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Optoma’s Photon Life home-projector range comprises three models: the Full HD PH31 and the 4K UHD PK31 and PK32. Optoma announced UK launch prices of £449.99, £699.99 and £799.99, respectively, in September 2025; those are historical recommended prices, not current offers. The manufacturer lists different brightness figures and HDR support across the range, so the model choice depends on the features that matter in your room and for your content.
What are Optoma’s Photon Life projectors?
Photon Life is Optoma’s lamp-free home-entertainment projector range, announced in the UK in September 2025. The company positioned the PH31, PK31 and PK32 as successors to the HD146X, UHD35 and UHD38x, respectively. Optoma describes the projectors for movies, gaming and sports, but those intended uses are not independent assessments of picture quality or room suitability.
All three use RGB LED light sources and DLP display technology, according to Optoma. The company claims up to 30,000 hours of light-source life and says the LED sources can be replaced. These are manufacturer claims, not results from independent lifetime testing. Optoma’s specification document lists a maximum image size of 150 inches; actual viewing experience depends on setup and room conditions.
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| Model | Resolution | Optoma-listed brightness | HDR listed by Optoma | Notable distinction |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PH31 | Full HD (1920 × 1080) | 1,500 ISO lumens; 2,700 HK lumens | Not listed | Integrated 5 W speaker; positioned as the entry model |
| PK31 | 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | 900 ISO lumens; 1,600 HK lumens | HDR10 and HLG | 3LED; Optoma’s launch announcement claimed 90% DCI-P3 |
| PK32 | 4K UHD (3840 × 2160) | 1,100 ISO lumens; 2,000 HK lumens | HDR10 and HLG | 4LED; Optoma’s launch announcement claimed 4.6 ms input lag and 95% DCI-P3 |
Resolution and brightness figures come from Optoma’s product specifications; HDR support is listed for the PK31 and PK32, but not for the PH31. ISO lumens and HK lumens are distinct measurement labels: do not compare or convert them as if they were interchangeable. The PK31 and PK32 color-coverage and input-lag figures above are launch-announcement claims, not independently measured results. Optoma’s launch announcement and specification document give differing color-coverage figures for some models, so color gamut is not a reliable deciding comparison without specifying the document and measurement.
#1 Best Overall
- Stunning 4K UHD Image
- Innovative Design
- HDR10
Which Photon Life model fits which use?
PH31: Full HD home entertainment
The PH31 is the range’s Full HD option. It has the highest listed brightness when expressed in ISO lumens, at 1,500, and includes an integrated 5 W speaker. Choose it if Full HD meets your needs and you prefer the model with the lowest announced launch price. Its specification sheet does not list HDR support.
PK31: 4K UHD with HDR
The PK31 moves to 4K UHD resolution and lists HDR10 and HLG support. Its manufacturer-listed brightness is 900 ISO lumens. Optoma’s launch announcement also claimed 90% DCI-P3 color coverage, but the company’s documents differ on color figures for some models; treat that percentage as a launch claim rather than a settled basis for comparison.
Rank #2
- STUNNING 4K UHD IMAGE – With 4K UHD resolution, experience remarkable visuals, vibrant color and details up to 150” image for big screen entertainment.
- LED TECHNOLOGY – Optoma’s 4LED (RGBA) delivers more nuanced color rendering and natural warmth—especially in skin tones and sunlit scenes. No lamps. No color wheel. Quick power on/off, long life, and consistently bright, accurate color.
- HDR10 – Discover spectacular visuals with HDR10, delivering superior contrasts, brighter highlights, and true-to-life colors. HDR10 enhances every detail, bringing vibrant hues and realistic textures to your content for an immersive viewing experience.
- GAME MODE – Experience smooth, responsive game play and an immersive experience with low input lag 16ms (4K@60Hz) and 4.6ms (1080p @240Hz).
- AUTO KEYSTONE, AUTO FOCUS AND MOTORIZED ZOOM – Instantly adjust your settings for a clear and easily aligned screen. Just sit back and enjoy.
PK32: 4K UHD with higher listed brightness than PK31
The PK32 is also 4K UHD and lists HDR10 and HLG. Optoma specifies 1,100 ISO lumens, compared with 900 for the PK31, and the launch announcement claimed 4.6 ms input lag and 95% DCI-P3 coverage. These figures do not establish how the projector performs in independent testing or guarantee a particular gaming or image-quality experience.
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What did Optoma announce about UK price and availability?
Optoma’s September 2025 UK announcement listed these launch MSRPs:
Rank #3
- 10 in. Ultra Short Throw Distance
- Integrated Dolby Audio
- Triple Laser RGB Technology
| Model | UK launch MSRP announced in September 2025 | Launch availability stated by Optoma |
|---|---|---|
| PH31 | £449.99 | Available at announcement |
| PK31 | £699.99 | Expected later in September 2025 |
| PK32 | £799.99 | Expected in early October 2025 |
These are launch-era UK recommended prices, not evidence of today’s price or stock. Retailer listings have appeared for the PH31 and PK31, but a listing does not establish current availability or a country-wide price. Check a retailer serving your market for a current offer before buying.
Quick Recap
Rank #4
- Home Cinema Experience
- Game Display Mode
- Easy Installation
What to check before choosing one
- Resolution: The PH31 is Full HD; the PK31 and PK32 are 4K UHD.
- Brightness: Compare the manufacturer-listed figures only within the same measurement standard. The ISO-lumen ratings are 1,500 for PH31, 900 for PK31 and 1,100 for PK32; they are specifications, not independent test results.
- HDR: Optoma lists HDR10 and HLG for PK31 and PK32; the PH31’s specification does not list HDR.
- Gaming: Optoma claimed 4.6 ms input lag for PK32 in its launch announcement. That claim does not amount to an independent latency test.
- Room and setup: Optoma lists a maximum image size of 150 inches, but the available specifications here do not establish performance in a bright room or the best image size for your space.
- Price and stock: Treat the 2025 UK MSRPs as historical reference points and verify local retailer listings for current pricing and availability.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
