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BenQ MW632ST Review
Hey folks, Jim from gg here. You know, sometimes a gadget comes along that surprises the heck out of you. That's exactly what happened when I got my hands on the BenQ MW632ST projector. I thought I was in for some standard movie nights and maybe a bit of gaming. Boy, was I in for a treat.
For the past few weeks, this little powerhouse has been the center of attention in my house. From impromptu movie marathons to epic gaming sessions, and get this - even a makeshift golf simulator. Yeah, you heard that right. Who knew a projector could improve my golf swing? Certainly not my wife, who's still trying to figure out why I'm swinging a club in the living room.
So, grab a drink, settle in, and let me walk you through my adventures with the BenQ MW632ST. Trust me, by the end of this, you'll be looking at your blank walls in a whole new light. Let's dive in!
5 Reasons to Buy the BenQ MW632ST:
- Short-throw magic: Big screen, small space
- Bright as a supernova (well, almost) at 3200 lumens
- WXGA resolution that'll make your eyeballs dance
- Lamp life longer than my last relationship (10,000 hours!)
- Versatile connectivity options (HDMI, VGA, you name it)
1 Reason to Think Twice:
- It won't make you breakfast (yet)
Table of Contents:
- BenQ MW632ST: Key Specifications
- Design and Build Quality
- Unboxing and Setup Experience
- Picture Quality Analysis
- Features and Connectivity
- Audio Performance
- Gaming Performance
- What the People Are Saying
- MW632ST Alternatives
BenQ MW632ST: Key Specifications
Alright, specs nerds (I say that with love), let's get down to the nitty-gritty. Here's what makes this short-throw wizard tick:
| Feature | Spec |
| Resolution | WXGA (1280 x 800) |
| Brightness | 3200 ANSI Lumens |
| Contrast Ratio | 13,000:1 |
| Throw Ratio | 0.72 - 0.87 (87"±3% @ 1.36m) |
| Lamp Life | Up to 10,000 hours |
| Keystone Adjustment | Vertical ±30° |
| Speaker | 10W x 1 |
| Connectivity | 2x HDMI, VGA, S-Video, Composite |
| Weight | 2.6 kg |
Now, let me break this down for you. The BenQ MW632ST is like that overachieving kid in class who's good at everything. WXGA resolution? Check. Brightness that could probably signal aliens? Double-check. A contrast ratio that makes blacks blacker than my coffee on Monday morning? You bet.
But the real star of the show is that short-throw lens. With a throw ratio of 0.72 - 0.87, you can get an 87-inch image from just 1.36 meters away. That's closer than I stand to the microwave when I'm waiting for my popcorn to pop!
And let's talk about that lamp life. 10,000 hours? That's longer than it took me to assemble my IKEA furniture! You could watch the entire "Lord of the Rings" extended edition 1,111 times before this lamp gives up. Not that I've done that... recently.
Design and Build Quality
Folks, the BenQ MW632ST isn't just a projector - it's a conversation starter. It's got more curves than a mountain road, and it's sleeker than a penguin in a tuxedo. This isn't some clunky box that you'll want to hide away - it's a piece of tech that you'll proudly display like a trophy.
The white exterior isn't just for show - it helps the projector blend in with your ceiling if you decide to mount it. Though, between you and me, I've been moving this thing around more than a chess piece. Living room? Check. Bedroom? You bet. Bathroom? Don't judge me.
At 2.6 kg, it's not exactly featherweight, but it's light enough that you won't need to hit the gym before moving it. And trust me, you'll want to move it. I've projected on every surface in my house. My favorite so far? The inside of my fridge. Why? Because I can.
The build quality is solid. I may or may not have accidentally knocked it off my coffee table (I was excited about "Godzilla vs. Kong," okay?), and it survived without a scratch. My coffee table, on the other hand, wasn't so lucky.
Unboxing and Setup Experience
Setting up the MW632ST is easier than convincing myself I need another slice of pizza. Here's the rundown:
- Unbox it (try not to get distracted by that new tech smell)
- Place it somewhere flat (your cat is not a suitable projector stand)
- Plug it in (yes, it needs electricity - we're not in the future yet)
- Connect your devices (it's got more ports than a sailor's favorite bar)
- Turn it on and watch the magic happen
The auto keystone correction is a lifesaver. It's like having a tiny projectionist inside the machine, making sure your image is perfect. I've projected on walls, ceilings, and even my dog (he wasn't impressed), and the MW632ST handled it all like a champ.
One word of advice: clear some space on your wall before you start. I may or may not have projected over my prized collection of vintage cereal boxes. Let's just say Tony the Tiger looked a lot more intimidating at 100 inches.
Picture Quality Analysis
Alright, let's talk picture quality. Based on my firsthand experience, the BenQ MW632ST doesn't just display images; it's like it's painting with light.
The WXGA resolution (1280 x 800) might not sound impressive in this age of 4K everything, but don't let that fool you. This projector makes images sharper than my wit after my third cup of coffee. I rewatched "Inception" on this thing, and let me tell you, I saw dreams within dreams within dreams that I didn't even know existed.
With 3200 ANSI lumens, this projector is brighter than my future. I've used it in broad daylight, and the image still pops. It's like the sun and the MW632ST are in a constant battle for brightness supremacy, and honestly, I think the projector's winning.
The contrast ratio of 13,000:1 means blacks are deep enough to hide secrets and whites are bright enough to signal passing planes. Is it OLED level? Nah. But for a projector in this price range, it's impressive stuff.
