The BenQ AH500ST is brighter (4,000 lumens against 3,500). The Optoma UHZ35ST throws a given image from closer (ratio 0.496 against 0.69). The Optoma UHZ35ST lists higher resolution (4K UHD). The Optoma UHZ35ST uses a laser light source; the other uses a lamp. The BenQ AH500ST costs $200 less at the prices we observed.
Side by side
| Specification | BenQ AH500ST | Optoma UHZ35ST |
|---|---|---|
| Brightness | 4,000 lm | 3,500 lm |
| Resolution | Full HD 1080p (1920 × 1080) | 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) |
| Native aspect | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| Throw ratio | 0.69–0.83:1 | 0.496:1 |
| Distance for a 10.5 × 8 ft 4:3 screen | 9′ 8″ | 6′ 11″ |
| Brightness on that screen | 36 fL | 31 fL |
| Light source | Lamp | Laser |
| Rated life | 15,000 h | 30,000 h |
| Zoom | 1.2× | Fixed |
| Lens shift | — | — |
| Input lag | About 16 ms (fast mode) | 4.4 ms (1080p 240 Hz); 16 ms (4K 60 Hz) |
| Price seen | $1,999 | $2,199 |
Highlighted rows differ. Figures come from each product's sources; room depth, distances and brightness are FOREference calculations using the same method for both.
Which should you choose?
BenQ AH500ST
Choose the BenQ AH500ST if your room has ambient light or a large screen or price leads the decision.
Optoma UHZ35ST
Choose the Optoma UHZ35ST if you need to mount it close to the screen or image detail matters most.
Before you buy either
- Check the room: room size calculator and ceiling height calculator.
- Confirm what each seller includes — accessories, software trials and bundles change often.
- Read the limitations on each full reference page.
FOREference compares published specifications; we have not tested these products side by side. How we work · Disclosure