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From gemini, because I was curious.
For a modern smart home setup, this specific model is quite dated. Here is the breakdown:
The Reality Check
• Resolution (720p): In an era where 1080p is the bare minimum and 4K is standard, 720p will look noticeably "soft" or pixelated, especially if you plan to project it at a large size (over 60-80 inches).
• Operating System (Android 4.4): This is the biggest red flag. Android 4.4 is nearly a decade old. Most modern apps (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+) will likely not run natively on this OS anymore because it's no longer supported. You would almost certainly need to plug in a Roku or Fire Stick to make it functional.
• Brightness: This model is designed for portability/outdoor use, meaning its "lumens" (brightness) are relatively low. It will only look good in a very dark room; it won't stand a chance against ambient light during the day.
Is it a "Good Deal"?
• Technically: No. You can find modern, brand-new 1080p budget projectors for under $200 that feature much newer software and better connectivity.
• The BenQ Factor: BenQ is a top-tier brand, and the build quality of the GS1 is solid. However, this specific model was released around 2016. Buying an 8-year-old smart device for $170 is rarely a winning move.
300 ANSI Lumen, 720P, and manual focus— for $170 it's pretty easy to find something that's either brighter, 1080p, or a more portable package (autofocus+battery+decent built in speakers). It is relatively short throw (0.8:1), which is the only thing it has going for it.
I'd be surprised if android 4.4 can still login to streaming apps, so the built in OS is a non-factor.
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Our community has rated this post as helpful. If you agree, why not thank LDA1
For a modern smart home setup, this specific model is quite dated. Here is the breakdown:
The Reality Check
• Resolution (720p): In an era where 1080p is the bare minimum and 4K is standard, 720p will look noticeably "soft" or pixelated, especially if you plan to project it at a large size (over 60-80 inches).
• Operating System (Android 4.4): This is the biggest red flag. Android 4.4 is nearly a decade old. Most modern apps (Netflix, YouTube, Disney+) will likely not run natively on this OS anymore because it's no longer supported. You would almost certainly need to plug in a Roku or Fire Stick to make it functional.
• Brightness: This model is designed for portability/outdoor use, meaning its "lumens" (brightness) are relatively low. It will only look good in a very dark room; it won't stand a chance against ambient light during the day.
Is it a "Good Deal"?
• Technically: No. You can find modern, brand-new 1080p budget projectors for under $200 that feature much newer software and better connectivity.
• The BenQ Factor: BenQ is a top-tier brand, and the build quality of the GS1 is solid. However, this specific model was released around 2016. Buying an 8-year-old smart device for $170 is rarely a winning move.
I'd be surprised if android 4.4 can still login to streaming apps, so the built in OS is a non-factor.
Join The Conversation
Share your experience with the Slickdeals community
Share information with the community. Please follow our Community Guidelines and be kind!