Comparison BenQ X3100i vs BenQ X500i
Add to comparison | ![]() | |
|---|---|---|
| BenQ X3100i | BenQ X500i | |
| Compare prices 5 | Compare prices 4 | |
| TOP sellers | ||
| Main function | gaming | gaming |
| Operating system | Android TV 11.0 | Android TV 11.0 |
Lamp and image | ||
| Lamp type | LED | LED |
| Service life | 20000 h | 20000 h |
| Service life (energy-saving) | 30000 h | 30000 h |
| Brightness ANSI Lumens | 3300 lm | 2200 lm |
| Dynamic contrast | 600 000:1 | 600 000:1 |
| Colour rendering | 1.07 billion colours | 1.07 billion colours |
| Horizontal frequency | 15 — 135 kHz | |
| Frame rate | 23 — 240 Hz | |
Projection system | ||
| Technology | DLP | DLP |
| Real resolution | 3840x2160 px | 3840x2160 px |
| Max. video resolution | 3840x2160 px | 3840x2160 px |
| Image format support | 16:9 | 16:9 |
| HDR support | + | + |
| Colour enhancement | ||
| Resolution enhancement | ||
Projecting | ||
| Rear projection | ||
| Throw distance, min | 1.52 m | 0.92 m |
| Throw distance, max | 6.64 m | 2.2 m |
| Image size | 60 – 200 " | 60 – 120 " |
| Throw ratio | 1.15 — 1.50 | 0.69 — 0.83:1 |
| Projection shift (offset) | 110 % | |
| Digital zoom | 1.3 x | 1.2 x |
| Zoom and focus | manual | manual |
| Auto keystone correction | ||
| Keystone correction (vert), ± | 30 ° | 30 ° |
| Keystone correction (horizontal), ± | 30 ° | 30 ° |
Features | ||
| Features | 3D support voice control voice assistant | 3D support voice control voice assistant |
| Bluetooth | v 5.0 | v 5.0 |
| Wi-Fi | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) | Wi-Fi 5 (802.11ac) |
| AirPlay | + | + |
| Google Cast (Chromecast) | ||
Hardware | ||
| USB-A 2.0 | 1 pcs | 1 pcs |
| USB-C | 1 pcs | |
| Speaker system | TreVolo | TreVolo |
| Number of speakers | 2 | 2 |
| Sound power | 10 W | 10 W |
| HDMI inputs | 2 | 3 |
| HDMI version | v 2.0 | v 2.0 |
| Audio connectors | 3.5 mm output (mini-Jack) optical | 3.5 mm output (mini-Jack) optical |
| Service connectors | COM port (RS-232) | COM port (RS-232) |
General | ||
| Noise level (nominal) | 32 dB | |
| Noise level (energy-saving / quiet) | 28 dB | |
| Power source | mains | mains |
| Power consumption | 360 W | 280 W |
| Size (HxWxD) | 213x272x259 mm | 118x366x244 mm |
| Weight | 6.8 kg | 3.6 kg |
| Color | ||
| Added to E-Catalog | february 2024 | february 2024 |
Compare BenQ X3100i and X500i
BenQ projectors X3100i and X500i are both designed for gaming and run on the Android TV 11.0 operating system, but they have significant differences in specifications and performance. The X3100i offers a brightness of 3300 ANSI lumens, which is significantly higher than the 2200 ANSI lumens of the X500i, making it more suitable for bright rooms. Additionally, the X3100i supports a wider projection range with an image diagonal of up to 200 inches, while the X500i is limited to 120 inches. In terms of contrast, both projectors have a dynamic value of 600,000:1, but the X3100i provides higher image clarity thanks to HDR support and color enhancement. Users note that the X3100i is better suited for gaming due to its low latency and multiple gaming modes, whereas the X500i, although it also supports low latency, may exhibit rainbow artifacts that could distract some users. Overall, the X3100i is considered a more powerful and versatile option for gamers, while the X500i may be a good choice for those looking for a more compact projector with good specifications.
