When it comes to creating a high-end home theater experience, ultra short throw (UST) laser projectors like the Leica Cine 1 and Hisense PX3-PRO represent some of the most exciting technology available today. Let's dive into what makes these projectors special and help you decide which one might be right for your setup.
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors use clever optics to create huge images from just inches away. This means you can place them in a console right below your screen, making them much more practical for most living spaces. They've become increasingly popular since 2020, offering a compelling alternative to massive TVs for those wanting 100"+ screens.
Both the $9,495 Leica Cine 1 and $3,299 Hisense PX3-PRO use advanced laser light sources instead of traditional bulbs. This means they turn on instantly, last much longer (25,000+ hours), and maintain consistent brightness over their lifetime.
Both projectors deliver true 4K resolution (3840 x 2160 pixels), though they achieve this differently. The Leica uses higher-end processing while the Hisense employs Texas Instruments' pixel-shifting technology - but in real-world viewing, both look incredibly sharp.
Here's where things get interesting. Both projectors advertise 3,000 lumens of brightness, but the Hisense actually measured slightly brighter in independent tests. However, the Leica prioritizes color accuracy over maximum brightness, which many home theater enthusiasts prefer.
The Hisense boasts impressive color coverage, hitting 110% of the BT.2020 color space (which is the current gold standard for digital video). The Leica, while also excellent, focuses more on accuracy than pushing the boundaries of the color gamut.
This is where the Leica Cine 1 really shines. Its Summicron lens includes four aspherical elements (specially shaped pieces of glass that help reduce distortion) manufactured to Leica's famously high standards. This results in better edge-to-edge clarity and fewer color fringing issues compared to the Hisense.
Both projectors offer modern smart TV platforms - the Leica uses VIDAA while the Hisense PX3-PRO features Google TV. In practice, the Google TV interface feels more polished and offers better app selection. Both include streaming services like Netflix and Prime Video built-in.
For connections, they're similarly well-equipped with multiple HDMI ports supporting the latest standards (HDMI 2.1 for gaming), USB ports, and network connectivity. The Hisense has a slight edge with better gaming features, including 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p and lower input lag.
For either projector, you'll need:
The Leica is optimized for specific screen sizes (80", 100", or 120"), while the Hisense offers more flexibility, supporting screens from 80" to 150". This could be a crucial factor depending on your space.
Both projectors need precise placement to align with your screen properly. The Hisense's 0.22:1 throw ratio means it sits slightly closer to the wall than the Leica's 0.25:1 ratio, but we're talking about differences of just a few inches.
Built-in audio has historically been a weak point for projectors, but both units impress here. The Leica features a custom-designed Dolby Atmos system, while the Hisense includes 50-watt Harman Kardon speakers. Both sound good for casual viewing, but for a proper home theater, you'll want a dedicated audio system.
The price difference between these projectors can't be ignored - it's nearly $6,200. The Leica's premium pricing brings:
The Hisense counters with:
For most users, the Hisense PX3-PRO represents the better value. It delivers 90% of the premium experience at about one-third the price. However, if you're building a cost-no-object home theater and demand the absolute best edge-to-edge clarity, the Leica Cine 1 is still worth considering.
Since both projectors' release, they've received software updates improving their smart features and performance. The Hisense has particularly benefited from Google TV platform updates, while Leica has focused on refining its image processing.
Remember that either projector represents a significant upgrade over traditional TV viewing, offering a true cinema-like experience at home. The key is choosing the one that best matches your specific needs, space, and budget.
| Leica Cine 1 120" ($9,495) | Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,299) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance | |
| 3,000 ANSI lumens | 3,000 ANSI lumens (measured slightly brighter in tests) |
| Lens Quality - Impacts image clarity and color accuracy | |
| Premium Summicron lens with 4 aspherical elements (noticeably better edge sharpness) | Standard UST lens (good but shows some color fringing) |
| Color Gamut - Determines range of displayable colors | |
| 100% BT.2020 (emphasis on accuracy) | 110% BT.2020 (wider range but slightly less accurate) |
| Screen Size Flexibility - Important for room planning | |
| Fixed optimization for 80", 100", or 120" only | Flexible 80" to 150" range |
| Gaming Features - Critical for serious gamers | |
| Basic gaming support | Advanced (240Hz@1080p, lower input lag) |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of streaming | |
| VIDAA (limited app selection) | Google TV (better app support, more updates) |
| Built-in Audio - Important if not using separate system | |
| Premium Dolby Atmos system | 50W Harman Kardon speakers |
| Throw Ratio - Determines placement distance | |
| 0.25:1 (slightly further from wall) | 0.22:1 (closer placement possible) |
| Relative Value - Overall price/performance | |
| Premium price for modest performance gains | Better value for most users |
Both the Leica Cine 1 and Hisense PX3-PRO offer 3,000 ANSI lumens, making them suitable for moderate ambient light. However, the Hisense measured slightly brighter in independent tests.
The Leica Cine 1 offers superior lens quality and better edge-to-edge focus, making it ideal for dedicated home theaters. However, the Hisense PX3-PRO provides excellent performance at one-third the price.
Yes, both projectors perform best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen designed for UST projectors. Standard projector screens won't optimize their performance.
The Hisense PX3-PRO is significantly better for gaming, offering 240Hz refresh rate at 1080p and lower input lag. The Leica Cine 1 provides basic gaming support but isn't optimized for it.
For a 120" image, the Hisense needs about 13.8 inches while the Leica needs 14.3 inches. Both are true ultra-short throw projectors suitable for furniture placement.
The Hisense PX3-PRO with Google TV offers a better smart experience with more apps and regular updates. The Leica Cine 1's VIDAA system is more limited.
Both perform adequately in moderate ambient light, but like all projectors, they work best in controlled lighting conditions. Using an ALR screen is essential for bright room viewing.
Both projectors offer approximately 25,000 hours of laser life, which equals about 12 years of viewing at 5 hours per day.
While professional installation isn't required, precise alignment is crucial for both projectors. The Hisense PX3-PRO offers more placement flexibility, while the Leica Cine 1 is optimized for specific screen sizes.
Yes, both projectors can serve as TV replacements, offering similar brightness and better image quality than most TVs. The Hisense's Google TV platform makes the transition especially seamless.
Both offer premium audio solutions - the Leica Cine 1 with Dolby Atmos and the Hisense PX3-PRO with Harman Kardon speakers. However, for true home theater performance, external speakers are recommended.
For most users, the Hisense PX3-PRO at $3,299 offers better value. The Leica Cine 1's $9,495 price tag is harder to justify unless you specifically need its premium lens quality or brand prestige.
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: projectorcentral.com - projectorreviews.com - leicacamerausa.com - projectorreviews.com - whathifi.com - leicacamerausa.com - bhphotovideo.com - projectorcentral.com - projectorscreen.com - crutchfield.com - leicarumors.com - projectorscreen.com - shop.hisense-usa.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - projectorcentral.com - avsforum.com - youtube.com - projectorreviews.com - avsforum.com - projectorcentral.com - en.heimkinowelten.de - dreamediaav.com
