Wired tests BenQ W4100i projector as a serious home cinema contender
A recent review by Wired highlights the BenQ W4100i’s cinematic strengths and gaming performance, while noting where it falls short against premium competitors.
Wired has published a comprehensive review of the BenQ W4100i home cinema projector, positioning the device as a robust option for consumers seeking a dedicated home theatre setup. Priced at $2,999, with a current discount to $2,799, the unit is designed as a stationary long-throw projector weighing approximately 22 pounds. The publication notes that while the design resembles older models, its all-black, rectangular form factor allows it to blend discreetly into living spaces.
The review identifies the projector’s primary strengths as its excellent contrast, rich colour reproduction, and a dedicated 24 frames-per-second cinematic mode. With 3,200 lumens of brightness and 100 per cent coverage of both Rec.709 and DCI-P3 colour gamuts, the W4100i supports HDR10+ and performs effectively in both darkened and brightly lit rooms. Wired’s testing suggests these features justify the price point for users prioritising a theatrical viewing experience.
However, the analysis indicates the device does not outperform every competitor in its class. Wired found that the BenQ falls short of top-tier models such as the Epson Lifestudio Grand Plus and the Leica Cine Play 1 regarding colour accuracy and detail in specific scenes. For instance, testing with scenes from Jack Ryan: Ghost War and Avatar: Fire and Ash revealed issues with greyed-out imagery and a lack of sunniness compared to the Epson Pro Cinema LS9000, which Wired uses as a reference point for texture and detail.
On the software front, the W4100i runs on an Android TV operating system, which Wired describes as functionally identical to Google TV but lacking the newer Gemini AI support found in Epson’s platform. Setup via Google Assistant was tested using a Samsung Galaxy S26+ phone, a process that Wired noted does not work on iPhones, requiring users to initiate configuration through a Google login. The review also pointed out minor design quirks, such as the HDMI eARC port being labelled “Audio Relay” and the Android TV dongle not being preinstalled behind a removable panel.
Gaming performance emerged as a significant highlight in the review. Wired demonstrated the projector’s capability to handle 240 Hz refresh rates, citing smooth and lifelike motion in titles such as Senua’s Saga: Hellblade II and Forza Horizon 6. The publication concluded that while the W4100i is a notch below the absolute best projectors tested recently, its combination of easy setup, useful remote controls, and brilliant colours makes it a serious contender in the mid-to-high-end market.
