After spending a few weeks with the BenQ GV50 Smart Laser Portable Projector, a set we managed to get on loan, it’s safe to say it left a lasting impression. While it has its share of flaws, there’s something undeniably charming about the combination of its excellent sound, impressive picture quality, and versatile design. In fact, now that we’ve returned the unit, we’re already missing it. Here’s our full review.

What We Loved

Stellar Audio and Visual Quality

The GV50 excels where it counts the most: delivering a cinematic experience in a compact package. Its 1080p Full HD resolution, combined with HDR10/HLG support, produces sharp, vibrant visuals that enhance any movie or show. The 500 ANSI lumens brightness ensures decent performance in low-light settings, while its 92% Rec. 709 colour accuracy keeps the images vivid and lifelike. It is definitely produces better visuals compared to non-laser projectors.

The audio is equally impressive. With its 2.1-channel speaker system, including a 10W woofer, the sound is rich, immersive, and perfectly balanced. The Ceiling Cinema Sound Mode was a favourite feature of ours, directing audio for an optimal experience during bedside viewing.

Effortless Screen Alignment with Smart Keystone Correction

The BenQ GV50 eliminates the hassle of manual adjustments with its intelligent auto focus and keystone correction. Unlike traditional projectors that might display a slanted or distorted image when positioned off-center, the GV50 automatically aligns and centres the screen for a perfectly rectangular display, regardless of the angle or placement. So, feel free to project up onto your ceiling or any empty wall in your room to enjoy your cozy binge sessions.

User-Friendly and Flexible

Setup is quick and simple, thanks to its intuitive auto keystone correction. The projector’s 135° vertical flexibility and omnidirectional base make it easy to position, whether on a bedside table, couch, or floor. It adapts well to different spaces, making it a great choice for those who need flexibility in smaller rooms.

Compact Yet Powerful

One of the GV50’s best traits is its portability. With built-in smart features like Google TV and Netflix, it turns any room into a cozy cinema with minimal effort. It’s relatively lightweight and easy to move around, which adds to its appeal for casual movie nights or spontaneous binge-watching sessions.

Decent Battery Life

The BenQ GV50 includes a built-in battery that supports up to 150 minutes of video playtime or 280 minutes of Bluetooth music playback. This makes it ideal for short movie nights or outdoor use without needing constant power connectivity. While it won’t last through a full trilogy binge, it’s sufficient for casual viewing sessions and adds to the projector’s portability.

What Could Be Better

Smart Features Need Work

The GV50’s smart features, while extensive, are often sluggish. It takes quite some time to turn on, switching between apps, navigating menus, and even responding to commands via the remote can feel slow. Updating the system, as recommended by BenQ’s PR agency, did not fully resolve these issues. Frequent restarts were necessary to restore functionality, particularly for auto focus and obstacle detection. These problems dampen the experience of what is otherwise a well-designed projector.

Casting and Connectivity Shortcomings

The GV50 is supposed to be able to support Google Cast but when we tested, we couldn’t find it on our Android phone, iPhone and iPad to cast. This led us to initially think that it didn’t support casting, which would’ve been rather inconvenient.

(Amended as of 11 January 2025)

Playback Interruptions

During testing, playback occasionally dropped unexpectedly. This may be due to connection issues to the WiFi, but what was bad was when the projector resumed functioning, it didn’t return to the previous viewing point (Netflix, in this case). Instead, it went back to the homepage where we had to re-select our Netflix profile and manually navigate back to the content, which was frustrating when it occurred more than once during a movie. Sometimes, the system would suddenly attempt to refocus, which also interrupted playback.

System Limitations

The auto obstacle avoidance feature, while innovative and useful to protect one’s eyes, proved overly sensitive at times, reacting to even minor obstructions like fingers that just happened to move near the projector. Combined with the overall sluggishness, it feels like the system may lack the processing power to fully support its advertised features.

The Final Verdict

The BenQ GV50 Smart Laser Portable Projector is a device full of potential. Its core strengths—fantastic sound quality, excellent visuals, and user-friendly design—make it a standout choice for casual use. The flexibility of its setup and portability only add to its charm.

However, the smart features, casting limitations, and occasional performance hiccups hold it back from being a flawless product. At its retail price of S$1,099, it’s a good option for users who prioritise sound and picture quality over seamless smart functionality but may prove to be a little less affordable to most. That said, we found ourselves genuinely missing the GV50 after returning it, which speaks volumes about its overall appeal despite its shortcomings.

For more information on the the BenQ GV50 Smart Laser Portable Projector, please visit their website here. It can be purchased via Shopee and Lazada.

Images: BenQ