BenQ TK705i Review: Laser Power in Designer Clothing

Overview

The BenQ TK705i represents the Taiwanese manufacturer's answer to the lifestyle projector trend sweeping the market in 2025. Positioned as an affordable alternative to premium models from Xgimi, Dangbei, and JMGO that cost £2,000-£3,000, this 4K laser projector with Google TV comes in at just £1,400 – the same price as a quality 65-inch OLED television, but capable of producing images four times larger.

With its striking design that blends retro elegance with futuristic styling, the TK705i aims to deliver home cinema quality at half the price of comparable models. But does BenQ's budget approach compromise performance, or does it represent genuine value for money?

Design and Build Quality

The BenQ TK705i makes an immediate visual impact with its premium aesthetic that belies its affordable price point. The design philosophy sits somewhere between retro refinement and futuristic minimalism, drawing comparisons to the elegant Leica Cine Play 1. The compact form factor and quality finish give the projector a far more expensive appearance than its £1,400 price tag might suggest.

However, BenQ has made a controversial design decision by not including a gimbal stand in the box. Modern lifestyle projectors typically feature integrated gimbal mounts that allow free rotation and easy positioning. The TK705i instead relies on traditional threaded feet similar to washing machine levelling legs – functional but far less elegant. Whilst the optional gimbal stand (available for around £100) addresses this limitation, its absence from the standard package is disappointing at this price point.

Despite being significantly lighter and more compact than traditional projectors, the manual levelling system proves fiddly during initial setup. This particularly impacts users who plan to move the projector between locations or store it when not in use. Once positioned permanently, however, the adjustment feet become less of an issue.

Setup and Connectivity

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Initial setup complexity largely depends on whether you invest in the optional gimbal stand. Without it, achieving proper alignment requires patience and multiple adjustments to the levelling feet. For permanent installations this one-time inconvenience is manageable, but flexible use cases suffer from the cumbersome repositioning process.

The connection panel, however, earns full marks. All ports are logically arranged and easily accessible, with two HDMI inputs (one supporting eARC for audio output), USB connectivity, and comprehensive networking options. Pleasingly, the projector requires minimal external hardware – just power and Wi-Fi connectivity unlock its full smart capabilities.

Google TV integration means the TK705i functions as a complete entertainment system without requiring additional streaming devices. From BBC iPlayer to Netflix, all major streaming platforms are accessible directly through the built-in interface, with content discovery working seamlessly across multiple apps.

User Experience and Interface

BenQ has wisely chosen Google TV as the smart platform for the TK705i, matching the most common interface found on modern smart televisions. This familiarity helps new users navigate the system quickly, though the lengthy initial setup process typical of Google services remains unavoidable.

The mandatory Google account requirement may frustrate privacy-conscious users, but accepting this trade-off provides access to a comprehensive app ecosystem and unified content discovery. The interface aggregates content from various streaming services onto a single homepage, with cross-platform search functionality that genuinely improves the browsing experience.

Unfortunately, BenQ severely undermines this premium smart experience with an appalling remote control. The unlit, generic plastic remote feels like it belongs with a £50 streaming stick, not a £1,000+ projector. In dark home cinema conditions – the TK705i's natural environment – the lack of backlighting proves genuinely frustrating. Major competitors like Xgimi provide far superior remotes, and even fellow traditional manufacturer Epson has made similar cost-cutting mistakes.

Fortunately, the projector includes physical controls on the unit itself, providing access to essential functions without the remote. This proves particularly useful given the remote's poor quality.

Image Optimisation

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Modern automatic calibration features transform the TK705i's user experience compared to traditional projectors. The autofocus system maintains sharp images even when the projector moves, whilst automatic keystone correction ensures rectangular images from angled projection positions. Both systems work reliably and quickly.

However, digital correction methods introduce minor image quality compromises compared to optical solutions. The TK705i lacks optical lens shift – a more sophisticated adjustment method found in premium models. This means achieving the perfect image in challenging installations may prove difficult.

