BenQ GP500 is a new projector announced recently. What are the differences between the new projector and the earlier popular model BenQ X3000i? How is the new GP500 projector? In this guide, we will compare the two projectors side by side and tell their differences in detail.
BenQ GP500 and BenQ X3000i are both 4K projectors released in 2022. The two projectors adopt the same 4LED light source and they are powered by an Android TV system. BenQ X3000i is relatively better in terms of brightness, colors, and image size while the new BenQ GP500 projector performs better in short throw and built-in speaker.
The two projectors are both cubics, but the color matching is different.
BenQ GP500 has a raised lens model on the front panel, making it handy and convenient to carry outside. The projector has contrasting colors of blue and white. There is a one-piece round perforated vent at the bottom of the projector for heat dissipation.
BenQ X3000i has sleek lines in the design. The front panel is the whole black and decorated with red lines. The shortcut arrow buttons are located at the side panel so that users can use them conveniently. It has adjustable foot pads at the bottom to adjust the projection image.
In terms of dimensions and weight, the new projector BenQ GP500 is slightly smaller and lighter.
The projection distance and image size are determined by the throw ratio of the projectors. As for the throw ratio, BenQ GP500 has a throw ratio range of 1.0-1.3 while BenQ X3000i has a throw ratio range of 1.15 ~ 1.50. In other words, it takes a longer distance for BenQ X3000i to project the same image size as the BenQ GP500 projector.
You can also use the projector calculator to calculate the different image sizes and corresponding projection distances.
The two projectors have the same DLP display technology, 4K resolution, and the same 4LED light source. The obvious differences between the two projectors are the color gamut, image contrast, and image size.
BenQ GP500 has 90% coverage of the DCI-P3 color gamut and a dynamic contrast of 100,000:1, while BenQ X3000i has 100% coverage of DCI-P3 and a dynamic contrast of 500,000:1. The higher the coverage percentage of the color gamut, the better the color in the projection image. The higher the contrast, the better the details in the image.
As for image size, the new projector has a max image size of 200 inches while BenQ X3000i has a max image size of 300 inches. But it takes about 3.8-5 meters for BenQ X3000i to project a 150” screen, while it requires only 3.3-4.3 meters for BenQ GP500 to project 150 inches.
The input lag is a key indicator of gaming performance. BenQ GP500 needs 25ms under 1080p@60Hz while it takes only 16.7ms for BenQ X3000i.
| BenQ GP500 | BenQ X3000i | |
| 1080p@60Hz | 25ms | 16.7ms |
| 4K@60Hz | 25ms | 16.7ms |
| 1080p@120Hz | 28ms | 8.3ms |
| 1080p@240Hz | / | 4.2ms |
A projector with gaming modes can improve the gaming experience. In this sense, BenQ X3000i is better as it has three optimized game modes, including RPG, FPS, and SPG. Each mode has its own advantages. RPG Mode is suitable for full cinematic immersion; FPS Mode is better for nearby threats; SPG mode is better for real-time thrills.
The built-in speaker is decisive in terms of sound effects. BenQ GP500 has 4 built-in speakers while BenQ X3000i has dual 5W speakers. That is to say, BenQ GP500 is more powerful and produces sonorous sound. BenQ X3000i supports Dolby Atmos but BenQ GP500 doesn’t.
For audio, the two projectors both have 3.5mm audio input and S/PDIF out.
In terms of wireless connectivity, BenQ GP500 and BenQ X3000i support Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. As for wired ports, BenQ GP500 has one more USB interface while only BenQ X3000i has an RS232 port.
In terms of screen mirroring, BenQ GP500 and BenQ X3000i both support Google Cast.
| BenQ GP500 | BenQ X3000i | |
| Wireless | Bluetooth & Wi-Fi | Bluetooth & Wi-Fi |
| Wired | HDMI 2.0 x3 USB x2 Audio Out SPDIF x1 | HDMI 2.0 x3 USB A x1 Audio Out RS232: DB-9pin SPDIF x1 |
You may be interested in BenQ GV11 vs BenQ GS50.
The two projectors are both 4K smart Android TV projectors. BenQ GP500 is better in terms of size, shorter throw, and audio, which is suitable for home theater use. BenQ X3000i performs better in brightness, color gamut, contrast, image size, and low input lag, which is good for playing games. On the whole, BenQ X3000i has high higher configuration and better performance.
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