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.
Table of Contents
I like the standalone Bluetooth speaker feature to use with my other equipment.
I love that the BenQ GS50 is IPX2-rated and suitable for indoor and outdoor use. I could have outdoor viewings as long as the weather is suitable, then use it indoors during the colder winter months.
One of the features of the BenQ GS50 projector that I would find useful is that it automatically adjusts the focus based on the distance to the screen.
The most useful feature is that it is IPX2-rated.
I know my kids will be all over this projector so it needs to be portable, durable and water resistant. The fact that it has a built in Bluetooth speaker and 1080p resolution means they will love it.
IPX2-rating for its water resistance feature
The handle.
How it can also be used as a standalone Bluetooth speaker is so versatile
Love that this projector can be used indoors and outdoors.
The brightness of 1080p sounds great
My favourite feature is its waterproof rating.
how its portable, internal battery and it can project to a large screen of 112 inches
IPX2 rating means, if you forget it in the backyard overnight you don’t need to worry too much.
I like the durability of the BenQ GS50.
An internal Bluetooth speaker with 20 watts of total output.
I would find the pre-installed apps to be useful.
I love that it’s splash-proof! That would be ideal.
The higher resolution is the winning feature for me.
I find the connectivity (USB-C, USB 2.0, and HDMI ports) of the GS50 to be the most useful feature, as it allows different devices to connect easily to be able to project movies and media to the projector.
20W 2.1-channel Bluetooth speaker
I find the 1080p and durability most useful for this projector GS50
I love that the BenQ GS50 is splash-proof and can even be used outside in the rain or by the pool
internal battery
500 ANSI lumens of brightness,1080p HD is definitely what’s most useful for me to watching content and for playing games
2- The GS50 features that I select is that it’s a durable, portable projector that I can take and use anywhere.
internal battery could be useful
It’s great how the projection can be anywhere from 30 ” to 112″!
I would find the 500 lumen brightness useful
IPX2-rated, suitable for indoor and outdoor use…
A useful feature is that it lets you project to 30 to 112-inch screens.
I like that the BenQ GS50 lets you project to 30 to 112-inch screens which would so perfect for movies in the house or outside where you may have a bigger area for movies.
I appreciate that it can be used outdoors as well as indoors.
To me, the most useful feature of the BenQ GS50 is that it can be used indoors AND outdoors. (It would be great to take camping)
I love that you can easily use it outside in multiple weather conditions.
Bluetooth speaker
The BenQ GS50 is a durable, portable projector that you can take and use anywhere
It’s a durable, portable projector that you can take and use anywhere!
I like that I can use it both indoors and outdoors. It would be perfect for camping.
I like that the BenQ GS50 can be used both indoor and outdoors because it makes it handy for every season.
The portability would be great for camping!
The feature of the BenQ GS50 that I find most useful is that is can be used indoor or out.
The portability and the ability to project up to a 112″ screen.
I love the look of this and that it has 500 ANSI lumens of brightness,1080p HD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio
The feature of the BenQ GS50 that I find most useful is that it is durable enough for indoor and outdoor use.
As crazy as it sounds, I love the portability and that fact I could tuck it away when not in use so I don’t have a GIANT screen dominating my space. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that it’s super stylish when it’s out on display!
Honestly, the accompanying carrying case makes it most useful in any situation as it would be easy to grab and bring with you on the go and I would love to own one.
The 20W 2.1-channel Bluetooth speaker.
I like the look of the GS50 a lot. Gives me retro vibes.
I like that the BenQ GS50 is splash-proof
The feature that I find most useful is 500 ANSI lumens of brightness,1080p HD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio.
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