Portable Projector Showdown: TCL A1 vs. BenQ GS50

The Rise of Portable Projectors: More Than Just Miniature Home Theaters

Remember when projectors were bulky devices permanently mounted to the ceiling of a classroom or conference room? Those days are long behind us. The portable projector market has exploded in recent years, giving us devices that can fit in a backpack yet still deliver impressive big-screen experiences almost anywhere.

The TCL A1 Portable 1080p Smart Projector and BenQ GS50 Portable Outdoor Projector represent two different approaches to this evolving category. Released in 2022 and 2021 respectively, these projectors showcase how far portable projection technology has come—and highlight the different needs manufacturers are trying to address.

But what makes a good portable projector in 2023? And how do you decide which one deserves your hard-earned money? Let's break it down.

Understanding the Basics: What Matters in Portable Projectors

Before diving into our comparison, it's worth understanding what makes portable projectors different from their full-sized cousins. Unlike traditional home theater projectors that might weigh 15+ pounds and output 2,500+ lumens (a measurement of brightness), portable projectors make significant trade-offs to achieve their compact form factors.

The most important considerations include:

Brightness: Perhaps the single most critical factor in real-world performance. Lower brightness means you'll need darker environments to get a good image.

Resolution: While 4K projectors dominate the premium home theater market, 1080p Full HD remains the sweet spot for portables, offering good detail without breaking the bank.

Battery operation: Some portables include batteries for true cordless use, while others require constant power—a significant distinction for outdoor use.

Smart features: Modern portable projectors often include streaming platforms, eliminating the need for separate devices.

Audio quality: Since portable projectors are often used away from external sound systems, built-in speakers matter more than in traditional installations.

With these factors in mind, let's see how our contestants stack up.

Meet the Contenders

TCL A1: The Indoor Smart Projector

TCL entered the projector market relatively recently, leveraging their experience as a major TV manufacturer. The A1, priced at $499, represents their take on a portable smart projector primarily designed for indoor use.

The TCL A1 features a distinctive design with a "VersaGrip" handle that cleverly doubles as an adjustable stand. It runs Google TV for streaming and offers 1080p resolution with moderate brightness. Released in 2022, it's positioned as an affordable entry point into portable projection.

BenQ GS50: The Rugged Outdoor Entertainer

BenQ has been in the projector game for decades, and their experience shows in the GS50. Priced at $799, it's marketed specifically as an outdoor projector with ruggedized features and enhanced audio capabilities.

Released in 2021, the GS50 features a more traditional boxy design with rounded corners and a leather handle. It runs Android TV and emphasizes durability with water resistance and drop protection. It's clearly designed for users who want to take their projector beyond the living room.

Image Quality Face-Off: The Most Critical Factor

Resolution and Clarity

Both projectors offer 1080p Full HD resolution (1920×1080 pixels), which is the sweet spot for portable projectors today. This resolution provides enough detail for enjoyable movie viewing without driving costs too high.

In terms of projection technology, the approaches differ:

• The TCL A1 uses LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) technology, which typically offers good color accuracy but can suffer from the "screen door effect" where you can see the pixel structure in the image.
• The BenQ GS50 employs DLP (Digital Light Processing) technology, which generally provides sharper images with better contrast but can sometimes produce rainbow artifacts for sensitive viewers.

When compared side-by-side, the BenQ tends to produce slightly sharper images with better perceived contrast, though both deliver satisfactory detail for movies and games.

Brightness: A Critical Difference

Here's where we see the most significant performance gap between these projectors:

• TCL A1: 360 ISO Lumens
• BenQ GS50: 500 ANSI Lumens (independently measured at around 419 ANSI Lumens)

Understanding brightness ratings can be confusing because different manufacturers use different standards. ISO Lumens and ANSI Lumens aren't directly comparable, but even accounting for measurement differences, the BenQ is substantially brighter.

What does this mean in practice? The BenQ GS50 can produce a viewable image in a room with some ambient light, such as a living room in the evening with a few lamps on. The TCL A1, by contrast, requires near-darkness to deliver a satisfying image. For outdoor use, the brightness difference becomes even more pronounced, with the BenQ clearly outperforming in all but the darkest environments.

Since the projectors were released, we've seen competitors push brightness levels higher, with some newer portables reaching 800+ ANSI Lumens. However, this typically comes with larger form factors or higher prices.

