When it comes to creating a high-end home theater experience, Samsung's Premiere 9 ($5,999) and Leica's Cine 1 ($9,495) represent two of the most sophisticated ultra short throw (UST) laser projectors available. Both launched recently - the Samsung in early 2024 and the Leica in late 2022 - bringing significant advancements in home theater technology.
Unlike traditional projectors that need to sit far from the screen, UST projectors use advanced optics to create massive images from just inches away from your wall. This clever engineering lets them fit into spaces where regular projectors wouldn't work, essentially replacing your TV with a massive 100"+ screen without requiring room reconstruction.
Both projectors use triple laser technology, which means they have separate red, green, and blue lasers instead of a traditional lamp or single laser with a color wheel. This approach delivers superior color accuracy and brightness while eliminating the "rainbow effect" that bothers some viewers with single-chip DLP projectors.
The Samsung Premiere 9 builds on previous models with a new 0.66-inch DMD (Digital Micromirror Device) chip and their latest Quantum 4K processor. This combination enables better HDR handling and improved upscaling of non-4K content. Its 3,450 lumens brightness rating represents a significant jump from earlier models.
The Leica Cine 1 takes a different approach, focusing on optical excellence with their custom-designed Summicron lens system. While based on Hisense's proven L9G platform, Leica's modifications to the lens and image processing create noticeably better edge sharpness and reduced chromatic aberration (color fringing) compared to other UST projectors.
The Samsung's higher brightness (3,450 vs 3,000 lumens) makes it more versatile for rooms with ambient light. This difference is noticeable when watching HDR content or using the projector during the day. Both projectors use dynamic laser dimming to improve contrast, but the Samsung's higher brightness gives it an edge in mixed-use environments.
Both projectors exceed the DCI-P3 color space (the standard for digital cinema), but handle it differently:
The Leica's superior lens system provides better edge-to-edge sharpness, particularly noticeable with text and detailed scenes. The Samsung compensates with better HDR processing and upscaling of lower-resolution content.
The Samsung's 0.19:1 throw ratio means it can sit closer to the wall than the Leica's 0.25:1 ratio. In practical terms:
The Samsung offers more forgiving setup with better geometric correction (digital adjustment of the image shape). The Leica demands more precise physical positioning but rewards this effort with superior edge clarity.
The Samsung uses their latest Tizen OS, similar to their TVs, offering:
The Leica uses Google TV, providing:
This is where the Samsung pulls significantly ahead with its 40W 2.2.2 Dolby Atmos system. The up-firing speakers create convincing height effects, and the overall sound quality is good enough that many users won't need a separate sound system initially.
The Leica's audio system is more basic, clearly designed with the expectation that buyers will use external audio equipment.
The Samsung Premiere 9 delivers exceptional value despite its premium price. You get:
The Leica Cine 1 justifies its higher price through:
In practical use, both projectors excel but suit different environments:
The Samsung proves more versatile, handling everything from bright-room sports viewing to dark-room movies with equal aplomb. Its higher brightness and better HDR processing make it particularly good with modern content, and the gaming features add value for mixed-use setups.
The Leica shines brightest (ironically) in dedicated theater rooms where its superior optics and color accuracy create truly cinematic experiences. The better edge sharpness becomes particularly noticeable with larger screen sizes.
Choose the Samsung Premiere 9 if:
Choose the Leica Cine 1 if:
Both projectors represent the cutting edge of UST technology, but they target slightly different users. The Samsung offers better overall value and versatility, while the Leica delivers the ultimate in image quality for dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
The choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and environment, but both will deliver a stunning big-screen experience that rivals or exceeds traditional TVs of similar sizes.
| Samsung Premiere 9 ($5,999) | Leica Cine 1 ($9,495) |
|---|---|
| Brightness - Critical for room versatility and HDR performance | |
| 3,450 ISO lumens (excellent for mixed lighting) | 3,000 ANSI lumens (best in controlled lighting) |
| Throw Ratio - Determines how close to wall unit must be placed | |
| 0.19:1 (4.5" for 100" screen) | 0.25:1 (10" for 100" screen) |
| Light Source - Impacts color accuracy and maintenance needs | |
| Triple RGB laser (20,000 hour life) | Triple RGB laser (25,000 hour life) |
| Audio System - Determines need for external speakers | |
| 40W 2.2.2 Dolby Atmos (excellent built-in) | Basic integrated speakers (external recommended) |
| Smart Platform - Affects streaming and gaming capabilities | |
| Tizen OS (comprehensive apps, gaming hub) | Google TV (basic streaming, no gaming focus) |
| HDR Support - Influences contrast and color range | |
| HDR10+, HDR10, HLG (superior processing) | HDR10, Dolby Vision (good processing) |
| Lens Quality - Impacts image clarity and setup flexibility | |
| Standard triple-laser optics (good) | Leica Summicron lens (exceptional edge clarity) |
| Color Gamut - Determines color range and accuracy | |
| 154% DCI-P3 (vibrant, punchy colors) | 100% BT.2020 (more natural, accurate colors) |
| Gaming Features - Important for console gamers | |
| Low latency mode, cloud gaming support | Basic gaming support, higher latency |
| Installation Flexibility - Affects setup ease | |
| Multiple adjustment options, forgiving setup | Precise positioning required, less forgiving |
The Samsung Premiere 9 ($5,999) performs better in bright rooms with its 3,450 lumens compared to the Leica Cine 1's ($9,495) 3,000 lumens. The Samsung's superior HDR processing also helps maintain picture quality in ambient light.
The Samsung Premiere 9 costs $5,999, while the Leica Cine 1 is priced at $9,495, making the Leica about $3,500 more expensive.
The Leica Cine 1 offers superior edge-to-edge sharpness and more natural colors, while the Samsung Premiere 9 provides brighter, more vibrant images with better HDR handling.
The Samsung Premiere 9 includes an excellent 40W Dolby Atmos system that many users will find sufficient. The Leica Cine 1 has basic speakers and works best with external audio.
The Samsung Premiere 9 is easier to set up with more forgiving placement and better geometric correction options. The Leica Cine 1 requires more precise positioning but rewards careful setup with superior image quality.
The Samsung Premiere 9 needs about 4.5 inches for a 100-inch image, while the Leica Cine 1 requires about 10 inches for the same size.
The Samsung Premiere 9 is significantly better for gaming with lower input lag, cloud gaming support, and a dedicated Game Hub. The Leica Cine 1 offers basic gaming support only.
The Leica Cine 1 offers 25,000 hours of laser life, while the Samsung Premiere 9 provides 20,000 hours. Both should last many years under normal use.
The Samsung Premiere 9 offers more comprehensive smart features with its Tizen OS, including more streaming apps and gaming options compared to the Leica Cine 1's basic Google TV platform.
Both projectors can display up to 130-inch images, though the Leica maintains better edge sharpness at larger sizes.
Yes, both projectors offer 4K resolution through pixel-shifting technology, though they achieve it differently. Image quality is virtually indistinguishable from native 4K at normal viewing distances.
The Samsung Premiere 9 offers better overall value with more features, better brightness, and superior audio at a lower price point. The Leica Cine 1 justifies its higher price through superior optics and build quality for dedicated home theater enthusiasts.
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: avsforum.com - valueelectronics.com - youtube.com - techradar.com - youtube.com - news.samsung.com - samsung.com - soundandvision.com - samsung.com - sound-advice.online - trustedreviews.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
