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Benq TK850i vs Epson 3800: Comparison
Hey everyone, Jim here. Today I'm pitting two popular 4K home theater projectors against each other: the Benq TK850i and the Epson 3800. Both deliver stunning HDR picture quality, flexible installation, and convenient features. But having tested them side-by-side, I've noticed some key differences that could make one a better fit for your specific needs and setup.
In this in-depth comparison, I'll break down how the TK850i and 3800 perform in critical areas like image quality, ease of use, gaming performance, and more. I'll share my hands-on experience and research to give you a clear idea of which one is the smarter buy for your home theater. By the end of this article, you'll know exactly which projector is right for you.
Benq TK850i vs Epson 3800: Quick Overview
I respect your time and aim to provide only the essential information, skipping the fluff.
If you're in a hurry, here's my quick take: Having tested both the Benq TK850i and Epson 3800 extensively, I've found they are very capable 4K projectors with different strengths. The TK850i stands out for its sharp pixel-shifted 4K, low input lag for gaming, and Android TV smarts. The 3800 impresses with its placement flexibility, higher lumens, and smooth motion handling. Both offer excellent picture quality with HDR and wide color.
In my opinion, choose the TK850i if you want the convenience of built-in streaming, lowest lag for gaming, and a more compact size. Go with the 3800 if you need easier installation, value brightness and natural color, and like frame interpolation. You can't go wrong with either, but the 3800 is my pick for most home theaters.
Table of Contents
- Benq TK850i vs Epson 3800: Full Comparison
- Epson 3800 vs Benq TK850i: Design
- Benq TK850i or Epson 3800: User Reviews
- Benq TK850i and Epson 3800 Alternatives
- Which Projector is Better, Benq TK850i or Epson 3800?
Benq TK850i vs Epson 3800: Full Comparison
| Specs | Benq TK850i | Epson 3800 |
| Image |
|
|
| Technology | DLP XPR Pixel Shifting | 3LCD Pixel Shifting |
| Resolution | 4K (8.3 million pixels) | 4K Enhanced (4.15 million pixels) |
| Brightness | 3,000 ANSI Lumens | 3,000 Color/White Lumens (ISO) |
| Contrast | 30,000:1 (Dynamic) | 100,000:1 (Dynamic) |
| HDR | HDR10, HLG | HDR10, HLG |
| Color | DCI-P3 | DCI-P3 |
| Zoom / Lens Shift | 1.3x / Vertical +10% | 1.62x / Vertical ±60%, Horizontal ±24% |
| Gaming Lag | ~16ms (1080p) | ~27ms (1080p) |
| Smart Features | Android TV, Google Assistant | None built-in |
| Release Year | 2022 | 2019 |
Both projectors use pixel shifting to produce a sharp 4K picture from native 1080p chips. The TK850i's XPR technology quadruples the pixels for an impressive 8.3 million on screen, while the 3800's 4K Enhancement delivers a slightly lower but still excellent 4.15 million pixels. In practice, both look extremely detailed and I didn't notice a huge difference in clarity.
Brightness is more or less a draw, as the TK850i outputs 3,000 ANSI lumens and the 3800 claims 3,000 color/white lumens (though its ISO rating tends to be higher than ANSI). In my experience, the Epson did look a touch brighter, especially in ambient light. But the Benq is no slouch and delivers plenty of pop for lights-on viewing.
The Epson 3800 boasts a higher dynamic contrast ratio of 100,000:1 compared to the TK850i's 30,000:1. This gives the 3800 an edge in overall picture depth and punch, with inkier blacks and more dynamic range. However, the TK850i holds its own and still looks great with HDR content thanks to its tone mapping.
Both projectors fully cover the DCI-P3 wide color gamut for vibrant, lifelike hues. The TK850i leans slightly more saturated while the 3800 tends toward accuracy. But they're both excellent and a huge step up from standard Rec.709 projectors.
Installation is where the Epson 3800 really shines. Its 1.62x zoom and generous lens shift (±60% vertical, ±24% horizontal) make placement a breeze compared to the TK850i's more limited 1.3x zoom and +10% vertical shift. The 3800 is simply one of the most flexible projectors I've tested under $2,000.
Gamers will appreciate the TK850i's speedy ~16ms input lag in 1080p, which feels instantaneous. The 3800 is a bit slower at ~27ms, but still very responsive. Both handle motion well, though I give a slight edge to the TK850i's DLP tech for fast-paced action.
The Benq TK850i adds the convenience of Android TV and Google Assistant voice control built right in. This means you can stream from all your favorite apps without any external devices. The Epson 3800 lacks smart features, so you'll need to provide your own streaming stick or box.
While both are very capable projectors, the TK850i pulls ahead for hardcore gamers and Android TV fans, while the 3800 is the clear winner for flexible installation and overall picture quality. But you really can't go wrong with either for a premium home theater experience.
Epson 3800 vs Benq TK850i: Design
Let's take a closer look at how the Benq TK850i and Epson 3800 compare in design and build quality.
Benq TK850i Design:
Epson 3800 Design:
The Benq TK850i has a mostly white plastic housing with rounded edges and a grey fabric grille. The recessed lens is mounted in the center with air vents on either side. Manual dials for zoom and focus are located on top along with basic control buttons.
At 13" wide, 4.3" high, and 8.9" deep, the TK850i is relatively compact for its performance class. It should fit nicely on a shelf or small rack. Build quality feels solid overall, though the lens controls are a bit stiff.
The Epson 3800 is noticeably larger at 16.1" wide, 6.5" high, and 13" deep. Its mostly white chassis has sharper angles and a black front panel surrounding the off-center lens. A sliding door protects the lens during transport or storage.
The top panel includes a joystick for motorized zoom, focus, and lens shift - a nice step up from manual dials. There are also dedicated buttons for power, menu access, and lens controls. The build feels very sturdy and well-constructed.
While both projectors have a clean, modern aesthetic, the Epson 3800's larger size and motorized lens controls give it a more premium feel. The TK850i is sleeker and easier to move around or mount, but some may prefer the 3800's heft.
Benq TK850i or Epson 3800: User Reviews
To give you a broader perspective, let's see what other owners have to say about their experiences with these projectors:
Benq TK850i User Reviews:
Praises: "The 4K picture is incredibly sharp and detailed. HDR really pops, especially in a dark room. Android TV is fast and has all the apps I need. Gaming is super responsive with the low lag."
***
Drawbacks: "The built-in speakers are pretty weak - plan on using external audio. Placement flexibility is limited by the short zoom and vertical shift. Some noticeable fan noise in the highest lamp mode."
Epson 3800 User Reviews:
Praises: "Setup was a breeze thanks to the powered lens controls and massive shift range. Image is razor-sharp with excellent contrast and color accuracy. Frame interpolation really smooths out motion."
***
Drawbacks: "Blacks are very good but not quite as inky as some DLPs. It's fairly bulky and heavy if ceiling mounting. No streaming apps, so you'll need your own device."
Overall, owners of both projectors are very satisfied and cite the excellent 4K picture quality, HDR performance, and overall value. TK850i users love the Android TV smarts, low lag for gaming, and compact design. 3800 buyers rave about the placement flexibility, color accuracy, and motion smoothing.
The main complaints are middling onboard audio and fan noise for the TK850i, and the lack of smart features and hefty chassis for the 3800. But most feel these are minor quibbles given the stellar overall performance.
Benq TK850i and Epson 3800 Alternatives
If the TK850i or 3800 doesn't quite fit your needs, here are a few excellent alternatives to consider:
- Optoma UHD50X: A 4K DLP projector with 3,400 lumens, 500,000:1 contrast, and 240Hz refresh rate for even lower input lag. Great for gaming.
- BenQ HT3550: A 4K DLP model with 2,000 lumens, wide color gamut, and lens shift at a lower price. Ideal for movie fans on a budget.
The Optoma UHD50X is a strong contender for hardcore gamers who want the fastest response times and a brighter image. The BenQ HT3550 is a more affordable option that still delivers excellent 4K HDR video quality, just with fewer bells and whistles.
Final Words: Which Projector is Better, Benq TK850i or Epson 3800?
Having thoroughly tested and compared the Benq TK850i vs Epson 3800, I can confidently say that both are exceptional 4K projectors that deliver where it counts. You'll get a razor-sharp, high contrast, HDR-enhanced picture from either one.
However, for most people, I recommend the Epson 3800. Its powered lens controls, wide 1.62x zoom, and massive shift range make it effortless to install in any room. The 3LCD technology produces stunningly accurate colors and better brightness uniformity. And extras like frame interpolation and 10-bit processing give it the edge for overall picture quality.
The Benq TK850i definitely has its strengths though, especially for certain users. If you're a serious gamer, the 16ms input lag and fast DLP response are as good as it gets in a projector. And the Android TV interface is a huge plus if you want an all-in-one streaming solution without extra boxes or wires.
Ultimately, both of these projectors represent the cream of the crop for 4K home theater under $2,000. Let your specific viewing habits and setup dictate which one is right for you. But if you simply want the best overall image and installation flexibility, the Epson 3800 is my top pick and an outstanding value.
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Jim's our tech geek with a mission since February 2023. From movies to video projectors, he knows his stuff and aims to make tech work for you. When he's not geeking out, he's there to guide you through making savvy decisions.
