Samsung The Premiere 9 vs Epson LS800 vs Hisense PX3-Pro: Ultra Short Throw Projector Comparison

Ultra Short Throw (UST) projectors are designed to sit just inches from a wall or screen and project a massive image, making them compelling alternatives to large TVs. Here we compare three leading 4K laser UST projectors: Samsung’s The Premiere 9 (model LPU9D), Epson’s EpiqVision Ultra LS800 (LS800B in black or LS800W in white), and Hisense’s PX3-Pro TriChroma Laser Cinema. Each promises a bright, big-screen experience up to 120–150 inches, but they differ in key areas. We’ll break down their performance in brightness, resolution, image quality, contrast, HDR support, color accuracy, input lag (gaming), sound, smart features (OS), connectivity, build/design, pricing, availability, and warranty, with the latest info as of 2025. No deep technical knowledge is required – we’ll explain the important points and include expert opinions along the way.

Brightness and Picture Clarity

Brightness is crucial for UST projectors, especially if you’ll use them in a living room with some ambient light. All three models are extremely bright by projector standards, but there are differences:

• Samsung The Premiere 9: Samsung rates it at 3,450 ISO lumens (approximately similar to ANSI lumens) projectorreviews.com. In testing, its Dynamic picture mode with a special “Peak Brightness” booster on measured about 3,140 ANSI lumens – very bright, enough to combat moderate room light projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. In its more accurate modes (like Movie or Filmmaker mode), it puts out around 1,600–2,000 lumens projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. This means Samsung can get extremely bright for occasional “lights-on” use, but you sacrifice some picture accuracy and black level in that max-brightness mode (the Peak Brightness mode raises black levels significantly) projectorreviews.com. For normal viewing, you’d likely use a slightly dimmer mode with better color. Samsung advertises up to a 130-inch projection size at about 9.4 inches from the wall projectorcentral.com, and it has no trouble filling that with a watchable image even in a moderately lit room. In a bright sunlit room, an Ambient Light Rejecting (ALR) screen is recommended to get the best results projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com.
• Epson EpiqVision LS800: Epson claims 4,000 lumens for the LS800 projectorreviews.com, making it one of the brightest in its class. Test bench results confirm it can approach that: in its brightest (but very green-tinted) Dynamic mode, around 4,000 ANSI lumens was measured soundandvision.com soundandvision.com. More importantly, in the Cinema or Natural modes it still delivers ~2,600–2,700 lumens with much better color balance soundandvision.com. This is plenty of brightness – for example, on a 120″ UST screen, Cinema mode gave about 100–114 nits, similar to a big TV’s brightness soundandvision.com soundandvision.com. Reviewers called it “very bright” and suitable for moderately-lit rooms rtings.com. The upside of all this output is that the LS800 maintains a vivid image in brighter environments – it’s arguably the best of the three for daytime viewing or usage in multi-purpose spaces with windows. Epson even allows up to a 150-inch screen size, larger than Samsung’s recommendation projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. Thanks to its ultra-short throw lens design, it can project a 120″ image from just 6.9 inches away projectorreviews.com. The image clarity is good: like the others, it’s a 4K pixel-shifting projector (Epson uses a 1080p 3LCD chip that flashes rapidly to display a 4K detail image). In practice, the image looks very sharp and 4K-resolution to the eye projectorreviews.com. One note: pushing the projector to maximum brightness isn’t usually necessary – even at half brightness, these projectors are bright enough for a huge picture. Running at a moderate brightness can also extend the laser life and improve black levels.
• Hisense PX3-Pro: Hisense rates this model at 3,000 ANSI lumens, which it actually exceeds in its brightest mode. An expert review measured about 3,400 lumens at peak (vivid mode) and around 2,580 lumens after calibration to accurate color (D65) projectorscreen.com projectorscreen.com. In other words, the PX3-Pro is roughly on par with the Epson in usable brightness and just a notch below the Samsung’s absolute max. In real-world viewing, it’s extremely bright and can comfortably be used with some ambient light, though like all projectors it looks best in a dim or darkened room. Hisense advertises it can project images from 80″ up to 150″ diagonally by adjusting its distance (throw ratio 0.22:1) projectorscreen.com. For example, you get a ~100″ image from only about 8–9 inches away. The picture clarity is excellent – the PX3-Pro uses a DLP chip with fast pixel shifting to achieve 4K UHD resolution, and text and 4K content appear crisp and detailed. One reviewer noted it delivers a “crisp 4K picture” with no obvious artifacts yahoo.com. It’s also worth noting that the Hisense and Samsung use DLP projection which can show fine details well; Samsung even uses a larger 0.66″ DLP chip, meaning it can natively resolve 4K with fewer artifacts than many smaller-chip projectors projectorcentral.com projectorcentral.com. In summary, all three projectors provide true 4K detail and a bright image, but Epson is the brightest for ambient light conditions rtings.com, while Samsung and Hisense are not far behind and more than sufficient for typical home theater use. If you plan to watch a lot in daylight or without curtains, the extra brightness of the Epson (and pairing with an ALR screen) gives it an edge rtings.com rtings.com. For nighttime movie viewing, all three are easily bright enough.