The included zoom lens partially compensates for this limitation, allowing flexible positioning whilst maintaining proper image size. Combined with the 0.8:1 short throw ratio, the TK705i can produce impressively large images (up to 120 inches) even in smaller rooms.

Image Quality and Brightness

The TK705i's image quality justifies BenQ's reputation for optical excellence. With approximately 3,000 ANSI lumens of effective brightness on neutral projection surfaces, the projector maintains strong contrast even in rooms with ambient light. This brightness advantage means occasional daytime viewing remains viable, though optimal performance naturally requires darkened conditions.

For maximum daylight performance, pairing the TK705i with a grey ambient light rejecting (ALR) screen dramatically improves contrast and colour accuracy by reducing the impact of environmental light on dark image areas. In dedicated home cinema environments with controlled lighting, the projector produces stunning 4K images with vibrant colours and impressive detail without requiring this additional investment.

The DLP technology powering the TK705i delivers many advantages but introduces the characteristic rainbow effect – brief colour flashing visible in bright white areas, particularly to sensitive viewers. Reducing brightness partially mitigates this artefact, though some users may find it persistently distracting. Testing before purchase is advisable if you've experienced rainbow effect issues with previous DLP projectors.

Film enthusiasts will appreciate the TK705i's colour reproduction and detail rendering during evening viewing. The true 4K resolution produces crisp images free from the pixelation and softness that plague lower-resolution models, whilst the laser light source ensures consistent brightness and colour accuracy throughout its operational life.

Audio Performance

Audio represents the TK705i's most significant weakness compared to competitors. Whilst modern lifestyle projectors increasingly feature impressive built-in sound systems that reduce or eliminate the need for external audio equipment, BenQ's effort proves disappointingly anaemic.

The flat, underpowered sound lacks the depth and impact that makes cinema audio engaging. Surprisingly, even BenQ's smaller and cheaper GV32 portable projector delivers superior audio performance, making the TK705i's mediocre speakers particularly puzzling.

For television programmes and dialogue-driven content, the built-in audio proves adequate. However, cinematic soundtracks and action sequences clearly reveal the system's limitations. Serious home cinema enthusiasts should budget for a soundbar or external speaker system to complement the excellent visuals.

The inclusion of eARC support via HDMI demonstrates BenQ understands this limitation, providing a convenient path for connecting quality external audio equipment.

Value and Competition

At £1,400, the TK705i undercuts premium lifestyle projectors by approximately 50% whilst delivering comparable image quality. This value proposition represents the projector's strongest selling point, particularly for budget-conscious enthusiasts willing to compromise on convenience features and audio performance.

The cost savings become apparent in several areas: the cheap remote control, missing gimbal stand, basic audio system, and lack of optical lens shift clearly identify where BenQ reduced costs. However, the core optical performance – the most crucial element of any projector – remains excellent.

Competitors offering more complete packages naturally command higher prices and rank more favourably in overall product rankings. The question becomes whether the TK705i's cost savings justify accepting its limitations.

Specifications

The BenQ TK705i combines modern features with traditional projector design, delivering 4K resolution from a 0.65-inch DLP chip, 3,000 ANSI lumens brightness from its laser light source, and comprehensive smart functionality through integrated Google TV. The 0.8:1 throw ratio enables large images from short distances, whilst the included zoom lens provides installation flexibility.

Verdict

The BenQ TK705i succeeds in its primary mission: delivering excellent 4K home cinema images at an accessible price point. The projector's optical performance genuinely impresses, producing bright, detailed images that satisfy during film viewing. Combined with the comprehensive smart platform and stylish design, the core viewing experience largely matches far more expensive competitors.

However, cost-cutting measures undermine the overall package. The terrible remote control frustrates during every viewing session, the missing gimbal stand complicates setup and reduces flexibility, and the weak audio system necessitates additional investment for satisfying home cinema sound.

For buyers prioritising image quality and smart features whilst accepting compromises elsewhere, the TK705i represents genuine value. Those seeking a more refined, complete package should consider premium alternatives that deliver better overall experiences, albeit at significantly higher prices. The TK705i proves you can achieve excellent home cinema images on a budget – but that budget forces compromises worth considering carefully.