Compact projectors are winning over more and more users looking for an easy-to-install home theater experience. With its Photon Life series, Optoma offers three LED models designed to meet a variety of needs, from occasional entertainment to intensive use in 4K. What do the PH31, PK31 and PK32 models have to offer, and which one should you choose for your needs?
Optoma Photon Life PH31: an affordable Full HD projector
Priced at €499, the Optoma Photon Life PH31 is aimed at users looking for a simple, compact, high-performance Full HD projector. It uses DLP projection technology combined with an RGB LED light source, with native 1080p resolution and a brightness of 1,500 lumens. This model is capable of displaying an image with a diagonal of up to 150 inches, or 3.81 meters.
With a contrast of 250,000:1 and 90% luminous uniformity, it guarantees an even, detailed picture. Its automatic vertical keystone correction and manual 1.1x zoom make it easy to install in any type of room. Connectivity is limited to an HDMI 1.4a input and a USB-A port for powering a dongle.
Although its response time of 66.8 ms isn’t cut out for competitive gaming, it’s suitable for family use and for watching films. It incorporates a 5W driver and operates discreetly (30-32 dB), with a maintenance-free lifespan of 30,000 hours.
Optoma Photon Life PK31: UHD 4K upgrade
Available for €699, the Optoma Photon Life PK31 brings a clear increase in image quality with its Ultra HD 4K resolution (3840 x 2160). Like the PH31, it is based on DLP technology and an RGB LED source, but with a focus on detail precision and color richness, covering 90% of the DCI-P3 color space.
Its brightness of 900 ISO lumens means it can be used in controlled environments (dark or dimmed rooms), while its response time of 4.6ms makes it suitable for gaming. It retains an integrated 5W driver and the same compact design as the PH31. Its projection ratio of 1.5:1 to 1.65:1 and manual zoom ensure installation flexibility.
Full 3D compatibility, absent from the PH31, is present here, as is HDMI 2.0 connectivity, suitable for 4K content up to 60Hz. Thermal management and noise levels remain controlled (30-32 dB), with a lamp lifespan of 30,000 hours. The PK31 is a good compromise for those wishing to seamlessly switch to 4K.
Optoma Photon Life PK32: performance and connectors
The top-of-the-range model priced at €899, the Optoma Photon Life PK32 features 4LED technology, which adds a fourth light channel for increased brightness (ISO 1,100 lumens), 95% DCI-P3 color coverage, and improved stability over time.
Its shorter focal length (1.12:1 to 1.46:1) allows installation in smaller spaces, and its 1.3x manual zoom offers greater flexibility. It also features an autofocus, which adjusts the picture without manual intervention. These features make it particularly easy to use on a daily basis.
Connectivity is also richer: there are two HDMI 2.0 inputs, one of which is eARC compatible, a USB-C port, a mini-jack audio output, and a USB-A port for powering accessories. Unlike the PK31, this model is not 3D-compatible, but its two 5W drivers offer more enveloping stereo sound.
Thermal management is similar to other models (30-32 dB), permitting 24/7 operation and 360° projection, while maintaining the same compact size (238 x 215 x 130mm) and weight of 2.2kg.
Optoma Photon Life: comparison table
| Model | PH31 | PK31 | PK32 |
| Retail price | €499 | €699 | €899 |
| Picture resolution | Full HD 1080p (1920 x 1080) | UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) | UHD 4K (3840 x 2160) |
| Light source | RGB LED (Triple LED) | RGB LED (Triple LED) | 4LED (Quadruple LED) |
| ISO brightness | 1,500 lumens | 900 lumens | 1,100 lumens |
| Colorimetric coverage | not specified | 90% DCI-P3 | 95% DCI-P3 |
| Projected image size | 60″ to 150″ (1.52 to 3.81m) | 60″ to 150″ (1.52 to 3.81m) | 60″ to 150″ (1.52 to 3.81m) |
| LED lifespan | 30 000 h | 30 000 h | 30 000 h |
| Automatic keystone correction | Yes (vertical ±30°) | Yes (vertical ±30°) | Yes (vertical ±30°) |
| Zoom | Manual 1.1x | Manual 1.1x | Manual 1.3x |
| Focal length (projection ratio) | 1.5:1 – 1.65:1 | 1.5:1 – 1.65:1 | 1.12:1 – 1.46:1 |
| Autofocus | No | No | Yes |
| Response time | 66.8ms | 4.6ms | 4.6ms |
| 3D compatibility | No | Yes (Full 3D) | No |
| HDR | Yes (HDR10) | Yes (HDR10) | Yes (HDR10) |
| Integrated drivers | 1 x 5W | 1 x 5W | 2 x 5W (stereo) |
| Video connectors | 1 x HDMI 1.4a | 1 x HDMI 2.0 | 2 x HDMI 2.0 (including 1 eARC) |
| Additional ports | USB-A (2A), 3.5mm audio | USB-A (2A), 3.5mm audio | USB-A (2A), USB-C, 3.5mm audio |
| Dimensions (W x D x H) | 238 x 215 x 130mm | 238 x 215 x 130mm | 238 x 215 x 130mm |
| Net weight | 2.2kg | 2.2kg | 2.2kg |
| Noise level | 30 – 32 dB | 30 – 32 dB | 30 – 32 dB |
Summary
Optoma’s Photon Life series offers three compact projectors that are clearly differentiated in terms of resolution, light source and functionality:
- PH31 (€499): ideal for occasional use in Full HD, with high LED brightness, good contrast and easy installation.
- PK31 (€699): a step-up in quality with 4K resolution, 3D compatibility and low latency, suitable for cinema and video game enthusiasts.
- PK32 (€899): the most complete model, with a 4LED source, ToF autofocus, extended connectivity and a shorter focal length, for more flexible installation and more comfortable daily use.
These three projectors share a maintenance-free lifespan of 30,000 hours, a compact design, quiet operation, and great flexibility of use, for both horizontal and vertical projection. Which model you choose will essentially depend on your budget, the type of content you want to project (Full HD or 4K), and connectivity or installation requirements.
