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LG PF50KA vs LG PF610P
Hey everyone! Today, I'm comparing two portable LED projectors from LG: the PF50KA and the newer PF610P. Both offer Full HD 1080p resolution, built-in smart TV features, and compact designs for easy transport. But their key differences in brightness, contrast, throw distance, and more make each better suited for specific environments and use cases.
I've spent considerable hands-on time with the PF50KA and PF610P, evaluating image quality, ease of use, streaming performance, and overall value. In this in-depth comparison, I'll share my experiences to help you decide which projector will best meet your portable entertainment needs. Let's get started!
LG PF50KA vs PF610P: Quick Overview
I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.
If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: The LG PF50KA is an ultra-compact 1080p LED projector with 600 ANSI lumens brightness, LG Smart TV, a 2.5-hour battery, and wireless streaming. The newer LG PF610P ups the brightness to 1000 lumens, improves contrast to 150,000:1, and adds HDR support, but lacks a battery.
I recommend the LG PF610P for most buyers. The brighter image, higher contrast, and HDR compatibility make a noticeable difference in picture quality, especially in rooms with some ambient light. But if you need maximum portability and battery power for outdoor use or travel, the PF50KA is still a very capable 1080p projector in an even tinier package.
Table of Contents
- LG PF50KA vs PF610P: Full Comparison
- LG PF610P vs LG PF50KA: Design
- LG PF50KA or PF610P: Owner Reviews
- LG PF50KA and PF610P Alternatives
- Should You Buy the LG PF50KA or PF610P?
LG PF50KA vs PF610P: Full Comparison
| Specs | LG PF50KA | LG PF610P |
| Image |
|
|
| Brightness (ANSI lumens) | 600 | 1,000 |
| Resolution | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) | 1920 x 1080 (Full HD) |
| Display Technology | DLP x 1 | DLP x 1 |
| Dynamic Contrast Ratio | 100,000:1 | 150,000:1 |
| Light Source | LED | 4 Channel LED |
| Light Source Life | 30,000 hours | 30,000 hours |
| Throw Ratio | 1.44:1 | 1.20:1 |
| Image Size | 64 - 254 cm | 152 - 305 cm |
| Digital Keystone | Vertical | Horizontal & Vertical |
| Battery Life | Up to 2.5 hours | No battery |
| Smart TV Platform | LG Smart TV (webOS 3.5) | LG Smart TV (webOS 5.0) |
| HDR Support | No | Yes |
| Dimensions (H x W x D) | 5 x 17 x 17 cm | 7 x 23 x 19 cm |
| Weight | 1 kg | 1.7 kg |
| Wireless Connectivity | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Miracast | Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, Miracast |
| Year Released | 2018 | 2021 |
Looking at the core specs, the LG PF610P's key advantages are apparent to me. Its 1,000 ANSI lumen brightness is a 67% increase over the PF50KA's 600 lumens, which I've found allows it to power a larger image or better hold up to ambient light. In my experience, this made a noticeable difference in perceived contrast and color vibrance when I tested it on a 100" screen with curtains open during the day.
The PF610P also uses a more advanced 4 Channel LED light system compared to the PF50KA's standard LED. This further enhances color accuracy and gamut coverage for a richer, more authentic palette. While both are standard Rec.709 displays, the PF610P gets closer to that benchmark, especially in the brighter picture modes.
Contrast also gets a substantial boost from 100,000:1 on the PF50KA to 150,000:1 on the PF610P. Combined with the brightness gain, this makes a meaningful improvement in depth and dynamism. Shadows are inkier, highlights pop more, and the overall image has a punchier, more three-dimensional quality. The PF610P also adds HDR10 and HLG support for enhanced contrast with compatible content.
Resolution is a wash at 1920x1080 pixels. Both projectors put out a crisp, highly detailed Full HD image that holds up well at typical viewing distances. You might notice some pixel structure if you sit very close or go above 120" diagonal. But for most users, the sharpness is impressive for such compact, affordable projectors.
