In Brief: BenQ GP520
BenQ’s GP520 is a compact 4LED projector designed for easy setup, bright 4K (via DLP XPR) visuals, and integrated Google TV. With HDR10+ support, robust correction features, gaming-friendly input lag, and a competitive price, it aims to deliver a balanced projection experience whether you’re streaming Netflix or playing console games.
Pros
- Easy installation with multiple auto-correction features
- High brightness output
- Sharp and pleasing image
- HDR10+ compatibility
- Outstanding default calibration
- Strong colour coverage
- Google TV with Netflix built in
- Great gaming performance
- Comprehensive connectivity
- Good value for the price
Cons
- Limited native contrast
- No remote backlight
- No Dolby Vision support
Technical Specifications
- Model: BenQ GP520
- Resolution: 3840 × 2160 (using DLP XPR)
- Light Source: 4LED, up to 2600 lumens (claimed)
- Screen Size: up to 180 inches (1.2:1 throw ratio)
- HDR: HDR10+ (no Dolby Vision)
- Connectivity: 2× HDMI 2.1 (one eARC), 1× USB-C, 2× USB-A, Wi-Fi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, 3.5 mm audio out
- System: Google TV (with Netflix certification)
- Audio: 2× 12 W speakers, Dolby Atmos support
- Input Lag: ~17.8 ms in Boost mode
- Dimensions: ~241.3 × 225 × 151 mm, ~3.7 kg
- Price: ~€1200
Tested with a Lumene Movie Palace UHD Platinum 300C screen and pro instruments for objective measurements.
Design: Compact, Nearly Square
At 24.1 cm wide, 22.5 cm deep, and 15.1 cm high, the GP520 forms a near-cube shape in white with a stylish blue ring around the lens. Build quality is solid, though the external power brick is relatively large. Three universal tripod threads (one on the top, one rear, and one underside) provide flexible mounting options—ceiling or otherwise. Large vents on each side help cool the 4LED engine.
Installation: Automatic Corrections Galore
Quick Setup
Place the GP520 on a table or shelf and power it on. Using its three front-facing sensors, it auto-keystones, auto-focuses, and even adjusts colours to match your wall if desired. You can reduce the image by about 50% zoom if space is tight, or shift it around to avoid obstacles like picture frames. Overall, it’s an excellent “point and shoot” projector, equally at home in typical living rooms.
Throw Ratio & Brightness
A 1.2:1 throw ratio means about 2.5 m of distance yields ~100-inch diagonal, and you can go up to 180 inches if space allows. The bright 4LED source competes well in moderately lit rooms, though a darker environment is still ideal.
Interface: Google TV (With Netflix)
Full-Fledged Streaming
Running Google TV, the GP520 provides access to Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, YouTube, Apple TV+, MyCanal, and more out of the box. No side-loading needed. You can set up multiple user profiles, cast via Chromecast or AirPlay, and use Google Assistant for voice commands.
Projector-Specific Settings
A “Projector” menu handles geometry, auto adjustments, gaming modes, and advanced calibration tweaks. The system is fluid, intuitive, and regularly updated.
Subjective Image Quality
4K DLP with HDR10+
Using DLP with XPR pixel shifting (from a 0.47-inch DMD), the GP520 simulates 4K quite effectively. The picture is crisp, vibrant, and well-suited to content in bright or colourful scenes. Darker content suffers from a modest native contrast ratio (~360:1 measured). While it’s not a contrast monster, HDR10+ metadata support helps maintain highlight detail. Colour reproduction is excellent out of the box—no need for heavy manual tweaking.
Motion & Upscaling
The MEMC motion compensation smooths out quick pans or sports footage. Upscaling from 1080p or lower looks sharp, with minimal artifacts. As with most single-chip DLPs, some viewers may notice mild rainbow effect, but it was relatively minimal in our experience.
Measurements & Calibration
- Mode Used: Cinema for SDR/HDR
- Contrast (Native): ~360:1 (dark room)
- Gamma: ~2.18 (target 2.4)
- Colour Temp: ~6486 K (very close to 6500 K)
- Delta E (Colour Accuracy): ~2.54 in SDR (excellent), ~2.0 in HDR Cinema
- Peak Brightness (100″ diag): ~173 cd/m² (~1488 lumens in our test scenario), higher in Eco modes or smaller screen sizes.
Colour coverage is around ~87% DCI-P3 and ~74% BT.2020—good for a mid-tier projector. Overall calibration is outstanding by default.
Gaming: Rapid Trigger
With “Game” mode, you can optionally enable “Boost,” which disables geometry corrections but reduces input lag to about 17.8 ms at 4K/60. That’s among the best for a projector. Even if you leave corrections on, input lag is only ~34.6 ms. The GP520 handles console gaming smoothly, albeit limited to 60 Hz input (no 120 Hz).
Audio: Balanced Dual 12W
Two 12 W drivers produce a clear, moderately loud output, enough for smaller rooms. Bass is adequate but not deep, so consider using an HDMI eARC soundbar or external Bluetooth speaker for a more robust audio experience. Dolby Atmos pass-through is supported, ensuring a cinematic experience if your sound system can decode it.
Remote Control
A small, Bluetooth-based remote with dedicated YouTube, Netflix, Prime Video buttons. Volume and focus adjustments are included. Unfortunately, it’s not backlit, though some keys have mild phosphorescence. Overall, it’s simple and functional for everyday use.
Power & Noise
Drawing ~132 W in Cinema mode with a 100% white pattern, the GP520 is moderately efficient for this brightness level. Fan noise is ~37 dB at close range, noticeable but not overbearing. Sit a few feet away, and the fan mostly fades under typical audio playback.
Price & Availability
Retailing around €1200, the GP520 competes with mid-range 4K projectors like Xgimi Horizon Pro, Nebula Cosmos 4K SE, and Dangbei Mars 2 Pro. Given its strong default calibration, HDR10+ support, and gaming performance, it’s well-priced.
Conclusion
Overall Rating: 8/10
With its wide array of auto-corrections, excellent brightness, and accurate colours, the BenQ GP520 stands out among sub-€1500 projectors. While native contrast is modest, it handles HDR and motion well, and gaming fans benefit from a low-latency mode. Add in Google TV with Netflix certification, comprehensive connectivity, and competitive pricing, and you get a highly flexible home-theatre or gaming solution. If you can overlook the limited black levels and a non-backlit remote, the GP520 is a stellar choice in its category.
