BenQ GV50 battery-powered projector in test: 500 ANSI lumens, 2.1 sound and 150 minutes runtime

Like the GV31, the GV50 also has a rotating lens and an integrated 2.1 sound system. Google TV is also on board, along with Netflix and Google Assistant. The projector also supports AirPlay and Chromecast. The laser light source has been upgraded compared to the GV31 and now shines with 500 instead of 300 ANSI lumens. As usual, the native resolution is Full HD (1080p) and the maximum recommended image size is 120 inches. This test report shows how the Benq GV50 performs.

Like the GV31, Benq has placed a lot of emphasis on flexible use of the projector with the GV50. With dimensions of 13 cm x 21 cm x 19 cm and a weight of 2.1 kg, the device is pleasantly compact and lightweight. Although according to the manufacturer, the GV50 weighs about 400 grams more than the GV31, the battery life is reduced from 180 to 150 minutes due to the higher brightness.

Connections and options for streaming content remain the same in both models. Both the GV31 and GV50 rely on Android, more precisely Google TV, and support Chromecast and Apple Airplay. External devices can be connected to the device via HDMI or USB-C.

The workmanship of the GV50 is utterly convincing. We didn’t notice any unclean weld seams or broken parts. The circular design allows flexible placement of the projector, while we can continuously adjust the lens. This makes it possible to quickly change the position of the image without having to exert much effort with the adjustment screws.

The aesthetics of the GV50 also make a good impression. Where other projectors seem like a foreign body in a flashy environment due to their angular box shape, the Benq could pass as a design object. With a matte white surface, it also makes a pleasantly simple and discreet impression that fits well into an elegant living environment.

For maximum flexibility and greater wearing comfort, Benq has also provided the GV50 with a carry strap made of synthetic leather. It not only looks stylish but also feels comfortable in the hand. The carrying case that Benq offers as an optional accessory for the GV31 is also suitable for the GV50 – after all, both devices have the same dimensions. One problem that plagues both the GV31 and GV50, and why it’s worth buying a carrying case for the projector, is the lack of a cover for the lens. With both models, dirt, dust and moisture can attack the sensitive components without any hindrance.

In terms of operation, the Benq GV50 hasn’t changed much compared to the GV31 – and that’s a good thing. Because with the GV31 we already found the projector’s controls pleasant and self-explanatory. However, the control panel with on/off button and volume control is complemented by several buttons. The zoom lever allows the image size to be continuously adjusted, which is then optimized by automatic keystone correction. This worked excellently in testing and allowed the image to be aligned individually.

Additionally, there is now a sleep timer on the control panel, which allows the projector to automatically turn off after a certain period of time. For example, if you want to use the GV50 to project an image on the ceiling above the bed in your bedroom, you can make good use of this function. This feature worked perfectly in our testing.

The Benq GV50’s remote control also impressed us. All buttons are clearly arranged and clearly labeled. The projector processes our inputs through the remote control without any delay. The Netflix button, which was missing on the GV31, is now available on the GV50, but we looked in vain for the number pad. Thanks to Google TV integration and the ability to set up related content via smartphone, this shortcoming is hardly significant compared to the GV31.

If you want, you can even use the projector to play music: like its little brother, the GV50 can also be connected to your cell phone or other playback devices via Bluetooth. The projector basically works like a portable Bluetooth box (best list) with a remote control. Thanks to the interfaces of HDMI 2.0, USB-A and USB-C, various external hardware can be connected to the projector.

Unlike the GV31, the GV50 does not include a separate Chromecast module. Instead, Benq projectors can be configured and used with Google TV without external hardware. This means the GV50 doesn’t require a streaming stick (best list) and allows access to Netflix, Disney+, YouTube, Spotify, and more via Google.

The easiest way to set up Google TV is to use your Android smartphone. To do this we scan a QR code to start the installation and link it to our Google account. However, the entire process takes a relatively long time: It took about 20 minutes for Google TV to be fully set up on the Benq GV50 and for us to stream content. This causes longer wait times during installation. But once you’ve worked your way through the process, there’s no denying the projector’s usefulness.

One advantage: When setting up Google TV, you can choose which apps you want to install on the projector directly from your smartphone. This saves time when setting up user accounts, which would otherwise have to be manually linked to the projector.

What the Benq G50 has over the GV31, besides Google TV and the lack of external streaming hardware, is the so-called Eye Care mode. If we activate the Night Shift function, the projector adjusts the colors of the image so that less blue colors are seen, relieving strain on the eyes. Thus the manufacturer usefully complements the sleep timer.

As for the GV50’s loudspeakers, Benq uses the familiar 2.1-channel system from the GV31, but with a small upgrade: in addition to two 4-watt speakers, a 10-watt woofer is used. The GV50 also has a special sound mode that allows the subwoofer to develop its full potential when the projector is used for ceiling projection and is tilted accordingly. Like the GV31, the loudspeaker’s sound achieved a good figure in the test, although this also applies here: cinema lovers may want to think about purchasing a separate loudspeaker or soundbar (list of the best).

Where the Benq GV50 shines, like the GV31, is the fan’s low noise level. The manufacturer specifies it as 26 to 28 dB(A). A value that we were able to confirm in our testing. The projector’s volume averaged 29 dB(A) in a room with no soundproofing. The projector is extremely quiet and clearly ahead of China projectors like the Blitzwolf BW-V6 (test report).

Instead of 300 Ansi-Lumens for the GV31, GV50 buyers are now offered 500 Ansi-Lumens – this is noticeable in practice. With a native resolution of 1080p, the GV50 produces an image diagonal between 30 and 120 inches, so the image is always sharp and even larger formats will be possible with minimal compromise in brightness.

The brightness of the projector itself is impressive in a completely dark room. Even in some daylight, the GV50 still cuts a surprisingly good figure. In this regard, the Benq projector can’t keep up with top 4K models such as the Xgimi Horizon Ultra (laser projectors best list) and its excellent brightness of 2100 ANSI lumens. But if you want to use a battery-powered projector in frequently changing locations, you will get a bright enough image here.

Even with a large screen diagonal of up to 120 inches, we only noticed a slight decrease in brightness. The manufacturer says that the projector produces a useful image with a diagonal of 30 inches at a distance of two meters from the projection surface. However, in testing, we were able to reduce the distance significantly, to just under 80 centimeters, while the image still remained sharp. The color depth is just as impressive for any image size as are the very well-resolved edges.

Compared to the Benq GV31, which is currently available 487 euros Cost, the GV50 currently beats at least 699 euros (price comparison) to book. Till now the projector has not been available at a very cheap price. Like the GV31, we recommend the Xgimi Halo+ (test report) as an alternative, which ranks first on our battery-powered projector list. At 750 euros, the Xgimi Halo+ costs a little more than the GV50, but it also offers 900 ANSI lumens.

With the GV50, Benq delivers a very good projector with expandable brightness that is a worthy upgrade. Almost all the weaknesses associated with the GV31 have been addressed in the GV50. Plus points like integrated battery, 2.1 sound system and high flexibility in image orientation have been expanded to include Google TV support, additional sleep features and an improved brightness of 200 ANSI lumens.

On paper, the Benq GV50 seems like a jack of all trades. The integrated Chromecast module, 2.1 sound system with the option to play music via Bluetooth and high flexibility thanks to the integrated battery make the projector a real all-rounder for mobile use.

If you are looking for a very good battery powered projector with high brightness, you can definitely choose Benq GV50. The The latter can only work with a resolution of 540p, but it impresses with good battery life and solid brightness.

More articles on the topic: