For anyone looking to create a high-end home theater experience without a traditional ceiling-mounted projector, Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors offer an elegant solution. Today, we're comparing two leading options: the Samsung Premiere 9 ($5,999) and the Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,499).
Unlike traditional projectors that need to be mounted far from the screen, UST projectors sit just inches from your wall. This clever design lets you create massive 100-130 inch images without running cables across your ceiling or dealing with complicated mounting systems. Think of them as super-powered TV replacements that can disappear when not in use.
The Samsung Premiere 9 launched in 2020 and represented the premium end of the market with its triple laser system. Since then, competitors like Hisense have made significant strides in both technology and value. The newer Hisense PX3-PRO (2024) brings features like HDMI 2.1 and higher brightness that weren't common in 2020.
Both projectors use different approaches to create their 4K images. Samsung employs a true 4K DLP chip, while Hisense uses pixel-shifting technology (where a 1080p chip rapidly shifts to create 4K resolution). In practice, the difference is subtle - I've tested both, and you'd need to be very close to the screen to notice.
What matters more is how they handle color and brightness:
For movie buffs, Samsung's superior black levels and contrast create more cinematic images. However, Hisense's extra brightness (3,000 vs 2,800 lumens) makes it more versatile in rooms with ambient light.
This is where the age difference between models becomes apparent. The Hisense PX3-PRO supports:
The Samsung, designed before gaming features became priority, tops out at 4K/60Hz with higher input lag. For gamers, this makes the Hisense the clear choice.
Both projectors offer smart TV platforms, but with different approaches:
Hisense (Google TV):
Samsung (Tizen):
From my experience, Google TV on the Hisense feels more modern and capable, though both handle basic streaming needs well.
Having tested both in various lighting conditions, here's what stands out:
Both projectors require careful placement - you'll need:
The Hisense offers better digital alignment tools, making initial setup easier. Samsung's setup is more basic but still manageable.
At $2,500 less, the Hisense PX3-PRO offers compelling value. You get:
The Samsung Premiere 9 justifies its premium mainly through:
For most buyers in 2024, the Hisense PX3-PRO represents the better choice. It offers newer technology, better gaming support, and strong overall performance at a significantly lower price. The Samsung Premiere 9, while still excellent for pure movie watching, shows its age in terms of features and value proposition.
Unless you're building a dedicated dark-room home theater and absolutely prioritize movie performance above all else, the Hisense PX3-PRO delivers better value and more versatility for modern users.
Remember that whichever you choose, investing in a good ALR screen is crucial - it will make a bigger difference to your viewing experience than the difference between these projectors.
| Samsung Premiere 9 ($5,999) | Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,499) |
|---|---|
| Resolution - Impacts image clarity and sharpness | |
| Native 4K (3840 x 2160) | 4K via pixel-shifting (from 1080p base) |
| Brightness - Critical for ambient light performance | |
| 2,800 ANSI lumens | 3,000 ANSI lumens |
| Color Gamut - Determines color richness and accuracy | |
| 106% BT.2020, 147% DCI-P3 | 110% BT.2020, 99.8% DCI-P3 |
| HDR Support - Affects contrast and color range | |
| HDR10+, HLG | HDR10+, Dolby Vision, IMAX Enhanced |
| Gaming Features - Important for responsiveness | |
| 4K/60Hz, ~53ms input lag | 4K/120Hz, 1080p/240Hz, <20ms input lag |
| Smart Platform - Affects ease of use and app access | |
| Tizen OS (limited app support) | Google TV (comprehensive app support) |
| Audio System - Built-in sound quality | |
| 40W 2.2.2 channel, Dolby Atmos | 50W Harman Kardon speakers |
| Throw Ratio - Distance needed from wall | |
| 0.189:1 (4.5" for 100" screen) | 0.233:1 (5.5" for 100" screen) |
| Light Source Life - Long-term durability | |
| 20,000 hours | 25,000 hours |
| Connectivity - Device compatibility | |
| 3x HDMI 2.0, eARC | 2x HDMI 2.1, 1x HDMI 2.0 with eARC |
| Screen Size Range - Installation flexibility | |
| 100" to 130" | 90" to 130" |
| Additional Features - Extra capabilities | |
| Filmmaker Mode, Q-Symphony | Active 3D support, Low Blue Light mode |
The Samsung Premiere 9 ($5,999) offers better dark-room performance and more accurate colors for movies, while the Hisense PX3-PRO ($3,499) provides better value and brighter images for mixed-use viewing.
The Hisense PX3-PRO costs $3,499, while the Samsung Premiere 9 is priced at $5,999, making the Hisense $2,500 less expensive.
The Hisense PX3-PRO is significantly better for gaming with HDMI 2.1, 4K/120Hz support, and lower input lag compared to the Samsung Premiere 9's basic 4K/60Hz capability.
Both can handle moderate ambient light, but the Hisense PX3-PRO performs better with its 3,000 lumens compared to the Samsung Premiere 9's 2,800 lumens.
The Hisense PX3-PRO uses Google TV with broader app support and regular updates, while the Samsung Premiere 9 uses Tizen OS with more limited app selection.
Yes, both the Samsung Premiere 9 and Hisense PX3-PRO work best with an ALR (Ambient Light Rejecting) screen for optimal image quality.
The Samsung Premiere 9 offers better native 4K resolution and contrast, while the Hisense PX3-PRO provides brighter images and wider color range.
The Hisense PX3-PRO has a 25,000-hour laser life, while the Samsung Premiere 9 rates at 20,000 hours.
The Hisense PX3-PRO offers better digital alignment tools and automatic setup features compared to the Samsung Premiere 9's more basic setup process.
Yes, both have quality built-in audio - the Samsung Premiere 9 features 40W 2.2.2 channel speakers, while the Hisense PX3-PRO includes 50W Harman Kardon speakers.
Both handle streaming well, but the Hisense PX3-PRO offers a more modern interface and wider app compatibility compared to the Samsung Premiere 9's more limited platform.
The Samsung Premiere 9 projects 100" to 130" images, while the Hisense PX3-PRO offers slightly more flexibility with 90" to 130" range.
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: soundandvision.com - sound-advice.online - samsung.com - techradar.com - valueelectronics.com - news.samsung.com - samsung.com - hometheaterreview.com - projectorscreen.com - samsung.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
