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ViewSonic PA503X vs PA503S: Comparison
Hey everyone, Jim here. Today, we're going to compare two popular projectors from ViewSonic - the PA503X and the PA503S. Both are designed for classrooms, offices, and small business environments, but there are some key differences to consider when choosing between them.
In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the specifications, features, and performance of the PA503X and PA503S to help you determine which one best suits your needs.
PA503X vs PA503S: Quick Overview
Let's start with a quick rundown of the main similarities and differences between the ViewSonic PA503X and PA503S:
- Both projectors offer 3,600 ANSI lumens brightness and SuperColor technology for vibrant, true-to-life colors;
- The PA503X has a native XGA (1024x768) resolution, while the PA503S is SVGA (800x600);
- They share the same 1.1x manual zoom, vertical keystone correction, and throw ratio for easy setup;
- Both have a low 16ms input lag, making them suitable for casual gaming;
- Lamp life is identical at 4,500 hours in normal mode and 15,000 hours in SuperEco mode.
The main decision point between these two projectors is the resolution - XGA on the PA503X vs SVGA on the PA503S. Let's explore the differences in more detail.
Table of Contents
- PA503X vs PA503S: Full Comparison
- PA503X vs PA503S: Design Comparison
- ViewSonic PA503X vs ViewSonic PA503S: User Reviews
- PA503X and PA503S Alternatives
- The Bottom Line: Which is Better, PA503X or PA503S?
PA503X vs PA503S: Full Comparison
| Feature | ViewSonic PA503X | ViewSonic PA503S |
| Image |
|
|
| Brightness | 3,600 ANSI Lumens | 3,600 ANSI Lumens |
| Resolution | 1024 x 768 (XGA) | 800 x 600 (SVGA) |
| Contrast Ratio | 22,000:1 | 22,000:1 |
| Display Technology | DLP 0.55" | DLP 0.55" |
| Aspect Ratio | 4:3 | 4:3 |
| Zoom | 1.1x Manual | 1.1x Manual |
| Throw Ratio | 1.96 - 2.15 (D:W) | 1.96 - 2.15 (D:W) |
| Input Lag | 16ms | 16ms |
| Lamp Life (Normal/SuperEco) | 4,500 / 15,000 hours | 4,500 / 15,000 hours |
| Weight | 2.2 kg (4.9 lbs) | 2.2 kg (4.9 lbs) |
| Release Date | October 2017 | October 2017 |
The most significant difference between the ViewSonic PA503X and PA503S is the native resolution. The PA503X offers XGA (1024x768) resolution, which is a step up from the PA503S's SVGA (800x600). This means the PA503X can display 1.6 times more pixels than the PA503S.
In practical terms, the PA503X's higher resolution allows for sharper text, more detailed images, and a larger desktop space. This is especially noticeable when projecting spreadsheets, presentations with small fonts, or complex graphics. If you frequently work with detailed content, the XGA resolution of the PA503X is a significant advantage.
However, if your main use case is projecting basic PowerPoint slides, videos, or educational content for a small to medium-sized room, the PA503S's SVGA resolution may suffice. It's also worth noting that the lower resolution of the PA503S can be beneficial when using older laptops or devices with limited graphics power, as they may struggle to output higher resolutions.
Another consideration is the projector's maximum supported resolution. Both the PA503X and PA503S can accept input signals up to 1920x1200 (WUXGA), but they will be scaled down to the projector's native resolution. This means that even if you feed a Full HD 1080p signal to the PA503S, the final projected image will still be SVGA quality.
In terms of installation flexibility, the PA503X and PA503S are identical. They have the same 1.1x manual zoom, throw ratio (1.96-2.15), and vertical keystone correction. This means they can be placed at the same distance from the screen and offer the same amount of adjustment for image alignment. The zoom and keystone correction make it easy to set up the projector in a variety of rooms, but the lack of lens shift means you'll need to position the projector straight-on to the screen for best results.
