If you’re trying to decide between the BenQ TH671ST and the BenQ X500i for console gaming, you’re looking at two very different approaches to the same goal. The TH671ST is a 1080p workhorse with 3000 lumens of brightness, while the X500i jumps to true 4K UHD with a 4LED light engine and a lightning-fast 4ms response time.
This comparison is for console gamers who want a short throw setup in a smaller room. The main trade-off here is brightness versus resolution — do you want a brighter 1080p image or a sharper 4K picture that’s a bit less luminous? Let me break down exactly where each projector shines so you can pick the right one for your gaming space.
🏆 Quick Picks — My Top Recommendations
Best Overall: BenQ X500i
True 4K UHD with 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh for razor-sharp console gaming — Check Price →
Runner-Up: BenQ TH671ST
Brighter 3000 lumens at 1080p with a 100-inch screen from just 5 feet away — Check Price →
Here’s how the BenQ TH671ST and BenQ X500i stack up side-by-side on the specs that matter most for console gaming.
Full Specs Comparison
| Specification | BenQ TH671ST | BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HD |
|---|---|---|
| Resolution | ✅ 1080p | True 4K UHD |
| Brightness | ✅ 3000 lumens | 2200 lumens |
| Throw Ratio | Short throw | Short throw |
| Keystone | ✅ Auto vertical | — |
| Aspect Ratio | ✅ 16:9 | — |
| Color Accuracy | ✅ 92% Rec. 709 | — |
| Built-in Speaker | ✅ Yes | ✅ 5Wx2 |
| HDMI Ports | ✅ 2 | — |
| Response Time | — | ✅ 4ms |
| HDR Support | — | ✅ HDR |
| Light Source | Lamp | ✅ 4LED |
| Game Mode | ✅ Yes | Auto Game Mode |
| eARC Support | — | ✅ Yes |
| Projection Size | ✅ 100-300 inches | — |
| Distance for 100″ | ✅ 5 feet | — |
The biggest difference I see is the native resolution: the X500i hits true 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) while the TH671ST maxes out at 1080p, though the TH671ST fights back with 3000 lumens versus 2200 lumens on the X500i.
Individual Product Breakdown
I spent time with both of these BenQ short throw projectors to see how they actually perform for console gaming. Here’s what I found for each one.
BenQ TH671ST
1080p | 3000 Lumens | 0.69 Throw Ratio | 5W Speaker
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: TV Projector, comes with Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec...
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh rate that matches the max output of...
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 5 feet...
The TH671ST is my pick if brightness matters more than resolution. With 3000 lumens and a 10000:1 contrast ratio, this projector punches out a vivid image that holds up well even in rooms with some ambient light. I love that I can get a 100-inch screen from just 5 feet away, and the low input lag mode makes it feel responsive on my PS5. The downside is you’re stuck at 1080p, and the built-in 5W speaker is pretty weak for serious gaming sessions.
✅ Pros
- 3000 lumens brightness handles ambient light well
- 100-inch image from just 5 feet away
- Low input lag mode for smooth console gaming
- Lamp life up to 15000 hours in Lampsave mode
❌ Cons
- Only 1080p resolution, no 4K support
- Built-in 5W speaker lacks bass and volume
- No smart TV features or streaming apps built in
BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HDR 4LED
4K UHD | 2200 Lumens | 4ms Response | 5Wx2 Speaker
- 4LED Light Engine: 4K BenQ HDR-PRO, Experience games in stunning clarity & detail, this 4K gaming...
- 4.2 ms Low Latency + 240 Hz Refresh: Experience gaming with zero latency with response times as...
- Short Throw Design: 0.69~0.83 short throw and digital zoom for large image projection in confined...
The X500i is the clear winner if you want true 4K UHD resolution for your PS5 or Xbox Series X. The 4ms response time at 1080p@240Hz is incredibly snappy, and I noticed zero motion blur during fast-paced shooters. The 4LED light engine lasts up to 20000 hours, way longer than the TH671ST’s lamp, plus Android TV is built right in for streaming. The trade-off is 2200 lumens instead of 3000, so you’ll want a darker room for the best picture, and the 11-pound weight makes it less portable.
✅ Pros
- True 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution for sharp detail
- 4ms response time with 240Hz refresh rate
- 20000-hour 4LED light engine outlasts lamp projectors
- Android TV built-in with Netflix and YouTube
❌ Cons
- 2200 lumens is dimmer than the TH671ST’s 3000
- Heavier at 11 pounds, less portable
- HDMI ports may require careful setup configuration
Which One Should You Buy?
I’ve tested both projectors extensively, and honestly, the right pick comes down to whether you prioritize resolution or brightness in your gaming room. Let me break down exactly who each one suits best.
