BenQ X3100i Review: A Gaming Projector That Doubles as a Movie Powerhouse

The BenQ X3100i is a 4K HDR projector that’s marketed primarily as a gaming beamer, but it offers so much more. With a bright and detailed picture, low input lag, and a compact design, this projector is an excellent choice for both gamers and film enthusiasts. Let's dive into its features, pros, cons, and performance to see why the BenQ X3100i might be the perfect addition to your home theater setup.

Pros and Cons

Pros:

• Bright and long-life LED light source: The 4LED light source delivers 3,300 ANSI lumens, providing a bright picture even in rooms with some ambient light.
• Good 4K HDR picture quality: Sharp 4K resolution with HDR10 and HLG support ensures a stunning visual experience.
• Very low input lag for gaming: Input lag can go as low as 4ms at 1080p/240Hz, making it perfect for fast-paced gaming.

Cons:

• Android TV poorly implemented: The Android TV system is provided via a dongle, and its performance can be glitchy.
• No 4K/120Hz support: Limited to HDMI 2.0, which means no 4K/120Hz gaming, a drawback for next-gen console gamers.
• Possible rainbow artifacts: As with many DLP projectors, there’s a chance of seeing rainbow effects, though the 4LED system helps reduce this.

Key Features

4K Resolution

The BenQ X3100i uses a single DLP chipset with XPR pixel-shifting technology to deliver a 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution. This ensures crisp and detailed images, whether you're watching movies or playing games.

4LED Light Source

With a claimed brightness of 3,300 ANSI lumens and a lifespan of 30,000 hours, the 4LED system provides vibrant and long-lasting picture quality, making it ideal for both daytime and nighttime viewing.

HDR Pro

The projector supports HDR10 and HLG, enhancing the contrast and color range for a more immersive viewing experience. HDR Pro ensures that both dark and bright scenes are displayed with rich detail.

Gaming Features

Gamers will appreciate the four preset game modes, which include low input lag and an FPS crosshair feature for improved accuracy. The BenQ SettingXchange software allows for custom game settings and firmware updates, making it easy to tweak the projector to your liking.

Built-in Sound System

The BenQ X3100i comes with two 5W speakers powered by Bongiovi DPS and CinematicSound Technology. While the sound is decent for casual viewing, we recommend using an external sound system for a more immersive experience.

Android TV

The projector includes a Google-licensed Android TV dongle, giving you access to popular streaming platforms. However, the dongle’s performance can be hit or miss, with occasional crashes and a lack of certain apps like UK TV catch-up services.

Design

The BenQ X3100i features a compact, cube-shaped body with a sleek white finish and orange accents. It’s easy to install thanks to its 1.3x zoom, vertical lens shift, and adjustable feet. At the rear, you’ll find two HDMI 2.0b inputs (one with eARC), a USB port, and options for both wired and wireless audio connections.

Performance

Picture Quality

The BenQ X3100i excels in delivering bright and punchy images with excellent color accuracy. Its 4LED light source ensures that colors are vivid, and the projector covers 100% of the DCI-P3 color gamut, making it a strong contender for movie nights. However, the black levels are typical of DLP projectors, which means they’re more of a dark gray than true black.

Gaming Performance

This projector is designed with gamers in mind. The input lag is incredibly low, ranging from 16ms at 4K/60Hz to an impressive 4ms at 1080p/240Hz. The projector automatically detects connected consoles and switches to the appropriate game mode, making it easy to jump into your favorite titles. However, the lack of 4K/120Hz support could be a dealbreaker for those looking to maximize their next-gen gaming experience.

Sound Quality

While the built-in speakers are decent for casual viewing, they lack the power and depth needed to match the projector’s stunning visuals. For the best experience, consider pairing the X3100i with an external sound system.

Alternatives

If you're considering other options, the Optoma UHZ55 is a worthy competitor. It’s a laser-powered 4K HDR DLP projector with 3,000 lumens of brightness, low input lag, and support for WiSA wireless audio. You can check out the Optoma UHZ55 on Amazon.

Final Thoughts

The BenQ X3100i is an excellent all-rounder, offering sharp 4K HDR visuals, incredibly low input lag for gaming, and a bright 4LED light source. While it has some limitations, such as the lack of 4K/120Hz support and a somewhat clunky Android TV system, it’s still a fantastic choice for both gamers and movie lovers alike.

Buy the BenQ X3100i on Amazon.

Whether you’re planning a movie night or an intense gaming session, the BenQ X3100i delivers the performance you need for a truly immersive experience.

FAQs

Does the BenQ X3100i support Dolby Vision?

No, the X3100i only supports HDR10 and HLG.

What is the input lag on the BenQ X3100i?

The input lag ranges from 16ms at 4K/60Hz to 4ms at 1080p/240Hz.

Can I use the BenQ X3100i in a bright room?

Yes, the projector’s 3,300 ANSI lumens make it suitable for rooms with some ambient light, although a darker environment will yield better results.