Color Performance and HDR

One of the biggest differences comes from how each projector produces color and handles high dynamic range (HDR) content.

• Light Source and Color Gamut: Samsung and Hisense both use Triple Laser technology (RGB lasers) with no color wheel. This allows them to produce an exceptionally wide color gamut. Samsung advertises that the Premiere 9 covers 154% of the DCI-P3 digital cinema color space projectorreviews.com. In measurements, it indeed showed extremely broad color: essentially 100% of Rec.709 (HD color), ~98% of DCI-P3, and about 93% of the BT.2020 ultra-wide gamut projectorcentral.com projectorcentral.com. In practical terms, it can display colors more vivid and saturated than a typical TV – great for HDR animation or nature documentaries. Hisense similarly claims to hit 110% of Rec.2020 (which is even wider than DCI-P3), and tests found it comes very close: about 98% of the BT.2020 gamut, meaning it basically covers virtually all of DCI-P3 and then some projectorscreen.com projectorscreen.com. This “TriChroma” laser ability to produce very pure red, green, and blue yields brilliant, rich colors. Epson’s LS800 uses a single blue laser with phosphor and 3LCD panels. Its color performance is still good – it can fully cover the standard Rec.709 gamut and most of DCI-P3 – but not as wide as the triple-laser units. One review measured the LS800’s HDR color at about 79% of DCI-P3 coverage soundandvision.com (another test showed ~92% on a different metric, but generally it’s around the lower 80s percent). This is on par with other single-laser projectors, but it means it can’t display the most extreme HDR colors that Samsung and Hisense can. For most regular content (broadcast TV, non-HDR video), this isn’t a big factor, as Rec.709 is within its range. For 4K HDR movies, the Samsung and Hisense will have an edge in color vibrancy – for example, rich greens, deep reds and cyan blues will look more saturated. That said, out-of-the-box color accuracy on the Epson is decent and colors appear “vibrant” to the eye rtings.com, just slightly oversaturated. On Samsung and Hisense, colors are extremely vivid; sometimes too vivid in default modes, but both offer calibration controls or more accurate picture modes to dial that in.
• HDR Format Support: All three projectors can display HDR content, but only one supports every HDR format:
  • Samsung: Supports HDR10 and HLG (Hybrid Log Gamma for broadcast) on all content, and it is the world’s first projector with HDR10+ dynamic HDR support projectorreviews.com. HDR10+ is a Samsung-backed format (used on Amazon Prime Video and some UHD discs) that, like Dolby Vision, can adjust brightness scene-by-scene. Notably, Samsung does not support Dolby Vision on this projector (Samsung as a company has chosen HDR10+ over Dolby Vision in all their TVs/projectors). So, HDR content in Dolby Vision will fallback to regular HDR10 on the Samsung.
  • Epson: Supports standard HDR10 and HLG HDR. It does not support Dolby Vision or HDR10+ dynamic metadata (HDR10 content plays fine; HDR10+ content will play as HDR10). Essentially, it covers the basics but not the proprietary premium formats, which is common for many projectors. It does process HDR in 10-bit and has some tone mapping options, but it’s the simplest in format support.
  • Hisense: The PX3-Pro is feature-packed with all major HDR formats – it handles HDR10 and HLG, and uniquely among the three it supports HDR10+ and Dolby Vision projectorscreen.com. This means whether you’re watching a Dolby Vision title on Netflix/Disney+ or an HDR10+ title on Prime, the projector can use that dynamic metadata to potentially improve contrast and highlights. It’s also IMAX Enhanced certified (which basically involves being able to play IMAX-formatted content with DTS audio, etc., though the benefits there are modest). In practice, having Dolby Vision is a nice future-proof perk; for example, some UHD Blu-rays and many streaming services use Dolby Vision to give you better optimized brightness scene by scene. The Hisense is equipped to display those as intended, whereas the Epson and Samsung will just show those in basic HDR10. Reviewers highlighted that the PX3-Pro “supports every common HDR mode” and thus is very versatile for all content sources x.com.
