BenQ GV50 Review: Highly Portable, but With Quality Trade-Offs

The BenQ GV50 is a portable projector marketed as a ceiling projector, but it can also be used against a wall or with a projector screen. Despite its supposed versatility, the GV50 utilizes a built-in Google TV operating system, allowing access to various streaming apps. While it is more affordable than competitors such as the Soundcore Nebula P1, it comes with trade-offs in picture quality, sound, and speed.

The GV50 is limited to 1080p video and lacks support for HDMI eARC for pass-through audio or Dolby Atmos. Instead, it features ARC 5.1 surround sound, which only supports Dolby Audio. The projector, which weighs 4.6 pounds and stands at 8 inches tall, is lightweight and easy to move around. It tilts vertically and horizontally, and its build quality is primarily made of cheap-feeling plastic.

The GV50's price point of $599 makes it a good buy for those who prioritize portability, but potential buyers should be aware of its limitations. The projector's screen appearance resembles a large, gray and white seashell, and it features intuitive controls, including a Home button, setup button, and shortcut buttons for popular streaming services.

Battery mode allows for a few hours of usage, albeit at a slightly reduced brightness. While the GV50 does not aim to be a cinematic masterpiece, it fails to meet the standards of a high-quality projector, particularly when it comes to color accuracy, contrast, and brightness.