BenQ W4100i review: should you opt for this 4K HDR projector?

A direct successor to the excellent W4000i, the BenQ W4100i projector stands out as an ambitious mid-range home theater solution, inheriting certain technologies from BenQ’s prestigious 5800 and 5850 models. Featuring a 4LED light source and factory calibration, it promises a vivid, accurate and immersive 4K HDR picture thanks to its HDR-Pro processing. HDR10+ compatible and optimized for gaming thanks to its HDMI 2.1 inputs, it aims to appeal to both movie lovers and discerning gamers alike. Priced at €2,990, can it hold its own against the excellent Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2, its direct competitor in this price range?

Presentation

Successor to the BenQ W4000i released in 2023, the BenQ W4100i projector is a DLP 4K UHD model featuring an LED light source. It fully covers the DCI-P3 (digital cinema) and Rec.709 (HD content) color spaces, and supports HDR10, HDR10+ and HLG formats. Its 0.65″ DLP chip takes advantage of third-generation XPR 4K emulation technology to project all the pixels of native 4K images.

Proprietary HDR-PRO technology with dynamic tone mapping is still in use. This enables the BenQ projector to adjust brightness and contrast in real time, frame by frame, unlike models that apply a fixed HDR curve to all projected images. This way, it balances detail in dark areas while ensuring better control of highlights. This approach fully benefits all HDR content, from 4K HDR Blu-ray discs to TV sources and streaming.

This BenQ W4100i projector is also suitable for video games, featuring three HDMI 2.1 ports, including one with the eARC function and another compatible with 120Hz 4K (1080p display up to 240Hz), and offering low latency (6.5ms at 240Hz 1080p and 17.9 ms in 60Hz 4K).

Its minimalist, compact design (420.5 x 135.3 x 312.1mm, 6.1kg) is ideal for fixed residential installation. It features a 1.3x optical zoom, 60% vertical and ±15% horizontal lens shift, as well as 2D keystone correction and digital adjustment of the four corners of the picture, for flexible, precise positioning.

Supplied with an Android TV module to connect to a dedicated HDMI input, the BenQ W4100i offers direct access to platforms such as Netflix, YouTube and Disney+, integrating Chromecast, Google Assistant and voice search.

What improvements have been made compared to the W4000i?

The BenQ W4100i benefits from a number of technical enhancements that strengthen its appeal for all home theater enthusiasts.

In terms of brightness, the nominal value of its 4LED RGBB light source remains identical to that of the W4000i (3,200 ANSI lumens), but benefits from optimization in calibrated mode. The manufacturer therefore announces 2,050 ANSI lumens in Rec.709 and 1,250 ANSI lumens with extended color space (100% DCI-P3 and WCG filter activated), which is approximately 15% more than its predecessor with equivalent settings. This increased light output, combined with full DCI-P3 coverage, should deliver a vivid, balanced picture, even on large screens or in partially lit rooms.

Native contrast, the Achilles heel of DLP projectors, is further enhanced by integrated software solutions. The Dynamic Black feature, supported by intelligent LED dimming, benefits from the new Global Contrast Enhancer function, which complements the Local Contrast Enhancer already present on the W4000i.

What’s more, these processing features are now operational when the WCG mode (DCI-P3) is activated, and act over the entire brightness range (100-40%), unlike the W4000i, which only offered them in REC.709 (standard color space) and over a more reduced brightness range (80-40%). The result: improved image depth, without artificial transitions, for all standard and HDR content.

Added to this is the new AI Cinema mode, which uses artificial intelligence to adjust sharpness, contrast and saturation frame by frame, in real time. In particular, it compensates for the effects of compression on streaming videos to improve definition and detail.

Finally, the Corner Fit function enhances installation flexibility by allowing adjustment of all four image angles, in addition to lens shift and keystone correction.

Key specifications

• DLP Ultra HD 4K (4K emulation)
• Light source: 4 LEDs (30,000 hours)
• Max. brightness: 3,200 ANSI lumens
• Horizontal and vertical lens shift
• Factory-calibrated
• HDR10+ and dynamic tone mapping
• 3x HDMI 2.1
• Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, etc.
• eARC (5.1/7.1/Dolby Atmos)

Included accessories

The BenQ W4100i comes with a BenQ QS02 Android TV dongle for connection to the projector’s dedicated HDMI port and micro USB port.

