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BenQ HT2050A Review

Nikshep Myle Avatar
Updated Feb 21, 2024 2:39 PM

True Score

80
81
6

Experts

84
1,157

Consumers

Product Awards

GR Certified

Customer Favorite

Expert Rankings

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.

$699.00

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Table of Contents

Product Snapshot

Overview

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 Ready3D ReadyYes
Aspect RatioAspect Ratio16:9
BrightnessBrightness2200 Lumens
Contrast RatioContrast Ratio15,000:1
DepthDepth10.9"
Digital KeystoneDigital KeystoneYes
Display TechnologyDisplay TechnologyDLP
HDMI TypeHDMI Type2.0
HDRHDRNo
HeightHeight4.82"
Integrated SpeakersIntegrated SpeakersYes
Light SourceLight SourceLamp
Light Source LifeLight Source Life3,500 hrs
Max DistanceMax Distance204"
Max Screen SizeMax Screen Size300"
Min DistanceMin Distance68.4"
Min Screen SizeMin Screen Size60"
Noise LevelNoise Level29 dB
PortablePortableNo
Refresh Rate60 Hz
ResolutionResolution1920 x 1080 (Full HD)
Smart FunctionalitySmart FunctionalityNo
Sync TechnologySync Technologyn/a
TV TunerTV TunerNo
ThrowTypeThrowTypeStandard Throw
Video InputsVideo InputsHDMI, USB
WeightWeight7.3 lbs
WidthWidth15"

All Specs

Test Results

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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Product Comparison

BenQ HT2050A Review

Epson Epiqvision Ultra LS800

Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800

BenQ HT2050 Review

True Score

80
84
87
NR
NR

Ranking

#

16

/

28

#

9

/

28

#

8

/

28

#

/

#

/

Market Context

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.

3D Ready

Yes

Yes

No

Aspect Ratio

16:9

16:9

16:9

Brightness

2200 Lumens

3000 lumens

2200 Lumens

Contrast Ratio

15,000:1

500,000:1

2,000,000:1

Depth

10.9"

10.2"

12.8"

Digital Keystone

Yes

Yes

Yes

Display Technology

DLP

DLP

DLP

HDMI Type

2.0

2.0

Dig Deeper

BenQ X3000i Review →

Hisense PX1-PRO Review →

All Stores

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  • $699.00

    Availability

    Free Shipping

    Yes

Score Card

E

Expert Score

81

*.75

We place a 75% weighted value on Expert Test Scores

C

Customer Score

84

*.25

We place a 25% weighted value on Customer Scores

True Score

80

Expert Scores

  • Rtings
    97.4

    Category Trust Rating

    70
    The BenQ HT2050A is decent for watching movies. Its native contrast is great, so watching… Read More

    By:

    Samuel Breton, Pierre-Olivier Jourdenais, and Yannick Khong
  • Wirecutter
    65.25

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    This projector produces a bright, rich-looking image with more-accurate color than most competitors can offer…. Read More

    By:

    Christine Cyr Clisset
  • CNET
    68.25

    Category Trust Rating

    82
    If you’re shopping for a projector between $500 and $1,000, prepare to face a sea… Read More

    By:

    Geoffrey Morrison
  • Projector Central
    61.35

    Category Trust Rating

    90
    The BenQ HT2050A is an impressive projector for the modest price of $749. It offers… Read More

    By:

    M. David Stone
  • Home Theater HiFi
    82.2

    Category Trust Rating

    NR
    THE BENQ HT2050A 3D DLP PROJECTOR offers amazing accuracy and a clear, bright image for… Read More

    By:

    CHRIS EBERLE
  • Lifewire
    57.1

    Category Trust Rating

    88
    This projector is best for the home theater crowd, with some benefits for entry-level gamers. Read More

    By:

    Hayley Prokos