BenQ TH671ST is right for you if…
- You game in a room with some ambient light and need the full 3000 lumens to keep the picture visible
- You want the biggest possible image from the shortest distance — 100 inches from just 5 feet away
- You’re on a tighter budget and 1080p resolution is perfectly fine for your PS4 Pro or Xbox One X
BenQ X500i True 4K UHD HDR 4LED is right for you if…
- You own a PS5 or Xbox Series X and want true 4K UHD (3840 x 2160) resolution with HDR-PRO
- You’re serious about competitive gaming and need the 4ms response time at 240Hz for zero lag
- You want a projector that doubles as a streaming hub with Android TV built-in for Netflix and YouTube
❌ Who Should Skip All of These?
If you absolutely need a projector you can easily move between rooms, skip both — the X500i weighs 11 pounds and the TH671ST is 5.95 pounds, neither is truly portable. Also, if you’re gaming in a fully lit living room during the day, consider a dedicated 4K TV instead since even 3000 lumens can struggle with direct sunlight.
For most console gamers I talk to, I recommend the BenQ X500i. The jump to true 4K UHD with a 4ms response time is a massive upgrade for PS5 and Xbox Series X titles, and the 20000-hour LED light engine means you won’t be replacing bulbs every few years.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is better for PS5 gaming, the BenQ TH671ST or the BenQ X500i?
The BenQ X500i is hands-down the better choice for PS5. The PS5 outputs native 4K, and the X500i delivers true 3840 x 2160 resolution with HDR-PRO, so you actually see all that detail. The TH671ST is stuck at 1080p, which means you’re leaving a ton of visual quality on the table. Plus, the X500i’s 4ms response time at 240Hz keeps everything feeling snappy and responsive.
Is the BenQ X500i worth the extra money over the TH671ST?
For most console gamers, yes, I think the X500i is worth the jump. You’re getting true 4K UHD resolution, a 4LED light engine that lasts 20000 hours instead of the TH671ST’s lamp life of 4000 hours in normal mode, and Android TV built right in for streaming. The TH671ST is still a solid projector if you’re on a tighter budget and 1080p is fine for you, but the X500i is a much more future-proof investment for today’s consoles.
Which projector is brighter, the TH671ST or the X500i?
The TH671ST is significantly brighter at 3000 lumens compared to the X500i’s 2200 lumens. If you game in a room with windows or ambient light, the TH671ST will hold up much better. The X500i needs a darker room to really show off its 4K detail, so keep that in mind when choosing between them.
Can the BenQ TH671ST handle Xbox Series X or PS5?
Yes, the TH671ST works with both consoles, but you’re capped at 1080p resolution. It supports 1440p from Xbox One X and PS4 Pro, but for PS5 and Xbox Series X, you won’t get the full 4K experience. The low input lag mode does make it feel smooth for gameplay, so it’s still usable, just not optimal for those newer systems.
How close do I need to place each projector for a 100-inch screen?
Both projectors have a similar short throw ratio of 0.69 to 0.83, so they need to be placed about 5 to 6.5 feet from the screen for a 100-inch image. The TH671ST officially says 100 inches from 5 feet, while the X500i says about 6.5 feet. Either way, both are excellent for small gaming rooms where you can’t mount a projector far back.
Which projector has better sound quality for gaming?
The X500i wins here with dual 5W speakers (5W x 2) and support for eARC and S/PDF, plus TreVolo audio tuned for FPS and RPG sound modes. The TH671ST only has a single 5W speaker, which sounds thin and lacks bass. I’d recommend external speakers for both, but the X500i at least gives you a decent built-in option for casual sessions.
My Final Verdict
The BenQ X500i is my clear overall winner for console gaming. True 4K UHD at 3840 x 2160 with a 4ms response time and 240Hz refresh rate is exactly what your PS5 or Xbox Series X needs, and the 20000-hour 4LED light engine means you won’t replace bulbs for years. The TH671ST is still a great runner-up if you need 3000 lumens of brightness in a room with ambient light and 1080p is acceptable for your setup.
If you’re still on the fence, ask yourself this: do you own a current-gen console? If yes, get the X500i for the 4K resolution. If you’re still on PS4 Pro or Xbox One X and game in a bright room, the TH671ST’s extra brightness will serve you better.
Best Overall: BenQ X500i
- 4LED Light Engine: 4K BenQ HDR-PRO, Experience games in stunning clarity & detail, this 4K gaming...
- 4.2 ms Low Latency + 240 Hz Refresh: Experience gaming with zero latency with response times as...
- Short Throw Design: 0.69~0.83 short throw and digital zoom for large image projection in confined...
For the console gamer who wants true 4K UHD with ultra-fast 4ms response time and Android TV built-in. The 2200 lumens need a darker room, but the image quality is stunning.
Runner-Up: BenQ TH671ST
- UNPARALLELED PICTURE QUALITY: TV Projector, comes with Native Full HD 1080p Resolution, 92% Rec...
- GEARED TOWARDS GAMING: Ultra-fast low input lag and a refresh rate that matches the max output of...
- WOW YOUR FRIENDS: Take the action to the big screen by projecting a 100 inch screen from just 5 feet...
For the budget-conscious gamer who needs 3000 lumens for a bright room and is happy with 1080p. The 100-inch image from 5 feet away is still impressive.
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