OVERALL
ALTERNATIVES
SPECS
VS AVERAGE
REVIEWS
Scored using Projectors Methodology v3.0
Projectors Methodology v3.0
Mathematical & Unbiased Scoring
Products in this category are scored under Frontum Projectors Methodology v3.0: the technical score from the specifications is the base, and independent expert and video reviews (up to ±0.5 points), owner opinions (up to ±0.3) and best-of lists (up to +0.3) move it up or down.
Explore Projectors Methodology v3.0

BenQ GV1 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£330Native panel resolution:854x480ANSI lumens:200Throw ratio:1.3:1Lamp life:20000 hours

BenQ GV1 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 42 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ GV1
6.0/10

Overall score

Score
6.0/ 10
✕
What it is
Our main score for this model, 1–10. It combines specs, best-of lists, expert reviews and owners.
How we count it
Parts: Technical score 35%, List score 30%, Reviews score 25%, Sentiment score 10%
Marks: Each part gets a mark out of 10. For reviews, lists and owners, a typical model in this category gets about 8 and the best one gets 10.
No data yet: A part with no data shows "?". It counts as the mark of a weaker model in this category (4 in 5 models with data score higher). This way, models with reviews, lists and owners usually come out ahead.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 97% of models
Score components

35%

5.3

Technical score

30%

?

List scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 7.5, the mark of a weaker model in this category

25%

5.3

Reviews score

10%

5.3

Sentiment score

â–¼Worse than 97% of projectors
6.8

Value for money

Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

â–¼Worse than 57%
5.3

Technical score

Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components

42%

4.6

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

4.6

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.9

Connectivity

6%

7.2

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 95%
5.3

Reviews score

Reviews score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
How we count it
Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 96% of models

5.3

Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

80%

7.5

Average grade

20%

9.7

Popularity

Grades by review (42)
30 reviews: 15 with a printed score, 15 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
â–¼Worse than 96%
?

List score

List score
7.5/ 10
✕
What it is
How often independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers put this model in their best-of lists for this category.
How we count it
Points: The model in the most lists of this category gets 10; the others get 8 to 10 in proportion. In no list yet: 7.5. Lists count 30% of the overall score.
Enough data: Every list counts, even a single one. With fewer than 5 best-of lists in the category, this part is left out.
Lists with this model (0)
Not in any best-of list yet, so this part counts as 7.5. Models in a list get 8 to 10.
Not in any best-of list yet
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Where to buy
*As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.
Best rankings
Available: ranking among products currently available (including other versions of this product).All: ranking among all products in the database.

What reviewers say about the BenQ GV1

Based on 9 · 12

Small, light and easy to focus with decent battery life, but it's dim, low on resolution and the apps are weak.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector BenQ GV1

Technical score
Technical score
5.3/ 10
✕
What it is
How good the specs are compared with the other models in this category, 1–10.
How we count it
Areas: We rate the specs in each area against the other models in this category.
Weighting: The areas that matter most to buyers count more. The shares are shown under Score components.
Share: The technical score is 35% of the overall score.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 95% of models
Score components:

42%

4.6

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

4.6

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.9

Audio & Features

8%

5.9

Connectivity

6%

7.2

Design & Power

5.3
Reviews score
5.3
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
6.8/ 10
✕
What it is
An indicator that combines the projector's overall rating with its cost.
When it matters
When you are looking for a projector with a good balance between quality and price.
Score distribution
â–¼
<55-66-77-88-99-10
â–¼ Worse than 57% of models
Score components:

70%

6.0

Overall score

30%

8.8

Price

6.8
ANSI lumens
200
Market range: <280 – >4k
This projector reaches 200 ANSI lumens, dimmer than 93.6% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Contrast ratio
100,000:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 100000:1, higher than 73.1% of projectors and equal to 3.5% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
854x480
This projector uses a native resolution of 854x480, lower than 95.3% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Output resolution
854x480
This projector supports output resolution up to 854x480, lower than 95.5% of projectors and equal to 2.3% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.3:1
Min throw distance
0.88 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.88 m, shorter than 66.4% of projectors and equal to 0.4% of projectors.
Max projection size
100 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 100 inch, smaller than 92% of projectors and equal to 6.7% of projectors.
Zoom ratio
N/A
Motorized zoom
no
This projector does not have motorised zoom. 14.8% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Input lag
50 ms
Market range: <8 ms – >68 ms
This projector has input lag of 50 ms, higher than 78% of projectors and equal to 2.5% of projectors.
Auto low latency mode (ALLM)
no
This projector does not switch to low-latency mode automatically. 16.1% of projectors offer this.
Variable refresh rate (VRR)
no
This projector does not support variable refresh rate. 1.8% of projectors offer this.
HDMI version
N/A
Max HDMI bandwidth
N/A
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
0
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 0 HDMI port/s, fewer than 97.2% of projectors and equal to 2.8% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
yes
This projector connects to Wi-Fi networks for streaming. 46.7% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n)
This projector uses Wi-Fi 4 (802.11n), which is newer than 50.1% of projectors and the same as in 5.4% of projectors.
Bluetooth connectivity
yes
This projector supports Bluetooth for speakers and headphones. 49.4% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
4
This projector supports Bluetooth 4, more modern than 53.5% of projectors and equal to 2.4% of projectors.
Show more
What reviewers say
Smart TV features
yes
This projector has built-in smart TV features. 56.2% of projectors offer this.
Android-based smart OS.
Operating system
Android 7.1
Android OS
yes
This projector runs Android OS. 81% of projectors run Android OS.
Android 7.1
Dedicated smartphone app
yes
This projector comes with a dedicated smartphone app. 63.3% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone app.
BenQ Smart Control app.
Remote control
yes
This projector includes a remote control. 1.5% of projectors offer this.
Show more
What reviewers say
Light source type
led
This projector uses led light source technology, more advanced than 33.6% of projectors and equal to 39.9% of projectors.
Osram Q9 LED.
Laser light source
no
This projector does not have a laser light source. 26.8% of projectors offer this.
Lamp life
20,000 hours
Market range: <3.5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers lamp life of 20,000 hours, shorter than 35.2% of projectors and equal to 25.8% of projectors.
Lamp life (eco mode)
30,000 hours
Market range: <5k hours – >30k hours
This projector offers eco-mode lamp life of 30,000 hours, shorter than 64% of projectors and equal to 31.9% of projectors.
Operating power consumption
16.7 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 16.7 W of power, less than 99% of projectors.
Typical power draw.
Show more
What reviewers say

BenQ GV1 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • Supports smart TV apps
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.9% of projectors offer smart TV features.
    Android-based smart OS.
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    BenQ Smart Control app.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support voice commands.
    Voice remote included.
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
    Requires built-in Wireless Projection app.
  • Includes built-in battery
    This projector has a built-in battery, while the average projector does not. 6.3% of projectors have one.
  • Higher contrast ratio
    This projector has a higher contrast ratio than the average projector (100000:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    100,000:1 vs 10,000:1
  • Supports auto keystone correction
    This projector corrects keystone distortion automatically, while the average projector does not. 36.9% of projectors offer this.
  • 10 degrees more vertical correction
    This projector offers more vertical keystone correction than the average projector (40 degrees vs 30 degrees). The average projector offers vertical keystone correction of 30 degrees.
    40 degrees vs 30 degrees
  • 0.13 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.9 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.88 m vs 1.0055 m
  • Supports AirPlay
    This projector supports AirPlay, while the average projector does not. 40.3% of projectors offer this.
    Requires built-in Wireless Projection app.
  • Supports Miracast mirroring
    This projector supports Miracast, while the average projector does not. 46.4% of projectors offer this.
  • Supports smart TV apps
    This projector has built-in smart TV features, while the average projector does not. 43.9% of projectors offer smart TV features.
    Android-based smart OS.
  • Smartphone app support
    This projector supports smartphone app control, while the average projector does not. 36.7% of projectors support smartphone app control.
    BenQ Smart Control app.
  • Supports voice commands
    This projector supports voice commands, while the average projector does not. 36.1% of projectors support voice commands.
    Voice remote included.
  • Android OS built-in
    This projector features Android OS, while the average projector does not. 19.1% of projectors feature Android OS.
    Android 7.1
  • Includes built-in battery
    This projector has a built-in battery, while the average projector does not. 6.3% of projectors have one.
  • 213.3 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (16.7 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Typical power draw.
    16.7 W vs 230 W
  • 76.5% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.7 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    0.7 kg vs 2.98 kg
  • 10,000 hours longer eco lamp life
    This projector has a higher lamp life in eco mode than the average projector (30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours). The average projector has 20,000 hours of lamp life in eco mode.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 217 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (80 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    80 mm vs 297 mm
  • 2 dB quieter operation
    This projector has a lower audible noise than the average projector (29 dB vs 31 dB). The average projector has 31 dB of audible noise.
    29 dB vs 31 dB
  • 90.9% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (200 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    200 vs 2,200
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (0 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    0 vs 2
  • 150 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (100 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    100 inch vs 250 inch
  • 28.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models

