Choosing Between Portable and Gaming Projectors: XGIMI MoGo 4 vs BenQ TH685P

When it comes to projectors in 2025, we're seeing two distinctly different approaches that reflect how people want to consume entertainment. On one side, you have ultra-portable projectors like the XGIMI MoGo 4 that prioritize convenience and mobility. On the other, traditional gaming-focused projectors like the BenQ TH685P emphasize raw performance and specialized features. Both deliver 1080p resolution, but that's where the similarities end.

The projector market has evolved significantly over the past few years. We've seen major improvements in LED light sources, battery technology, and smart features, while traditional lamp-based projectors have become brighter and more gaming-focused. Understanding these different approaches will help you choose the right projector for your specific needs and lifestyle.

Understanding the Two Philosophies

The fundamental difference between these projectors comes down to power and portability philosophy. The XGIMI MoGo 4, released in 2025, represents the latest evolution in portable projection technology. It's built around a 71.28Wh battery that provides up to 2.5 hours of video playback, weighs just 2.9 pounds, and measures roughly the size of a large coffee thermos. This is a projector designed to go wherever you do.

In contrast, the BenQ TH685P, also from 2025, takes the traditional approach. It requires constant AC power, weighs 6.2 pounds, and is designed for permanent or semi-permanent installation. However, this traditional approach allows it to deliver 3500 ANSI lumens of brightness—nearly eight times brighter than the MoGo 4's 450 ISO lumens.

The brightness difference is crucial to understand. ANSI lumens and ISO lumens are both standardized brightness measurements, but they're tested differently. Generally speaking, ANSI lumens tend to be slightly higher than ISO lumens for the same actual brightness. But even accounting for measurement differences, the BenQ TH685P is dramatically brighter, which fundamentally changes where and when you can use each projector effectively.

Gaming Performance: Where Milliseconds Matter

If gaming is your primary concern, the performance differences between these projectors are substantial. Input lag—the delay between when you press a button and see the action on screen—is critical for gaming, especially competitive gaming. The BenQ TH685P delivers an impressive 8.3ms input lag at 1080p/120Hz, which puts it in the realm of dedicated gaming monitors.

To put this in perspective, anything under 20ms is generally considered excellent for gaming, and under 10ms is what serious gamers look for. The TH685P also supports 120Hz refresh rates, meaning it can display up to 120 frames per second for incredibly smooth motion in supported games. This is particularly beneficial for fast-paced games like first-person shooters or racing games where smooth motion can provide a competitive advantage.

The XGIMI MoGo 4, with its 56ms input lag, is perfectly acceptable for casual gaming but won't satisfy competitive gamers. However, what it lacks in responsiveness, it makes up for in flexibility. You can literally game anywhere—set it up in your bedroom, take it to a friend's house, or even game outdoors. The 360° adjustable stand means you could theoretically play games projected on a ceiling, which opens up entirely new gaming scenarios.

From my experience testing both types of projectors, the difference in input lag is immediately noticeable if you're used to responsive gaming displays. The BenQ TH685P feels nearly as responsive as a good gaming monitor, while the XGIMI MoGo 4 has enough delay that you'll need to adjust your timing slightly in fast-paced games.

Brightness and Image Quality: The Great Trade-off

Here's where the fundamental trade-off becomes clear. The BenQ TH685P's 3500 ANSI lumens means you can watch movies or game during the day with lights on, or even with some sunlight in the room. This projector can handle ambient light that would completely wash out the image from the XGIMI MoGo 4.

The MoGo 4's LED light source, while much dimmer, offers its own advantages. LED projectors typically produce more vibrant colors and have much longer lifespans—the LED in the MoGo 4 should last over 20,000 hours compared to the TH685P's lamp life of up to 15,000 hours. LED light sources also don't dim over time like traditional lamps do, maintaining consistent brightness throughout their lifespan.

Both projectors support HDR (High Dynamic Range), which expands the range of colors and contrast they can display. The BenQ TH685P covers 95% of the Rec. 709 color space—the standard for HD video—while the XGIMI MoGo 4 covers 90% of the DCI-P3 color space, which is wider and includes more vivid colors, particularly reds and greens.

In practice, this means the BenQ TH685P will give you more accurate, cinema-standard colors, while the XGIMI MoGo 4 will produce more saturated, "pop" colors that many people prefer for casual viewing. Neither approach is objectively better—it's a matter of whether you prioritize color accuracy or visual impact.

Audio: Built-in Sound Systems Compared

Both projectors include built-in speakers, but they take different approaches. The XGIMI MoGo 4 features dual 6W speakers tuned by Harman Kardon, a well-respected audio company. These speakers are designed to provide room-filling sound and can even function as a standalone Bluetooth speaker when you're not projecting anything.

