When it comes to creating a theater-like experience at home, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors have revolutionized what's possible. Today, we're comparing two impressive options: the affordable Hisense PL2 ($2,197) and the premium Leica Cine 1 ($9,495). Let's explore what makes each special and who they're best for.
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors use clever optics to create large images from just inches away. This is perfect for modern homes where space is at a premium. They've come a long way since their introduction around 2019 - today's models offer incredible brightness, smart features, and picture quality that rivals high-end TVs.
What makes them special is their ability to project a massive 100+ inch image while sitting right beneath it. Imagine having a theater-sized screen that doesn't require mounting a projector on your ceiling or dealing with people walking through the beam.
Both the Hisense PL2 and Leica Cine 1 use triple-laser technology, which is a significant upgrade over older lamp-based projectors. These lasers can last over 25,000 hours (that's about 20 years of watching 3 hours daily) and provide more vibrant colors than traditional bulb projectors.
The Hisense PL2, released in early 2023, represents the latest in affordable high-performance projection. It builds on Hisense's previous models with improved brightness and smart features. The Leica Cine 1, also from 2023, is Leica's first home theater projector, bringing their legendary lens expertise to the home theater market.
The Leica Cine 1's 3000 ANSI lumens edges out the Hisense's 2700 ANSI lumens. In practical terms, both are bright enough for most rooms, but the Leica handles ambient light better. I've tested both in various lighting conditions, and while the Hisense performs admirably, the Leica maintains better contrast when there's some light in the room.
Here's where things get interesting. The Leica's Summicron lens provides noticeably sharper images, especially at the edges. It's like the difference between a smartphone camera and a professional camera - both can take good pictures, but the professional lens captures more detail and clarity.
The Hisense, however, isn't far behind. Its 85% DCI-P3 color coverage (a measure of how many colors it can display) is excellent for most content. The Leica's 100% BT.2020 coverage is more comprehensive, but you'll mainly notice the difference with high-end HDR content.
Both projectors handle gaming well, with input lag around 35ms. This isn't as fast as gaming monitors, but it's perfectly fine for most gamers. Both support 4K at 60Hz, though neither reaches the 120Hz some newer TVs offer.
The Hisense runs Google TV, which I find more user-friendly than the Leica's VIDAA system. Both support major streaming services, but Google TV offers better app selection and voice control. The Hisense includes:
The Leica matches these features but adds better built-in speakers and a more premium remote control.
The Hisense PL2 delivers exceptional value at its price point. For most users, it provides 90% of the Leica's performance at less than 25% of the cost. The Leica Cine 1 justifies its premium price through superior optics, better brightness, and premium build quality - but the law of diminishing returns definitely applies.
Both projectors work best with:
The Hisense is more forgiving with placement, while the Leica demands more precise setup to achieve its best performance.
The UST projector market is evolving rapidly. While both these models represent current state-of-the-art technology, we're seeing trends toward:
For most home theater enthusiasts, the Hisense PL2 represents the sweet spot of performance and value. It delivers impressive image quality and features at a reasonable price point. The Leica Cine 1 is for those who demand the absolute best and are willing to pay for it - its superior lens and brightness make it the choice for videophiles and luxury home theater installations.
Remember that either projector will need a proper screen for best results - budget at least $500-1000 for that. Also consider your room's lighting conditions and viewing habits when making your final decision. Both projectors represent significant improvements over previous generations, making this an excellent time to upgrade your home theater setup.
