BenQ TH575i 1080p Home Projector vs XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus Portable Projector

Price Comparison

The BenQ TH575i is priced at £479.00, while the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus is more affordable at £399.00. This significant price difference of £80 may influence buyers based on their budget and the specific features offered by each projector. The BenQ model's higher price reflects its advanced specifications, including a brightness of 3,800 lumens, which is a standout feature for those prioritising vivid images even in well-lit environments. In contrast, the XGIMI, though less costly, provides a commendable brightness of 500 ISO lumens, suitable for various viewing conditions, but may not match the clarity of the BenQ in brighter settings.

Brightness and Image Quality

Brightness plays a crucial role in the overall viewing experience of a projector. The BenQ TH575i boasts a brightness of 3,800 lumens, ensuring vibrant visuals even on a 120-inch screen. This capability makes it an excellent choice for environments where lighting cannot be controlled. On the other hand, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus, while offering a lower brightness of 500 ISO lumens, compensates with a sharp 4000:1 contrast ratio and a colour gamut covering 121% of Rec.709. This means that while the Elfin may not shine as brightly, it delivers lifelike detail and colour accuracy that can enhance the viewing experience.

Portability and Design

When it comes to portability, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus excels with its compact, book-sized design that measures only 2.5 inches in thickness, making it easy to carry around. Its integrated all-in-one stand allows for 150° rotation, ensuring versatile placement without needing extensive setup. In contrast, the BenQ TH575i, while capable of being set up in a variety of environments, is designed primarily for home use rather than mobility. This difference makes the Elfin a better option for users who might want to take their projector to different locations, such as outdoor movie nights or travel.

Setup and Usability

Both projectors offer features designed to simplify the setup process, but they approach it differently. The BenQ TH575i incorporates a 1.1x optical zoom and Auto Vertical Keystone correction, allowing users to achieve a perfectly squared image with minimal effort. This feature is particularly beneficial for those who may not have extensive technical knowledge. Conversely, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus boasts an automatic image alignment feature called ISA that allows the projector to adjust the image for optimal viewing with just a flip. This user-friendly approach caters to those who value a quick and efficient setup without the fuss of manual adjustments.

Streaming Capability

Streaming options are essential for modern projectors, and both models come equipped with features that enhance this experience. The BenQ TH575i includes a licensed Google TV dongle, providing seamless access to popular streaming services like Netflix, YouTube, and Disney+. This feature ensures that users can enjoy their favourite content with minimal hassle. Similarly, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus comes with Google TV and licensed Netflix pre-installed, allowing for immediate viewing upon power-up. Both projectors cater to streaming enthusiasts, but the inclusion of the dongle with the BenQ could be seen as a more comprehensive solution.

Audio Experience

Audio quality can significantly affect the overall viewing experience, and both projectors have made considerations for sound. The BenQ TH575i does not specify built-in speakers, suggesting that users might need external audio solutions for the best experience. In contrast, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus features dual 3W speakers, which provide a decent audio output for casual viewing without requiring external speakers. This inclusion makes the Elfin a more versatile option for those who may not want to invest in additional audio equipment.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, input lag is a critical factor, and here the BenQ TH575i shines with its remarkably low input lag of just 16.7 milliseconds. This specification makes it an excellent choice for fast-paced gaming, where every millisecond counts. The XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus does not specify its input lag, which could be a concern for serious gamers who prioritise responsiveness. As such, the BenQ model is likely the better option for those who intend to use their projector primarily for gaming purposes.

Which should you buy?

Deciding between the BenQ TH575i and the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritise brightness, gaming performance, and a more extensive feature set, the BenQ TH575i, despite its higher price of £479.00, may be worth the investment. However, if portability, ease of setup, and affordability are more important to you, the XGIMI Elfin Flip Plus at £399.00 offers compelling features that make it an excellent choice for casual users and those on the go.