Choosing the right projector can be difficult, with so many popular models and brands available today. Two popular options are the Optoma CinemaX D2 4K and the Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart 4K. Both projectors feature ultra-short throw technology, 3,000-lumen brightness, and 4K resolution. They also use laser technology, which offers a longer lifespan and better color accuracy than traditional lamp-based projectors. However, the Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart version has additional Smart+ technology that automatically detects and displays content from connected sources. Check the current price on Amazon. If you want information about what sets these two projectors apart, keep reading our Optoma Cinemax D2 vs D2 Smart projector article.
Optoma Cinemax D2 vs D2 Smart Specs Comparison:
| Optoma CinemaX D2 | Optoma CinemaX D2 Smart | |
|---|---|---|
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| Resolution | 3840x2160 | 3840x2160 |
| Contrast | 1,800,000:1 | 1,800,000:1 |
| Brightness (Lumens) | 3,000 ANSI | 3,000 ANSI |
| Input lag | 4K: 16ms 1080p: 4ms | 4K: 16ms 1080p: 4ms |
| Throw Ratio | 0.25:1 | 0.25:1 |
| Screen size | 85" - 120" | 85" - 120" |
| Speakers | 10.0 Watts × 2 | 10.0 Watts × 2 |
| Today's Best Price | BHPhotoVideo.com |
Brightness
Both projectors feature a bright projection with a rating of 3,000 lumens each. In addition, both projectors display a bright image of brightly lit rooms. The Optoma Cinemax D2 and Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart will produce a visible image even with a light in the room.
Better Brightness: Tie
Contrast
The Optoma Cinemax D2 and Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart both feature a contrast ratio of 1,800,000:1. This allows both the Optoma Cinemax D2 and Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart to display vibrant and detailed pictures with bright whites and deep blacks, working to create a more immersive viewing experience for you. We noticed that the projector handled both HDR and SDR content well, but we did see that in darker scenes in both HDR and SDR content, the black images struggled with contrast and appeared brighter than they should have.
Better Contrast: Tie
Colors
The Optoma Cinemax D2 and Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart can display colors in the Rec.709 color gamut, a color standard for high-definition video content. In practice, both projectors accurately displayed 97% of the Rec.709 gamut space, and while this is a good result, it is worth noting that the projectors aren’t as successful in the DCI-P3 color gamut. DCI-P3 is a color gamut used in HDR content, and we found that the Optoma Cinemax D2 and D2 Smart displayed 84% of the DCI-P3 color space, making it not the best choice for HDR projection.
Better Color Performance: Tie
Resolution
Either projector is an excellent choice for a 4K projector as they both come with a native 4K resolution of 3840 x 2160. In addition, both projectors utilize HDCP 2.1 to achieve 4K UHD at 60 Hz and FHD at a blazing-fast 240 Hz. This makes both projectors a great choice for gamers as it also comes with a low input lag mode, but beware, enabling low input lag will disable HDR.
Better Resolution: Tie
Usability
Both projectors are simple to set up with easy calibration controls and picture controls, making fitting the image to our screen and optimizing the picture take very little time. Additionally, we appreciated the input connections both the Cinemax D2 and Cinemax D2 Smart delivered, and we could easily plug in several HDMI devices, including a PlayStation 5 and Apple TV.
As the Cinemax D2 isn’t a smart projector, we appreciated the Cinemax D2 Smart, including the Android TV dongle and remote control. The dongle has to be connected to an HDMI input and is powered by an integrated USB cable. Unfortunately, there’s no way to hide the dongle, so it and its cables will be visible on the back of the projector. On the other hand, setting up the Android TV OS is simple and easy. If you’ve ever used an Android-based TV, you will recognize it and be comfortable throughout the process.
Better Usability: Cinemax D2 Smart
Optoma Cinemax D2 vs Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart: Full Product Details
Optoma Cinemax D2
The Optoma Cinemax D2 is a great ultra-short throw projector that can replace your TV and sit directly underneath wherever you wish to project the image. The Cinemax D2 features a bright 4K resolution image ideal for a living room and a great contrast. There’s HDR support and even 3D playback support, something missing from many projectors today. However, we were disappointed by the color calibration out of the box, as we noticed some oversaturation. Calibrating the projector helped, but we still felt the color accuracy was slightly off.
Set up is simple with the Optoma Cinemax D2. We got the projector up and running in minutes, and as the D2 doesn’t include the smart features, we didn’t have to go through the process of setting up Android TV. On the other hand, because the D2 itself isn’t a smart projector, we had to connect our own AppleTV, using an HDMI port, to watch content from the projector.
The back panel of the Optoma Cinemax D2 hosts three HDMI 2.0 ports alongside a serial input. In addition, there’s an audio output alongside a USB Type-A port and a 3.5mm headphone jack. We were pleased by the connectivity options, but we would have liked to see an additional HDMI port, especially as we had to sacrifice at least one HDMI port to project any content. Check its comparison with its predecessor, the CinemaX P2.
Pros
- Affordable price point
- Fast response time for 4K gaming
- Supports 3D content playback
- Low input lag mode
Cons
- Washed out colors at times
- No smart capabilities
Optoma CinemaX D2 Smart
The Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart is, on paper, the same projector as the Optoma Cinemax D2. The only technical difference between the two projectors is that the Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart includes an Android TV dongle plugged into one of the HDMI ports on the projector’s back.
We appreciated the D2 Smarts Android TV compatibility, making this projector easier to use than the standard D2. On the other hand, we didn’t love how the dongle was exposed with its wires visible in the back of the projector, and we wish Optoma had included four instead of three HDMI ports. But overall, the D2 Smart is an excellent ultra-short throw projector with a great and competitive price.
Unfortunately, many, if not all, of our criticisms of the standard D2 are present in the D2 Smart. However, even with those criticisms regarding the imperfect color accuracy and color washing, we still were very pleased with the performance of the Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart. If you are looking to replace your TV, or if you want to buy a projector but don’t have much space to set up a projector, the Optoma Cinemax D2 Smart is an easy-to-use projector with Android TV integration and access to the Google Play
Pros
- Includes an Android TV dongle that allows you to stream from Hulu, Netflix, HBO, and more.
- Affordable price for a 4K Smart ultra-short throw projector.
- HDR Support and HLG Compatible
- 3840 x 2160 4K resolution
- eARC Enabled HDMI port for installing a soundbar
Cons
- Multiple Remotes come with the D2 Smart
- Android TV dongle stick isn’t hidden when in use
Optoma CinemaX D2 vs Optoma CinemaX D2 Smart: The Bottom Line
The Optoma Cinemax D2 and D2 Smart are great ultra-short throw projectors that deliver an excellent 4K picture and would be a great addition to anyone looking to replace their TV with a projector but is worried about the amount of space that projection takes up. Because the D2 is an ultra-short throw projector, it can sit directly against the wall you are projecting onto, so you don’t have to worry about the distance behind. We prefer the D2 Smart as it comes with a reliable version of Android TV, which makes the D2 Smart feel like a perfect replacement for a TV. Check the price on ProjectorScreen.com.
REFERENCES AND FURTHER READING:
- HDR vs SDR – What’s the difference?
- Optoma CinemaX D2 vs Formovie Theater Comparison