Philips GamePix 800 Gaming Projector Review – Big Screen, Smooth Performance

In contrast to the abundance of excellent projectors on today’s market, the realm of top-tier gaming projectors is significantly limited. Finding one that can genuinely match the performance of leading high refresh rate gaming monitors isn’t straightforward—until Philips unveiled the GamePix 800 Smart Gaming Projector.

I’ve had the opportunity to test out this intriguing device thoroughly. Although the gaming projector market isn’t vast, the GamePix 800 Smart has some formidable competitors. So, how does it compare? Here’s an in-depth analysis – this is the Philips GamePix 800 Smart Review.

Note: Available in April 2025

Design & Build Quality

The Philips GamePix 800 Smart Projector boasts a streamlined, contemporary style, coated in a sophisticated matte black. A subtle red ring encircles the projection lens as its only embellishment. To my eyes, it’s both simple and modern. Its design should harmonize effortlessly with most gaming environments without attracting attention through excessive RGB illumination.

It’s disappointing that the mainly plastic design lacks a high-quality, luxurious feel, yet the overall structure seems robust. Introducing a metal build or more metal components could have enhanced the premium feel, however, incorporating metal would likely increase its weight and potentially reduce its portability to some extent.

Regarding portability, it’s something of a compromise. While it’s not overly heavy, weighing approximately 2.9kg (based on my own tests, as the specifications vary between 2.7kg in press releases and 4.3kg online), and measuring 302 x 218 x 99 mm, it’s not small enough to be considered truly portable. I haven’t tested this myself, but given its size, it would likely require a substantial amount of space in a bag. Add to that the cables and remotes, and it seems this device is more suited for home use, prepared for your next immersive gaming experiences.

One disadvantage of this projector is its lack of versatile height adjustment. The foot screw for raising it only provides minimal adjustments and can feel somewhat weak overall. During my tests, I found that this was a significant problem as I had to stack papers underneath it to project properly on the wall in my living room.

In terms of connectivity, the GamePix 800 Smart provides a versatile array of ports – two HDMI, one USB, and an RS232 port. These ports are thoughtfully located at the back and towards the top of the device, ensuring they’re easy to reach and helping maintain tidy cable management. While I haven’t personally tested this, it seems that their placement would be suitable for setups involving ceiling mounting as well.

Setup & User Interface

Easily setting up the projector was a breeze, primarily due to its seamless compatibility with Google TV.

Using the Google Home app and a Google account, I easily connected to my Wi-Fi network and gained access to numerous smart features and streaming services at my fingertips. Applications such as YouTube function smoothly once you’ve signed in through your Google account, whereas platforms like Netflix and Disney+ necessitate their standard sign-in procedures.

The navigation is easy and intuitive, made even better with a user-friendly remote control that resembles an Amazon Fire Stick remote in design and feel. One exception to remote control functions is the manual adjustment of the lens focus, which requires direct manipulation on the projector itself. However, this isn’t much of a hassle once you find a permanent spot for your projector. Moreover, the remote control comes with a built-in microphone, allowing you to effortlessly utilize voice commands in compatible apps – perfect for quick searches on platforms like YouTube.

Display Performance

From a visual standpoint, the GamePix 800 Smart delivers an impressive performance. It boasts a Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution that appears quite crisp, particularly during gaming sessions.

In other words, considering the cost, it would have been great if this projector had 4K support as some rival models provide it at a lower price. However, Philips has included some attractive features to make up for it.

Based on Philips’ explanation, this projector employs sophisticated DLP technology from Texas Instruments, along with HDR10 compatibility and a broad 98% Rec.709 color range. Essentially, it’s just technical jargon, but in real-world use, I observed that it produces vivid, dynamic colors and impressive depth in contrast when viewing high-quality content.

The brightness level is at 2500 ANSI lumens, which may not be the highest among projectors available, but I found it quite sufficient, particularly on its maximum setting. However, you’ll need to adjust contrast and color to prevent some scenes from appearing excessively “white” or faded when using the maximum brightness level.

