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 Joybee GP2 review: 86 specs compared

Avg. price:~£480Native panel resolution:1280x800ANSI lumens:200Throw ratio:1.13:1Lamp life:20000 hours

BenQ Joybee GP2 Review: Compare 86 technical specifications and 15 expert and video reviews to see how this product ranks in the Projectors category and whether it is worth buying.

BenQ Joybee GP2
6.9/10

Overall score

Score
6.9/ 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 64% of models
Score components

35%

5.6

Technical score

30%

?

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

25%

8.2

Reviews score

10%

?

Sentiment scoreNot enough data yet, so we use 6.8, the mark of a weaker model in this category

â–¼Worse than 64% of projectors
7.3

Value for money

Value for money
7.3/ 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–² Better than 64% of models
Score components

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.0

Price

â–²Better than 64%
5.6

Technical score

Technical score
5.6/ 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 89% of models
Score components

42%

5.3

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.5

Audio & Features

8%

4.8

Connectivity

6%

7.2

Design & Power

â–¼Worse than 89%
8.2

Reviews score

Reviews score
8.2/ 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–² Better than 50% of models

80%

8.1

Average grade

20%

8.7

Popularity

Grades by review (15)
13 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 2 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–²Better than 50%
?

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 Joybee GP2

Based on 9 · 2

Reviewers like the easy media playback and flexible placement, but nearly all say it's too dim, with weak speakers.
Praised
Mixed views
Criticised
Pick a topic to see who said what
Loading category ranking...

Technical Specifications of projector BenQ Joybee GP2

Technical score
Technical score
5.6/ 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 89% of models
Score components:

42%

5.3

Image Quality

22%

5.6

Projection & Lens

12%

5.1

HDMI & Gaming

10%

6.5

Audio & Features

8%

4.8

Connectivity

6%

7.2

Design & Power

5.6
Reviews score
8.2
List score
?
Value for money
Value for money
7.3/ 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–² Better than 64% of models
Score components:

70%

6.9

Overall score

30%

8.0

Price

7.3
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
2,400:1
This projector has a contrast ratio of 2400:1, lower than 71.1% of projectors.
Native panel resolution
1280x800
This projector uses a native resolution of 1280x800, lower than 73.7% of projectors and equal to 8.2% of projectors.
Output resolution
1280x800
This projector supports output resolution up to 1280x800, lower than 74.8% of projectors and equal to 8.4% of projectors.
Projection technology
DLP
Show more
What reviewers say
Throw ratio
1.13:1
Min throw distance
0.5 m
Market range: <0.5 m – >1.651 m
This projector needs a minimum throw distance of 0.5 m, shorter than 87.1% of projectors and equal to 3.2% of projectors.
Max projection size
160 inch
Market range: <120 inch – >301 inch
This projector supports projection sizes up to 160 inch, smaller than 66.4% of projectors and equal to 0.6% 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
?
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
1.3
This projector supports HDMI 1.3, older than 89.8% of projectors and equal to 7.3% of projectors.
Max HDMI bandwidth
10.2 Gbps
Market range: <10.2 Gbps – >48 Gbps
This projector supports HDMI bandwidth up to 10.2 Gbps, lower than 51.2% of projectors and equal to 46.5% of projectors.
Show more
N. of HDMI ports
1
Market range: <1 – >2
This projector has 1 HDMI port/s, fewer than 54.2% of projectors and equal to 42.9% of projectors.
Wi-Fi connectivity
no
This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
Wi-Fi version
N/A
Bluetooth connectivity
no
This projector does not support Bluetooth. 50.7% of projectors offer this.
Bluetooth version
N/A
Show more
What reviewers say
Smart TV features
no
This projector does not have built-in smart TV features. 43.9% of projectors offer this.
Operating system
none
Android OS
no
This projector does not run Android OS. 19.1% of projectors run Android OS.
Dedicated smartphone app
no
This projector does not come with a dedicated smartphone app. 36.8% of projectors come with a dedicated smartphone 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.
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.
LED light source life.
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
45 W
Market range: <57 W – >390 W
This projector uses 45 W of power, less than 92.9% of projectors and equal to 1.1% of projectors.
Normal mode power draw.
Show more
What reviewers say

BenQ Joybee GP2 vs the average projector

246810TotalImage QualityProjection & LensHDMI & GamingConnectivityAudio & FeaturesDesign & Power
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • 0.51 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 4 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (24 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    24 dB vs 28 dB
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • 185 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (45 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    45 W vs 230 W
  • 10.8% higher review score
    Reviews score
    8.2/ 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–² Better than 50% of models