• Color Accuracy and Picture Tuning: Out-of-the-box, each projector has its own color tuning in preset modes. Epson tends to be a bit oversaturated in the vivid modes and a bit warm (reddish) in others; however, its Cinema mode was noted as fairly accurate (Delta E ~4, which is decent) and you can improve it by simple tweaks soundandvision.com soundandvision.com. It does lack a full color management system for deep calibration – there are limited calibration controls, which purists might not love rtings.com rtings.com. But most casual users will find one of the presets (Natural or Cinema) looks good. Samsung has several modes (Dynamic, Standard, Movie, Filmmaker, etc.). Movie and Filmmaker are the most accurate, though some reviewers found Samsung’s out-of-box white balance to be a bit cool (blue) until calibrated projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. Samsung does allow calibration, but notably you cannot tweak the primary color levels (no CMS controls), only the white balance and a few basic settings projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. Still, average color errors were low (around a Delta E of 2 after adjustment, which is excellent) projectorreviews.com – so it can look very accurate aside from some limitations with the brightest colors. Hisense out-of-the-box was reported to have a too-warm color temperature (giving images a slight reddish/yellow cast by default) rtings.com rtings.com. This can be corrected via calibration or even the built-in picture modes – it has Calibrated and Calibrated Dark modes that aim for accuracy. The PX3-Pro does provide a full color management system and calibration options for those who want to fine-tune, and overall reviewers found “surprisingly good color accuracy” for this unit projectorscreen.com. One measured the average color error around ΔE 3–4 after minor adjustments, which is solid soundandvision.com soundandvision.com. All three projectors support 10-bit color processing for HDR, so you won’t get color banding if the content is high quality.
• Real-world Impact: When watching HDR movies or 4K games, the Samsung and Hisense will impress with their wider color gamut – for example, the lush alien world in Avatar or the vibrant costumes in a Marvel movie will look especially rich. The Epson will still look great (and perhaps a touch brighter in highlights), but its color palette is slightly more limited – about on par with many high-end LCD TVs which also cover ~80% P3. In side-by-side comparisons, you’d notice the difference in the most saturated tones (the Samsung/Hisense can display some deep reds or teals that the Epson might clip or show less intensely). On the other hand, Epson’s colors are very consistent thanks to 3LCD – there’s no “rainbow effect” at all (where flashes of color can occasionally be seen on single-chip DLP projectors). Both Samsung and Hisense, being DLP, can exhibit a tiny amount of rainbow effect or laser speckling on certain high-contrast scenes, though Samsung’s reviewer noted it was minimal (only seen on very small bright highlights if you move your eyes quickly) projectorcentral.com. The Hisense review also noted only some visible RBE and a bit of speckle on an ALR screen with certain content projectorscreen.com – generally not distracting for most people, but if you are extremely sensitive to RBE, the Epson might be the safer choice.

In summary, Hisense PX3-Pro has the most comprehensive HDR support and widest color range (nearly full BT.2020 and Dolby Vision capability) projectorscreen.com, making it a standout for high-end home theater usage. Samsung isn’t far behind in color performance (its color gamut is also excellent projectorcentral.com, and HDR10+ is a bonus if you watch Amazon Prime content) – it delivers a “wow” factor with vivid hues and is billed as the first HDR10+ projector for good reason projectorreviews.com. Epson focuses on brightness and consistency over absolute color breadth; it still produces beautiful colors (especially in bright scenes where our eyes appreciate the extra lumens), but technically it’s the least wide in gamut and sticks to the base HDR10 format. Many users will be perfectly happy with the Epson’s HDR, describing it as having “decently vibrant” colors despite the smaller gamut rtings.com rtings.com, but if you’re a videophile wanting the utmost color depth in UHD Blu-rays, the lasers in Samsung/Hisense have an advantage.