Color Performance and HDR

Color reproduction is another area where these projectors differ significantly:

• The TCL A1 offers standard dynamic range with solid but unexceptional color accuracy. It tends toward slight oversaturation, which can make content look more vibrant but less realistic.
• The BenQ GS50 supports HDR10 (High Dynamic Range) content, allowing for greater contrast between the brightest and darkest parts of an image. It also generally delivers more accurate colors out of the box.

For movie enthusiasts, the BenQ's superior color handling provides a more cinematic experience, though casual viewers might not notice the difference with everyday content.

Portability and Design: Form Meets Function

Physical Characteristics

The projectors take different approaches to portability:

• TCL A1: 5.0" × 7.6" × 10.4", weighing 5.5 lbs
• BenQ GS50: 5.9" × 7.5" × 5.9", weighing 8.6 lbs

The TCL is lighter but taller, while the BenQ is heavier but more compact in terms of volume. Both include carrying handles, though the TCL's is particularly clever—the VersaGrip handle doubles as an adjustable stand that can tilt the projector up to 15 degrees, eliminating the need for books or other objects to prop up the projector.

The GS50's extra weight primarily comes from its more robust construction, battery, and enhanced speaker system—all contributing to its outdoor-focused design.

Durability Features

This is where the BenQ GS50 really pulls ahead:

• TCL A1: Standard consumer electronics construction with no specific ruggedization
• BenQ GS50: IPX2 splash-proof rating (protected against water dripping at up to 15° angle) and drop resistance up to 70cm

The BenQ's durability features make it genuinely suitable for outdoor use, providing peace of mind if you're setting up by a pool or if unexpected light rain begins. The TCL, while portable, remains an indoor device that should be handled with care and protected from the elements.

Battery Life: True Portability vs. Constant Power

Perhaps the most significant practical difference between these projectors is power management:

• TCL A1: No built-in battery; requires constant AC power
• BenQ GS50: Built-in rechargeable battery providing up to 2.5 hours of playback

The BenQ's battery operation transforms how and where you can use it. A backyard movie night, camping trip, or beach party are all possible without needing to run extension cords. The TCL, meanwhile, always requires proximity to a power outlet, significantly limiting its "portable" credentials.

Since these projectors were released, battery technology hasn't dramatically improved in the portable projector space, with most battery-equipped models still offering 2-3 hours of runtime—just enough for a typical movie.

Smart Features and Connectivity: Streaming Made Simple

Operating Systems and User Experience

Both projectors feature built-in smart platforms that eliminate the need for separate streaming devices in many scenarios:

• TCL A1: Runs Google TV with Google Assistant voice control
• BenQ GS50: Runs Android TV 9.0 via included QS01 streaming stick

The platforms provide access to popular streaming services like Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube. The TCL's Google TV interface is slightly more modern, but user reviews consistently mention that it can feel sluggish and unresponsive at times. The BenQ's Android TV implementation, while an older version, generally performs more smoothly.

Since these projectors launched, Google TV has received several updates improving performance and adding features, but projector hardware limitations mean they don't always benefit as much as TVs from these improvements.

Physical and Wireless Connectivity

For connecting external devices, both projectors offer several options:

• TCL A1: 1× HDMI, 1× USB-A, Wi-Fi 4 (802.11a/b/g/n), Bluetooth 5.1, 3.5mm audio out
• BenQ GS50: HDMI 2.0, USB-A, USB-C with DisplayPort Alt Mode, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth 4.2, 3.5mm audio out

The BenQ's inclusion of USB-C with DisplayPort is particularly useful for modern laptops and smartphones, allowing connection with a single cable that can handle both video and audio. The TCL's Bluetooth 5.1 is slightly newer than the BenQ's 4.2, but the difference isn't particularly noticeable for audio streaming.

Both support wireless screen mirroring from compatible devices, though the BenQ offers broader compatibility with both Chromecast and AirPlay protocols, making it work seamlessly with both Android and iOS devices.

Audio Performance: Don't Underestimate the Importance of Sound

Audio quality is often overlooked in projectors but becomes critically important for portable models that are frequently used without external speakers.

Speaker Systems

The difference in audio approach is substantial:

• TCL A1: Dual 8W speakers with Dolby Digital+ processing
• BenQ GS50: 2.1 channel system with two 5W tweeters and one 10W woofer, producing 270° sound

On paper, the total wattage is similar (16W vs. 20W), but the real-world performance differs dramatically. The BenQ's dedicated woofer provides meaningful bass response that the TCL simply cannot match. Furthermore, the BenQ's 270° sound projection creates a more immersive, room-filling experience compared to the TCL's more directional output.

