BenQ GV1 Hero

Review: BenQ GV1 – A Portable Projector for Outdoor Movie Nights and More

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BenQ manufacturers many of the best projectors on the market such as the HT2050 home theatre projector and TK800 budget 4K projector. The BenQ GV1 offers a different set of skills in its sleek, compact form factor and onboard battery. There’s no shortage of competition in the portable projector space, but the BenQ GV1 micro-portable projector ranks among the best options available.

What is the BenQ GV1 Portable Projector?

I wouldn’t blame you if you mistook the pint-sized BenQ GV1 micro-portable projector for a Bluetooth speaker. Rather than a traditional projector form factor, it arrives in a palm-sized, soda can form factor similar to many Bluetooth speakers. Fittingly, the GV1 doubles as a wireless speaker with a dedicated music-only mode.  The mini projector boasts a cylindrical shape with a tilt hinge for aiming its lens at virtually any surface. Coupled with auto keystone correction, the GV1 maintains a rectangular image when projected at an angle.

It’s a 200 ANSI lumen projector with a 100,000:1 contrast ratio. For audio, there’s a 5W speaker. While it’s an LED projector, that refers to its light source. For projection technology, the GV1 packs DLP. It’s a 480 (854 x 480) resolution device. Onboard, you’ll find Android 7.1.2 and 8GB eMMC for installing apps such as Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Hulu.

BenQ GV1 Specs

  • Resolution: 480p (854 x 480)
  • DLP LED projector
  • Android 7.1.2
  • 8GB eMMC
  • 1GB LPDDR3 RAM
  • 200 ANSI Lumens
  • 100,000:1 contrast ratio
  • 5W speaker
  • 20,000/30,000 hours normal/eco lamp life
  • 1.3 (35″@1m) throw ratio
  • Fixed zoom
  • Vertical ± 40 degrees auto keystone
  • 100% ± 5% projection offset
  • Qualcomm Snapdragon 210 MSM8909 System on a chip (SoC)
  • Android 7.1.2
  • 1GB LPDDR3
  • 8GB eMMC
  • IEEE 802.11 a/b/g/n, 2.4G/5G Wi-Fi
  • Dimensions: 80mm x 155mm x 80mm
  • Weight: 708g

BenQ GV1 Review: A Versatile Micro-Portable Projector

In 2016, I abandoned TV life and snagged my first projector, a ZTE Spro 2. Since then, I upgraded to a Sony VPL-VW60 SXRD projector. Before getting hands-on with the BenQ GV1, I admit I was initially wary of its 480p resolution, and low lumens, therefore skeptical of its capabilities. The Spro 2 boasts 720p resolution, while the VPL-VW60 clocks in at full HD 1080p. However, upon firing up the GV1, I was astonished by its performance.

benq gv1 portable projector home screen

Getting started with the BenQ GV1 is pretty simple. It’s as simple as turning it on, then connecting with a phone or tablet wirelessly, or with the bundles USB-C to USB-C cable. Alternatively, you may install apps with the Aptiode app store. Unfortunately, there’s no Google Play support. However, I was easily able to install a smattering of my favorite Android apps directly on the GV1 including Netflix, Plex, and Hulu.

benq gv1 micro-portable projector plex

On top, you’ve got a few buttons. There’s a power button in the middle, volume up and down buttons conveniently labeled with a plus and minus, and a Bluetooth speaker mode. Along the left side of the unit, you’ll find a scroll wheel which serves as a manual focus adjustment. On the rear of the GV1, there’s a power jack and a USB-C port for a USB-C to USB-C wired connection.

benq gv1 review plex home

Out of the box, I was easily able to get my Samsung Galaxy S9 hooked up via wireless streaming. Since I don’t have an iPhone or any iOS devices, I wasn’t able to test its Apple streaming capabilities. Streaming video from Emby, Plex, and Netflix worked like a champ wirelessly via my S9+, and I noticed no lag. Likewise, watching videos from apps running off of the built-in Android OS provides a smooth experience.

benq gv1 dex samsung

 

Upon plugging my Galaxy S9 Plus in via the included USB-C cable, I was pleasantly surprised to not only benefit from screen mirroring, but DeX desktop compatibility. For connecting your phone to a TV, monitor, or projector, you’ve got several methods. Select Samsung Galaxy handsets including the S9+ come with a desktop mode, DeX. Since the BenQ GV1 allows for Samsung DeX use, I was able to use the GV1 as a sort of portable monitor for working on the go. As a digital nomad who works remotely, this was a major plus.

BenQ GV1 Performance

Performance will vary a bit based on several factors, notably ambient light levels as well as whether you’re running on battery power versus plugged in. While the built-in battery works fine and allows for more portability, hooking up to a wall socket means you’ll appreciate the full brightness of the GV1. Granted, at 200 lumens that’s not terribly bright, so you’ll still want a mostly dark room. But especially when using a projector, you’ll likely want the blinds closed anyway. Despite the 480p resolution, the GV1 produces an incredibly crisp image. I actually found that it outperformed my ZTE Spro 2 with improved black levels and color reproduction. Blacks were deep and rich, with bright whites. Its 100,000:1 contrast ratio further contributed to a lush image, and even with a bit of ambient light the 200 ANSI image didn’t look washed out.

What really blew me away was the onboard speaker. I’ve used my share of projectors, and traditionally built-in speakers are utter rubbish. Not so with the GV1. Even with the volume maxed out, I noticed no clipping, and it handily outperformed my Spro 2 with its JBL speakers.

The Verdict: Should You Buy the BenQ GV1 Portable Projector?

While I went in somewhat skeptical, the BenQ GV1 completely wowed me. It’s become my go-to for outdoor movie nights as well as transforming pretty much any surface into a makeshift computer screen with my phone hooked up and DeX running. Still, there are a few caveats. First, connectivity is pretty limited with no HDMI port. Although it might seem as though an HDMI or DisplayPort to USB-C cable might work, spoiler alert: it won’t. Moreover, not every USB-C equipped device will function for screen mirroring. You’ll need DisplayPort capabilities to get an image. Lack of the Google Play Store for app installs is somewhat problematic. Sure, Aptiode runs, but many apps are outdated or optimized for a touch interface and don’t work properly with the included remote. Speaking of the remote, you’ll absolutely need it to navigate the projector, so don’t lose it.

Despite a few minor annoyances, this is easily the best portable projector you can buy. I enjoyed its Bluetooth speaker mode, and the variety of methods for watching movies and TV. Auto keystone is incredibly handy for getting set up, fostering an essentially point and shoot experience. Overall, this is a solid mini projector perfect for hosting a backyard movie night or serving as a work monitor while traveling.

Pros:

  • Easy to use
  • Portable
  • Doubles as a speaker
  • Multiple connectivity options (wired, wireless)
  • Best onboard projector speaker sound I’ve encountered
  • Affordable
  • Samsung DeX compatible
  • Lush visual quality

Cons:

  • No HDMI
  • Lacks Google Play Store
  • Need remote for operation
  • Only 480p
  • Low lumens

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