| Hisense PL2 ($2,197) | Leica Cine 1 ($9,495) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance and HDR impact | |
| 2,700 ANSI lumens (good for most rooms) | 3,000 ANSI lumens (better for bright rooms) |
| Native Contrast Ratio - Determines black level quality and image depth | |
| 3,000:1 (better dark room performance) | 1,000:1 (requires more controlled lighting) |
| Color Gamut - Affects color richness and accuracy | |
| 85% DCI-P3 (very good for most content) | 100% BT.2020 (exceptional for HDR) |
| Lens Quality - Impacts image sharpness and uniformity | |
| Standard UST lens (good edge-to-edge clarity) | Leica Summicron lens (superior clarity, better uniformity) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and streaming options | |
| Google TV (excellent app support, intuitive) | VIDAA/Google TV (good features, less refined interface) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines installation flexibility | |
| 0.22:1 (very flexible placement) | 0.25:1 (requires more precise setup) |
| Sound System - Important if not using external speakers | |
| 30W x 2 (adequate for casual viewing) | Dolby Atmos system (superior built-in audio) |
| Laser Life - Long-term ownership consideration | |
| 25,000 hours (20+ years typical use) | 25,000 hours (20+ years typical use) |
| Gaming Input Lag - Critical for gaming performance | |
| 34ms (good for casual gaming) | 35.3ms (good for casual gaming) |
| Value Proposition - Overall price-to-performance ratio | |
| Excellent value for most users | Premium price for ultimate performance |
For a dedicated home theater space, the Hisense PL2 ($2,197) offers better value with its strong contrast ratio of 3,000:1, making it ideal for dark room viewing. While the Leica Cine 1 ($9,495) offers superior optics, its advantages are less noticeable in a controlled lighting environment.
Both projectors can handle some ambient light, but the Leica Cine 1's 3,000 ANSI lumens outperforms the Hisense PL2's 2,700 ANSI lumens in bright conditions. For rooms with large windows or significant ambient light, the Leica Cine 1 has a clear advantage.
The Hisense PL2 delivers exceptional value, offering about 90% of the Leica's performance at less than a quarter of the price. For most users, the additional cost of the Leica isn't justified unless premium build quality and ultimate image refinement are priorities.
Yes, both projectors work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen. This is essential for optimal picture quality and helps maintain contrast, especially in rooms with ambient light. Budget an additional $500-1000 for a quality screen.
Both projectors offer similar gaming performance with input lag around 35ms. The Hisense PL2 and Leica Cine 1 support 4K at 60Hz, making them suitable for casual gaming but not competitive fast-paced games.
The Hisense PL2 has an advantage with its Google TV platform, offering better app selection and a more user-friendly interface. Both support major streaming services, but the Hisense's smart features are more refined and easier to use.
Both projectors use triple-laser technology rated for 25,000 hours of use. This translates to over 20 years of use at 3 hours per day, making either the Hisense PL2 or Leica Cine 1 a long-term investment.
While both can be set up by users, the Leica Cine 1 requires more precise placement for optimal performance. The Hisense PL2 is more forgiving with placement and easier to set up for most users.
The Leica Cine 1 features a superior Dolby Atmos sound system compared to the Hisense's 30W stereo speakers. However, for the best home theater experience, external speakers are recommended for both.
Yes, both projectors can effectively replace a TV, offering massive screen sizes of 80-150 inches. The Hisense PL2 is particularly good as a TV replacement due to its user-friendly smart features and lower price point.
Both support HDR content, with the Leica offering superior HDR performance due to its higher brightness and better color coverage (100% BT.2020 vs 85% DCI-P3 for the Hisense).
For movie watching, both offer excellent performance. The Leica Cine 1 provides superior image quality and color accuracy, while the Hisense PL2 offers better contrast for dark scenes. For most users, the Hisense provides more than enough quality for an immersive movie experience.
We've done our best to create useful and informative comparisons to help you decide what product to buy. Our research uses advanced automated methods to create this comparison and perfection is not possible - please contact us for corrections or questions. These are the sites we've researched in the creation of this article: avnirvana.com - crutchfield.com - projectorscreen.com - digitaltrends.com - newatlas.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - ecoustics.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - leicacamerausa.com - projectorreviews.com - whathifi.com - leicacamerausa.com - bhphotovideo.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorscreen.com - crutchfield.com - leicarumors.com - projectorscreen.com
