BenQ GV50 Projector Review: Portable but Compromised
The BenQ GV50, a battery-operated portable projector priced at $599, is designed for versatile ceiling projection. While it offers 1080p video, it falls short in resolution, audio quality, and processing speed, lacking features like HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos. Operating on Google TV, it includes auto-keystoning, weighs 4.6 pounds, and stands 8 inches tall, accompanied by a strap and an optional carrying case for $59. Connectivity options feature one HDMI port, USB-A, USB-C, and a 3.5-mm port; however, Wi-Fi 5 connectivity posed challenges with a Google Nest network. Setup involved a 45-minute update, and performance was mediocre, showing poor contrast and brightness, with streaming from an iPhone 17 Pro being inconsistent. It’s not suited for home cinema or high-refresh gaming but offers portability and enjoyment.
Key facts
- BenQ GV50 is a portable, battery-powered projector marketed as a ceiling projector.
- Priced at $599, it is cheaper than competitors like Soundcore Nebula P1.
- Supports 1080p video, lacks HDMI eARC and Dolby Atmos, uses ARC 5.1 with Dolby Audio.
- Runs on Google TV, has auto-keystoning, and weighs 4.6 pounds.
- Has one HDMI port, USB-A, USB-C, and 3.5-mm ports, uses Wi-Fi 5.
- Setup required a 45-minute system update and Google Home app.
- Met 92 percent of Rec. 709 color gamut; performance in tests was average.
- Streaming from iPhone 17 Pro and iPad was choppy due to 2 GB RAM and 1.5-GHz processor.
- Darker scenes in 'Awake' and 'The Creator' looked acceptable; gaming was responsive.
- Novel features include stargazing via Stellarium website.
Entities
Institutions
- BenQ
- Netflix
- YouTube
- Prime
- Disney+
- Apple TV
- Fandango at Home
- Xbox Series X
- Polk
- Stellarium