BenQ X3100i Review: Is This Budget 4K Projector Worth Your Money?

ApaHualpa

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First Impressions​

The BenQ X3100i is a mid-size projector without an integrated battery, so you must plug it in. The projector has auto keystone correction, but only on the vertical axis, so you must center it horizontally. It also doesn't have autofocus, so you must manually adjust that to get the clearest image possible. Its feet are slightly adjustable, and it comes with a set of extra extender feet to increase the vertical angle of the projector. Finally, the projector has two 5W integrated speakers.
The BenQ X3100i uses an LED bulb as its light source, so you likely wont ever have to worry about replacing it; the manufacturer claims the bulb lasts anywhere from 20,000 to 30,000 hours, depending on the selected eco mode. Its not a true 4k projector, as it uses pixel shifting to create a higher-resolution image. This offers better quality than a pure 1080p projector but isn't as good as a native 4k projector. It has a 1.3x optical zoom, allowing you to adjust the projection distance without moving the projector.

Introduce​

Parameter
BenQ X3100i​
Picture​
BenQX3100i.jpg
Reference Price​
$2199​
Recommended Uses​
Education, Home Cinema, Gaming​
Built-In Media​
User Manual, Power Cord, Remote​
Highlight
Resolution: 4K
HDR Technology: BenQ HDR-PRO
Response Time: 4ms (1080p@240Hz)
Lens Shift: 40%-60% vertical
Zoom: 1.3x
Platform: Google-Certified Android TV
Casting Support: AirPlay & Chromecast
Audio Channels: 7.1-channel
Audio Technology: Dolby Atmos, eARC, S/PDF connectivity

Display​

Parameter
BenQ X3100i​
Screen Size​
N/A - 200 Inches​
Throw Distance​
8.2 Feet - 12 Feet​
Maximum Resolution​
3840 x 2160 Pixels​
Native Resolution​
3840 x 2160​
Brightness​
3300 Lumen​
Display Type​
LED​
Viewing Experience
The BenQ X3100i is a high-performing projector that excels in brightness and uniformity, making it suitable for use in moderately-lit environments. Its peak brightness is slightly improved over its predecessor, allowing for vibrant color display, especially in dimmed settings. The projector offers good native contrast, providing deep blacks in dark rooms, and showcases a wide color gamut when set to the FPS picture mode, enhancing the viewing experience for both SDR and HDR content. Overall, the BenQ X3100i impresses with its bright and colorful presentations, making it a strong choice for various viewing scenarios.

Features​

Parameter
BenQ X3100i​
Video Encoding​
HEVC (H.265)​
LightSource Life​
20000 Hours​
Controller Type​
Remote Control​
Control Method​
Remote​
Lamp Wattage​
10 Watts​
Wattage​
10 watts​
Connectivity Technology​
HDMI
Hardware Connectivity​
USB, HDMI
Compatible Devices​
Gaming Consoles​
Other Features​
Built-In Speaker​
System Experience
Overall Impression: This projector offers a robust multimedia experience with its integrated Android TV 11 interface via the QS02 dongle, providing users with access to popular streaming services like Netflix and seamless casting options through Google Chromecast and Apple AirPlay. The inclusion of features such as Google Voice search and Google Assistant enhances its smart functionality. With two built-in 5W speakers, it delivers decent audio for a projector. The 12v trigger out port adds convenience by allowing automatic screen management, while the additional HDMI port and USB capabilities via the dongle expand connectivity options. With support for HDR10+ and Bluetooth 5.0, this projector is well-equipped for modern viewing needs, making it a versatile choice for home entertainment.

User Feedback​

Pros
• Easy to mount and set up
• Excellent brightness (3300 ANSI lumens)
• Amazing clarity and vibrant colors
• Low latency for gaming
• Good performance in well-lit rooms
• Simple lens adjustment
• Clear and loud built-in speaker
• Perfect for both gaming and movie watching
• Quick setup for Android TV dongle
• Positive feedback from users for gaming experience

Cons
• Black levels not as deep as a traditional TV
• Contrast could be improved

Overall Impression
The BenQ X3100i is a standout projector that excels in both gaming and movie experiences. With its impressive brightness, clarity, and user-friendly setup, it is highly recommended for gamers and families alike. While it may have some limitations with black levels and contrast, the benefits far outweigh these minor drawbacks, making it a worthwhile investment for entertainment enthusiasts.
 
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