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Glossary
Brightness ANSI Lumens
This parameter largely determines the ability of the projector to work in a well-lit room. For a dark room, 1000 lumens is enough to make the projection picture bright, rich, clear and understandable. But when working in a lit room, the projector will need at least 3500-4000 lumens. Do not confuse ANSI lumens with Peak lumens. These are two different brightness standards. To convert one type of brightness to another, you need to multiply Peak lumens by 10-12. The result will be an approximate value of ANSI Lumens.
However, experts do not recommend chasing high ANSI lumen brightness values. There are many professional projectors with brightness up to 3500 lm. The lower the brightness, the lower the power consumption, and at the same time, the life of the illuminator increases. Of course, if the projector will be installed in a work office or classroom where good lighting is required, it is recommended to purchase a model with ANSI Lumens brightness of 4000 lumens and more.
Horizontal frequency
Horizontal frequency supported by the projector.
This parameter is relevant when working with analogue video signal. In such a video, the image is formed line by line: each pixel in the line is highlighted in turn, then the next line is highlighted, and so on. The horizontal frequency describes how many times per second the backlight beam runs from edge to edge of the screen. For normal playback, the projector must support the same refresh rate as the input signal was recorded. However, most models support a fairly wide range of frequencies, and there are no problems with support. Also note that if you are not a professional, then when choosing a projector, it is quite possible to focus on the frame rate (see below) — this parameter is simpler and more intuitive, and support for a certain frame rate automatically means support for the corresponding line rate.
This parameter is relevant when working with analogue video signal. In such a video, the image is formed line by line: each pixel in the line is highlighted in turn, then the next line is highlighted, and so on. The horizontal frequency describes how many times per second the backlight beam runs from edge to edge of the screen. For normal playback, the projector must support the same refresh rate as the input signal was recorded. However, most models support a fairly wide range of frequencies, and there are no problems with support. Also note that if you are not a professional, then when choosing a projector, it is quite possible to focus on the frame rate (see below) — this parameter is simpler and more intuitive, and support for a certain frame rate automatically means support for the corresponding line rate.
Frame rate
Frame rate, simply put, is the frame rate supported by the projector.
For normal playback, it is highly desirable that the frame rate of the projector match the original frame rate of the video signal. However, most modern models do not support a specific frame rate, but a whole range of frequencies, and quite an extensive one at that.
Note that for viewing most video materials, the range from 24 to 60 fps is quite enough. The exception is 3D content, which may require double the frame rate, up to 120Hz (see " 3D Support " for details).
For normal playback, it is highly desirable that the frame rate of the projector match the original frame rate of the video signal. However, most modern models do not support a specific frame rate, but a whole range of frequencies, and quite an extensive one at that.
Note that for viewing most video materials, the range from 24 to 60 fps is quite enough. The exception is 3D content, which may require double the frame rate, up to 120Hz (see " 3D Support " for details).
Throw distance, min
The closest distance to the screen that the projector can be used on. Typically, this is the minimum distance at which the image from the projector remains in focus.
This parameter is especially important if the device is to be placed at a small distance from the screen (for example, in a cramped room). Some modern projectors are able to work normally at a distance of 10 – 20 cm. Also note that the throw distances are determined primarily by the lens, and if the initial range of these distances does not suit you, perhaps the situation can be solved by replacing the optics.
This parameter is especially important if the device is to be placed at a small distance from the screen (for example, in a cramped room). Some modern projectors are able to work normally at a distance of 10 – 20 cm. Also note that the throw distances are determined primarily by the lens, and if the initial range of these distances does not suit you, perhaps the situation can be solved by replacing the optics.
Throw distance, max
The farthest distance from the screen that the projector can be used on. This is the maximum distance at which the image remains in focus and maintains acceptable brightness — at least enough for viewing in a darkened room on a high-quality screen.
