The way we consume content is changing. New portable projectors allow us to stream TV shows and movies outdoors. Better yet, the same projector can be used indoors during the colder months. It’s the proverbial party in a box that you can take anywhere. I’ve been waiting a long time for a new product category that would get me excited. I think I found it.
I’m reviewing the BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50). This is a durable projector with an internal battery and 1080p resolution. Does it have what it takes to replace a TV? Let’s start by looking at some notable specs:
Specs: BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50)
- Three-metre projection distance lets you project to 30 to 112-inch screens
- 500 ANSI lumens of brightness,1080p HD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio
- USB-C, USB 2.0, and HDMI ports
- 20W 2.1-channel Bluetooth speaker
- IPX2-rated, suitable for indoor and outdoor use
Design of the BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50)
The BenQ GS50 has a unique look with retro colours mixed with modern design elements. The main body is white with green sides and orange plastic speaker grills. A brown faux leather handle is on the left and a removable port cover is on the right. The GS50 measures approximately 7”x 6”x 6”(WHD) and weighs 5.5lbs. It comes with its own carrying case that holds the power cables and controller. This makes it super portable, and easy to carry around.
On the top of the speaker you’ll find the power, Bluetooth, and volume buttons. A slot on the back opens up to reveal the dongle input. Once in place, the cover seals it away and keeps it protected. I prefer this design over others where the dongle connects to the HDMI port. However, after opening the cover, a rubber gasket seal came off. I tried to put it back in but to no avail. This might be a design error but the intent of that rubber gasket is to protect the inside from water.
The back has a vent for the built-in fan, a speaker grille for the low-end woofer, and a DC charging port. On the bottom, there is a button-released telescope kickstand. This tilts the projector upwards and it’s adjustable. The bottom is a threaded hole for mounting the projector on a stand. This could be useful for birthdays and other celebrations.
Setting up the BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50)
Once the Android TV dongle is inserted, the rest of the setup happened on my smartphone. I used Google Assistant to set up a new device. Google detected it and paired it to my Google account. Next, it connected to my Wi-Fi network. In all, the setup took less than 5 minutes. As long as you have a Google account, the setup is seamless.
The BenQ GS50 comes with popular apps such as Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, and Spotify preinstalled. Users can install other apps from the Google Play store. One notable app missing is Netflix. For some reason, Netflix only allows its Android TV app to work on selected devices. BenQ is not one of them. There is a workaround installing side apps like Aptoide, but my suggestion is to buy a Roku Express Media Streamer. You’ll have to use an additional controller, but it’s worth it for loyal Netlfix users.
Using the BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50)
With an IPX2 rating, the BenQ GS50 is splash-proof. It can withstand rain provided that the rubber gasket doesn’t fall out as it did with me.
My next-door neighbour has a giant outdoor projector screen in his backyard. I tested it there and I couldn’t get an image on the screen with the sun still out. 500 lumens isn’t bright enough for evening viewing outside. As soon as it got dark, the projector really started to shine – pun intended. I created approximately a 100” screen and the colours really popped out. Based on the distance to the screen, the projector automatically adjusts the focus. Very little user effort is required and the 1080p screen looked amazing. The kickstand also made it easy to adjust the position of the image on the screen.
I had the BenQ GS50 on a table that was positioned on uneven grass. Therefore, it was hard for me to get a nice, even picture on the projector screen. One suggestion I have for others is to carry some beer coasters in the projector case. If you have it on an uneven surface like I did, use the coasters under the projector feet. This provides minor angle adjustments to the screen. This tip is for people like myself, who like everything to be nice and straight. I can’t unsee crookedness and it drives me crazy with projector images.
The colours at night were bright, even at 100”. However, it does not work well in brightly lit environments. At night, outdoors, it works great. The darker it is, the better it will be. This isn’t a projector to use outside when the sun is still out. I tried and it didn’t work.
Sound Quality of the BenQ 1080p Portable Projector
The audio quality of any portable projector is something you should always assess. The BenQ GS50 features an internal Bluetooth speaker with 20 watts of total output. That might not seem like a lot, but I found the sound to be terrific. There is enough low end to hear the bass, but it is nicely balanced with the mid and high range. It can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker. I really do love the versatility of portable projectors. Customers should take advantage of these additional features as it’s a two-in-one portable device.
Should you choose the BenQ 1080p Portable Projector?
There are a lot of portable projectors to choose from. The BenQ 1080p GS50 projector is for those looking for a durable projector for indoor and outdoor use. It’s more on the premium side, so people choosing this model are looking for those extra bells and whistles. The compact cube design and accompanying carrying case will appeal to a lot of people. It’s easy to carry and works in a variety of situations. Party planners in particular should have this in their arsenal for event hosting.