    5.3

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (42)
    30 reviews: 15 with a printed score, 15 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.3 vs 7.4
  • 28.4% lower review score
    Reviews score
    5.3/ 10
    ✕
    What it is
    Average grade from independent test sites, magazines and video reviewers, 1–10.
    How we count it
    Grades: Each review's own score is converted to 1–10; without one, we grade the review ourselves. Big test sites count more, short reviews half as much as full tests. A video review counts half.
    Score: The average grade is 80% of the review mark; the number of reviews is the other 20% (1 review = 5, the typical number in this category = 8, the most-reviewed model = 10).
    Enough data: With few reviews, the average grade is pulled toward the typical grade of this category. No reviews yet: 7.8 for now.
    Share: Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    Score distribution
    â–¼
    <55-66-77-88-99-10
    â–¼ Worse than 96% of models

    5.3

    Mark 7.9 is below the typical mark 8.2 of this category, so it cannot lift the score above the technical score

    80%

    7.5

    Average grade

    20%

    9.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (42)
    30 reviews: 15 with a printed score, 15 estimated from the review. 12 video reviews, each counting half as much as a written test. Reviews count 25% of the overall score.
    User ratings collected online are not part of this score.
    5.3 vs 7.4
  • 29.3% lower sentiment score
    5.3 vs 7.5
  • 90.9% dimmer image
    This projector has lower ANSI lumens than the average projector (200 vs 2,200). The average projector has 2,200 ANSI lumens.
    200 vs 2,200
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (854x480 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    854x480 vs 1920x1080
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 2 bit lower color depth
    This projector has a lower color depth than the average projector (8 bit vs 10 bit). The average projector has 10 bit of color depth.
    8 bit vs 10 bit
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 0.27 inch smaller DMD chip
    This projector has a lower DMD chip size than the average projector (0.2 inch vs 0.47 inch). The average projector has 0.47 inch of DMD chip size.
    0.2 inch vs 0.47 inch
  • No 3D glasses support
    This projector does not display 3D with glasses, while the average projector does. 54.4% of projectors offer 3D with glasses.
  • 2 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2019 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    2019 vs 2021
  • 150 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (100 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    100 inch vs 250 inch
  • Limited HDMI format
    This projector supports a less capable max HDMI input format than the average projector (1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz). The average projector supports a max HDMI input format of 4K/120Hz.
    1080p/60Hz vs 4K/120Hz
  • 23 ms higher input lag
    This projector has a higher input lag than the average projector (50 ms vs 27 ms). The average projector has 27 ms of input lag.
    50 ms vs 27 ms
  • More outdated HDCP support
    This projector supports an older HDCP version than the average projector (1.4 vs 2.2).
    1.4 vs 2.2
  • 2 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (0 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    0 vs 2
  • No headphone jack
    This projector does not have a 3.5 mm audio jack, while the average projector does. 84.4% of projectors offer a 3.5 mm audio jack.
  • No RS-232 control
    This projector does not support RS-232 control, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors support RS-232 control.
  • No sleep timer
    This projector does not have a sleep timer, while the average projector does. 82.4% of projectors have one.
  • 50% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (5 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    1 x 5W.
    5 W vs 10 W
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    Osram Q9 LED.
    led vs laser

Video reviews

Hands-on testing, unboxing, and real-world video evaluations

8.0
MOBHouse
✓ explicit
03/02/2021
Hands-on review · features, apps and battery tests
Verdict
BenQ GV1 is small, well built and good-looking with decent colours, though not very bright.
9.0
ProductNation
≈ estimated
11/12/2020
Hands-on review · portability, build and audio tests
Verdict
BenQ GV1 is highly portable and well built, a good pick for movie nights on the go despite focus and audio routing quirks.
8.0
Dustin Abbott
≈ estimated
19/03/2020
Hands-on review · photographer's use case and setup
Verdict
BenQ GV1 is handy for photographers showing work on site, and could pay off in sales despite battery and setup limits.
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Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

