The projector can be vertically adjusted on its base to display images upward or downward on a wall or ceiling. For horizontal adjustments, the base’s two feet can be extended to slightly tilt the projector toward the ceiling. It is easily movable yet remains stable in any direction.
The projector features a single HDMI port for ARC 5.1 audio passthrough or for connecting devices like gaming consoles. Additionally, there are USB-A and USB-C ports available for drives or charging devices, along with a 3.5-mm port. It does not include an Ethernet port and operates on Wi-Fi 5, which isn’t as fast or compatible as newer versions such as Wi-Fi 6E or 7. I faced connection issues with my Google Nest mesh network where it was unable to connect.
The setup process was straightforward apart from a 45-minute system update, primarily involving the Google Home app to scan a QR code and install applications. The GV50’s auto-keystoning functioned effectively on my screen, wall, and ceiling, requiring minimal manual adjustments. The GV50 remote features a user-friendly layout from BenQ with a central Home button, a setup button, and shortcuts for Netflix, YouTube, and Prime.
The GV50 can operate on battery power and includes energy-saving settings, such as an automatic power-down after a specified time. While I primarily used it plugged into a wall outlet at home, the battery option adds portability for use in areas with limited outlets. It can run on battery power alone for several hours, although the brightness dims to conserve energy.
**Picture Quality and More**
The GV50 is not intended to be a cinematic powerhouse and did not excel in my standard Spears & Muncil benchmark tests. The skin tone evaluations were average for this midrange device, offering limited tonal variety. During demo reel evaluations, the 1080p resolution and lack of contrast and brightness became apparent; colors such as a red cactus and yellow flower appeared muted, and trees blended into the dark background. Butterflies looked dull and lifeless.
Streaming from my iPhone 17 Pro and iPad 12.9-inch revealed the GV50’s sluggish processing speeds. While Google Cast and Apple AirPlay worked, the playback was inconsistent. Trying to fast-forward often led to pauses or failures due to the limited 2 GB RAM and 1.5-GHz processor.