Parents should also consider the BenQ GS50 portable projector. It’s a great way to entertain kids during the Summer. In the winter, they can use it in an entertainment room while parents watch TV in the living room. The fact that it has a durable build so it can handle a tumble or a splash of water is a bonus.
If you want a durable, portable projector that you can take and use anywhere, the BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50) is worth considering. Just remember, it works best in a dark environment. If that’s what the main area you’ll use it, enjoy.
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I like the BenQ 1080p GS50 Projector durable for indoor and indoor splash resistant durable. Have parties outside with friends or take it with you elsewhere definitely my choice
Splash proof so can be used outdoors
The fact that it is durable is a big selling feature for me. I tend to drop things, bang things, etc. The durability will ensure I can enjoy this for some time.
I find the GS550 more useful because it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The BenQ GS50 is splash-proof.
One feature that Ifind the most useful is the Bluetooth Speaker
I like it’s retro design and the fact that it’s waterproof
It’s multifunctional as a projector or a Bluetooth speaker and with a internal battery and splash resistant design it’s perfect for outdoors. Perfect for my next camping trip.
Indoor and Outdoor use
Bluetooth Speaker
I like that it comes with a carrying case and a battery that means it can be used anywhere.
I like the internal battery
I like that the BenQ GS50 is splash-proof and it can withstand a bit of rain.
I love that these projectors can also function as standalone Bluetooth speakers. So when you’re not using it for movie night, you can play music and enjoy the surprisingly powerful and dynamic audio that each produces!
Love that it can handle a little slash of water.
I like that you can use it both indoors or outdoors
I like ththe portability and the IPX2-rating, great for indoor and outdoor use.
I would like the GS50 because I could set up a big screen at the lake lot and invite friends over for a movie night.
I love that this is IPX2-rated. We’d use it most often outdoors so that is an important feature for me.
Love that based on the distance to the screen, the projector automatically adjusts the focus. Three-metre projection distance lets you project to 30 to 112-inch screens
The idea that I can move the projector up to 100 ft away and still enjoy a great picture and sound it remarkable. We do have a large yard and rec room and this would be perfect for both. I love that it is water resistant, as long as the seal does not fall off. This would be perfect for parties at the banquet hall, the yard and the rec room
Great product portable and versatile with speaker also a nice touch.
With it being waterproof too as great added protection
The most useful feature is the IPX2-rated waterproof so that it can be used outdoors
I too appreciate that that it is versatile as can be used both indoors as well as outdoors.
Maybe the water proof part for the outdoors? Smile Please and thanks
IPX2-rated so that i can use it in the rain
it’s IPX2-rated so great for outdoor
love the portability for trips
love that it’s splash proof. great for outdoor pool use
most useful is the outdoor use feature so i can bring it out in any weather
i like the water proof part for camping (:
love IPX2-rated for outdoors!
Being water resistant is a huge plus; I also like the usefullness as a Bluetooth speaker.
The most useful feature for me is that it is IPX2-rated and suitable for both indoor and outdoor use
The most useful feature is that it is IPX2-rated and suitable for indoor and outdoor use
I love that it is rated IPX2, which means that it can be used both indoor and outdoor. Definitely a must, if you have a cottage or a cabin as I do. It would be awesome to project on our beach during the summer.
I like that it is IPX2-rated, great for indoor and outdoor use.
I like that waterproof and the speakers are built in.
I like that it is portable and 1080p
Great to use indoors or outside is a fantastic feature
The splash-proof feature is my favourite
Liking the durability. Looks sturdy. The gasket feature is nice, wish it was more secure though.
I really like that it is IPX2-rated, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
Best feature is definitely the flexibility of outdoor and indoor uses.
The BenQ 1080p GS50 projector is for those looking for a durable projector for indoor and outdoor use. It’s more on the premium side, so people choosing this model are looking for those extra bells and whistles. The compact cube design and accompanying carrying case will appeal to a lot of people. It’s easy to carry and works in a variety of situations. Party planners in particular should have this in their arsenal for event hosting.
The fact that it has a durable build so it can handle a tumble or a splash of water is a bonus.
If you want a durable, portable projector that you can take and use anywhere, the BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50) is worth considering. Just remember, it works best in a dark environment. If that’s what the main area you’ll use it, enjoy.
I like the 500 ANSI lumens of brightness,1080p HD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
I really like that it is IPX2-rated, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
The indoor and outdoor capability adds to it’s versatility 🙂 Great review!
I love that it is IPX2-rated, suitable for indoor and outdoor use.
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