This device boasts a contrast ratio of 1500:1, which isn’t revolutionary but still provides adequate depth for darker images, particularly in dim environments like a poorly lit room. It also allows you to display pictures ranging from 70 inches to an impressive 150 inches, offering versatility based on your available space. Furthermore, the LED light source is claimed to endure up to 30,000 hours and consume less power compared to conventional lamp-based models. However, I haven’t had enough time with it yet to confirm these durability and energy efficiency claims personally.

To sum up, although some other 4K devices might be stronger in terms of power, the GamePix 800 Smart stands its ground with a vibrant, colorful, and customizable screen. From my testing perspective, it performed quite well overall.

Gaming Features

The Philips GamePix 800 Smart offers an outstanding gaming experience, particularly emphasizing smooth performance rather than ultra-high resolution.

This projector offers a resolution of 1080p at a refresh rate of 120Hz, accompanied by an input lag approximately 8 milliseconds. Such a low latency is quite impressive within the realm of projectors, even though it might not be suitable for professional esports gaming due to its slight delay. However, it’s more than sufficient for the cinematic or casual gaming experiences that most users would expect from a setup like this.

In operation, the projector managed to handle swift movements exceptionally well. The game Forza Horizon 5 ran flawlessly, without any discernible lag or pixelation, and its moving visuals remained impressive. Even while playing FC 25 on a sunny day, projected onto a textured wallpaper, I was able to see a crisp and vivid image, although some user interface elements such as the player indicator could become slightly hard to see in bright spots. Fortnite also ran smoothly at 1080p/120Hz; however, adjusting the right contrast and color settings required fine-tuning. The “Adventure Game” mode provided an optimal experience, particularly with regard to enemy visibility and preserving Fortnite’s bright, distinctive style.

It’s worth mentioning that the Game Modes are quite impressive. They simplify the process of customizing visual settings by using clear labels related to game genres such as Action, Sports, and Adventure. However, I found myself frequently switching back to Movie mode due to its color palette, which I find suitable even during gaming sessions (with the exception being Fortnite).

As a gamer, I must clarify that the GamePix 800 Smart isn’t a substitute for top-tier gaming monitors like my AOC 180Hz one with 1ms response time. However, it’s not as far behind as it might seem, particularly if you’re not pushing your gaming rig to its max. There were moments during FIFA 25 where I experienced a bit of blurring, but I can’t definitively say whether it was due to the projector or my laptop’s performance at that specific time.

Smart Features & Connectivity

Using Google TV built-in functionality, you can effortlessly stream content from platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Disney Plus without any additional setup. Personally, I found myself mainly utilizing Netflix, and was pleased to find that it was already installed and ready for use. The high-quality visuals of the projector made movie nights a delightful experience – I started with watching “The Electric State” which looked fantastic on screen.

As a gamer, I can vouch for the sturdy connectivity on this device. It’s equipped with two HDMI ports and a USB input, making it compatible with Wi-Fi networks too. Unfortunately, there’s no Bluetooth available, which might be a bummer if you’re planning to wirelessly connect your headphones or speakers. However, the remaining features work flawlessly.

Compatibility with consoles poses no problem whatsoever. I simply connected my PS5, and it functioned flawlessly, much like connecting it to a standard television. Don’t forget to delve into the settings and adjust the output resolution to 1080p/120Hz for optimal performance.

Audio Quality

The Philips Smart Projector Model GamePix 800 features an integrated 5-watt speaker and its own sound chamber, delivering audio quality that surpasses initial expectations.

While watching movies, I discovered the audio to be distinctly clear and more substantial than expected. Normally, I have a Sonos soundbar on my TV, but the GamePix doesn’t quite compare. However, the disparity between them was less noticeable than anticipated, particularly for casual viewing.

In simpler terms, the bass sounded quite strong, sometimes excessively so, which might make conversations harder to hear in certain instances. This is something that often happens with built-in speakers, but it’s worth noting. If you’re looking for a more cinematic audio experience with surround sound effects, you may need to connect external speakers or a soundbar using the audio jack or USB port.

From a gaming perspective, a headset significantly enhances an immersive and spatial feeling, though the internal sound quality is sufficient for everyday play. It lacks bothersome echo or distortion, and for a built-in projector speaker, it’s remarkably strong.