Contrast and Black Levels

Contrast ratio – the difference between dark and bright parts of the image – greatly affects picture quality, especially for dark room viewing and scenes with shadows or night. Here the projectors differ due to their display tech and engineering:

• Hisense PX3-Pro: It has the best contrast performance of the three. Hisense officially claims a 3000:1 native contrast (on/off) projectorscreen.com, but in actual tests it exceeded that by a lot. One review measured up to 6350:1 native contrast (full white vs full black) projectorscreen.com projectorscreen.com – an excellent figure for a DLP projector. This is likely due to its triple laser light engine which can dim very effectively and the use of dynamic contrast algorithms. In real scenes, that means deeper blacks and more “punch” to images, assuming you’re in a darkened room to appreciate it. In side-by-side comparisons, the Hisense’s blacks will look noticeably inkier than Epson’s, and its bright highlights still shine. This was noted by experts: “the Hisense has far better contrast… with punchier colors; this makes it much better for darker rooms” rtings.com rtings.com. The projector also has dynamic contrast/tone mapping features: e.g. a dynamic laser dimming for black scenes and options like Active Contrast. It even supports Dolby Vision HDR, which optimizes contrast on the fly for each scene. All of this results in arguably the most cinematic image of the three in a dark environment, with satisfying shadow detail. Users describe black scenes on the PX3-Pro as truly dark (for a projector), and bright scenes still retain detail. One caveat: the review pointed out that color in very low luminance scenes desaturates somewhat on the Hisense projectorscreen.com, meaning very dark scenes can lose some color intensity (this is a common challenge in HDR tonemapping).
• Epson LS800: Epson uses 3LCD panels which historically have lower native contrast than some DLP chips, but it tries to compensate with a form of dynamic contrast (probably via laser modulation since there’s no iris). The spec quotes a very high dynamic contrast (2,500,000:1) which isn’t directly comparable to others – that’s with the projector laser essentially turning off on fully black frames projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. The native sequential contrast measured on the LS800 is around 3000:1 to 3500:1 in the best mode soundandvision.com soundandvision.com, which is actually on par with or slightly better than many DLP USTs in practice. For example, Sound & Vision measured ~3500:1 in Cinema mode (with a 100 nits image) soundandvision.com soundandvision.com. With a small tweak to color temperature, they got ~3100:1 soundandvision.com soundandvision.com. In Game mode it was ~3000:1 soundandvision.com. These numbers indicate decent blacks and contrast for a living room projector, but in a fully dark theater room, blacks will still appear dark gray rather than pitch black. In side-by-side dark-room comparisons, the LS800’s black level is its weakest point – though not dramatically worse than Samsung’s. When watching in some ambient light (which washes out blacks on any projector), the Epson’s higher brightness can actually make the image appear more contrasty because the whites are much brighter to overcome ambient wash-out. This is why one expert said the Epson looks “satisfactory in dark rooms due to its decent contrast, as its whites are very bright next to the image’s blacks” rtings.com. Essentially, in mixed scenes the Epson’s bright parts are so bright that the contrast between bright and dark areas still looks okay. But in a pitch-black scene (like end credits or a starfield), the Epson will show a milky dark gray background unless its dynamic dimming kicks in. The LS800 does crush some shadow details out-of-box in certain modes, but you can adjust gamma and “shadow enhancement” to bring out details at the expense of raising black a bit projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. It does not support Dolby Vision or HDR10+, so it relies on its own tone mapping for HDR; it tends to clip some very bright highlights since it’s prioritizing overall brightness. For most users, Epson’s contrast is acceptable but not exceptional – great for sports and TV in some light, decent for movies in a dim room, but if you’re a dark-room home theater buff, you’ll notice its blacks are the least deep of this trio.
• Samsung The Premiere 9: Samsung’s projector uses a 0.66″ DLP chip and RGB lasers. DLP projectors typically have lower native contrast but can leverage dynamic tricks. Samsung specifies a 2,000,000:1 dynamic contrast (again, theoretical with laser dimming) projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. In real measurements, its native full-on/full-off contrast was around 1,300:1 to 1,800:1 (with all dynamic enhancements off) projectorreviews.com projectorcentral.com. This is actually a bit lower than the Epson’s native contrast. When the Samsung’s dynamic contrast processing is engaged (like Contrast Enhancer “High” and enabling its dynamic tone mapping), the perceived contrast improves. One test noted that turning on Contrast Enhancer (high) significantly boosted the visible contrast and improved dark scenes, though the true measured contrast still capped around ~1,800:1 in those tests projectorcentral.com projectorcentral.com. Subjectively, reviewers said black level and shadow detail were only “average… even for a DLP projector” out of the box projectorreviews.com, but that the combination of its effective tone mapping and laser light control can help at the cost of raised blacks projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. In side-by-side dark scenes, Samsung will likely show slightly grayer blacks than the Hisense, similar to or a bit worse than the Epson. It may crush some near-black details if not calibrated, or conversely, if you raise shadow detail you lift the black floor (gray-ish blacks) projectorreviews.com. On the plus side, Samsung’s triple laser produces very bright highlights, and HDR10+ content can utilize dynamic metadata to improve scene contrast – for instance, in a dark scene it can tone map differently than in a bright scene, preserving more detail. Still, more than one expert review pointed out that for its high price, the Premiere 9’s contrast and black level “aren’t quite where they should be” projectorreviews.com, and that some competitors (like Hisense or others) deliver better dark-scene performance at lower cost projectorreviews.com. In a living room with some lamp light, this is less noticeable; with any ambient light, all projectors’ blacks get washed out and what matters more is brightness, where Samsung does fine. In a light-controlled theater setting, however, Samsung will show the limitations of DLP contrast – expect a good but not OLED-like black. Using an ALR screen can help perceived contrast in lit rooms by rejecting stray light.

