Verdict
Thanks to its splashproof and drop - proof eubstance , the BenQ GS50 is a small intrepid than much of the rivalry , take a shit it a secure choice for stock around ( particularly as it has a bundled cup of tea ) . It ships with an Android television receiver cyclosis dongle , although , like so many of its competition , this does n’t support Netflix natively . prototype quality is good , with a Full HD image resolution and HDR supported , but the low luminousness of this exemplar means that it needs to be used in as coloured a condition as you’re able to manage .
Pros
Cons
Key Features
Introduction
One of the fun matter about get aportable projectoris taking it outside for some backyard cinema . Most portable projector are n’t specifically design for the large outdoors , though , which can be an issue if it set out to rain .
With the BenQ GS50 , you do n’t have to worry so much , as it ’s built to be used outside and is splash- and drop - proof ( within limits ) .
A neat cubic software with a built - in barrage and smart via Android telly , this is a well - price and comme il faut portable projector , but it ’s not that undimmed .
Design
Most portable projectors are n’t that exciting to look at , but the BenQ GS50 is unlike . Decked out in soft - touch sensation plastic in a combination of green , orangish and white , this projector looks more fun than much of the competition .
More than just fun , the projector is IPX2 rated , meaning it ’s splashproof , so the rainfall wo n’t move it . And it can pull through a fall , too . ready to hand if someone awkward knocks the projector over while it ’s alfresco .
At 2.35 kg and 186 x 154 x 146 mm , the GS50 is n’t the lightest of portable models . It ’s well , then , that BenQ provides a rigid carrying fount for it . Doubling up as storage , it give a dear deal of shelter to the projector , protect its lens while not in use .
With any portable projector , how easygoing it is to set up is central , and in that regard , the GS50 is very good . It has an adjustable pedestal at the front that provides various degrees of disceptation ( a footfall up from the one - military position kickstand on theXGIMI Halo+ ) .
There ’s also a standard turnkey thread , so you’re able to mount it on a tripod , too .
The range of inputs is adept , withHDMI , USB - C ( DisplayPort ) and USB all available . Technically , there are two HDMI input , with the second one hidden underneath a cover at the back of the projector .
This port is plan to take the BenQ QS01 Android TV dongle , which is bring home the bacon in the box . instal this , and the projector gets Wi - Fi , cyclosis and apps . It ’s a bit odd that these features are n’t build - in , in particular as the dongle is a little fiddly to get into place . I had to give my dongle a unbendable thrust to lock it into situation and get the projector to recognise it .
Bluetooth is available , both in ( using the GS50 as a speaker ) and out ( for connecting to an external loudspeaker ) , plus there’sHDMI ARCand a 3.5 mm audio production .
A Bluetooth remote is provided in the box seat , which has a simple layout , supports voice control of theGoogle Assistantand has responsive release .
Volume control condition are also cater on the top of the projector , along with the power button and the release to sour the projector into Bluetooth speaker mode .
Features
Once the BenQ GS50 is turned on and show at a screen , it will run through its autofocus subroutine , which works very well . There ’s also an automatic erect keystone , for getting a straight picture if the projector is angle up .
This automatonlike correction is n’t so dear . Initially , the projector ‘ correct ’ itself , but left horizontal lines looking jagged and break . In the end , I turned off the automatic mood and manually put the projector up . The full automatic keystone correction on theXGIMI Halo+is better , as it does both vertical and horizontal correction , and the obstruction avoidance on theXGIMI Horizon Prois even better .
Android television receiver is available via the dongle , give access to the Google Play Store . Here , you’re able to getDisney+ , Amazon Prime Video andParamount Plus , but there ’s noNetflix app , as it ’s not certified to run on this twist . That ’s quite a common confinement on portable projectors , although thePhilips PicoPix MaxTVbucks this trend by supporting it .
I did n’t find the user interface so smooth on this projector , with some lag . Both XGIMI and Philips seem to be more reactive .
Performance
BenQ does n’t disclose the size of it of the DMD check in this DLP projector . Given the choice available , it ’s unlikely that the chip is natively Full HD . or else XPR engineering science abuse in , shifting the DMD fleck around to build up a higher resolving image in layer .
This technical school works well , and the image look nice and keen , peculiarly when compared to an old , lower settlement projector , such as theNebula Capsule Max .
luminance is grade at 500 - lumens , which is not that bright , especially compared to the Philips PicoPix MaxTV or XGIMI Horizon+ , both of which are snitch at 900 - lumens . The remainder is more noticeable in shiny rooms , and the BenQ require to have blinds pulled close to project an image any bigger than that of a little TV .
When it ’s very dark , it ’s easy to get a 100 - in plus image out of this projector , inside at dusk , you ’re probably looking more at a large - television - sized image of around 80 - inches .
Although the projector is rated at 1080p , it will take 4 K inputs , and it supports HDR10 and HLG HDR . Both selection are good to see : high resolutions downscaled look better than a film at a lower native firmness of purpose , andHDR improvescontrast , even if the projector ’s maximum luminousness is n’t enough to deliver the full searing brightness a decent television deliver .
Overall , I was impressed with the image quality . Watching something bright and colourful , such as Coco , I found that hte mental image was bright and vivacious . More so than on the Philips PicoPix MaxTV , and exchangeable to the Halo+ .
Watching something moodier , like Werewolf by Night , and the BenQ GS50 does a fairish task . HDR helps level out the demarcation , although point is still lost in the darkest part of the image , and Black person are more gray-headed than drab Shirley Temple Black , and there ’s a slim dark-green mite to the icon .
There ’s slight control over the image , with a choice of preset picture modes ( sportsman , movies , etc ) ; when watch HDR , the picture manner is automatically prepare to HDR10 . There are controls to adjust brightness , contrast , contrast , color , sharpness and colour temperature , but that ’s your lot .
I noticed a small amount of judder on fast panning , but not enough to particularly stimulate vexation .
Sound quality is very full on this projector . It has dual 5W loudspeaker system and a 10W woofer that adds that additional thump into movie soundtracks . The BenQ GS50 is n’t going to outcompete adecent soundbar . Still , it ’s tatty and detail enough and , importantly for a portable projector , does n’t need to be connect to a set of outside speakers .
The contribute light informant ca n’t be replaced but is under guarantee for three years or 20,000 hr . Watching for eight hours a day , 20,000 hours would work out to almost seven years .
An incorporate stamp battery provide up to 2.5 hours of playback , although that bet on the mode the projector is in . It ’s deserving dropping it down to Low major power musical mode to extend the run clip , although this does reduce brightness – again , you ’ll belike want to wait until it ’s glum to use this projector . Overall , ask to keep an eye on a even - length film on a single charge .
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Final Thoughts
I wish the splashproof body , and the carry case , make the BenQ GS50 a hardier travelling companion than much of the contest . Decent simulacrum caliber and big sound avail assail out the package , but the Android TV dongle is fiddly and is n’t as smooth to use as some of the competition , and it does n’t deliver Netflix .
If you want Netflix , the Philips PicoPix MaxTV is a better option , and it ’s brighter ; if you want the good overall calibre , the XGIMI Horizon+ is a safe and has fantabulous automatic picture configuration , although it , too , does n’t support Netflix natively .
Trusted Score
How we test
We test every projector we review thoroughly over an extended period of clip . We apply industry stock tests to compare feature properly . We ’ll always assure you what we retrieve . We never , ever , go for money to review a Cartesian product .
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FAQs
It has Amazon Prime , Disney+ , and Paramount+ but it does n’t sustain Netflix natively .
Yes , you may either try and side - load it onto Android TV , or you may expend a different medium pennant , such as a Fire TV peg .
Full Specs
Sustainability
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