BenQ GV31 review
When walking through the streets in the evening, you can see large smart TVs glowing in many apartments. A portable projector like the Benq GV31 takes up much less space, can be set up quickly, and is just as quickly stowed away.
The Benq GV31 is a portable mini-projector with a battery, Full-HD resolution, and a brightness of 300 ANSI lumens. This makes it versatile, as long as the environment isn’t too bright. We used it for several weeks as a TV replacement.
Projector with Integrated TV Stick
Setup is quick and easy. First, unpack the projector, then insert the included Android TV stick into the housing, and equip the remote with batteries. After that, we find a free wall and a suitable spot to place the projector and turn it on.
Thanks to the included magnetic stand, we were able to easily adjust it so that the image was well-positioned and slightly elevated. If desired, you can even tilt it upward to project onto the ceiling, for example, above a bed (see the photo above). The automatic correction focuses the image and adjusts it so the edges don’t distort.
After setup, we configured the software. This was done quickly, requiring pleasantly few steps. Select the system language, configure Wi-Fi, and set up a Google account on Android TV – done. The operating system is an adapted version of Android with tiles. What didn’t work so well on Windows 8 works perfectly with a remote control here. Tiles for Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or YouTube are already available. Other apps can be installed through the integrated Google Play Store. In addition to classic streaming apps for ARD, ZDF, Arte, or private broadcasters, apps like VLC or Zattoo can also be found there.
Portable Cinema Experience Small, handy, and with a sufficiently long battery life. The GV31 offers everything we expect from a projector for a cozy movie night.
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Quick Account Setup
Apps like Amazon Prime Video or Netflix only work after logging in with the respective provider. At least for Amazon, scanning a QR code displayed by the projector was enough to access the content. For Netflix, the projector also displayed a QR code, but we still had to manually enter our account details. Fortunately, Netflix worked right away. With many cheaper projectors, that’s not always the case.
We also quickly set up a free Zattoo account. Here, we simply selected the Google account already used for the projector, so we didn’t have to create a separate account. Finally, we tried AirPlay with an iPhone on the same Wi-Fi network. The projector then mirrored the smartphone screen onto the wall, displaying, for example, photos from the last vacation.
We also tested how well external sources could be connected. An MP3 audiobook and an older movie in DivX format, which we copied onto a USB stick, played without any issues using the VLC app. Additionally, we connected a Steam Deck gaming console via USB dock and HDMI cable to the projector and projected its image onto the wall. The source the projector should access can be easily controlled via the remote.
Everyday Use Experience
The small projector quickly integrated into our daily lives. We had initially decided against one of the popular large TVs in the living room for various reasons. However, the Benq mini-projector quickly won over the entire family. Since then, we have enjoyed not only the much larger image compared to a notebook but also its flexibility. It can be set up and turned on in no time. Thanks to the built-in battery, it doesn’t even need a permanent power connection.
The two to two-and-a-half hours of battery life are more than enough for most movies.
It’s remarkable how large the image is, even in a small space. The throw ratio is 1.2. This means that at a distance of 1.2 meters, the projector projects a 1-meter-wide image onto the wall. A distance of two to three meters from the screen is ideal for a good picture.
Since the GV31 uses LEDs instead of fluorescent lamps or light bulbs, it generates little heat. Therefore, the fan is barely audible. Once a show is playing, it’s no longer noticeable. Plus, after use, you don’t have to wait for the device to cool down before stowing it away. We were also satisfied with the built-in speakers. They are more than sufficient for a home cinema night with a small group.
Specs
| Technology | DLP |
| Brightness | 300 ANSI Lumens (7/10) |
| Light Source | LED, max. 30,000 hours lifespan |
| Projection | 1,920 x 1,080 pixels (Full HD), 16.7 million colors, contrast 100,000:1, 16:9 |
| Recommended Screen Size | 30 – 120 inches (8/10) |
| Ports | USB Type-A, HDMI, USB Type-C, Audio Out |
| Built-in Speakers | 2.1 channel, 16 watts (6/10) |
| WLAN | Yes |
| Bluetooth | Yes |
| Battery Life | 2 – 2.5 hours (6/10) |
| Dimensions | 104 x 191 x 191 mm (with stand: 131 x 203 x 191 mm) |
| Weight | 1.7 kg |
Verdict
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BenQ GV31 Review: The BEST Portable Projector! (Use It Anywhere)
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