To put it simply: Hisense has the best contrast and deepest blacks, making it ideal for dedicated movie nights in a dim room rtings.com. Dark scenes will have more detail and “pop” on the PX3-Pro, and its dynamic range in HDR is enhanced by Dolby Vision support. Epson is the brightest, so it can keep a high overall contrast in brighter environments (bright highlights next to blacks in a lit room) and it’s very consistent scene-to-scene, but in a dark home theater its native contrast is just okay. Samsung sits somewhat in between – its blacks are not as good as Hisense’s and arguably a bit behind Epson’s in strict native contrast, but it uses clever processing to mask that. It handles mixed scenes well and HDR10+ helps in certain content, yet many reviewers expected better performance in the dark given its price projectorreviews.com. For casual viewing, all three are fine. If you’re critical about black level (say you watch a lot of moody, dark movies like Blade Runner or Game of Thrones episodes in a dark room), the Hisense will please you most, the Epson will appear visibly gray in dark sections but you might tolerate it if some lights are on, and the Samsung might leave you a bit underwhelmed given its premium status.

All three projectors do have some form of dynamic laser dimming for all-black scenes, so when a completely black image is projected, the lasers will dim down or shut off to make the screen as black as possible. However, in scenes with mixed content, they can’t dim too much or you’d lose brightness for other elements. This is why contrast specs in the millions don’t fully translate to real movie scenes. A note from an expert sums it up: “Contrast and black levels [on the Samsung] aren’t quite where they should be for the cost… it doesn’t necessarily outperform other laser TVs in gaming or contrast” projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. Likewise, an Rtings comparison said, “the Epson is noticeably brighter for non-light-controlled rooms, but the Hisense has far better contrast… for dark rooms” rtings.com.

