Epson Home Cinema 2350 4K PRO-UHD Smart Streaming Projector with Android TV vs BenQ TH671ST 1080p Short Throw Gaming Projector

Price Comparison

The Epson Home Cinema 2350 is priced at C$1,799.99, while the BenQ TH671ST is significantly less expensive at C$1,049.98. This price difference of C$750.01 makes the BenQ model a more budget-friendly option, particularly for those who are primarily interested in gaming rather than premium cinematic experiences. The Epson projector's higher cost is attributed to its advanced features, including 4K PRO-UHD resolution and smart streaming capabilities, which may appeal to users looking for a comprehensive home entertainment solution rather than just gaming.

Picture Quality

In terms of picture quality, the Epson Home Cinema 2350 excels with its 4K PRO-UHD resolution, delivering a bright picture with 2,800 lumens of colour and white brightness. This feature ensures vibrant visuals in various lighting conditions. In contrast, the BenQ TH671ST offers a native Full HD 1080p resolution, with a brightness of 3,000 lumens. While the BenQ provides excellent colour accuracy at 92% Rec. 709, the Epson's advanced 3-chip 3LCD technology promises superior colour fidelity and detail, particularly for cinematic viewing. Users prioritising high-resolution content may favour the Epson, while those satisfied with 1080p might find the BenQ meets their needs effectively.

Gaming Performance

For gaming enthusiasts, the BenQ TH671ST outshines the Epson Home Cinema 2350 with its ultra-fast low input lag and refresh rate that caters specifically to consoles like the Xbox One X and PS4 Pro. This projector is designed to offer ultra-smooth gameplay, which is crucial for competitive gaming. In comparison, the Epson also boasts an input lag time under 20 ms, making it responsive for gaming as well, but it may not match the dedicated gaming performance that the BenQ provides. Thus, while both projectors are suitable for gaming, the BenQ is particularly tailored for gamers seeking a quick response time.

Screen Size and Throw Distance

The BenQ TH671ST is designed for short throw capabilities, allowing it to project a 100-inch image from just 5 feet away, which is an impressive feature for smaller rooms. It can project images up to 300 inches, making it versatile for larger setups as well. The Epson Home Cinema 2350 does not specify a short throw capability but is designed for larger spaces, making it ideal for home theatres. Users with limited space may find the BenQ more accommodating due to its ability to project large images from a short distance.

Smart Features

The Epson Home Cinema 2350 includes smart streaming capabilities through its integrated Android TV interface, allowing users to access popular streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and YouTube directly. It also features voice search with Google Assistant, enhancing user convenience. On the other hand, the BenQ TH671ST does not highlight any smart streaming features, focusing instead on its gaming performance and picture quality. For users prioritising streaming flexibility and integration, the Epson stands out as the better option.

Customer Support and Warranty

In terms of customer support, the BenQ TH671ST offers a 3-year limited parts and labour warranty, providing peace of mind to users regarding potential issues. This warranty is particularly valuable for gamers who rely on their projector for consistent performance. The Epson Home Cinema 2350 does not specify warranty details in the provided information, leaving potential buyers with less clarity on post-purchase support. This aspect could influence customers who value robust customer service and warranty coverage when making a decision.

Portability

When considering portability, the BenQ TH671ST is designed to be user-friendly with flexible connectivity options, supporting most media players, gaming consoles, and PCs. Its lightweight and compact design make it easy to set up and transport, ideal for users who may want to move the projector between different locations. In contrast, while the Epson Home Cinema 2350 offers advanced features, it is less clear about its portability attributes. For users who plan to frequently relocate their projector, the BenQ’s design may be more advantageous.

Which should you buy?

Choosing between the Epson Home Cinema 2350 and the BenQ TH671ST ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you're looking for a high-quality home theatre experience with 4K resolution and smart streaming features, the Epson's higher price is justified. However, if gaming performance, cost-effectiveness, and space considerations are your priorities, the BenQ's lower price and short throw capabilities make it an excellent choice. Each projector has its strengths, so assessing what features matter most to you will guide your decision effectively.