    80%

    8.1

    Average grade

    20%

    8.7

    Popularity

    Grades by review (15)
    13 reviews: 4 with a printed score, 9 estimated from the review. 2 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.
    8.2 vs 7.4
  • 41.2% higher refresh rate
    This projector has a higher refresh rate than the average projector (120 Hz vs 85 Hz). The average projector has 85 Hz of refresh rate.
    120 Hz vs 85 Hz
  • 0.51 m shorter throw distance
    This projector has a lower throw distance than the average projector (0.5 m vs 1 m). The average projector has 1.0055 m of throw distance.
    0.5 m vs 1.0055 m
  • 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
  • 1 more USB ports
    This projector has more USB ports than the average projector (2 vs 1). The average projector has 1 USB ports.
    2 vs 1
  • Memory card slot included
    This projector has a memory card slot, while the average projector does not. 9.4% of projectors offer a memory card slot.
  • VGA input included
    This projector supports VGA input, while the average projector does not. 44.1% of projectors support VGA input.
    Via included proprietary adapter cable.
  • 2 more audio input ports
    This projector has more audio input ports than the average projector (2 vs 0). The average projector has 0 audio input ports.
    Includes RCA stereo input.
    2 vs 0
  • Includes stereo speakers
    This projector has stereo speakers, while the average projector does not. 47.8% of projectors have stereo speakers.
  • 4 dB quieter eco mode
    This projector has a lower audible noise in eco mode than the average projector (24 dB vs 28 dB). The average projector has 28 dB of audible noise in eco mode.
    24 dB vs 28 dB
  • 185 W lower power use
    This projector uses less power than the average projector (45 W vs 230 W). The average projector uses 230 W of power.
    Normal mode power draw.
    45 W vs 230 W
  • 81.2% lighter weight
    This projector is lighter than the average projector (0.6 kg vs 2.98 kg). The average projector weighs 2.98 kg.
    Without battery.
    0.56 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.
    LED light source life.
    30,000 hours vs 20,000 hours
  • 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
  • 156.7 mm narrower width
    This projector is narrower than the average projector (140.3 mm vs 297 mm). The average projector has a width of 297 mm.
    140.3 mm vs 297 mm
  • 69.5 mm lower height
    This projector is shorter than the average projector (52.5 mm vs 122 mm). The average projector has a height of 122 mm.
    52.5 mm vs 122 mm
  • 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
  • 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
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.3 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.3 vs 2
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Basic light source
    This projector has Basic light source than the average projector (led vs laser). The average projector uses a laser light source.
    led vs laser
  • 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
  • No HDR10 support
    This projector does not support HDR10, while the average projector does. 57.6% of projectors support HDR10.
  • Low native resolution
    This projector has a lower native panel resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector has a native panel resolution of 1920x1080.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower output resolution
    This projector supports a lower output resolution than the average projector (1280x800 vs 1920x1080). The average projector outputs at 1920x1080 resolution.
    1280x800 vs 1920x1080
  • Lower contrast ratio
    This projector has a lower contrast ratio than the average projector (2400:1 vs 10000:1). The average projector has 10000:1 of contrast ratio.
    2,400:1 vs 10,000:1
  • No 3D video
    This projector does not support 3D video, while the average projector does. 55.4% of projectors support 3D video.
  • 10 earlier release
    This projector was released earlier than the average projector (2011 vs 2021). The average projector was released in 2021.
    November 2011
    2011 vs 2021
  • 90 inch smaller image size
    This projector has a lower projection size than the average projector (160 inch vs 250 inch). The average projector has 250 inch of projection size.
    160 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
  • Older HDMI version
    This projector has Old HDMI standard than the average projector (1.3 vs 2). The average projector supports HDMI 2.
    1.3 vs 2
  • 43.3% lower HDMI bandwidth
    This projector has a lower HDMI bandwidth than the average projector (10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps). The average projector has 18 Gbps of HDMI bandwidth.
    10.2 Gbps vs 18 Gbps
  • 1 fewer HDMI ports
    This projector has fewer HDMI ports than the average projector (1 vs 2). The average projector has 2 HDMI ports.
    1 vs 2
  • No Wi-Fi connectivity
    This projector does not connect to Wi-Fi networks, while the average projector does. 53.4% of projectors offer this.
  • No Bluetooth connectivity
    This projector does not support Bluetooth, while the average projector does. 50.6% of projectors offer this.
  • 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.
  • 60% weaker audio output
    This projector has a lower audio output power than the average projector (4 W vs 10 W). The average projector has 10 W of audio output power.
    2 x 2W.
    4 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.
    led vs laser
  • 0.5 W higher standby power
    This projector uses more standby power than the average projector (1 W vs 0.5 W). The average projector uses 0.5 W of standby power.
    1 W vs 0.5 W