Lastly, when using HDR, keep in mind each projector’s tone mapping approach: the Hisense’s Dolby Vision will automatically adapt to dark vs bright scenes (but note: in Game mode, Dolby Vision is not active, it reverts to HDR10, and its dynamic tone mapping is limited in that mode projectorscreen.com). Samsung’s HDR10+ will do similar on supported content. Epson has a manual HDR brightness slider to find a balance – you might need to adjust it for very dark movies vs very bright ones. It doesn’t have dynamic tone mapping, so it’s a one-setting-for-all compromise. Despite these differences, many users will find all three produce an impressive image. It’s only in side-by-side or in extreme content that the contrast differences become evident – for most normal viewing (especially mixed content and some ambient light), the projectors look quite punchy. In fact, the LS800 and PX3-Pro were both praised for delivering impactful images; one review of the Hisense said “its contrast is impressive, so it truly excels in darker rooms” rtings.com, and an LS800 review noted that while it can’t match an OLED on blacks, it still provides a pleasing picture with bright whites next to blacks making the contrast appear decent rtings.com.

Gaming and Input Lag

If you plan to use the projector for gaming – whether console or PC – input lag and supported resolutions/refresh rates are important. Input lag is the delay between a signal (like a button press) and the image showing on screen, measured in milliseconds (ms). Lower is better, especially for fast-paced or competitive gaming. High refresh rate support (like 120Hz) allows smoother gameplay if your source can provide it.

Hisense PX3-Pro – Best for Gaming: This projector is explicitly marketed as “The world’s first Designed for Xbox UST projector” projectorscreen.com. It has two HDMI 2.1 ports which allow for 4K at 120Hz input, and even up to 1080p at 240Hz rtings.com. This is quite cutting-edge – few projectors can handle 4K 120Hz. The benefit is that if you have an Xbox Series X, PlayStation 5, or a high-end PC, you can use 4K 120Hz output for ultra-smooth motion in games that support it (or 1080p 240Hz on PC for even higher frame rates, if desired). The PX3-Pro also supports Auto Low Latency Mode (ALLM) and Variable Refresh Rate (VRR) technologies. ALLM means it can automatically switch to a low-lag Game mode when it detects a console signal. VRR means it can adjust refresh rate on the fly (likely in a range up to 120Hz) to match the game’s frame rate, reducing screen tearing – a big plus for console gaming. As for input lag: specific measured numbers weren’t explicitly in our sources, but we have clues. The Hisense is said to have “low input lag and all major current gaming features”, delivering “smooth, lag-free gaming” in high refresh modes projectorscreen.com. Typically, projectors with similar specs have input lag in the ballpark of 16ms or less at 4K60, maybe ~8–12ms at 120Hz. For example, the earlier Hisense PX1-Pro (4K60 only) had around 30ms lag, but this newer PX3-Pro likely improved that significantly. One direct competitor (AWOL LTV-3500) has ~17ms at 4K60 and ~9ms at 1080p120, and Hisense’s own marketing suggests they optimized for Xbox. So, it’s safe to say the PX3-Pro’s input latency is very low – likely under 20ms – especially when Game mode is enabled. This is excellent (comparable to decent TVs and monitors). In practice, gamers report a very responsive experience. First-person shooters, racing games, etc., feel snappy and there’s minimal controller-to-screen delay. The ability to do 120Hz means fast motion is much clearer (reduced motion blur and judder compared to 60Hz). Combine that with the huge screen, and it’s an immersive gaming experience. The projector also supports HDR in games (including Dolby Vision on Xbox for games that use it) – though note, Dolby Vision gaming is limited to 60Hz on Xbox. If doing 120Hz, you’d be using HDR10. Nonetheless, the Hisense stands out as the choice for serious gaming among these three. A reviewer comparing projectors flatly stated, “the Hisense PX3-PRO comes with a wider feature set for gamers… capable of 1080p @ 240Hz or 4K @ 120Hz, while [many others] are limited to 4K @ 60Hz” rtings.com rtings.com.