What's particularly interesting about the MoGo 4 is its Ambient Light Mode, where you can use it purely as a premium speaker with mood lighting created by its magnetic creative filters. This transforms the projector into a multi-purpose device that can set the atmosphere for parties or relaxation sessions.

The BenQ TH685P includes a single 5W speaker with treVolo audio technology and game-specific sound enhancements. While adequate for casual use, most people will want to connect external speakers for a full home theater experience. However, the TH685P does include specialized gaming audio modes that can enhance directional audio cues in games.

From my testing, the XGIMI MoGo 4's audio system is surprisingly good for its size, easily filling a small to medium room with clear sound. The BenQ TH685P's speaker is more of a backup option—functional but not particularly impressive.

Smart Features and Connectivity

This is where the XGIMI MoGo 4 really shines. It runs Google TV with full Netflix licensing and access to over 10,000 apps and 800+ free channels. This means you can start streaming immediately without any additional devices. The interface is optimized for projector use, and the mini remote control makes navigation simple.

The smart features extend beyond just streaming. The MoGo 4 includes automatic focus and keystone correction through its ISA (Intelligent Screen Adaptation) Technology. Point it at virtually any surface, and it will automatically adjust the image to be properly focused and geometrically correct. This is incredibly convenient when you're setting up in new locations frequently.

The BenQ TH685P takes a more traditional approach with no built-in smart features. You'll need to connect a streaming device, gaming console, or computer to access content. However, it does include dual HDMI 2.0 inputs, which provide more flexibility for connecting multiple devices simultaneously.

For connectivity, the XGIMI MoGo 4 includes Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.1 for wireless connections, plus HDMI (with ARC support for audio return) and USB ports. The BenQ TH685P focuses on wired connections with its dual HDMI inputs and VGA input for older devices.

Home Theater Considerations

If you're considering either projector for a dedicated home theater setup, the BenQ TH685P is generally the better choice. Its higher brightness allows for larger screen sizes—up to 300 inches compared to the MoGo 4's recommended maximum of 120 inches. The 1.3x zoom lens also provides more installation flexibility, allowing you to adjust the image size without moving the projector.

The TH685P's 10,000:1 contrast ratio delivers deeper blacks and more defined shadow details, which is particularly important for movie watching in dark rooms. Combined with its HDR10 and HLG support, this projector can deliver a genuinely cinematic experience.

However, the XGIMI MoGo 4 offers unique advantages for certain home theater scenarios. If you rent your home or move frequently, the portability is invaluable. You can easily relocate it between rooms or take it with you when you move. The 360° adjustable stand also means you can project onto unusual surfaces—I've seen people use it to project movies onto their ceiling for bed viewing, which is impossible with traditional projectors.

When Each Projector Makes Sense

Choose the XGIMI MoGo 4 if mobility and convenience are your top priorities. This projector excels in scenarios where you want projection capability anywhere: college dorms, small apartments, travel, outdoor entertainment, or homes where you can't install permanent equipment. The all-in-one nature means you don't need to buy separate speakers or streaming devices, which can offset its higher initial cost.

The MoGo 4 is also perfect for casual users who want the "wow factor" of projection without the complexity of a traditional setup. The automatic setup features mean anyone can use it successfully, and the battery power eliminates concerns about finding power outlets or dealing with long cable runs.

Go with the BenQ TH685P if you have a dedicated space for projection and want maximum performance for your money. This projector delivers professional-level gaming performance and enough brightness to handle various lighting conditions. It's the better choice for serious gamers, movie enthusiasts who want large screen sizes, or anyone who values pure performance over convenience.

The TH685P also makes sense if you already own streaming devices and sound systems, as its lack of built-in smart features won't be a limitation. At the time of writing, it typically offers better brightness-per-dollar value than portable alternatives.

The Verdict: Different Tools for Different Jobs

These projectors represent different philosophies rather than direct competitors. The XGIMI MoGo 4 prioritizes lifestyle and convenience, delivering good-enough performance in a package that can go anywhere and do multiple jobs. The BenQ TH685P focuses on specialized performance in gaming and traditional home theater applications.

Your choice should align with how you actually plan to use the projector. If you value the ability to set up anywhere, appreciate all-in-one convenience, and primarily watch in darkened environments, the XGIMI MoGo 4 delivers unique capabilities that traditional projectors simply can't match.

If you have a dedicated space, need bright images, want the absolute best gaming performance, or plan to use very large screen sizes, the BenQ TH685P provides better value and performance for those specific needs.

Both projectors represent solid engineering for their intended use cases. The key is honestly assessing your priorities: do you value convenience and flexibility, or maximum performance and brightness? Your answer will guide you to the right choice.

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