The GV30 is a 720p HD LED projector that is rated at 300 ANSI lumens. The LED light source is rated to last up to 30,000 hours on Eco mode. That calculates that out to be eight hours of projector usage every day, for ten years, without ever changing the light source. Now that’s many years of maintenance-free operation.
The GV30 is easy to carry, easy to set up, and easy to use…that my friends is a trifecta in my book.
The BenQ GV30 with Android TV is a winning combination.
With the Android TV Operating System with 5000+ native apps, the BenQ GV30 is ready to entertain. Smart features are seamlessly integrated. The on-screen menus are well laid out and easy to navigate. In addition, the GV30 has popular streaming apps like Disney+, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube.
The GV30 is the world’s first portable 720p HD 2.1 channel projector.
With BenQ claiming the GV30 is the world’s first portable 720p HD 2.1 channel projector, the GV30 is ready to turn almost any place into a gathering spot for watching shows or listening to music. The GV30’s built-in Android TV makes binge-watching movies and TV shows easy to do.
The 2.1 channel sound system is tuned by treVolo.
The built-in 2.1 channel sound system by treVolo features two 4-watt midrange tweeters and an 8-watt woofer. The extra bass from the woofer is noticeable and brings in another layer to music and cinematic sound effects.
VALUE PROPOSITION
135-degree rotation with the unique projector base.
I have tested numerous small projectors, i.e., Epson EpiqVision Mini EF12 Smart Streaming Laser Projector, XGIMI Halo, Phillips PicoPix Max, BenQ X1300i, XGIMI Horizon series, XGIMI Elfin, and the BenQ GS50. I can confidently say the BenQ GV30 is the only projector with a unique magnetized base that allows rotating the projector. The end-user can rotate the projector along the magnetized base 135 degrees to align the lens exactly where they want it.
Portability is the name of the game.
The press release information I received from BenQ states that the Nebula Mars II projector is a possible competitor for the BenQ GV30. I have not had the opportunity to review the Nebula Mars II. However, I did my due diligence and conducted investigative research on the Nebula Mars II. Until I have a Nebula to review, the best I can offer is an on-paper statistical comparison between the two projectors. The BenQ GV30 and Nebula Mars II are both 720p projectors. Both projectors are rated at 300 ANSI lumens. The GV30 has an MSRP of $599, and the Mars II has an MSRP of $499.
The GV30 has Android TV, whereas the Mars II utilizes Aptoide. The BenQ GV30 is an easy win here with Android TV. Even though Aptoide proudly states, “Discover and distribute top apps in the safest Android app store. No geo-restrictions so that you can find all the content you want, wherever you want.” My past experiences with Aptoide have shown it to be highly glitchy. With Aptoide, it was a roll of the dice on what resolution the apps supported. An external streaming device like Apple TV, Roku, or Amazon Fire TV is what I usually use for streaming content anytime I have a projector with Aptoide. I would keep checking on Aptoide, though; it might be a great alternative once the bugs are worked out.
The GV30 has a built-in battery rated to last up to 2.5 hours, and the Mars II has a built-in battery rated at 4 hours. However, it is worth noting that I consistently got over 2.5 hours of video playback on my demo GV30. I got over 3 hours of video playback each time I tested the GV30 on battery power.
The BenQ GV30 has dual 4-watt speakers and a single 8-watt woofer by tuned treVolo. The Nebula Mars II has dual 10-watt speakers. I have used the BenQ GV30 frequently as a Bluetooth speaker. I have enjoyed the 2.1 channel audio the BenQ GV30 offers and appreciate the added woofer.
At an MSRP of $599, I do believe the BenQ GV30 is well worth the price. The small size, notable features, and portability of the GV30 are hard to match.
The GV30 is incredibly small and lightweight, you can easily carry it in one hand.
If you are looking for a more powerful BenQ LED portable smart projector with a built-in battery and built-in 2.1 channel audio, then look no more. BenQ is releasing its GS50 projector at the end of August 2021. The GS50 is a 1080p Full High Definition (FHD) ruggedized portable LED projector rated at 500 ANSI lumens. Click here for my full review of the BenQ GS50.