6.0
techradar.com
✓ explicit
12/05/2019
Hands-on test · Streaming projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is easy to carry, but iOS streaming gaps and no HDMI port make it hard to recommend unless you use Android.
5.2
cnet.com
✓ explicit
07/11/2020
Hands-on review · Pocket projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 looks cute and is easy to carry, but its 480p picture, dim 200 lumens and weak app store make it hard to recommend.
6.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
27/08/2020
Real-world test · Battery projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a tiny battery projector for travellers, but its dim picture on battery, clumsy remote and weak speaker make it hard to justify.
8.0
stereonet.com
≈ estimated
03/05/2020
Hands-on test · Battery projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is an attractive, easy-to-set-up portable projector for mobile viewers, but the lack of HDMI means checking your devices first.
7.0
technuovo.com
≈ estimated
11/04/2019
Hands-on test · Holiday projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a neat portable projector for small, dim rooms, but its 480p picture and fussy casting hold it back.
7.0
gamesradar.com
✓ explicit
20/10/2020
Hands-on test · Gaming and streaming
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is bright and well built for a pint-sized projector, but input lag and a weak speaker make it better for streaming than fast party games.
4.0
the-travelling-twins.com
✓ explicit
01/11/2020
Long-term road test · Camper projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 works for off-grid movie nights from a USB-C drive, but it only plays stored videos and its battery has stopped holding charge.
9.0
redferret.net
≈ estimated
02/11/2019
Hands-on test · Netflix on the go
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a sturdy pocket projector for Netflix and YouTube in dark rooms, though its low resolution and remote-only menus limit it.
8.4
techuplife.com
✓ explicit
15/10/2020
Hands-on review · Backyard movie projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a small projector that looks sharp in a dark room and suits backyard movie nights, though casting and app installs can be fiddly.
5.0
tech.hindustantimes.com
✓ explicit
12/01/2021
Hands-on review · Compact projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a cute, compact projector, but its soft 480p picture and weaker quality on battery make it a poor choice for home cinema.
8.0
press-start.com.au
≈ estimated
18/06/2021
Hands-on review · Outdoor projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a simple little projector for bedrooms, camping and parties, but its limited app support and low 480p resolution hold it back.
9.0
hifitest.de
✓ explicit
07/03/2019
Hands-on test · Portable mini projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a light, compact projector with about three hours of battery, good for casual film nights but less suited to loud music.
9.0
rehders.de
≈ estimated
01/03/2019
Hands-on test · Portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a stylish mini projector for films, recipes and presentations anywhere, though its 480p resolution is limited and Netflix needs a cable.
7.0
pcwelt.de
≈ estimated
01/10/2019
Hands-on test · Battery and streaming
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a very handy projector that runs on battery, but its picture and sound are flat and it works best in a darkened room.
9.6
lite-magazin.de
✓ explicit
01/03/2019
Field test · Kitchen and films
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a stylish portable projector for streaming films and presentations from a phone, though its 480p picture is limited.
7.0
stadt-bremerhaven.de
≈ estimated
10/02/2019
Hands-on test · Streaming and sound
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a portable projector that works well by cable or screen mirroring, but AirPlay can't show Netflix or Prime Video and the sound is thin.
7.0
connect-living.de
✓ explicit
23/04/2019
Hands-on test · Everyday portable use
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a well-made portable projector that handles Netflix and YouTube well, but it has no Google Play store.
7.6
sitegeek.fr
✓ explicit
13/11/2019
Hands-on test · Portable use
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a light, handy projector for kitchen, bedroom and garden use, but it can't replace a TV, and its Netflix controls are limited.
8.3
charlestech.fr
✓ explicit
02/03/2024
Hands-on test · Portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a good portable projector that runs about 3 hours on battery and handles wireless connections well, but its speaker and AirPlay are weak.
6.0
on-mag.fr
✓ explicit
10/08/2019
Hands-on test · Pico projector
Verdict
The BenQ GV1 is a pocket projector that looks like a speaker, with a smooth picture and about 3 hours of battery, but wireless connections are fussy.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ GV1

  • Extremely compact and lightweight 'palm-sized' design
  • Stylish aesthetic, often compared to a robot or modern Bluetooth speaker
  • Innovative 15-degree tilting head allows for easy height adjustment without a stand
  • Effective auto-keystone correction for quick image squaring
  • Doubles as a standalone Bluetooth speaker with a dedicated toggle button
  • Includes a built-in battery offering up to 3 hours of wireless playtime
  • Decent colour accuracy and contrast for its size when used in dark environments

What customers don't like about BenQ GV1

  • Low native resolution (480p) leads to visible pixels and a 'screen door' effect
  • Limited brightness (200 ANSI lumens) which drops significantly further when running on battery
  • Lack of a native HDMI port requires the use of specialized adapters or USB-C DisplayPort
  • Frustratingly laggy user interface and a 'middling' Aptoide app store instead of Google Play
  • Reliability issues reported regarding battery longevity and remote control communication
  • Weak 5W internal speaker that struggles in larger rooms or outdoor settings
  • Fiddly focus dial that can be difficult to adjust precisely
  • Inability to mirror copyrighted content (like Netflix) directly from mobile devices

Verdict

The BenQ GV1 is a highly portable DLP mini projector standing 155mm tall with a palm-sized design and a 15-degree tilting hinge for versatile placement. It features a native WVGA (854x480) resolution, 200 ANSI lumens of brightness, and a 100,000:1 contrast ratio, capable of projecting images up to 100 inches. Main characteristics include dual-band Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, a built-in 5W chambered speaker that allows it to double as a standalone Bluetooth speaker, and an integrated battery providing up to 3 hours of wireless playtime. Pros include its exceptionally lightweight 708g build, auto vertical keystone correction, and a long-lasting LED light source rated for 30,000 hours in Eco mode. However, notable cons include its limited standard-definition resolution, a significant drop in brightness when running on battery power, and a lack of native HDMI ports, requiring the use of a USB-C adapter.

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