Epson LS800 – Very Good for Gaming (1080p 120Hz): Epson took a different but effective route. The LS800 has three HDMI 2.0 inputs (so no native 4K120 support), but HDMI input #3 is a dedicated Game port that accepts up to 1080p 120Hz signals with low lag projectorreviews.com. This means if you set your console or PC to 1080p resolution, you can get 120Hz refresh for fast games. At 4K, you’re limited to 60Hz. The input lag on the LS800 is among the lowest recorded for USTs: about 16.7 ms at 1080p 120Hz according to Epson’s spec projectorreviews.com, and measurements by Sound&Vision found it even lower – around 10 ms at 1080p 120 (as low as 9.8 ms) soundandvision.com. At 4K 60Hz, the lag was around 18–20 ms soundandvision.com. These figures are excellent – essentially on par with many LCD TVs and more than fast enough for virtually all gaming except perhaps the most twitchy competitive play. For context, 16 ms is about a frame of delay at 60Hz. Most people won’t feel any lag until it’s above ~30–40 ms, and competitive gamers ideally want under 20 ms, so the LS800 meets that easily. Reviewers commented that the LS800 “has some of the lowest input lag we’ve seen on a UST projector to date” projectorcentral.com, noting it’s even bettered only by a couple of specialty models. The gaming experience on Epson is smooth: you can play fast shooters or sports games without discernible delay. The trade-off is you don’t get 4K at 120Hz. So if you want to game in the full 4K resolution, you’re at 60Hz (which is fine for many single-player or casual games). If you want the ultra-responsive 120Hz, you drop to 1080p – which on a giant screen is still fine for gaming, though you’ll notice the resolution drop compared to 4K for text/UI. Still, many competitive gamers prioritize frame rate over resolution. Importantly, the LS800 does not support VRR (most HDMI 2.0 projectors don’t), so games that fluctuate in frame rate will screen-tear unless you use V-Sync (which adds some lag) or stick to a stable output. Also, no ALLM signaling from the projector side, but you can manually put it in Game mode which bypasses extra processing for lowest lag. One nice thing: since Epson’s color system has no wheel, there’s no rainbow artifacts, which some people notice during fast high-contrast visuals in games – so that’s one less distraction.

Samsung The Premiere 9 – Decent for Casual Gaming: Samsung did not target gaming as strongly with the LPU9D. Its HDMI ports are HDMI 2.0, limited to 4K at 60Hz max techradar.com. It does support ALLM (Auto Low Latency Mode) and even a form of VRR, but note that VRR on HDMI 2.0 can only work within a 60Hz window (likely 48–60Hz LFC range). This could help smooth minor frame rate dips, but it’s not the full 120Hz VRR range that newer consoles use. The biggest downside for hardcore gamers is the input lag: in Game mode, tests have found the Premiere 9 has around 53 ms of input lag at 4K 60 techradar.com techradar.com. This is roughly 3-4 frames of delay, which is noticeable if you’re sensitive. For casual or slower games (RPGs, adventure games, etc.), 50 ms is workable; for fast FPS or competitive online games, it might feel a bit sluggish. Samsung appears to use some video processing even in Game mode, which contributes to this latency. On the plus side, Samsung integrated its Gaming Hub, which allows you to stream games via services like Xbox Cloud Gaming or GeForce Now without a console projectorcentral.com projectorcentral.com. In those cases, there’s also network latency to consider, but it’s a neat feature for casual gaming. Essentially, Samsung’s projector treats gaming as a secondary use – fine for casual console gaming (it’s “acceptable for casual gamers but might be too high for competitive gamers” as one review put it techradar.com). If you mainly play single-player console games at 60fps, you’ll likely be okay with Samsung’s Game mode – and it does have nice image quality for games with its wide color. But if you’re an avid gamer, the other two projectors have clear advantages.

Gaming on a Huge Screen: All three projectors deliver games on a breathtaking scale – 100″+ gaming is incredibly immersive. Racing and flight games feel more real, and split-screen multiplayer is far more comfortable on a big projection. The Hisense and Epson, in particular, cater to this without compromising much on responsiveness. Hisense even advertises a special low-latency mode and has branding from Xbox because it can fully utilize the newest consoles rtings.com rtings.com. For example, if you hook up an Xbox Series X to the PX3-Pro, it will recognize it as “Gaming Display” and allow 4K 120Hz with Dolby Vision (for games that support DV) and VRR – essentially matching capabilities of high-end gaming TVs. The Epson will show up as supporting 4K60 and 1080p120 – still quite good. The Samsung will be like a standard 4K60 display with HDR10.

