great choices. But one of them has the edge in this fight.
The Vava claims it can do up to a 150 inch image, though to be used as a UST for your living room it honestly maxes out at 120 inches. While the P2 can do up to a 130 inch projection on the screen.
The Vava is all about the vibrancy of the colors going so far as to often exaggerate them, which makes the Vava a great for cartoons and video games
For cinema and TV shows the Optoma Cinemax P2 is better thanks to its superior color accuracy, higher brightness capability and sharper image.
Without a doubt these are two of the better more affordable ultra short throw projectors available on the market. You'll be thrilled with either one you choose. But ultimately a decision had to be made. So between the Vava 4K UST and Optoma P2 the winner is………
The Optoma P2
We'll be breaking down the comparison between the Optoma P2 and Vava UST even further in our Ultra Short Throw shootout series on YouTube. So make sure to subscribe to our YouTube channel so you can get notified when our shootout goes live plus other great content in our pipeline.
If you have any questions on these projectors or anything else projection related don’t hesitate to hit us up at ProjectorScreen.com. Thanks for reading and keep on projecting!
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | VAVA |
Product Status: | Leaves Warehouse within 3-5 Business Days |
Lumens: | 2500 |
Projector Type: | Ultra Short Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 3,000:1 |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.23:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | Vertical |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 100.8ms | 1080p/60Hz: 98.1ms |
3D Support: | Full HD 3D |
Built-In Speaker: | Yes |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |
Projector Resolution: | 4K |
Brand: | VAVA |
Product Status: | Leaves Warehouse within 3-5 Business Days |
Lumens: | 2500 |
Projector Type: | Ultra Short Throw |
Light Source: | Laser |
Contrast Ratio: | 3,000:1 |
Chipset: | DLP |
Aspect Ratio: | 16:9 [HD] |
Throw Ratio: | 0.23:1 (D:W) |
Native Resolution: | 3840x2160 |
Lens Shift: | Vertical |
Input Lag: | 4K/60Hz: 100.8ms | 1080p/60Hz: 98.1ms |
3D Support: | Full HD 3D |
Built-In Speaker: | Yes |
Warranty: | 1 Year |
Standard Lens Focus: | Manual |