Vankyo has an extensive line-up of projectors that are both feature-packed and budget-friendly. In this article, we will discuss and compare Vankyo Leisure 3 vs. 510.
Both projectors, Vankyo Leisure 3 and Leisure 510 have different value points, including resolution, brightness, projection size, distance, and more.
Although the two projectors come in entirely different pricing series, we’ll check if the Vankyo Leisure 510 is even worth the extra money.
Vankyo Leisure 3 vs Vankyo Leisure 510
First Impression & Design
Vankyo Leisure 3 and Leisure 510 are entirely different in terms of dimensions and design. Initially, we tend to like the Vankyo Leisure 510 more in terms of looks and appeal than the Vankyo Leisure 3.
Then again, the Vankyo Leisure 510 is slightly on the heavier side as a full-size device. In contrast, Vankyo Leisure 3 is a pretty compact and lightweight product, making it easily portable.
The Vankyo Leisure 510 measures 13.8 inches x 13.1 inches x 6.2 inches in dimensions and weighs approximately 5 lbs. It is roughly the size of a laptop, with more thickness.
On the other hand, the Vankyo Leisure 3 measures 7.9 inches x 5.9 inches x 3.1 inches in dimensions and weighs about 2.1 lbs. It is a handy projector that can be easily carried around, given the compact size and lightweight.
The Vankyo Leisure 510 has a sturdy look & feel, similar to most large-sized lens projectors. It comes with an aluminum chassis adding to the robust build.
On the sides, the control buttons are placed along with the focus and keystone adjuster rings. The projector also has air inlets on all sides, which saves the device from overheating.
Vankyo Leisure 3 has a sleek and straightforward design. It comes in a premium plastic housing which is both durable and sturdy. Unlike 510, this model has the focus and keystone adjuster rings on the top and the control button on the back panel.
This model also has several air inlets for ample ventilation. Additionally, a noise suppression system is incorporated into the device, which further cools the device.
While the control arrangement and design are pretty different for both the models, the Leisure 510 scores slightly higher in terms of looks and appeal than Leisure 3. The focus and keystone rings are placed conveniently on both the devices, which aids accessibility without too much hassle.
Some features are standard for both the models, like ± 15-degree keystone adjustment, IR remote controls, and multiple projection methods. Both the models come with a similar set of accessories, including a VGA cable, an HDMI cable, a power cord, a carrying case, an RCA video cable, and the user manual.
But, Leisure 510 comes with a waterproof carrying case. It is an essential feature if you consider the portability of the product.
Built Quality & Performance
The built quality is undoubtedly better for Vankyo Leisure 510 (check review) with aluminum used in the housing. Leisure 3, on the other hand, has a plastic frame that may have durability issues with day-to-day usage and over long time use.
However, given the budget-friendly price for Leisure 3, the plastic casing seems apt for the price.
Image Quality
If we consider each of the models’ performance, there is a sharp difference between the two. The visual performance and image quality is way better on the Leisure 510 than Leisure 3.
The Vankyo Leisure 510 sports a Full HD display with a native resolution of 1280×768 pixels. The display has brilliant sharpness, which offers an immersive visual experience. The 3000:1 contrast ratio further enhances the overall image quality and brightness. It delivers exceptional color accuracy and representation.
It also has a 4500 lux rating, which helps produce brighter and crisper images. The high lux rating also ensures consistent brightness and performance, even if there is ambient lighting.
The Vankyo Leisure 3 also supports Full HD resolution and is powered by an MStar advanced color engine, which elevates the projector’s overall visual quality and clarity. It has a 2000:1 image contrast ratio that enhances the color tone and brightness of the images.
However, if you’re ready spend few extra and want the best image quality under budget. Please take a look at Vankyo Performance V630 that offers 1080p native resolution with up to ±45-degree keystone adjustment.
Audio Quality
In terms of audio quality, there is once again a notable difference between the two models. While the Vankyo Leisure 510 comes with two 3W speakers, the Vankyo Leisure 3 comes with two 2W speakers.
Although the audio quality for both the models is ordinary, the Vankyo Leisure 510 speakers are usable, considering there is low environmental noise. The Vankyo Leisure 3 speakers have barely audible, and you will need to use external speakers for this model.
To be honest, the sound quality on both the projectors is fairly meh! To improve the audio performance, I’d advise to get a dedicated speaker like the Anker Soundcore 2.
You can connect the projector to this speaker via an AUX cable and enjoy your media through much better sound quality.
Key Features
While both models are similar in several aspects, a few key features make them stand out. Let’s have a quick look:
Connectivity
The connectivity section has a few significant differences between the two models.
The Vankyo Leisure 510 claims an omnipotent connectivity range. It comes with two USB ports, two HDMI ports, one VGA input, one micro SD, one AV input, and audio output.
It is compatible with several external devices, like laptops, PCs, smartphones, Google Chromecast, Amazon Firestick, Xbox, and also PS3/PS4.
Vankyo Leisure 3, on the other hand, is perfect for video viewing. It comes with one HDMI port, one VGA port, one USB port, and one AV port.
For $10 more, you can also get the Vankyo Leisure 430, which is updated for 2020 and offers few additional features too.
You can also use a TV card on this device. Although the connectivity array is necessary for this model, you can still connect external devices, like Google Chromecast, Amazon Firestick, Xbox, laptops, and more.
Noise Levels
Some people do not consider this aspect, but it is as essential as ventilation and cooling for the projector.
Although the Vankyo Leisure 510 comes with dual fans, it has a considerable noise output. But, Vankyo Leisure 3 (check review) has an extremely quiet performance owing to the additional noise suppression system.
Throw Distance
The Vankyo Leisure 3 has a projection distance ranging from 4.9ft to 16.4ft that can produce from 30 to 170 inches screen size.
It is a commendable aspect of a budget-friendly mini projector like this. You can easily adjust the image focus and distance with the keystone adjuster.
Like most full-sized projectors, the Vankyo Leisure 510 can produce a screen size up to 230 inches. This is an excellent specification for a smaller and compact environment.
For all standard projectors, maintaining about 10 feet throw distance is recommended for the best image output.
Unique Noise Suppression Technology
This feature is unique to the Vankyo Leisure 3 model. It comes with an innovative cooling and noise suppression technology, which keeps both excessive fan noise and overheating in check.
MStar Advanced Color Engine
This advanced technology in Vankyo Leisure 3 enhances the overall image quality massively. It produces up to 40% better brightness and color representation.
Lamp Life
The lamp life for both models is pretty high. While Vankyo Leisure 3 has a lamp life of 40000 hours, the Vankyo Leisure 510 has 50000 hours. You can enjoy hours of playback given the massive lamp life for both the models. However, Vankyo suggests resting the device for some time after continuous usage for 3 to 4 hours.
Vankyo Leisure 3 Video Review
Vankyo Leisure 510 Video Review
Pros & Cons
Whether high-end or budget, some devices sum up to a few pros and cons. Here are a few positives/negatives of both the models for a quick read:
Vankyo Leisure 3
Pros
Cons
Vankyo Leisure 510
Pros
Cons
Conclusion
Picking a projector majorly depends on the purpose of use, like outdoor or business or even education. So, when you invest in a projector, make sure to check for the necessary aspects like connectivity options, display technology, lumens value, projection size, and resolution.
The projector that works amazingly well indoors may be a bad pick for the outdoor sessions. So, knowing your product is equally important, as is the price or features.
Honestly, there is no poor choice between any of the two models, Vankyo Leisure 3 or Vankyo Leisure 510. If the price is not a constraint, going for Vankyo Leisure 510 is always a better choice, given its premium image quality and the array of connectivity options.