The manufacturer also includes a battery-powered remote control (2 AAA batteries included) and a 3-meter power cable. A cover is supplied with the projector to protect the lens. It clips onto the front panel, to which it is attached by a cord to prevent it from being misplaced. The box also contains a quick-start guide and a warranty card.

It also includes the projector’s factory calibration report, guaranteeing consistent color accuracy for every model leaving the assembly line. Components are scrupulously inspected before they reach the production line, and color adjustment stations are integrated into the production process. White balance calibration is ensured, along with gamma curve verification and 100% coverage of Rec.709 and DCI-P3 color spaces.

Test conditions

I tested the BenQ W4100i in the projection room of the Son-Vidéo.com store in Nantes, equipped with a white projection screen (gain 1.0). As the focal length of this projector is relatively short (projection ratio between 1.15:1 and 1.5:1), I installed the projector about 3m from the screen to obtain a picture measuring 100 inches (2.5m) across.

The projector was connected to the Panasonic DMP-UB820 UHD Blu-ray player and a PlayStation 5, using an Audioquest Cinnamon 48 HDMI cable.

Once the projector was set up, I displayed the test pattern (a grid) to easily position the image within the limits of the screen (Projector Menu button in the top right-hand corner of the remote control > Installation > Test pattern > Activate). The BenQ W4000i’s zoom and lens shift then enabled me to easily adjust the image size and position.

📝 Expert advice
When installing the projector, start by centering the lens in relation to the screen, and place it on the same horizontal plane as the bottom of the latter. If you're installing it on the ceiling, you'll need to position it on the same horizontal plane as the top of the screen.
If the projector is out of alignment and you exceed the lens shift limits, you can use the horizontal and vertical keystone correction, as well as the adjustment of the four corners of the picture, to fine-tune the geometry. Be careful, however, not to overuse these digital corrections, which inevitably alter the quality of the projected image.  

My impressions of the BenQ W4100i

Design

Those hoping for an evolution in design for this new generation will be disappointed. The W4100i uses the same chassis as the W4000i, so much so that it seems impossible to tell them apart at first glance. Only the rear panel allows us to identify them, thanks to the different connectors.

The lens is still positioned to the side, requiring the projector to be installed slightly off-center from the screen. It now features a removable cover that protects it from dust when the projector is not in use.

On the top of the device are the manual zoom and focus adjustment knobs, protected by a sliding cover. Two dials are also present to adjust the horizontal and vertical lens shift.

The projector’s control interface is still located on the right-hand side of the unit.

Connectors

The BenQ W4100i’s connectivity is comprehensive, making it easy to connect HDMI digital video sources, an external audio system and enjoy wireless Internet access.

Remote control

The remote control for the BenQ W4100i projector has a white finish and rounded edges, making it comfortable to hold. Backlit, clearly identified buttons make it easy to use in the dark.

The only criticism is that it uses regular batteries rather than a rechargeable one.

Smart TV features

Like the brand’s other smart models, the BenQ W4100i projector includes an external Android TV module (ref. BenQ QS02) that is discreetly installed behind a cover on the rear of the device. It connects to a dedicated HDMI port and is powered via a dedicated micro USB port. Note that the projector is equipped with a male HDMI port for direct connection to the female HDMI port of the Android TV module, without cables.

Certified by Google, this module offers full Android TV functionality, with direct access to major streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+ and YouTube, including in 4K HDR depending on your subscription. It also supports voice control with Google Assistant and can stream content wirelessly from a smartphone, tablet or computer thanks to Chromecast.

You’ll be able to enjoy a smooth, responsive user experience and a high-quality picture, provided you have a stable, high-performance network connection.

Picture

The brightness of the BenQ W4100i allows it to be used during the daytime in a dimly lit room. However, this will be at the expense of image dynamics, and you’ll have to make do with somewhat dull colors. However, if you make the room darker, you’ll enjoy brighter colors and improved contrast. In the home theater room of the Son-Vidéo store in Nantes, with its dark walls and no extraneous light, I was able to take full advantage of the BenQ W4100i’s qualities.

From the test patterns and video content on the Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark Blu-rays to the 4K HDR Blu-rays of Top Gun: Maverick and Dune Part II, I was immediately impressed by this projector. The picture was ultra-precise and detailed, with realistic textures and accurate colors. The Filmmaker mode delivered a smooth, cinematic image, with excellent HDR management.

