When you think of upgrading your home entertainment system, a projector might not be the first thing that comes to mind. With TV screens getting larger and more economical, it’s easy to overlook projectors. But once you try one, especially in a compact, user-friendly package like the Portronics Beem 500 Smart LED Projector, you might find that you don’t just need one, you want one. Whether you’re into binge-watching your favourite shows, gaming, or even delivering presentations, projectors offer a larger-than-life experience that a TV simply can’t match.
The Beem 500 promises to deliver a smart, cinematic experience at home, and it’s hard not to appreciate what it brings to the table. Let’s dive into its features, how it stacks up against competitors, and whether it’s worth the investment.
Why you need a projector
Projectors give you the ability to project a massive image, turning any room into a theatre like space only without the babies crying in the corner or mobile phones ringing loud. Whether you’re watching a movie with family, playing a video game, or making a business presentation, having a large display without the limitations of a traditional TV can be incredibly satisfying. While large-screen TVs have their place, projectors offer a flexibility that TVs can’t match, especially when it comes to portability and the ability to create a dramatic visual experience without the clutter of large screens.
The Portronics Beem 500 enters this competitive space as a versatile option with smart features, designed to enhance your entertainment, gaming, or work setup.
Design and build quality
The Beem 500 has a compact design that won’t take up much space in your home. It’s available in black and white, making it suitable for a wide range of home décor styles. Its small size makes it easy to move around, so you can easily set it up in your living room, bedroom, or even outdoors for an impromptu movie night. Despite its small size, the build quality feels durable, and the projector is equipped with a 6700 Lumens LED lamp for sharp, vibrant images.
In comparison to other projectors in this range, such as the XGIMI Elfin or BenQ GS2, the Beem 500 offers similar portability but with the added benefit of 8K resolution scaling, which gives it a competitive edge. Most entry-level projectors in this price range focus on 1080p resolution, it doesn’t scale up to 8K, which could be a deciding factor for those who want a future-proof device.
Picture quality and performance
When it comes to projectors, picture quality is crucial, and the Beem 500 performs admirably. With its native 1080p Full HD resolution, the images are crisp, clear, and vibrant. The standout feature, however, is its ability to upscale to 8K Ultra HD when supported, which is impressive feature for a projector in this price bracket.
In comparison, other similar projectors, like the BenQ Wxga Business & Education Projector Mw560 offer excellent picture quality with Full HD resolution but lack the upscaling to 8K. If you’re looking for a projector that can grow with future content, the Beem 500’s 8K upscaling capability could be a significant selling point.
The Beem 500 also shines in brightness, thanks to its 6700 Lumens LED lamp, which delivers vibrant colours and detailed visuals.
Sound quality
While the Beem 500 is equipped with 16W built-in speakers that deliver decent sound, this is one area where it could have performed better. The sound is good for casual use and smaller rooms, but for a more immersive experience, especially when watching movies or playing games, it might feel a bit lacking in depth and volume.
Smart features and connectivity
One of the most attractive features of the Beem 500 is its smart capabilities. It comes with pre-loaded OTT apps like Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, and Hotstar, so you don’t have to connect a streaming device or cable box. You can stream content directly from the projector, which makes it very convenient.
Beem 500
Pros
- Affordable
- Compact and portable
- Built-in Android OS
- Decent image quality in low light
- Versatile connectivity
Cons
- Limited sound quality
Additionally, the Beem 500 features Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, allowing you to stream media wirelessly from your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. The projector also includes versatile ports like HDMI, USB, and an Ethernet port, so it’s compatible with a wide range of devices, including gaming consoles, laptops, and external hard drives.
The voice-enabled remote control is another thoughtful addition, allowing you to search for content by simply speaking into it. This feature, along with the intuitive user interface, makes the Beem 500 incredibly user-friendly.
Pricing and competitors
The Portronics Beem 500 Smart LED Projector is priced at INR 39,999, which is fairly competitive in the market for a projector with these features. It offers good value for those looking for a well-rounded projector that can deliver high-quality visuals, smart features, and ease of use.
When compared to competitors, the Beem 500’s closest rival might be the XGIMI MoGo 2 Pro, priced INR 50,000, which offers similar smart features, Full HD resolution, and a compact design. However, the Beem 500 stands out with its 8K upscaling, 6700 Lumens brightness, and built-in OTT apps, which make it a more versatile option for home entertainment.
Final thoughts
If you’re looking to take your home entertainment setup to the next level, the Portronics Beem 500 Smart LED Projector is a great option. While it may not replace a dedicated home theater system for audiophiles or those seeking ultra-high-end visuals, it delivers a fantastic experience for everyday use – whether that’s for movies, gaming, or work presentations.
With features like 8K resolution scaling, built-in OTT apps, and a user-friendly interface, the Beem 500 offers excellent value for the price. It competes well with other projectors in its price range, offering a good balance of performance, features, and affordability.