BenQ GV31 Projector Review

BenQ’s latest offering, the GV31 portable and battery-powered projector, arrives as a close relative to its predecessor, the GV30, maintaining the innovative near-circular design that caught the attention of many for its functionality and aesthetic appeal. While it shares a striking resemblance with the GV30, the GV31 introduces enhancements that justify its positioning as the superior model, despite their coexistence in the market.

The BenQ GV31 portable and battery-powered projector is designed to appeal to a diverse range of consumers, but its features and functionality suggest a target audience that includes:

1. Home Entertainment Enthusiasts: Individuals or families seeking a versatile home entertainment solution that can easily adapt to different spaces within the home, including the ability to project onto ceilings for a unique viewing experience.
2. Outdoor and Travel Aficionados: With its built-in rechargeable battery offering around three hours of playback and its compact, portable design, the GV31 is ideal for those who enjoy outdoor movie nights, camping, or traveling. It can easily transform any space into a screening area without the need for power outlets.
3. Tech-Savvy Consumers: The inclusion of an Android TV dongle with direct Netflix compatibility and the ability to stream from various devices and platforms cater to tech-savvy users who value seamless integration with their existing digital ecosystem and appreciate the convenience of wireless casting and streaming.
4. Educators and Professionals: The GV31’s portability and easy setup, including automatic focus and screen size adjustment, make it suitable for educators and professionals who need a reliable projector for presentations, lectures, and meetings in various locations, including off-site or outdoor settings.
5. Casual Gamers: Gamers looking for an easy and immersive gaming setup will find the GV31 appealing. Its portability allows for flexible gaming setups, while the 1080p resolution and sound system enhance the gaming experience, although hardcore gamers might seek higher resolution or lower input lag.
6. Tech Experimenters and Hobbyists: Individuals who enjoy exploring new gadgets and creating unique entertainment setups, such as backyard movie theaters or unconventional indoor viewing spaces, will appreciate the GV31’s design and features.

Design

The GV31’s design retains the magnetic base tray feature, allowing it to pivot effortlessly to project at various angles, including directly upwards for ceiling viewing. This flexibility is further supported by a built-in rechargeable battery, extending the projector’s utility to outdoor or unconventional settings without the need for continuous power supply, promising around three hours of operation on a full charge.

Setup

Setting up is made super easy with this Android TV dongle, giving you access to tons of streaming apps and content on all your devices. The second-generation QS02 Certified Android TV Dongle supports Netflix directly, solving a common issue with other devices, and making the GV31 even more attractive for retail settings.

Features

• Rotating lens for flexible projection angles.
• Integrated 2.1-channel sound system for cinematic audio.
• Built-in streaming and wireless speaker mode for music playback.
• CinematicColor technology for vibrant, authentic colors.
• Built-in Netflix and support for Chromecast, Android TV, and voice search.
• Compatibility with Apple AirPlay and Google Chromecast for easy streaming.
• Up to 180 minutes of battery life for extended viewing.
• Compact and portable design for easy transport.
• Smart autofocus and auto vertical keystone for easy setup.
• USB-C port supports data transmission, DisplayPort output, and power delivery.

Performance

Performance-wise, the GV31 sees a significant upgrade in resolution to 1920 x 1080 from the GV30’s 1280 x 720, improving image clarity and making it more forgiving when using keystone adjustments. Despite this increase, the projector remains compact, with a slight uptick in dimensions and weight attributed to the enhanced audio system and battery. The audio system now features passive radiators alongside a woofer and tweeters, delivering a broader soundstage than its predecessor. However, the built-in speakers may not match the immersive audio experience provided by external sound systems, despite improvements.

One of the main draws of the GV31 is that it can pivot on an axis, projecting onto walls and ceilings alike. With minimal effort you can go from watching content on the wall in front of you to the ceiling above you while you chill in bed. I can see this being a hit with people who live in cramped quarters, like dorms or smaller apartments.

Connectivity options have been expanded, with the addition of a USB-A socket complementing the USB-C, enhancing media playback capabilities and supporting a wider range of external devices. The updated battery capacity ensures extended use, promising to last through longer viewing sessions without the need for recharging.

One of the GV31’s standout features is its automatic adjustment capabilities for focus and screen size, simplifying setup and optimizing viewing experiences across various environments. The projector’s fixed lens and zoom mean that screen size adjustment is solely dependent on the projector’s distance from the screen, offering a straightforward method for adapting to different viewing conditions.

However, the GV31’s performance in brightly lit environments is limited, with its LED light source producing 300 ANSI lumens. While sufficient for darkened rooms, ambient light can diminish image quality, though the projector does offer settings to mitigate this effect to some degree.

The BenQ GV31 projector is equipped with a 5800mAh battery, which is an upgrade from its predecessor’s 4800mAh unit. This increase in battery capacity allows the projector to offer up to around three hours of continuous playback on a full charge. The extended battery life enhances the projector’s portability and versatility, making it suitable for a variety of viewing scenarios without the immediate need for a power source.

Three hours of battery life is a decent amount, and should suffice for most movies, but you’ll want to avoid messing around if you plan on watching a longer film. That is, of course, if you’re relying on the battery instead of a power source. Put on Dune: Part One (2:36) and you’ll find there’s very little time to waste.

Parting Thoughts

The BenQ GV31 stands as an advanced portable projector, incorporating notable enhancements over its predecessor, the GV30.

It targets a wide audience with its improved resolution, audio, connectivity, and battery life, while retaining its distinctive design and versatility. The device’s integration of a user-friendly Android TV dongle, complete with Netflix compatibility, marks a significant improvement, catering to contemporary consumer demands.

Priced competitively with the GV30, the GV31 ($599) offers a balanced blend of performance, convenience, and innovative features for those seeking a portable projector solution. And on top of all of this, you get a three year warranty.