The scene with the horses in the snow revealed subtle shades of white in the landscape, while the black-and-white scenes from Dune ‘s second opus confirmed this projector’s masterful contrast management, in both the dark and light parts of the image.

It was also hard not to marvel at the accuracy of the colors displayed. The projector’s precise calibration enabled me to enjoy highly realistic pictures and an ultra-immersive experience.

Whether it was close-ups of flowers and animals (Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray), or pilots’ faces and outfits (Top Gun: Maverick 4K Blu-ray), the colors were extremely natural, far from the excess sometimes seen with some poorly calibrated laser projectors.

I also particularly appreciated the precision and sharpness of the projected images, confirming the effectiveness of the 0.65″ DLP chip combined with the latest-generation 4K XPR processing. This BenQ W4100i illustrates just how difficult it is becoming to distinguish between emulated DLP 4K projection and a native 4K.

In terms of fluidity, the BenQ fared well. On movie images at 24 fps, judder was very limited. The aerial combat scenes between Maverick and the young naval aviators appeared on screen without a hitch, retaining all their intensity. The night-time tracking shot of the city lights ( Spears & Munsil Ultra HD Benchmark 4K Blu-ray) was also very good. If required, for sports programs or the fastest action scenes, you can activate the motion smoothing technology, which is pretty effective (Image Menu > Advanced Color Settings > CinemaMaster > Motion Enhancer 4K).

Last but not least, rainbow effects are fairly limited with this projector and should only bother those who are very sensitive to them.

My recommended picture settings
Right out of the box, this projector delivers excellent image quality thanks to its factory calibration. The best results are achieved in a dark room, free from any source of light pollution. 

For 4K HDR content, Filmmaker mode ensures excellent color fidelity and a very soft, cinema-like image. It is slightly brighter than HDR10 mode, but sometimes loses nuance in the brightest parts of the picture.  

If you're looking for more detail and substance (skin textures, etc.), I recommend the HDR10 mode, which offers superb sharpness and greater clarity, without artifacts. However, the latter is a little darker than Filmmaker mode, causing some detail to be lost in the darker parts of the picture. This can be compensated for by increasing HDR brightness (adjustable from -2 to +2 in steps of 1).  

For SDR content, the Cinema mode is ideal, while the Bright Cinema mode is suitable for rooms with some ambient lighting.

Gaming

This projector offers excellent gaming performance and automatically detects the console connected to the HDMI port (ALLM). The gaming mode, dubbed “fast mode” and accessible via the Image menu, automatically optimizes settings to maximize responsiveness (Motion Enhancer 4K and Noise Reduction functions deactivated).

I was able to play Gran Turismo in 120Hz 4K via the PS5 (incoming 120Hz 4K signal then downscaled and projected in 120Hz Full HD) with very good smoothness and no perceptible judder. The BenQ proved highly responsive, with every command made on the controller instantly displayed on screen, guaranteeing an immersive, ultra-responsive experience.

Sound

Unsurprisingly, the projector’s single 5-watt driver proves timid and too ineffective to immerse the viewer in the action. The use of an external audio system is essential to achieve sound spatialization on a par with the picture.

BenQ W4100i compared to the Valerion VisionMaster Pro 2

The BenQ W4100i relies on precision and fidelity thanks to its factory calibration, but also on its HDR10+ compatibility and low input lag, appealing to discerning movie lovers and gamers alike. Its major asset remains its color accuracy and the flexibility of its lens shift, ideal for permanent installations.

The Valerion Vision Master Pro 2 offers a more spectacular picture with its triple laser source, 110% Rec.2020 coverage and support for Dolby Vision and IMAX Enhanced. Brighter, more immersive and easier to set up (autofocus, auto adjustments), it’s ideal for those who prefer comfort and performance.

• See the Valerion Vision Master Pro 2 review

Who is the BenQ W4100i designed for?

The BenQ W4100i is aimed at home theater enthusiasts looking for a faithful, immersive 4K HDR image without the need for complex settings. Its factory calibration, HDR compatibility and integrated Android TV will appeal to discerning cinema and streaming enthusiasts alike. Gamers will appreciate its HDMI 2.1 inputs and low latency, guaranteeing a smooth, responsive experience.

Frequently asked questions about the BenQ W4100i