Choosing Between Premium 4K Ultra Short Throw Projectors: A Detailed Comparison

When it comes to creating a high-end home theater experience without dedicating an entire room to a traditional projector setup, ultra short throw (UST) laser projectors have become an increasingly popular choice. Today, we're comparing two compelling options: the Samsung Premiere 9 ($5,999) and the Hisense PL2 ($2,197).

Understanding Ultra Short Throw Projectors

UST projectors can create massive images while sitting just inches from your wall, making them a practical alternative to traditional long-throw projectors or oversized TVs. They've become increasingly sophisticated over the past few years, with improvements in laser technology, smart features, and built-in audio systems.

The key advantage of UST projectors is their ability to deliver a massive screen size (100+ inches) without requiring ceiling mounts or complex installation. They can essentially replace your TV while offering a more flexible and potentially more cost-effective solution for very large displays.

Image Quality Deep Dive

Brightness and Ambient Light Performance

The Samsung Premiere 9 leads with 3,450 lumens of brightness, compared to the Hisense PL2's 2,700 lumens. This difference is significant in real-world usage, especially in rooms with ambient light. The Samsung's additional brightness provides more flexibility in viewing conditions and better HDR performance.

What makes this especially interesting is the Samsung's triple laser system - it uses separate red, green, and blue lasers instead of the more common single blue laser with phosphor wheel approach found in the Hisense. This technology not only produces better colors but also helps eliminate the "rainbow effect" that some viewers are sensitive to with single-chip DLP projectors.

Color Accuracy and Range

Both projectors deliver impressive color performance, but there are notable differences:

• The Samsung Premiere 9's triple laser system provides wider color coverage and better color accuracy out of the box
• The Hisense PL2 covers 85% of the DCI-P3 color space, which is good but not class-leading
• Both support HDR content, but the Samsung handles tone mapping more effectively

In practical terms, this means the Samsung will deliver more vibrant and accurate colors, especially in HDR content like 4K movies and next-gen gaming consoles.

Smart Features and Connectivity

Both projectors offer modern smart platforms, but with different approaches:

The Samsung uses their Tizen OS platform, which provides:

• Familiar Samsung TV interface
• Built-in voice control
• Samsung SmartThings integration
• AirPlay 2 support

The Hisense employs Google TV:

• Access to Google Play Store
• Native Chromecast functionality
• Google Assistant integration
• Wide app compatibility

Both systems are capable, but Google TV generally offers more flexibility and app options. However, Samsung's interface is typically more polished and responsive.

Audio Performance

One area where these projectors significantly differ is their built-in audio systems:

The Samsung Premiere 9 features:

• 40W 2.2.2 channel system
• Dolby Atmos support
• Object Tracking Sound technology
• Up-firing speakers for height effects

The Hisense PL2 offers:

• 30W stereo system
• Basic Dolby support
• Decent but not room-filling sound

While both can function without external speakers, the Samsung's audio system is notably more capable and could potentially eliminate the need for a separate soundbar in some setups.

Installation and Setup

Both projectors require careful placement for optimal image quality. They need to be:

• Perfectly level
• Correct distance from the wall
• On a stable surface

The Samsung offers slightly more flexible placement with its 0.189:1 throw ratio versus the Hisense's 0.22:1. This means the Samsung can sit slightly closer to the wall for the same image size.

Value Proposition and Real-World Use

The price difference between these projectors is substantial - about $3,800. This leads to an important question: Is the Samsung worth nearly three times the price?

For serious home theater enthusiasts, the Samsung's advantages are clear:

• Superior brightness and color accuracy
• Better HDR performance
• More capable audio system
• Premium build quality

However, the Hisense PL2 offers tremendous value:

• Very good picture quality
• Reliable smart features
• Solid brightness for darker rooms
• More budget-friendly

How to Decide

Choose the Samsung Premiere 9 if:

• You're building a premium home theater
• You'll watch in varying light conditions
• Color accuracy is crucial
• You want the best built-in audio
• Budget isn't your primary concern

Choose the Hisense PL2 if:

• Value is your main priority
• You'll use external speakers
• You have good light control
• You're comfortable with very good (versus excellent) picture quality

Final Thoughts

Both projectors represent different approaches to the UST market. The Samsung Premiere 9 is a premium product that delivers exceptional performance in every category but comes with a price tag to match. The Hisense PL2 offers very good performance at a more accessible price point, making it an excellent value proposition for many users.

The decision ultimately comes down to your specific needs and budget. If you're after the absolute best picture quality and have the budget, the Samsung is the clear choice. However, if you're looking for the best value and are willing to accept some compromises, the Hisense PL2 delivers impressive performance at a much lower price point.

Samsung Premiere 9 4K Ultra Short Throw Laser Projector Deals and Prices

Hisense PL2 4K Ultra Short Throw Projector Deals and Prices