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
Three-metre projection distance lets you project to 30 to 112-inch screens
It is portable and water resistant
It is portable and water resistant
I also like the retro look
It’s 1080p (& portable).
I love the 500 ANSI lumens of brightness,1080p HD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio. That’s amazing!
the feature i find most useful is that it is portable and water resistant
The durable build would be the most useful feature to me
THe best feature of the GS50 is that is is portable and splash proof!
Speaker on-board means one less thing to worry about.
Love that it has USB-C, USB 2.0, and HDMI ports . Very versatile and can connect to many devices.
BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50) would be so nice in my living-room and I will have a party for kids with the intention of streaming some Walt Disney.
BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50) it has that retro-look that would be perfect in my backyard having that splash-proof and all.
BenQ 1080p Portable Projector (GS50) it has that retro-look that would be perfect in my backyard having that splash-proof and all.
I like the water resistance.
I love the pre-installed apps, and that it can get wet too
I like how portable this projector seems to be. It would be nice to take something like this with us for movie nights at friends/family homes elsewhere.
I love that it is water repellent so we could use it outdoors
The durability of the GS50 is very appealing.
The Idea that it is the proverbial party in a box that you can take anywhere.
I really like that it is rated for indoor or outdoor use – also water repellent, great for summer months
I like the retro colours for fun and the 500 lumens for a good quality picture.
I deserve the best!
The 1080p is the feature I love so whatever you’re watching looks great.
IPX2-rated, suitable for indoor and outdoor use which I think is a great feature definitely gives me that confidence that it’s safe outside
I really like that it is rated for indoor or outdoor use – also water repellent,
20W 2.1-channel Bluetooth speaker
The Idea that it is the proverbial party in a box that you can take anywhere.
The 1080p is the feature I love so whatever you’re watching looks great.
Love the style, just looks so well.
Love that it is splash proof, with its IPX2 rating. You never know what might happen at a family party with kids running around!
The BenQ GS50’s most useful feature is its water resistance!
500 ANSI lumens of brightness,1080p HD display with a 16:9 aspect ratio
1080p
I like the retro colours for fun and the 500 lumens for a good quality picture.
I really like the 3m projection distance! It’s great for all kinds of spaces, big or small so that’s really convenient!
The IPX2 rating so the projector can be used indoor and outdoor to be most useful.
I really like that it is rated for indoor or outdoor use – also water repellent,
IPX2-rated, suitable for indoor and outdoor use
What I find most useful is its portability being durable with its own carrying case that holds the cables and controller.
IPX2 rated water repellent feature.
3m projection distance is great for tight spaces.
A party in a box is exactly what I need so the water resistant rating is great and so is the three-metre projection distance so we can use it for family gatherings or larger parties
I love the Party in the Box idea and it can be used so easily inside or out. I can transport in my car and take to anywhere I choose that allows blue tooth setup, wow.
it is helpful that it comes with all the apps preinstalled
The portability for sure – you can grab it and take wherever you want!
the IPX2-rated is a great feature as well as the 1080P HD display with the 16:9 aspect ratio
The portability of the unit itself is the most useful for me. The fact that you can use it in both an indoor and outdoor setting is great! Movie nights in the backyard would be amazing with this thing!
I think the fact that it is suitable for indoor and outdoor use is a great and very useful feature!
I like the bluetooth and sound quality.
IPX2 rated water repellent
I like that it has an IPX2 rating, which means the BenQ GS50 is splash-proof. Great for outside and around kids who spill.
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