The BenQ TK705STi is a short-throw 4K projector with Google TV built-in, designed for rooms that cannot fit a traditional long-throw model. It has a compact, non-obtrusive design and delivers a pleasing, lifelike image. While its brightness and contrast are merely average for the price, the overall package is solid and easy to recommend for smaller spaces.
Specs And Such
The BenQ TK705STi packs capable specs into a tidy chassis. Here is what you get.
Core specifications
- Resolution: 4K
- Lumens spec: 3,000 (ANSI)
- Light source: LED, 20,000 hours (30,000 in ECO mode)
- Zoom: No
- Lens shift: No
Short-throw distance explained
This short-throw projector sits farther from the screen than an ultra-short-throw model, but much closer than a traditional projector. To create a 100-inch image, the TK705STi needs to be a little less than 6 feet away from the screen. That is a huge advantage for small apartments or narrow living rooms.
Brightness measured
BenQ claims 3,000 ANSI lumens, but measurements tell a different story. In its most accurate mode, it produced around 1,280 lumens. In Bright mode, that number rose to 1,786. These are reasonable numbers, more than enough to create a bright image on a 100-inch screen, but far from class-leading.
Connections And Streaming
The BenQ TK705STi has a fairly standard collection of connections for a modern projector.
Ports and wireless
- HDMI inputs: 2
- USB ports: 1 USB-A, 1 USB-C
- Audio output: 3.5mm analog, eARC
- Internet: Wi-Fi 2.4GHz/5GHz
- Control: 12V trigger for home automation
- Remote: Not backlit
Built-in Google TV
The projector runs Google TV, so you can stream directly without an external device. Bluetooth is also available if you want to use it as a speaker. The built-in speakers share 8 watts of power, but as with most projectors, it is better paired with a separate soundbar or receiver.
Picture Quality
The short-throw projector creates an image that is more than the sum of its parts. It is pleasing and lifelike, with none of the potential artifacts of laser-powered competitors.
Brightness in context
At 1,280 lumens, the BenQ is roughly as bright as the Xgimi Horizon S Max (1,300 lumens), which cost more when new. It also matches the JMGO N1S Pro (1,198 lumens). While some projectors like the Xgimi Horizon 20 Max are far brighter (2,699 lumens), they are all currently more expensive. For a 100-inch screen, 1,280 lumens is plenty.
Contrast and color
The BenQ’s contrast measured 545:1. This is below the average of all projectors CNET has reviewed, but spot on the median for similarly priced 4K models. Shadows and black letterbox bars appear more grey than truly black. Color is also good, though not as accurate as some BenQ models like the W4100i. Skin tones look realistic and pleasing.
The “B student” appeal
While “everything is good, but not great” does not sound like praise, it means the BenQ TK705STi does nothing wrong. Many competitors mess up color handling or introduce laser artifacts. The BenQ’s image has a naturalness that is easy on the eyes, even if its headline specs are unremarkable.
The Competition: LED Vs Laser Projectors
Modern projectors use two main light source technologies: LEDs (like this BenQ) and lasers. Each has trade-offs.
Pros and cons of lasers
Laser projectors are generally brighter and can have deeper colors. However, they have two notable downsides:
- Speckle: A shiny, sparkly grain added to the image. You may not notice it depending on screen size and seating distance.
- Chromatic aberrations: Light bends differently for people with glasses, creating colored halos around white objects on dark backgrounds.
Why LED can be better for glasses wearers
For someone who wears glasses and sits fairly close to a large screen, a three-laser projector can be problematic. An LED projector like the BenQ avoids these artifacts entirely.
BenQ X500i: The alternative to consider
The BenQ X500i (2024) is also an LED projector. It created one of the best overall images of any projector CNET has reviewed in recent years, with a fantastic contrast ratio of 1,990:1 and some of the most accurate color ever measured in a reasonably priced 4K projector. However, the X500i is not nearly as bright as the TK705STi (30-50% dimmer). If your goal is the biggest, brightest screen possible, the X500i is not that. But for a 100-inch image, its 911 lumens are plenty.