Both projectors also have the same low input lag of 16ms, which is impressive for this class of projector. While not as fast as dedicated gaming projectors, the PA503X and PA503S are suitable for casual gaming sessions. Just keep in mind that the PA503S's lower SVGA resolution may not provide the best gaming experience, especially with newer titles designed for HD displays.
When it comes to lamp life, both projectors are equal, offering 4,500 hours in normal mode and up to 15,000 hours in SuperEco mode. This is excellent longevity for projectors in this price range, and the SuperEco mode can greatly reduce maintenance costs if you have a suitable environment for it (e.g., a small room or screen where lower brightness is acceptable).
PA503X vs PA503S: Design Comparison
The ViewSonic PA503X and PA503S have identical chassis designs, with the only visible difference being the model number printed on the casing. Both feature a sleek white body with rounded edges and a recessed lens.
ViewSonic PA503X Design:
ViewSonic PA503S Design:
The connectivity options are the same for both projectors, including HDMI, 2x VGA input, 1x VGA output, composite video, RS-232 control, and audio in/out. The 11 x 29 x 22 cm dimensions and 2.2 kg weight also make both projectors equally portable for on-the-go presentations or easy ceiling mounting.
ViewSonic PA503X vs ViewSonic PA503S: User Reviews
Let's take a look at some real user experiences with the ViewSonic PA503X and PA503S to see how they perform in various settings.
ViewSonic PA503X Reviews
Praises: "The PA503X has been a reliable workhorse for our conference room. The XGA resolution is perfect for our spreadsheets and presentations. It's bright, easy to set up, and has a good range of connectivity options. The long lamp life is a plus, as we don't want to change bulbs frequently. It's also surprisingly good for casual gaming during breaks!"
***
Drawbacks: "The lack of wireless connectivity is a bit disappointing at this price point. The built-in speaker is tinny, so we use external audio. Keystone correction is only vertical, so you need to position the projector carefully. But these are minor quibbles for an otherwise excellent projector."
ViewSonic PA503S Reviews
Praises: "I bought the PA503S for my home office and it's been a great budget-friendly option. The SVGA resolution is sufficient for my PowerPoint slides and training videos. It's compact, lightweight, and easy to adjust with the zoom and keystone correction. The SuperEco mode is a nice touch for extending lamp life. Overall, it exceeds expectations for the price."
***
Drawbacks: "The lower SVGA resolution is noticeable when displaying detailed images or small text - an XGA model like the PA503X would be better for that. The fan noise is a bit loud in regular mode, but tolerable in Eco mode. Also, the zoom range is limited, so placement flexibility isn't the best. But for basic presentations, it gets the job done."
PA503X and PA503S Alternatives
If you're not sure about the ViewSonic PA503X or PA503S, here are some other projectors in the same price and performance range to consider:
- Optoma S343: An SVGA projector with 3,600 lumens, 1.1x zoom, and 15,000:1 contrast ratio;
- BenQ MX560: An XGA projector offering 4,000 lumens, 1.3x zoom, and optional wireless connectivity.
The Bottom Line: Which is Better, PA503X or PA503S?
In the battle between the ViewSonic PA503X and PA503S, the main deciding factor is the resolution. The PA503X's XGA (1024x768) resolution offers a noticeable step up in sharpness and detail compared to the PA503S's SVGA (800x600) resolution, making it better suited for presentations with small text, spreadsheets, and intricate graphics.
However, if your presentations mainly consist of basic slides, videos, and educational content, the PA503S's lower resolution may be sufficient. It can also be a good choice if you're using older laptops or devices that struggle with higher resolutions.
In all other aspects - brightness, contrast ratio, zoom, throw ratio, input lag, lamp life, and design - the PA503X and PA503S are identical. They offer the same easy setup, portability, and long-lasting performance.
Ultimately, the choice between the ViewSonic PA503X and PA503S comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you require the higher XGA resolution and can afford the slightly higher price, go for the PA503X. But if SVGA is enough for your applications and you want to save a bit of money, the PA503S is a solid choice.
Regardless of which one you choose, both projectors deliver excellent value for money and are backed by ViewSonic's reputation for quality and reliability.
Further Reading: