Digital entertainment is all about being able to stream your favorite TV shows, videos, sports, documentaries and movies on-demand just about anywhere. This can easily be done using any smart TV, smartphone, tablet, installed home projector, or smart home hub (with a display). But, if you want to project a picture that’s up to 120-inches (diagonal) onto a wall, movie screen or even the ceiling, what you want is a portable projector.
The BenQ GV50 is an impressively versatile and laser-driven portable projector that weighs in at less than five pounds. It can be set up almost anywhere in just minutes – indoors or outdoors. It has a rechargeable battery, or can be plugged into an external power source for ongoing operation. And since it runs using the GoogleTV OS, it’s able to stream content from the internet and supports all of the popular streaming service apps. In fact, the Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube apps come preinstalled, but you can install the app for any streaming service you subscribe to (via the Google Play Store).
And since the BenQ GV50 portable projector also supports Apple AirPlay and Google Cast, you can stream video content directly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop computer, too. Yes, this projector can be used outdoors, so you can take it camping, or host an impromptu movie night in the backyard — but it’s not waterproof.
BenQ GV50 Portable Projector
One of the projector’s best features is that you can adjust the projection to any angle, yet view a perfectly rectangular, automatically focused image (with a 16:9 aspect ratio) on a wall or a room’s ceiling. Of course, it works best projecting against a solid white and flat wall, ceiling or portable projection screen.
Over the years, I have tested many portable projectors. When the folks at BenQ sent over the GV50 model for me to review, I was rather excited. This is not the most high-tech portable projector out there, and its resolution maxes out at 1080p (not 4K), but after using it, I found the GV50 offers some excellent features and impressive overall performance. Keep reading to find out more.
Specifications
- Price: $749.
- Projection Resolution: 1080p.
- Projection Size: 60 to 120 inches.
- Max. Brightness: 500 ANSI lumens.
- Native Aspect Ratio: 16:9.
- Contrast Ratio: 100,000:1.
- Display Color: 24-bit (16.7 million colors).
- Projection System: DLP (Laser).
- Light Source Life: 20,000 hours (normal mode).
- Throw Ratio: 1.2.
- Zoom Ratio: Fixed.
- Built-in Speakers: 2x 4-watt speakers, 10-watt woofer.
- Operating System: Google TV OS.
- Ports: HDMI, USB Type-A, USB Type-C.
- Wireless Projection: Apple AirPlay, Google Cast.
- Mounts: Floor/Tabletop Stand or Tripod Mount.: Floor/Tabletop Stand or Tripod Mount.
- Battery Life: Up to 150 minutes.
- IPX Water Resistance Rating: IPX 2.
- Measurements: 5.12 inches wide by 8.312 inches high by 7.54 inches deep.
- Weight: 4.6 pounds.
Pros
- Adjusts to project on a wall or ceiling.
- Easy to transport and quick to set up.
- Projects a sharp, 1080p resolution image between 60 and 120 inches.
- Runs using GoogleTV OS.
- Use the built in speakers or output audio to Bluetooth speakers, headphones, or earbuds.
Cons
- Max. brightness (500 nits) is a bit low compared to some competitors.
- No 4K resolution support.
- Carrying case not included.
What the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector Can Do
There are plenty of 1080p resolution portable projectors available, but the BenQ GV50 stands out for a handful of reasons. I really like the projector’s overall design. It’s easy to transport, and can be set up almost anywhere in mere minutes. Using a laser-based projection system, it’s able to project a consistently clear image with accurate colors – between 60-inches and 120-inches (measured diagonally).
The projector offers a handful of convenient mounting options. It also has a built-in stereo speaker system (complete with its own woofer). Plus, integrated into the BenQ GV50 is a rechargeable battery that can power the projector for up to 150 minutes. However, for the brightest possible picture, I suggested using the included power adapter and keeping the projector plugged in while it’s being used.
Who Will Be Interested in the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector?
The BenQ GV50 portable projector is designed for use by families. It’s great for hosting an impromptu movie night in a large family room or backyard, but can just as easily be set up in a bedroom. Thanks to its portability, the projector can also be taken camping (as long as you bring a portable screen), or used in an RV.
Plus, it’s a great option for a dorm room, or for someone who wants to watch sports or action movies via a projected image that’s up to 120-inches (which is larger than most consumer-oriented big-screen smart TVs). And because it’s able to project a clear image onto a ceiling, it’s great for lying down and watching movies in bed.
The BenQ GV50 portable projector isn’t cheap. But it’s competitively priced with comparable portable projectors from other well-known brands, like Samsung’s The Freestyle (2nd Generation) or the Nebula Capsule 3. All three projectors offer 1080p resolution and can project onto a ceiling. The Freestyle, however, maxes out at a projection size of 100-inches. The Nebula Capture 3 has a longer battery life, but has a maximum brightness of just 300 ANSI lumens, as opposed to the BenQ GV50’s 500 ANSI lumens.
Ultimately when choosing between these or another portable projector, it comes down to personal preference related to things like design (including size and weight), resolution, brightness, battery life, IPX rating, projection system, built in speaker quality, integrated ports, the projector’s operating system, the projector’s versatility in terms of projection angle, and price.
Key Features of the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector
While not a cutting-edge or unique feature, the tabletop/floor stand that’s included allows the user to position the projector at any angle. This makes it easy to project a sharp, auto-focused image onto a wall, the ceiling, or onto a portable screen. (A portable projection screen ranges in price between $60 and $200 on Amazon.) And then there are the projector’s smart TV capabilities. Like many popular smart TVs, the BenQ GV50 operates using the popular (and powerful) Google TV operating system. Not only does this provide a simple user interface, but it also offers easy access to all popular video streaming apps.
Meanwhile, using the built-in HDMI port, a computer can be connected directly to the project using a cable. And if you want to experience better sound quality than what’s possible using the projector’s built-in speakers, you can use Bluetooth or the projector’s audio jack to stream audio to external speakers, headphones or wireless earbuds.
The BenQ GV50 is all about convenience. I found that it works nicely indoors or outdoors. However, since the projector’s maximum brightness is 500 ANSI lumens (less if the projector is being operated using battery power), to see the brightest and sharpest picture, the darker the viewing area, the better. In a brightly lit room, the projector’s picture quality gets washed out.
Also, due to its low waterproof rating (IPX 2), the projector is splash resistant at best. So, if you plan to use it outside, only use it during nice weather and bring it indoors when you’re done. Ultimately, what you can expect from this projector is clear picture quality, decent sound and the ability to project your favorite video content onto a wall, ceiling or screen.
Realistically, the 1080p resolution of the projector and its smaller speakers do not provide the same viewing experience as you’d get from a traditional flatscreen, 4K resolution smart TV. However, the projector is a lot more portable. It can be set up in places where a big screen TV is not suitable – like in your backyard, or in your bedroom if you want to lie in bed and watch a movie projected onto the ceiling.
Setting Up and Using the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector
I was pleasantly surprised by just how easy and quick it is to set up and start using the BenQ GV50 portable projector. I unpacked it, and I got it operational in less than five minutes. Right out of the box, you can run the Netflix or Amazon Prime Video app (assuming you’re a subscriber), or use the preinstalled YouTube app. I like that it’s just as simple to stream content wirelessly or using a cable from a smartphone, tablet or computer. The first time you use the projector (or anytime thereafter), as long as the projector is connected to a Wi-Fi internet signal, you can access the Google Play Store to download apps for any of your favorite streaming services.
Once these apps are installed, the Google TV interface makes it easy to find exactly what you want to watch, and then fine-tune your viewing experience. The controls on top of the projector are intuitive, but I found it more convenient to use the included remote control, especially when entering a password to access a Wi-Fi network, or when logging into a streaming service. And yes, the projector can also be used with a console-based video game system by connecting the two devices using an HDMI cable.
Each time the projector is turned on, it takes about a minute to warm up and start projecting its main menu. I found that the projector works just like a smart TV running the Google TV OS. Perhaps the best feature of the BenQ GV50 is that regardless of the projection angle or distance from the wall, ceiling or screen, the projector automatically adjusts and focuses the projected image perfectly to a standard 16:9 aspect ratio. If you alter the projection angle or distance at any time (such as going from projecting on a wall to the ceiling), the projector compensates and refocuses within seconds.
Even if you plan to use the projector with AC power, I recommend plugging it in and charging the internal battery fully before your first use. While running, the projector relies on an internal fan and cooling system which can be heard (as a low hum) in a quiet viewing space. However, once audio begins playing in conjunction with what you’re watching, the fan sound is downed out and becomes unnoticeable.
Install and Use Streaming Apps
Upon setting up a free Google account (or signing into it if you already have one), all of the Google TV OS smart features get unlocked. This allows you to access the Google Play Store to download additional video streaming apps for popular services, plus update the projector’s operating system (as needed). The OS updating process takes 10 to 20 minutes. Again, this process is just like setting up a smart TV running the Google TV OS.
To set up Google TV, and then to stream video directly, the projector needs to be connected to a Wi-Fi network. But, thanks to the projector’s Apple AirPlay and Google Cast support, it’s easy to stream content wirelessly from an internet-connected smartphone, tablet, laptop, or desktop computer directly to the projector.
The BenQ GV50’s Sound Quality
Having built in speakers and a subwoofer is convenient when using the projector while camping or within a small viewing space. In a confined area, the sound is rich and exceptionally clear, with just the right amount of base. But due to the limitations of the smaller size speakers, don’t expect movie theater quality sound in a backyard or larger size viewing space. For that, you’ll want to connect a complete surround sound system to the projector, or at least an optional soundbar (or stereo speakers). Alternatively, you can pair the projector with a quality pair of Bluetooth headphones or earbuds.
BenQ GV50 Portable Projector
My Final Thoughts: Is the BenQ GV50 Portable Projector Worth It?
This projector is surprisingly easy to use and offers an impressive picture quality thanks to its laser projection system. Just keep in mind what you get is 1080p resolution video, not 4K resolution. BenQ has other projector models that are portable and that offer 4K resolution, such as the BenQ GP520 4K Smart Home Entertainment Projector ($1,399 on Amazon).
The projector’s autofocus feature works great. As I mentioned, the projector automatically compensates for the projector’s distance from a wall, ceiling or screen, and then generates a sharp picture. Ambient light in the viewing space, however, highly impacts the projected image’s brightness.
I love the design and portability of this projector, the fact that it runs using the Google TV OS, and that it comes with a handheld remote. The included floor/tabletop base is also nicely designed, and makes it easy to position the projector at any angle. From a performance standpoint, the projector is well worth the investment, as long as you understand its limitations. To safely store the projector or transport it, I suggested purchasing the optional GV50 hardshell carrying case ($59).
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