Color reproduction is on point too. I watched "The Life of Pi" and "Avatar," and the colors were so vibrant, I felt like I needed sunglasses. It's like BenQ found a way to cram a rainbow into this projector.
Features and Connectivity
The MW632ST might not make your coffee in the morning, but it does pretty much everything else. Let's break it down:
- 2 HDMI ports: Because one is never enough. I've got my PS5 and Chromecast plugged in 24/7.
- VGA port: For when you need to connect that computer from 1995.
- S-Video and Composite: I don't know why these are here, but I appreciate the commitment to backwards compatibility.
- USB power: Perfect for powering your streaming stick without extra cables.
But the real MVP? The built-in speaker. It's no surround sound system, but at 10W, it's loud enough to make my neighbors think I'm running a small cinema. Sorry, Mrs. Johnson!
The MW632ST also comes with a bunch of picture modes. "Cinema" mode makes movies look epic, "Game" mode reduces input lag, and "Presentation" mode... well, I haven't used that one yet. Maybe someday I'll grow up and give a proper presentation instead of just showing funny cat videos.
Audio Performance
Let's talk audio, folks. The MW632ST comes with a 10W speaker, which in projector terms, is like having a boombox from the 80s strapped to your device.
Is it going to replace your home theater system? Nah. But it's surprisingly capable. I've been using it for movie nights, and I haven't had any complaints... well, except from my cat, who gives me the stink eye every time there's an explosion on screen.
The speaker handles dialogue well. I watched a few episodes of "The Crown," and I could hear every posh British accent clear as day. When I switched to "Mad Max: Fury Road," the speaker kept up with the action admirably. It won't rattle your windows, but it'll definitely wake up your roommate if you're binging late at night (sorry, Steve).
For best results, I'd recommend pairing this with a decent soundbar or speaker system. But if you're in a pinch or just feeling lazy (no judgment here), the built-in speaker will do the job. It's like the Swiss Army knife of audio - not the best at anything, but surprisingly good at everything.
Gaming Performance
Alright, my fellow button-mashers, let's talk gaming. The MW632ST might not be marketed as a gaming projector, but don't let that fool you - this thing can game.
First off, that short throw is a game-changer (pun intended). I've been playing "Mario Kart 8" on a 100-inch screen, and let me tell you, seeing a blue shell coming at you when it's larger than your actual car is an experience.
The input lag isn't too shabby either. I'm no pro gamer, but I didn't notice any significant delay in "Call of Duty." Although, that might just be because I spend most of my time respawning anyway.
The WXGA resolution means you won't be gaming in 4K, but honestly, when the screen is this big, you won't care. I booted up "Skyrim" (yes, again), and I swear I could count the individual scales on the dragons.
One thing to note: the fan can get a bit noisy during long gaming sessions. But hey, just crank up the volume. If your neighbors complain, invite them over for game night. Problem solved!
BenQ MW632ST: What the People Are Saying
Don't just take my word for it. Here's what some other MW632ST owners have to say:
"This projector is amazing! I've been using it for home cinema and gaming, and the short throw is a game-changer. No more shadows when I get up for snacks!"
***
"The fan noise is a bit louder than I expected. It's fine for movies, but during quiet scenes, it sounds like my projector is planning to take off."
***
"Picture quality is fantastic for the price. I've been binge-watching nature documentaries, and I swear I can count the hairs on a lion's mane!"
***
"The built-in speaker is a letdown. It's okay for casual use, but for any serious movie watching, you'll definitely need external speakers."
The verdict? People love this projector more than I love pizza (and that's saying something). The short throw and image quality get two thumbs up, while the fan noise and built-in speaker are the main gripes. But hey, nothing's perfect... except maybe pizza.
MW632ST Alternatives
Not quite sold on the MW632ST? Here are a couple of alternatives that might tickle your fancy:
- Optoma GT1080HDR: A short-throw projector that's built with gaming in mind. It's got a lower input lag and higher refresh rate, but it'll cost you a bit more. It's like choosing between a sports car and a family sedan - both will get you there, but one's built for speed.
- ViewSonic PX701: If you're willing to sacrifice the short throw for 4K resolution, this might be your ticket. It's like trading in your comfy slippers for stilettos - less convenient, but boy does it look sharp!
The Optoma GT1080HDR is your go-to if you prioritize gaming above all else. It's like the caffeinated energy drink of projectors - not as well-rounded, but it'll definitely keep you up all night gaming.
The ViewSonic PX701-4K, on the other hand, is for those who demand 4K and don't mind rearranging their living room to accommodate a longer throw distance. It's like choosing between being able to touch your toes or having really strong arms. Both are good, but which one matters more to you?
Is the BenQ MW632ST Your Next Home Entertainment Upgrade?
Alright, let's wrap this up. After putting the BenQ MW632ST through its paces, here's the lowdown:
This projector is a versatile little beast. Whether you're binging your favorite shows, hosting a gaming night, or even working on your golf swing with a simulator (still can't get over that), it's got you covered. The short throw is a game-changer, especially if you're short on space.
Sure, it's not without its quirks. The fan can get a bit noisy during long sessions, and the built-in speaker won't blow you away. But for the price and the features you're getting, it's a solid deal.
Would I recommend it? Absolutely. The BenQ MW632ST offers great value for money, especially if you're looking to upgrade your home entertainment setup without breaking the bank. Just be prepared for the sudden urge to project everything, everywhere. Your walls will never be the same again.
Got any questions? Or maybe you've got your own projector stories to share? Drop them in the comments below. This is Jim, signing off - I've got a date with my virtual golf course. Fore!
Dive Deeper:
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.
