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The BenQ HT2050A offers great value with its simple setup, satisfactory blacks, and low input lag. However, the brightness is fairly low, the color gamut is narrow, and it lacks HDMI 2.1 and smart integration.
Launched in 2018, the BenQ HT2050A is a mid-range 1080p DLP projector with a 3,500-hour lamp life. Like the best projectors, it features a vertical lens shift, its maximum screen size is 180 inches, and its throw ratio is between 1.15 and 1.50 (120 inches at a 10 to 13-foot distance). This model is 3D-compatible but lacks HDR and 4K support.
Moreover, unlike the best 4K projector, it doesn’t have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a smart OS. It houses 2 HDMI 1.4 ports but misses out on eARC and USB data ports. It also has a 10W chambered speaker but no auto keystone correction.
Consensus
our Verdict
Given its low 1403-lumen SDR brightness, the BenQ HT2050A’s projected images appear dull with ambient light, making it rank near the bottom of our verified, tested list. Although it has 94.8% coverage on Rec.709, it struggles to display true colors with its 50% coverage on Rec.2020 (which is a more modern and wider color space).
Its 1429:1 contrast ratio is adequate for nighttime movie viewing, and setting up the projector is straightforward. The 16.3ms input is responsive enough for casual gaming, sitting at the top of our list. However, this projector is limited to HDMI 1.4, and there’s no built-in smart interface, so you’ll need to connect to a separate media streaming box.
ReasonS to Buy
Good contrast
Its native contrast ratio of 1429:1 offers moderately deep blacks, making it suitable for watching movies in dark environments. For a model with HDR10 and HLG compatibility, read this BenQ HT2060 review.
Reasonably low input lag
Its input lag of 16.3ms is on the lower end of our certified, tested projectors, making it perfect for casual gaming. However, it’s not meant for competitive play.
Reason to Avoid
Mediocre brightness levels
With a 1403-lumen SDR brightness, the BenQ HT2050A is acceptable for watching movies in low-light settings. However, the projected image looks washed out with ambient light.
Limited color coverage
The color gamut provides 94.8% coverage on Rec.709 but only covers 50% on Rec.2020 (a more modern and wider color space) and can’t display the entire range of colors. It ranks near the bottom of our certified, tested list for Rec.709.
No HDMI 2.1
This model is limited to HDMI 1.4, and the lack of HDMI 2.1 means lower resolution and refresh rates when connecting to gaming consoles or PCs.
No smart interface
You’ll need to connect your own media streaming device to its HDMI port, as there’s no built-in smart interface for streaming and gaming.
BenQ HT2050A Specs
3D Ready
Yes
Aspect Ratio
16:9
Brightness
2200 Lumens
Contrast Ratio
15,000:1
Depth
10.9"
Digital Keystone
Yes
Display Technology
DLP
HDMI Type
2.0
HDR
No
Height
4.82"
Integrated Speakers
Yes
Light Source
Lamp
Light Source Life
3,500 hrs
Max Distance
204"
Max Screen Size
300"
Min Distance
68.4"
Min Screen Size
60"
Noise Level
29 dB
Portable
No
Refresh Rate
60 Hz
Resolution
1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Smart Functionality
No
Sync Technology
n/a
TV Tuner
No
ThrowType
Standard Throw
Video Inputs
HDMI, USB
Weight
7.3 lbs
Width
15"
All Specs
Test Results
These are the most important criteria to test for Projectors based on our comprehensive Testing Methodology.
SDR Brightness (nits)
315
HDR Brightness (nits)
0
SDR Brightness (Lumens)
1,403
HDR Brightness (Lumens)
0
SDR Color Temperature (K)
6,559
HDR Color Temperature (K)
0
Contrast Ratio (x:y)
1,429
Color Gamut % (DCI P3 uv)
0
Color Gamut % (Rec. 709)
94.8467
Color Gamut % (Rec. 2020)
50
Color Gamut % (BT.2020)
0
Color Gamut % (BT. 709)
0
Input Lag (ms)
16.2667
All Tests
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Launched in 2018, the BenQ HT2050A is a mid-range 1080p DLP projector with a 3,500-hour lamp life. Like the best projectors, it features a vertical…
Launched in 2018, the BenQ HT2050A is a mid-range 1080p DLP projector with a 3,500-hour lamp life. Like the best projectors, it features a vertical lens shift, its maximum screen size is 180 inches, and its throw ratio is between 1.15 and 1.50 (120 inches at a 10 to 13-foot distance). This model is 3D-compatible but lacks HDR and 4K support.
Moreover, unlike the best 4K projector, it doesn’t have Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or a smart OS. It houses 2 HDMI 1.4 ports but misses out on eARC and USB data ports. It also has a 10W chambered speaker but no auto keystone correction.
The mid-range BenQ HT2050A falls short in comparison to the premium BenQ X3000I. The latter boasts an impressive 4K UHD resolution for enhanced immersion, and…
The mid-range BenQ HT2050A falls short in comparison to the premium BenQ X3000I. The latter boasts an impressive 4K UHD resolution for enhanced immersion, and its higher contrast ratio delivers deeper blacks, perfect for dark movie scenes. Additionally, its HDR10 compatibility promises a visually stunning viewing experience overall.
While both the BenQ HT2050A and Hisense PX1-PRO fall under the mid-range category, the PX1-PRO provides superior value. It has built-in Dolby Atmos for immersive…
While both the BenQ HT2050A and Hisense PX1-PRO fall under the mid-range category, the PX1-PRO provides superior value. It has built-in Dolby Atmos for immersive surround sound and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth support, unlike the HT2050A. Connectivity-wise, the PX1-PRO is faster with high-speed HDMI with eARC compatibility, and its streamlined integration with Android TV means there is no need to add external streaming devices.
The mid-range BenQ HT2050A isn’t as feature-rich as the premium Epson Epiqvision Ultra LS800. The LS800 offers considerably brighter visuals for daytime viewing, lower input…
The mid-range BenQ HT2050A isn’t as feature-rich as the premium Epson Epiqvision Ultra LS800. The LS800 offers considerably brighter visuals for daytime viewing, lower input lag for more responsive gameplay, and deeper blacks ideal for movie nights. However, the HT2050A supports a bigger maximum screen size than the LS800.
The BenQ HT2050A offers a few minor upgrades over its predecessor, the BenQ HT2050. Like the best projector under 1000, it has half the input…
The BenQ HT2050A offers a few minor upgrades over its predecessor, the BenQ HT2050. Like the best projector under 1000, it has half the input lag for more responsive gaming and supports vertical and horizontal (2D) keystone correction, whereas the older model only supports vertical keystone correction. Moreover, it boasts a 3-year warranty compared to the HT2050’s 1-year warranty.