It is necessary to choose according to this parameter taking into account the expected operating conditions and the distances to be dealt with. At the same time, it's ok to have a certain margin for the maximum distance — since, as already mentioned, it is usually indicated for an perfect screen and a darkened room, and such conditions are not always available. Also note that although the throw distances depend on the lens, not every projector with an interchangeable lens allows the installation of more "long-range" optics than the standard one — the device may simply not have enough brightness for an increased distance.
It is necessary to choose according to this parameter taking into account the expected operating conditions and the distances to be dealt with. At the same time, it's ok to have a certain margin for the maximum distance — since, as already mentioned, it is usually indicated for an perfect screen and a darkened room, and such conditions are not always available. Also note that although the throw distances depend on the lens, not every projector with an interchangeable lens allows the installation of more "long-range" optics than the standard one — the device may simply not have enough brightness for an increased distance.
Image size
Size of the image projected by the projector. Usually, it is indicated as a range — from the smallest, at the minimum throw distance, to the largest, at the maximum. About throw distances, see above; here it is worth saying that the choice of diagonal size depends both on the distance between the screen and the audience, and on the format of the projector. For example, to watch a video, the best option is the situation when the distance from the viewer to the image corresponds to 3-4 diagonals, and a relatively large picture can be useful for working with presentations. More detailed recommendations for different situations can be found in special sources; here we only recall that the image must fit on the screen used with the projector.
Throw ratio
The projector's throw distance is vital in determining what size projection screen to use and how far away it should be from the projector. Most projectors have a variable throw ratio. In the extreme positions, these are wide-angle mode (smallest value) and telephoto lens mode (largest value). Knowing these values, you will be able to determine the range of throw distances within which the projector must be placed in order for the projected image to match the specified dimensions of the projection screen.
According to these values, you need to check or set the optical zoom. We divide the larger value by the smaller value, and we get a figure, for example 1.33-2.16: 1.
If we want to calculate whether this projector is suitable for a certain image size, we do this: 1.33*3 (image width)=the distance at which the projector should hang.
According to these values, you need to check or set the optical zoom. We divide the larger value by the smaller value, and we get a figure, for example 1.33-2.16: 1.
If we want to calculate whether this projector is suitable for a certain image size, we do this: 1.33*3 (image width)=the distance at which the projector should hang.
Projection shift (offset)
The projection offset in projectors is measured as a percentage relative to the image height and indicates where the bottom (or top, if the projector is ceiling-mounted) edge of the projection is in relation to the lens. A 100% offset means that the bottom edge of the image is level with the lens. A 110% offset raises the projection above the lens by 10% of the image height, which is convenient for table setups as the image appears slightly higher without tilting the projector. Thus, the higher the offset, the more the image shifts upward without needing to tilt the projector, helping to avoid keystone distortion.
Digital zoom
The magnification range of digital zoom provided by the projector.
It is impossible to increase the diagonal digitally, so in this case we are usually talking about enlarging the image within the existing diagonal. Thus, for example, you can “stretch” a photo or diagram to fill the screen, removing the frames around the edges, enlarge a separate fragment of the image for a more detailed examination, etc. And in some models, digital zoom means, in fact, a reduction, when instead of the entire sensor only part of it is used. This can be useful if the original size of the image does not fit the screen.
It is worth noting that in both cases, the operation of the “zoom” is associated with a decrease in resolution and some deterioration in the overall quality of the picture.
It is impossible to increase the diagonal digitally, so in this case we are usually talking about enlarging the image within the existing diagonal. Thus, for example, you can “stretch” a photo or diagram to fill the screen, removing the frames around the edges, enlarge a separate fragment of the image for a more detailed examination, etc. And in some models, digital zoom means, in fact, a reduction, when instead of the entire sensor only part of it is used. This can be useful if the original size of the image does not fit the screen.
It is worth noting that in both cases, the operation of the “zoom” is associated with a decrease in resolution and some deterioration in the overall quality of the picture.

