Within the projector world, there are three broad classes. At one finish are the normal projectors (lengthy throw), they usually sit round 10 toes from a 100-inch display, typically even farther. On the different excessive, ultrashort throw projectors sit just some inches from the display. In the course of the 2 are quick throw fashions just like the BenQ X500i. It sits round 5 toes from the display, doubtlessly providing coffee-table placement and greater photos in smaller rooms.
8.4
BenQ X500i
Like
Glorious distinction
Correct colours
Vibrant
Don’t love
Costly
Quick throw not for everybody
The X500i additionally has 4K decision, a 4 LED mild engine with the potential for some critical mild output, and built-in Android TV. So the BenQ has loads going for it on paper. It additionally has a reasonably beefy price ticket of $1,700.
Impressively, the X500i justifies that value with wonderful efficiency throughout the board. It has among the finest distinction ratios I’ve measured in a few years of testing, it has above-average brightness, wonderful element, and total creates some beautiful photos. As a result of “legroom” required, the BenQ X500i will match solely in sure rooms, however for the rooms it does slot in, it provides spectacular image high quality.
Specs and such
- Decision: 3,840×2,160
- HDR-compatible: sure
- 4K-compatible: sure
- 3D-compatible: sure
- Lumens spec: 2,200
- Zoom: 1.2x
- Lens shift: no
- Lamp life (regular mode): 20,000 (30,000 in ECO mode)
The X500i is a 4K HDR projector with all the everyday trappings. It has 3D compatibility for those who’re nonetheless and have some appropriate glasses. No projector can really benefit from HDR content material, however BenQ’s tone mapping has been first rate to now, so it does not damage to have that compatibility.
The unit does supply a point of optical zoom, about the identical quantity as most different projectors on this vary. It is sufficient to present you some flexibility in how far you’ll want to place the projector to fill a selected display measurement. There is not any lens shift, which admittedly is pretty uncommon with DLP projectors, although BenQ’s personal, and cheaper, HT2060 and TK860i each have some.
Because it’s rated for two,200 lumens, I used to be anticipating a reasonably brilliant projector. In its most correct mode, I measured 911 lumens, which is first rate, although not wonderful. In its brighter-but-greener Vibrant mode, I used to be capable of get 1,549. I’ve actually measured brighter projectors, notably the equally priced Xgimi Horizon Extremely, however that is lots for 100-inch screens, and even a bit bigger.
The place the X500i actually shines is with its distinction ratio. I measured a median of 1,990:1, which is the very best I’ve measured because the $4,000 Epson LS11000 two years in the past. That is a significantly spectacular quantity, over six instances higher than the aforementioned Xgimi, and practically 50% higher than our Editor’s Selection winner, the BenQ HT2060. Solely the BenQ X300G (overview shortly) provides its label mate a run for the cash, at 1,762:1. Just like the X300G, I believe there is likely to be some delicate brightness ramping happening with the LED mild engine to spice up this quantity a bit, however subjectively when considered with precise content material it seems as incredible as that quantity suggests.
Like most new projectors, the X500i eschews a mercury-filled UHP lamp and as an alternative makes use of the aforementioned LEDs. On this case, it is a 4 LED design with an additional LED on high of the everyday RGB so as to add extra brightness. This configuration is rated for 20,000 hours, which is mainly the lifetime of the projector. That is practically 14 years for those who’re watching 4 hours an evening.
Connections
- HDMI inputs: 2
- USB port: 1 USB-C, 1 USB-A
- Audio output: audio system (5Wx2), HDMI ARC, optical, Bluetooth, 3.5mm analog
- Management: RS-232
- Web: 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4G/5G)
- OS: Android TV
- Distant: backlit
The 2 HDMI inputs are literally beneficiant when you think about the X500i contains an Android TV streaming stick which does not require HDMI. It has its personal connections, hidden behind a detachable panel on the again of the projector.
The 2 5W audio system are ample. They do not have a lot bass (not shocking), however they’re clear and loud sufficient you can get pleasure from a film. With any projector, a soundbar or receiver and audio system are a worthy addition.
The distant is backlit, connects to the streaming stick through Bluetooth, and has quick entry to commonly used options and settings.
Image high quality comparisons
BenQ TK860i
BenQ X300G
Behold the uncommon single-brand projector face-off! The TK860i is a current 4K projector that is a bit cheaper however did nicely in our testing. It is not quick throw, however it may be a bit of brighter. The X300G has very related specs to the X500i and is available in a cute, dice type however is not quick throw. I related these three to a Monoprice 1×4 distribution amplifier and considered them side-by-side on a 102-inch 1.0-gain display.
Beginning off with mild output, the X500i and TK860i are about the identical, a bit of over 900 lumens of their most correct, Cinema mode. In the event you take off that restriction, they’re each able to much more of their visibly inexperienced Vibrant modes. In that mode, you will get about 25% extra mild from the TK860i. The X300G is a step behind, about 25% dimmer when all are in Cinema mode. In its greenish Vibrant mode, it is able to about 25% extra mild than the others of their correct mode, however far lower than they’ll produce of their brightest modes.
What actually separates the three is distinction ratio. The TK860i’s is a bit of under common. I measured round 551:1. That is not horrible, however right here it is going up in opposition to two of the very best performers of the final a number of years. The 1,990:1 I measured from the X500i is excellent and the very best I’ve measured in a number of years. The X300G is shut behind, at 1,762:1. In order that they each appear to have much better depth and realism than the TK860i.
The X500i’s coloration can also be extra vibrant than that of the TK860i. It has wealthy, natural-looking greens, blues and reds, but in addition actually correct in-between colours that result in healthy-looking pores and skin tones, life like variations within the greens of grass, and so forth. The X300G is comparable in that regard, although not fairly nearly as good. The TK860i is a step behind. Not dangerous, however not as colourful nor as correct. Its coloration temperature can also be rather less “true,” making the picture look barely cooler in contrast with the extra correct X siblings.
Element is about the identical throughout all three, although that is not too shocking since they’re all 4K. All three are additionally DLP, so there is no movement blur, one thing that may’t be stated about some other present show tech. So all of them look sharper than a similar-resolution LCD projector in lots of conditions.
Total, the X500i simply attracts the attention greater than the others right here, with its punchy distinction, wonderful coloration and above-average brightness. The additional mild output of the TK860i may turn out to be useful in some conditions, however for all however the largest screens, the X500i would put out a better-looking picture.
Shut-up contender
The efficiency of the X500i is so good I want it wasn’t a brief throw projector. That is completely as a result of how my dwelling theater is ready up, making such a projector inconceivable to web site correctly. The distinction is incredible, it is lots brilliant, and the colour is correct and vibrant. It has all of the items of a wonderful projector, with the small caveat that quick throw projectors aren’t for everybody. The identical may be stated with “common” projectors too, in fact, but when you have already got a room arrange for a projector, it is likely to be tough to reconfigure it for one thing just like the X500i.
There’s additionally the worth tag. With top-tier efficiency, 4K, and included streaming, the BenQ was by no means going to be low cost. Add on a commonplace (however pointless) quick throw “tax,” and abruptly the X500i is trying moderately costly in contrast with another 4K projectors. Nevertheless, in case you have a smaller room, or can solely match the projector pretty near the display, the X500i can create some completely incredible photos. So incredible that it is price that premium of some hundred {dollars} over lesser quick throws.