BenQ GP520 Review: Uncovering Features & Performance

By Ambar Jimenez | 2025-04-27 18:18:07

Discover the BenQ GP520 in our detailed review, exploring its standout features and performance. Perfect for tech enthusiasts! The BenQ GP520 has emerged as a significant contender in the increasingly popular category of portable 4K projectors, stepping into the shoes of the highly acclaimed BenQ GP500, a previous recipient of our coveted Editors' Choice award. This exhaustive BenQ GP520 review delves into the intricate details of its technical specifications, explores its diverse array of features, provides a thorough analysis of its image and audio performance, assesses its portability and design elements, examines its smart capabilities powered by Google TV, and ultimately aims to determine if this bright portable projector truly represents the optimal balance of performance and value for discerning home theater enthusiasts and on-the-go entertainment seekers alike.

Delving into the BenQ GP520's Technical Specifications and Feature Set

To fully understand the capabilities of the BenQ GP520, a detailed examination of its core technical specifications is essential:

Projection Technology: DLP (Digital Light Processing)
Advertised Brightness Output: 2600 ANSI lumens, positioning it firmly as a high brightness projector suitable for various lighting conditions.
Native Display Resolution: 1920 x 1080 pixels. The projector achieves a 4K Ultra HD (UHD) resolution of 3840 x 2160 through the implementation of Texas Instruments' advanced XPR (eXpanded Pixel Resolution) fast-switch pixel shifting technology.
Maximum Supported Input Resolution: 3840 x 2160 pixels at a refresh rate of 60Hz, with comprehensive support for High Dynamic Range (HDR10+) and Full HD 3D content.
Input and Output Interfaces:
- 2 x HDMI ports (1 x HDMI 2.0, 1 x HDMI with eARC - enhanced Audio Return Channel)
- 1 x USB Type-A port for media playback and potential power delivery.
- 1 x USB Type-C port for video input and potentially power delivery.
- Integrated Dual-Band Wi-Fi (2.4GHz/5GHz) for seamless wireless connectivity and streaming.
- Wi-Fi Direct for direct device mirroring and casting.
- Bluetooth connectivity for audio output to headphones or speakers, and potentially for input device pairing.
Smart Platform: Integrated Google TV operating system, providing access to a vast ecosystem of streaming applications, including Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, and YouTube, as well as Google Assistant voice control capabilities.
Audio System: Built-in dual 12-watt stereo speakers, designed to provide adequate audio for typical room-to-room use.
Portability and Physical Attributes:
- Compact Dimensions: 5.9 inches (Height) x 9.5 inches (Width) x 8.9 inches (Depth).
- Lightweight Design: Weighing in at a manageable 8.2 pounds, enhancing its true portable projector nature.
- Optional Carrying Case: Available as a separate purchase ($89), offering added protection and convenience for transportation.
- Absence of Gimbal Mount: Unlike some competing portable projectors, the GP520 does not feature an integrated gimbal for flexible projection angles.
Light Source and Lifespan: Four-channel LED light source (Red, Green, Blue, Blue), with the second blue LED specifically intended to boost overall brightness and improve color accuracy. The LED light source boasts an impressive lifespan of up to 30,000 hours in Eco mode and 20,000 hours in Normal mode, ensuring long-term reliability and minimal maintenance.
Color Gamut Coverage: Rated to cover 98% of the Rec.709 color space, the industry standard for high-definition television, promising vibrant and accurate color reproduction for SDR content.
3D Support: Compatible with DLP-Link 3D glasses, with manual selection of 3D modes including Top-and-Bottom, Left-Right, and Blu-ray 3D (HDMI input only).
Gaming Features: Automatic Low-Latency Mode (ALLM) support for responsive gaming, with a measured input lag of 17.8ms at 60Hz in Game Boost mode.

In-Depth Analysis of Brightness and Overall Picture Quality

The BenQ GP520 truly distinguishes itself with its advertised brightness of 2600 ANSI lumens. In our comprehensive testing, this high lumen output translated to a genuinely bright portable projector experience, allowing for comfortable viewing in rooms with moderateambient light levels. While direct sunlight will still impact the image, the GP520 maintains a surprisingly watchable picture even in moderately lit environments, a significant advantage over many less luminousportable models.

Standard Dynamic Range (SDR) Performance

For SDR content, the BenQ GP520 exhibitedcommendable picture quality. Color accuracy in our preferred viewingmodes (Cinema and Auto Cinema with adjustments) was generally very good, with natural-looking skin tones and well-saturated colors that alignedclosely with the Rec.709 standard. Shadow detail, the ability to discern subtle gradations in dark areas of the image, was also impressive,particularly in the Auto Cinema mode and with careful adjustment of theLocal Contrast Control in the Cinema mode. Contrast performance, whilenot reaching the levels of some dedicated home theater projectors withsuperior black levels, was nonetheless pleasing, providing a sufficientsense of depth and dimensionality to the image in both bright and darkscenes.