Video reviews

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

9.0
HighTechDad
≈ estimated
05/03/2012
Hands-on review · streaming, USB and family use
Verdict
BenQ Joybee GP2 is a good portable projector for families with many ways to connect, though focus is set by hand.
8.0
Unbox Therapy
≈ estimated
03/12/2011
First look · unboxing and first impressions
Verdict
BenQ Joybee GP2 has an impressive build and an easy interface for such a small device, though brightness is modest.
Hands-on video, no verdict
Brand video
Overview video
Brand video
Shop video
Hands-on video, no verdict

Expert reviews

In-depth analysis and verdict from leading tech publications

8.0
trustedreviews.com
✓ explicit
20/01/2012
Full review · Pocket LED projector
Verdict
The BenQ JoyBee GP2 is a tiny, well-connected projector for portable use, but its picture is only decent and it refused some HD MKV videos.
7.8
cnet.com
✓ explicit
20/05/2012
Product review · Portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a light, portable projector that suits casual viewing and simple business slides, but needs a near-dark room.
8.0
expertreviews.co.uk
≈ estimated
29/04/2012
Hands-on review · Portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a versatile portable projector with many inputs, good for movies and simple slides but not for judging photos.
8.0
hightechdad.com
≈ estimated
05/03/2012
Hands-on review · Family portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ JoyBee GP2 is a portable projector for sleepovers and travel that starts within seconds and connects to Apple TV, Roku and laptops.
7.0
smh.com.au
≈ estimated
16/03/2012
Hands-on test · Portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a tiny projector with many input options, suited to small rooms and travel rather than large boardrooms.
8.0
cybershack.com.au
✓ explicit
01/03/2012
Hands-on review · Ultraportable projector
Verdict
The BenQ JoyBee GP2 is a light, simple-to-set-up projector for travel and casual use, with decent pictures that fall short of bigger projectors.
8.0
smh.com.au
≈ estimated
14/03/2012
Hands-on test · Travel mini projector
Verdict
The BenQ JoyBee GP2 is a portable projector for slideshows and home movies in dim rooms, but it can't match home theater projectors for films.
7.0
thehindubusinessline.com
≈ estimated
28/03/2012
Hands-on review · Palmtop projector
Verdict
The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a sleek, very portable palmtop projector with many connections, but its picture is only average.
8.0
digit.in
≈ estimated
28/05/2012
Review · Portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a light, well-built portable projector whose USB and iPhone dock suit first-time buyers rather than picture purists.
9.0
gamingshogun.com
≈ estimated
07/05/2012
Personal review · Portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a tiny projector that starts in seconds and suits dorm rooms and gaming, as long as the room is dark.
9.0
focus.de
≈ estimated
20/03/2012
Hands-on review · Mini projector
Verdict
The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a sharp mini projector with an iPhone dock and a large image from close range, suited to small meetings, but its built-in speakers are weak.
6.4
01net.com
✓ explicit
21/03/2012
Hands-on test · iPhone dock
Verdict
The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a sturdy mini projector with a large image from close range and strong contrast, but it is dim and works only with some iPhone models.
9.0
macitynet.it
≈ estimated
22/07/2012
Hands-on test · Portable projector
Verdict
The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a quiet, versatile mini projector with good picture quality that works in dim rooms, but its speaker is weak and it has no zoom.

Third-party reviews

What customers like about BenQ Joybee GP2

  • Highly portable and lightweight (approx. 565g)
  • Integrated iPhone/iPod 30-pin dock for easy playback and charging
  • Extensive connectivity including HDMI, USB, and SD card slots
  • Long-lasting LED light source (rated for 20,000 to 30,000 hours)
  • Short-throw ratio allows for large images in small spaces
  • User-friendly interface and backlit touch controls
  • Includes a portable carrying case and a remote control

What customers don't like about BenQ Joybee GP2

  • Limited brightness (200 ANSI lumens), making it difficult to use in lit rooms
  • Average image quality with reported issues like blown-out highlights and reddish skin tones
  • Small text and fine details can appear blurred
  • Lack of optical zoom functionality
  • Audible fan noise, particularly when not in Eco mode
  • Internal speakers and audio output are often described as tinny or weak
  • No built-in ceiling mount mode (image remains upside down if mounted)

Verdict

The BenQ Joybee GP2 is a highly portable DLP LED mini projector featuring a native WXGA resolution of 1280x800 and 200 ANSI lumens of brightness. Key characteristics include an integrated iPhone/iPod dock, a short-throw ratio of 1.13 that can project a 44-inch image from just one metre, and approximately 1.3GB of usable internal memory. Its main pros are its versatile connectivity options—including mini HDMI, SD card reader, and USB—a long-lasting 30,000-hour LED life in Eco mode, and the support for an optional detachable battery pack. However, users may encounter cons such as blurred text with small fonts, a reddish hue in some flesh tones, and a fan that can be noisy compared to its relatively tinny 4-watt speakers.

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