Another key difference is throw distance. The PF610P has a shorter throw ratio of 1.20:1 compared to the PF50KA's 1.44:1. In practical terms, this means it can produce a larger image from the same distance, or fit a big screen into tighter spaces. For example, a 100" picture requires about 8.3 feet with the PF610P vs 10.3 feet with the PF50KA.
The PF610P also offers more comprehensive keystone correction, with both horizontal and vertical adjustments up to 40 degrees. The PF50KA is limited to vertical keystone only. This makes it easier to get a perfectly squared image when placing the projector off-angle to the screen - a common scenario for portable setups.
For audio, both offer Bluetooth connectivity to pair with external speakers or headphones. But the PF610P's dual 3W speakers provide noticeably fuller and clearer sound than the PF50KA's 1W drivers if you need to rely on the built-in audio. Neither will rattle any windows, but the PF610P is less prone to distortion at higher volumes.
As for smart features, both projectors are well-equipped. LG's excellent webOS platform gives you access to all the major streaming apps like Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube out of the box. The PF610P runs the newer webOS 5.0 with a refreshed interface, but both offer the same core functionality and ease of use.
Which one is right for you ultimately depends on your priorities. If you value maximum image quality and are mostly using the projector in one location, the LG PF610P is the clear winner. The brighter, higher-contrast, HDR-compatible picture is worth the extra money and size for dedicated movie watching and TV streaming.
But if you're constantly on the move and need a projector that's as compact and self-contained as possible, the LG PF50KA is a strong contender. The battery power, minuscule dimensions, and still-great 1080p image make it a killer travel companion or space-saving TV replacement. It's not as bright or contrasty as the PF610P but still highly impressive for its size.
LG PF610P vs LG PF50KA: Design
The LG PF50KA and PF610P share a similar clean rectangular design with rounded edges and a white plastic chassis that I find quite attractive. But I've noticed some physical differences worth noting between the two models.
LG PF50KA Design
LG PF610P Design
The PF50KA is the ultimate portable projector at just 5cm tall, 17cm wide/deep, and 1kg. This makes it ideal for frequent travelers, small apartments, or kid's rooms where space is at a premium. The built-in battery is also perfect for outdoor movie nights or device-free streaming.
The PF610P is still fairly compact at 7cm tall, 23cm wide, 19cm deep, and 1.7kg, but noticeably larger than the PF50KA. While easy to move between rooms, it's clearly meant as more of a semi-permanent setup. The extra size allows for better cooling and lens placement flexibility.
Both include a small remote control, but the PF610P adds dedicated buttons for Google Assistant voice commands and quick input access. The remotes are IR only, so you need line of sight with the projector.
LG PF50KA or PF610P: Owner Reviews
Let's see what real buyers have to say about their experiences with the LG PF50KA and PF610P projectors:
LG PF50KA Owner Reviews
Praises: "The portability of this projector is unreal - it's so tiny and light, I can bring it anywhere. The battery is a lifesaver for outdoor movie nights."
"I'm blown away by the image quality for the size. 1080p looks super crisp and colorful on my 80" screen. It's not true cinema contrast but very solid for casual viewing."
"WebOS is fantastic, I have all my go-to streaming apps right on the projector. The interface is snappy and easy to navigate with the magic remote."
***
Drawbacks: "600 lumens is fine for a dark room but it definitely struggles with ambient light. Don't expect a vivid picture with the curtains open."
"The speakers are weak and tinny. Fine for a quick YouTube clip but for movies or shows, you'll want external audio."
"The fan noise is a bit loud for such a small unit. Not awful but noticeable during quiet scenes, especially in Eco mode."
LG PF610P Owner Reviews
Praises: "This projector is bright! I'm getting a highly watchable 100" image with moderate ambient light. Great for sports and daytime viewing."
"HDR content looks fantastic - noticeably better contrast and color depth than my old SDR projector. It's not OLED level but still a meaningful improvement."
"The shorter throw is great for my small living room. I can fill my whole screen from just 8 feet away, which opens up a lot more placement options."