High Dynamic Range (HDR) Performance (HDR10+)

The inclusion of HDR10+ support is a significant upgrade for the BenQ GP520, allowing it to dynamically adjust HDR metadata on a scene-by-scenebasis, potentially leading to a more nuanced and detailed HDRpresentation compared to static HDR10. In our evaluation of HDR content, the projector demonstrated good color volume and the ability toreproduce the wider color gamuts inherent in HDR. Bright highlightsexhibited good pop and detail. However, as noted in our initial summary, the black level performance in the very darkest scenes of our testpatterns was somewhat middling to poor. While this is a commonlimitation in many DLP projectors in this category, it's worth notingfor viewers who are particularly critical of black levels. For the vastmajority of HDR content, which typically doesn't consist of prolongedsequences of near-black imagery, this limitation is unlikely to be amajor detractor from the overall enjoyable HDR viewing experience.

A Comparative Look: BenQ GP520 vs. BenQ GP500 and Hisense C2 Ultra

Understanding how the BenQ GP520 stacks up against its predecessor and a key competitor is crucial for making an informed purchasing decision.

BenQ GP520 vs. BenQ GP500: Evolution or Sidestep?

While the higher model number might suggest a direct upgrade, the BenQ GP520 represents more of a strategic repositioning. It undeniably offers asignificant boost in brightness, making it more versatile for use inless-than-ideal lighting conditions. The addition of HDR10+ is also a welcome enhancement for HDR enthusiasts. However, theomission of the optical zoom, a feature that provided greaterflexibility in placement and image sizing on the GP500, and the lesssophisticated integrated sound system are notable trade-offs.Ultimately, the BenQ GP520 prioritizes brightness andHDR performance at a potentially more accessible price point, making it a compelling alternative for a broader range of users.

BenQ GP520 vs. Hisense C2 Ultra: A Value Proposition?

The Hisense C2 Ultra is a highly regarded 4K portable projector known for its impressive laser light source and often superior contrast.However, the BenQ GP520 presents itself as apotentially more budget-friendly option without sacrificing significantbrightness. While the C2 Ultra may offer deeper blacks and a wider color gamut due to its laser technology, the GP520's strong brightness, HDR10+ support, and integrated Google TV platform make it a very attractive alternative for users seeking excellent performance without the premium price tagoften associated with laser projectors.

Portability and Design Considerations

The BenQ GP520 lives up to its "portable"designation with its relatively compact dimensions and manageableweight. Moving it between rooms or even taking it to outdoor movienights is a realistic prospect, especially with the optional carryingcase. The absence of a gimbal mount, while a minor inconvenience forsome, likely contributes to the projector's sleeker profile and lowerweight. The overall design is functional and aesthetically pleasing,blending well with most home decor.

Smart Functionality and Connectivity Options

The integration of Google TV OS is a major strength of the BenQ GP520. This smart platform provides a user-friendly interface and seamlessaccess to a vast library of streaming apps, eliminating the need forexternal streaming devices in many cases. The inclusion of both 2.4GHzand 5GHz Wi-Fi ensures reliable wireless connectivity. The dual HDMIports offer flexibility for connecting various sources, includingBlu-ray players, gaming consoles, and set-top boxes, with the eARCsupport allowing for high-quality audio passthrough to compatiblesoundbars or receivers. The USB-A and USB-C ports further enhanceconnectivity options for media playback and potential power delivery tosmaller accessories.

Gaming Performance: Low Input Lag for Immersive Gameplay

For gamers, the BenQ GP520's support for Automatic Low-Latency Mode (ALLM) and its measured input lag of just 17.8ms at 60Hz in Game Boost mode are significant advantages. This low latencytranslates to a highly responsive gaming experience, minimizing thedelay between controller input and on-screen action. Whether you'replaying fast-paced action games or more deliberate strategy titles, theGP520 provides a smooth and immersive big-screen gaming experience.

Potential Limitations and Considerations

While the BenQ GP520 offers a compelling package,there are a few potential drawbacks to consider. The reportedintermittent issue with establishing a stable 4K connection with somePCs is a concern that prospective buyers who plan to use the projectorextensively with a computer should be aware of and investigate further.Additionally, as a DLP projector, the "rainbow effect" (brief flashes of red, green, and blue) may be visible to some individuals who areparticularly sensitive to this phenomenon. While it was not asignificant issue in our testing, trying the projector in person orpurchasing from a retailer with a good return policy is recommended ifyou have concerns about this.

Final Thoughts: Evaluating the BenQ GP520's Overall Value Proposition

In conclusion, the BenQ GP520 4K Portable Projector presents a compelling combination of high brightness, excellent SDR picture quality, HDR10+ support, smart Google TV capabilities, and low input lag for gaming, all within a relatively portable and often competitively priced package. While itdoes make some trade-offs compared to its predecessor and may not matchthe absolute black level performance of some higher-end projectors, itsoverall versatility and performance make it a strong contender in the portable 4K projector market. For users seeking a bright, feature-rich, and high-value projector for a variety of entertainment needs, the BenQ GP520 is undoubtedly worth serious consideration. Carefully weigh itsstrengths against its potential limitations, particularly regarding PCconnectivity and the possibility of rainbow artifacts, to determine ifit aligns perfectly with your specific requirements and viewingpreferences.

Mode:

▶