How Much Does it Cost?
I paid £1200 for my BenQ W2700i about a year ago, but admittedly, that had already been on the market for 3-4 years at that point, but it’s still one of the best investments I could have made in terms of its features and performance. While the new model is £1999.99 at Richer Sounds and obviously a lot more expensive, it is a heck of a lot more modern and has some hefty upgrades that simply cannot be ignored.
Conclusion
The BenQ W2720i represents a significant leap forward from its predecessor, the W2700. While the price point is higher, the advancements in technology, particularly the 4LED light source, justify the investment. The projector’s ability to produce a bright, vibrant, and accurate image, even in moderately lit environments, is truly impressive. The inclusion of Android TV and the user-friendly interface further enhance the overall experience. For those seeking a high-quality 4K HDR projector for their home cinema setup, the W2720i is a compelling option. It delivers on its promise of cinematic immersion, making it a worthy contender in its price range.
Ease of Use
Setting up the W2720i is straightforward, thanks in part to the centralised lens and the Auto Screen Fit feature. The included remote control is intuitive, and the on-screen display is easy to navigate. The AI Cinema Mode simplifies image optimisation for most users, allowing you to quickly achieve a balanced picture based on ambient light and your screen/surface. The integrated Google TV dongle ensures seamless access to streaming services, eliminating the need for additional devices. Furthermore, the manual focus and zoom adjustments require some initial setup, but I appreciate the new locking mechanism to ensure they remain in place.
Features
The W2720i is packed with features that cater to both casual viewers and serious movie lovers. The 4LED light source provides exceptional brightness and longevity, while HDR-PRO and Filmmaker Mode ensure accurate colour reproduction right out of the box. The comprehensive connectivity options, including multiple HDMI ports and a USB media port, offer flexibility for various setups. The inclusion of a factory calibration report underscores BenQ’s commitment to colour accuracy. However, it’s the extensive Google native app support that makes it the most usable, allowing access to Plex, YouTube, JellyFin, Netflix, BBC, Amazon, and a plethora of other services,
Specifications
The specifications of the W2720i reflect its high-performance design. The 4K UHD resolution delivers sharp and detailed images, while the HDR10+ and HLG support ensures compatibility with a wide range of HDR content. The projector’s 90% DCI-P3 and 98% Rec.709 colour coverage, combined with a Delta-E accuracy of 0.58, guarantees accurate colour reproduction. The 1.0-1.3 throw ratio does mean it’s got to be quite far back from the screen, especially if you’re going above 100″, however, I prefer a projector mounted towards the back of the room vs a short throw, as my projector screen locatiion can’t accomodate a front mounted projector anyway.
Connectivity
The W2720i offers a robust set of connectivity options. Three HDMI 2.4 ports, including one with eARC and 4K/120Hz support, cater to modern devices and gaming consoles. The USB media port allows for direct playback of multimedia files, while the 12V trigger and RS-232 interface enable integration with home automation systems. The built-in Google TV dongle provides seamless access to streaming services. The inclusion of HDCP 2.3 compliance ensures compatibility with protected content. I like that it’s a dongle too, as it can be removed or upgraded in the future if you need to.
Performance
The W2720i delivers exceptional performance across various content types. The image is bright, sharp, and vibrant, with excellent contrast and black levels. The projector handles motion smoothly, with support for 24fps, 60Hz, and 120Hz refresh rates. The AI Cinema Mode effectively optimises image settings, and the Smart Scene Enhancement highlights fine details. Best of all, for movie night, the projector’s quiet operation and efficient cooling system contribute to an immersive viewing experience. While I still love my W2700, it was noticeable going back to the older model after this review.
Colour Accuracy
Colour accuracy is a standout feature of the W2720i. The factory calibration ensures that colours are reproduced faithfully, with a Delta-E accuracy of 0.58. The 90% DCI-P3 and 98% Rec.709 colour coverage guarantees that both SDR and HDR content are displayed with accurate and vibrant colours. The projector’s ability to maintain colour accuracy across different lighting conditions is impressive. However, pro setups in a consistently light-controlled area would benefit from a manual configuration that will remain unchanged.
Should I Buy One?
If you’re looking for a high-quality 4K HDR projector that delivers exceptional image quality, ease of use, and a comprehensive feature set, the BenQ W2720i is an excellent choice. While the price point may be higher than some competitors, it’s often simply because this is a newer unit. Yes, you can find 4K projectors for less, I know I did, but they’re often based on older technology, and I think the extra investment for the advancements in technology, particularly the 4LED light source, justifies the W2720i. This is a worthy upgrade for those seeking a premium home cinema experience, especially if you are looking to move up from an older projector. If you’re looking for a projector to last many years, delivers a cinematic experience at the push of a button, and comes brimming with features, then look no further. I’m tempted to replace my W2700i just for the 4K120 mode, but it’s fair to say it’s an upgrade in virtually every regard.