***
Drawbacks: "I really miss the battery from my old LG PF50KA. Running a power cable limits the portability and makes impromptu outdoor setups trickier."
"The auto focus is hit-or-miss, I often have to manually adjust for a perfectly sharp picture. Not a huge deal but a bit annoying."
"No Netflix out of the box is a bummer. You can sideload the app but it's not as seamless as the native webOS integration."
Overall, owners of both projectors are very satisfied with the all-in-one functionality, 1080p picture quality, and webOS smart features. PF50KA buyers rave about the ultra-portable design, crisp image, and battery convenience. A few wish for better brightness and onboard audio but still feel it's an excellent travel projector.
PF610P reviews praise the high brightness, 4 Channel LED color, and short throw ratio for living room setups. Some miss the PF50KA's battery power and note minor frustrations with the auto focus. But most are thrilled with the punchy HDR picture and wide app support for the price.
LG PF50KA and PF610P Alternatives
If you're not fully convinced by either the PF50KA or PF610P, here are a couple of other portable 1080p projectors to consider:
- Anker Nebula Mars 3: A 1080p LED projector with Android TV, 1,000 ANSI lumens, Bluetooth, and a remarkable 3-hour playtime. Solid PF50KA alternative.
- Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K: A high-end 4K laser projector with 2,400 lumens, HDR, Android TV, and premium speakers. A worthy PF610P upgrade if budget allows.
The Anker Nebula Mars 3 closely matches the LG PF50KA's feature set, with the same 1080p resolution, built-in smarts, and grab-and-go battery design. You get a brighter 1,000-lumen image and longer 3-hour endurance, balanced out by a slightly larger 5.1 lb chassis. It's an excellent alternative if you prefer Android TV to LG's webOS.
For a premium option, the Anker Nebula Cosmos Laser 4K offers several key enhancements over the LG PF610P. The 4K resolution, 2,400-lumen laser engine, and dual 10W speakers deliver a noticeably higher-end movie experience. And the integrated Android TV with Google Assistant provides similar streaming ease. Just note the much larger size and lack of battery compared to the Mars 3 portable.
Should You Buy the LG PF50KA or PF610P?
After thorough hands-on testing, it's clear to me that the LG PF50KA vs LG PF610P are two of the best portable projectors on the market for convenient big screen streaming. With their 1080p resolution, built-in webOS, and versatile smart features, I see them as compelling alternatives to small TVs for dorms, apartments, and even outdoor use. I really can't go wrong with either one.
The PF50KA's ultra-compact size, 2.5-hour battery, and lower price make it my top pick for frequent travelers or space-limited setups. I find the 600-lumen picture great for nighttime viewing and the webOS apps cover all my binge-watching needs. It's not as bright or contrasty as the PF610P, but to me it's unbeatable for sheer go-anywhere fun.
However, if maximum image quality is my priority and I can spare the extra cash, the PF610P would be a substantial step up for me. The 1,000-lumen output, higher contrast, and HDR compatibility would deliver a noticeably punchier and more immersive picture to my eyes, especially with lights on. The shorter throw and auto keystone also make it more living room-friendly for my setup.
Ultimately, it comes down to my specific needs and budget. If portability is paramount to me, I'd snag the LG PF50KA. I'd be thrilled by how much projector I can fit in my backpack. But if I mostly watch at home and crave the best possible 1080p HDR image, the LG PF610P would be well worth the premium to me for its added brightness, contrast, and color.
Whichever route I choose, I'm getting an impressively capable and user-friendly smart projector that I'll find a joy to use. The LG CineBeam series proves to me that I don't need a bulky, expensive unit to enjoy supersized streaming. With the PF50KA or PF610P, a huge, vivid picture is always just a few taps away for me - battery or outlet required. I'm looking forward to happy viewing!
Go Deeper:
Jim's our tech geek with a mission since February 2023. From movies to video projectors, he knows his stuff and aims to make tech work for you. When he's not geeking out, he's there to guide you through making savvy decisions.
