The BenQ X500i is a 4K HDR 4LED short-throw home cinema projector aimed squarely at gamers and home theatre enthusiasts. It promises to deliver stunning visuals, immersive audio, and a hassle-free user experience. Sharing many features with BenQ’s flagship X3100i, it offers a compelling value proposition by delivering most of its high-end counterpart’s performance. However, there are some compromises that the company has made, and it is essential to understand where the X500i shines and where it falls short.
Design and Build Quality
The X500i sports a sleek, modern design with a white finish that should blend well into most home environments. Its compact size and short-throw capability make it easy to place on a coffee table or shelf, projecting a large image without requiring a lot of space. The build quality feels solid, and the included remote control is well-designed and responsive. It measures 366 x 118 x 244mm and weighs only 3.6kg.
Gaming Performance
The X500i excels in gaming, boasting short lag times that match or exceed those of its competitors. It supports 1440p resolution at up to 120Hz, a popular choice for gaming. One of the standout features of the X500i is its low input lag, which is crucial for gamers. With a response time as low as 4ms in 1080p@240Hz mode, the projector offers a smooth and responsive gaming experience, even with fast-paced action games.
Three predefined game modes—RPG, FPS, and SPG—tailor the visual and audio experience to different game genres. These modes adjust both image and sound settings to enhance the gaming experience. For instance, FPS mode tweaks HDR settings for better clarity in dark areas and focuses audio on positional accuracy, while RPG mode boosts cinematic visuals and bass levels. The Auto Game Mode automatically detects when you’re playing a game and switches to the appropriate settings for optimal performance.
Video and Audio Quality
The X500i’s 2,200 ANSI lumens are sufficient for dark or low-light environments, but it may struggle a bit in brighter rooms. In a dark room, it produces vibrant colors, good contrast, and impressive shadow detail, particularly in HDR10 mode after some adjustments to brightness and contrast settings. The projector also features BenQ’s CinematicColor technology, which is designed to reproduce accurate colors that match the filmmaker’s intent.
Audio is another strength, with two 5-watt treVolo speakers delivering high-quality sound. The projector’s MAXXAudio dynamic enhancement and BenQ’s proprietary algorithms ensure immersive audio that can fill a large room. While it lacks support for Dolby Atmos, the X500i’s built-in audio is surprisingly rich and detailed. For a more immersive experience, the projector supports up to 7.1 Dolby Atmos sound via an eARC port, allowing the connection of a soundbar.
While the X500i is optimized for gaming, it also performs well for movie watching, albeit with some limitations. It lacks support for Dolby Vision and HLG, and the default settings for 4K HDR content can be disappointing without adjustment. However, in Cinema mode, it offers good color accuracy and contrast, making it suitable for a variety of content.
Features and User Experience
The BenQ X500i 4K gaming projector features a versatile throw ratio of 0.69 to 0.83 and a 1.2x zoom ratio, allowing for flexible placement and large image projection from short distances. It has a built-in Android TV interface, giving you access to a vast library of apps and streaming services. The projector’s short-throw capability is another significant advantage. It allows you to project a large image from a short distance, making it ideal for smaller rooms or apartments. The digital zoom feature lets you adjust the image size without moving the projector, adding to its flexibility.
It includes two HDMI 2.0b ports with HDCP2.2 support, one USB Type A 2.0 port for power supply, reading, and firmware upgrades, and a USB Type C port with DisplayPort capabilities and Power Delivery output of 5V/1A. Additional connectivity options include an RS232 input (DB-9 pin), Bluetooth 5.0, and Wi-Fi supporting 802.11 a/b/g/n/ac (2.4G/5G). For wireless projection, the projector supports AirPlay and Google Cast, enhancing its compatibility with various devices and streaming options.
Setting up the X500i is a breeze. The projector’s user interface is intuitive and easy to navigate. It comes with an HDMI Android dongle that needs to be installed behind a panel on the projector. This process requires removing a small screw, plugging in the dongle, and replacing the panel. Once set up, the projector boots up to the Google TV interface, allowing you to log in with your Google account and access your favorite apps via Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. The projector’s fan noise is noticeable but not overly distracting. In a quiet room, you’ll hear it, but it shouldn’t be an issue during movies or games.
Conclusion
The BenQ X500i is a versatile and capable 4K HDR projector that excels in gaming and home theatre applications. Its bright, colorful image, low input lag, and flexible features make it a solid choice for anyone looking to upgrade their home entertainment setup. While it’s on the pricier side, its performance and features make it a compelling option for those willing to invest in top-tier quality. If you’re in the market for a high-quality 4K projector and willing to make the investment, the X500i should be at the top of your list.
BenQ X500i price in India, availability
BenQ X500i gaming projector is listed for Rs 1,89,990 on BenQ India’s online store and Amazon.