For outdoor movie nights, the BenQ's superior audio can eliminate the need for a separate Bluetooth speaker in many situations—a convenience that shouldn't be underestimated.

Audio Features

The BenQ GS50 has another trick up its sleeve: it can function as a standalone Bluetooth speaker even when not projecting. This adds versatility for outdoor gatherings where you might want background music before starting a movie.

Both projectors include 3.5mm audio outputs for connecting to external speakers or headphones when preferred.

Unique Features: The Little Things That Matter

Beyond the core specifications, both projectors offer some distinctive features worth highlighting:

TCL A1 Standout Features

• VersaGrip handle/stand: This innovative design element provides easy carrying and up to 15° of tilt adjustment, solving the common problem of getting the projection angle right.
• Light Sync: LEDs on the projector can sync with music, creating ambient lighting effects that enhance the entertainment experience.
• Google Assistant: Voice control integration allows hands-free operation for searching content or controlling compatible smart home devices.

BenQ GS50 Standout Features

• Outdoor mode: A specialized picture setting that boosts contrast and saturation to improve visibility in challenging outdoor viewing conditions.
• Parental timer: Allows parents to set viewing time limits, a thoughtful feature for family movie nights.
• Eye protection sensor: Automatically dims the light source if objects (like curious children) get too close to the lens.

Value Proposition: Is the Price Difference Justified?

With a $300 gap between the TCL A1 at $499 and the BenQ GS50 at $799, it's fair to ask whether the BenQ's additional features justify its premium price.

The value equation largely depends on how you plan to use your portable projector:

TCL A1: Budget-Friendly Indoor Option

At $499, the TCL A1 represents a good value for consumers who:

• Plan to use the projector exclusively indoors in dark environments
• Always have access to power outlets
• Prioritize a lighter weight and lower cost
• Don't need exceptional audio quality

For casual movie nights in a dedicated dark room, the TCL delivers solid performance without breaking the bank.

BenQ GS50: Premium Outdoor Experience

The $799 BenQ GS50 delivers substantial additional value for users who:

• Want true outdoor usability with weather resistance
• Need battery-powered operation for locations without power
• Demand better audio quality
• Value durability and versatility

For camping trips, backyard movie nights, or use in varied environments, the BenQ's premium features translate directly to enhanced real-world utility.

How to Decide: Finding Your Perfect Portable Projector

After examining both projectors in detail, the decision comes down to your specific needs and priorities:

Choose the TCL A1 if:

• Your budget is limited: At $499, it's significantly more affordable
• You'll primarily use it in dark, indoor environments: The lower brightness is less problematic in controlled lighting
• Weight is a primary concern: It's over 3 pounds lighter than the BenQ
• You have ready access to power outlets: The lack of battery isn't an issue if you're always near power
• You're a casual viewer: For occasional movie nights, its performance is perfectly adequate

Choose the BenQ GS50 if:

• You plan regular outdoor use: Its rugged design and water resistance provide peace of mind
• You need true portability: Battery operation frees you from power constraints
• Audio quality matters: The 2.1 speaker system delivers noticeably better sound
• You watch in varied lighting conditions: The higher brightness allows for more flexible use
• You value versatility: Its durability, battery, and audio features make it suitable for more scenarios

The Verdict: Two Different Approaches to Portability

The TCL A1 and BenQ GS50 highlight how the portable projector market has evolved to serve different needs. They're not so much direct competitors as they are different interpretations of what "portable projection" means.

The TCL A1 exemplifies the "lightweight smart projector" approach—bringing streaming capabilities to a compact, affordable device that's easy to move between rooms but still requires power and controlled lighting.

The BenQ GS50 represents the "go-anywhere entertainment system" philosophy—building in battery power, weather resistance, and enhanced audio to create a truly versatile device that works in diverse environments.

For home theater enthusiasts, neither projector will replace a dedicated setup with a high-brightness, high-contrast projector and proper sound system. However, the BenQ comes closer to delivering a satisfying movie experience thanks to its superior brightness, contrast, and audio quality.

As technology continues to advance, we'll likely see the gap between portable and home theater projectors narrow further. But for now, the TCL A1 and BenQ GS50 represent compelling options at their respective price points, each serving a distinct segment of the portable projection market.

Your choice ultimately comes down to where and how you plan to use your projector—and how much you're willing to pay for additional flexibility and performance.

TCL A1 Portable 1080p Smart Projector Deals and Prices

BenQ GS50 Portable Outdoor Projector Deals and Prices