Portability & Versatility

As a devoted enthusiast, allow me to elaborate further on the extraordinary adaptability of the Philips GamePix 800 Smart. This device truly shines in its ability to cater to diverse gaming preferences, making it an exceptional choice for gamers like myself.

This device boasts a throw ratio of 1.49:1 and is compatible with screen sizes spanning from 70 inches (or approximately 380cm) to a massive 150 inches. This versatility makes it suitable for various room sizes. I’ve successfully utilized it in my living room and kitchen without encountering any problems, and it adapted effortlessly to both environments. Its user-friendly image size adjustment feature further enhances its adaptability, making it perfect if you plan on shifting it between different rooms, as was the case for me.

This projector doesn’t have a short-throw capacity, meaning you’ll need some space for large projections. However, if you project from a shorter distance, you can easily adjust the size of the image to suit your needs. As of now, I haven’t tried it outdoors, but I’m looking forward to using it during summer sports events, as light conditions will be crucial in those scenarios. Further details about light levels will be discussed in this review and later on.

Regarding mobility, it’s not the most convenient item for transport due to its size and weight. When measured, it weighed approximately 2.9 kilograms, making it light enough to move from room to room but less ideal for travel. Additionally, it’s not especially compact, as its dimensions would require a notable amount of space in a bag or case. However, for home use, it’s versatile and user-friendly.

Performance in Different Lighting Conditions

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but sing praises for the versatile Philips GamePix 800 Smart’s exceptional handling of varying light scenarios. It truly shines in every setting!

Boasting a 2500 ANSI lumen rating, this device delivers impressive performance even in brightly lit rooms, making it suitable for gaming or watching content during daylight hours. I’ve tested it out in well-lit spaces such as my kitchen, and while the image doesn’t stand out quite as vividly as in dimmer conditions, it remains clearly visible and easy to watch.

In essence, this projector performs exceptionally in dim or dark conditions, transforming images into a more film-like and immersive experience. Fortunately, it comes equipped with various customization options such as contrast, color temperature, and diverse picture modes, allowing you to optimize its visuals based on your surroundings. Properly adjusted, it maintains its performance effectively, even at maximum brightness.

Price & Value for Money

The Philips GamePix 800 Smart, at £999, is positioned towards the higher-priced segment in the projector market, however, upon comparison with comparable models, it appears relatively affordably priced.

Devices similar to the BenQ X3100i and X500i provide both 4K resolution and 120Hz support, but they cost between £1,400 and £2,000 or more. In comparison, the GamePix is more affordable as it lacks 4K but delivers excellent 1080p/120Hz performance, HDR10 compatibility, and impressive color quality, particularly for gaming enthusiasts.

For better performance, consider reaching out a bit more towards the BenQ TK700STi model, as it provides 1080p resolution at 240 frames per second and boasts an ultra-fast response time. However, it has a limitation in terms of maximum projection size.

Considering the price tag of £999 for this non-4K projector might seem high at first glance, but when viewed in context, Philips has priced it reasonably. In terms of value, it earns a 3.5 out of 5, which translates to ‘good’ rather than extraordinary, but worthwhile if you’re looking for strong gaming and streaming capabilities in a single package.

Final Verdict: Should You Buy the Philips GamePix 800?

As a gamer, I can vouch that the Philips GamePix 800 Smart is a strong contender in the less crowded gaming projector market. If you’re hunting for a smooth 1080p/120Hz gaming experience with vivid colors, a decent 8ms input lag (considering it’s a projector), and integrated Google TV smarts, this device doesn’t disappoint. The built-in speaker also exceeds expectations if you’re not keen on additional audio equipment.

Despite its advantages at £999, the absence of 4K resolution seems like a compromise. Its portability could be improved, as even though it’s reasonably lightweight, it’s not extremely mobile. The lack of Bluetooth connectivity reduces its overall adaptability. Moreover, adjustability is a concern, particularly with the basic screw foot that only allows for minor changes in projection height. This limited range necessitated using paper to prop it up. Nevertheless…

Buy it if:

You want a cinematic gaming/movie experience in Full HD
You need smooth 120Hz performance
You value built-in streaming apps and easy setup

2025-04-23 16:14