In sum, for gamers: the Hisense PX3-Pro is the top choice due to its high refresh and low lag capabilities – you can genuinely use it like a giant gaming monitor, and it’s ready for current and next-gen features rtings.com. The Epson LS800 is also an excellent choice if you’re okay with 4K60 (or willing to drop to 1080p for 120Hz); its lag is as low as ~10 ms soundandvision.com, making it extremely responsive. The Samsung is fine if gaming is occasional and you value its other qualities more – it’s not that you can’t game on it (many people will still enjoy casual gaming on a 130″ Samsung screen with no issues), it’s just not “fast” in the gaming sense. As one publication noted, Samsung “markets this as a casual gaming projector focused on cloud gaming” and indeed, it doesn’t match the others in gaming performance projectorreviews.com. So if you’re big on competitive gaming, lean toward Hisense or Epson. If your gaming is more on the casual side (think platformers, adventure games, family games, etc.), all three will provide a fun big-screen experience.

Sound Quality

Each of these projectors includes built-in speakers, so you can use them without an external sound system. The audio quality and power vary:

• Samsung The Premiere 9: Samsung put an emphasis on audio with this model. It has a built-in 40W 2.2.2-channel sound system projectorreviews.com. This means there are stereo speakers with two woofers (the .2) and two up-firing drivers (the second .2) to create a faux-surround effect. It even supports Dolby Atmos decoding and processing projectorreviews.com. In terms of design, the speakers fire out from under the fabric front and upwards for height channels. The previous generation Samsung LSP9T had a 4.2 system; this new 2.2.2 arrangement was designed to create a more immersive soundstage with fewer drivers by using up-firing audio reflections projectorreviews.com. How does it sound? By most accounts, surprisingly good for an integrated projector speaker. The Premiere 9 can get fairly loud and maintain clarity, filling a living room with sound. Dialogue is clear and there is a decent amount of bass presence (for example, movie explosions have some weight, though not as much as a real subwoofer). One reviewer said the audio quality is “excellent” and the projector “completes the cinema experience” with its sound projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. The Dolby Atmos effect is limited (since it’s still just a projector, not separate speakers around you), but the up-firing speakers do add a bit of sense of height or spaciousness if you’re seated in front of the projector. If you’re not too demanding, you could easily watch movies and shows using only the Samsung’s internal speakers and be satisfied – it’s on par with a mid-range soundbar. Of course, for a true surround sound or home theater audio, you’d still want to connect a dedicated audio system via the HDMI eARC port. But as far as “built-in TV speakers” go, Samsung’s are the best of this group. They even integrate with Samsung’s SmartThings app and can be part of multiroom audio or use Q-Symphony with Samsung soundbars (if supported).
• Epson LS800: Epson partnered with Yamaha to design the audio for the LS800. It has a 2.1 channel system rated at 20 Watts total (two 5W speakers for stereo and a 10W built-in subwoofer) projectorreviews.com. The speakers fire from the front of the unit (through the mesh grille). Yamaha provided audio tuning and a mode called “Audiophile 2.1 Virtual Surround.” In practice, while the wattage is half of the Samsung/Hisense, the Epson’s sound is quite respectable. Projector Reviews wrote that “the LS800 uses the new Yamaha-designed 20W 2.1 system… one of the best-sounding built-in audio systems I’ve heard on a UST projector.” projectorreviews.com That’s high praise, considering many projectors have tinny or weak sound. The LS800 produces clear midrange and dialogue (so you can hear voices easily) and thanks to the small integrated subwoofer, it has better bass than most compact projectors – explosions or music have some depth. It won’t shake the room, but it’s enough that you could enjoy a film without immediately needing external speakers. For everyday TV or casual watching, the Epson’s audio is perfectly fine. It also supports Bluetooth audio output, so you can wirelessly send the sound to a Bluetooth speaker or headphones if you prefer. Volume-wise, 20W can get moderately loud (sufficient for a medium-sized room). Since the speakers are front-facing, the sound directs toward the audience (good). It doesn’t support Dolby Atmos decoding internally (it will downmix Atmos streams to stereo), but if you play Atmos content into it and have an ARC audio system, it can pass the core audio out. One limitation: Epson removed the analog audio out on this model, so you rely on HDMI ARC or optical out for external audio. Overall, the Epson’s audio is solid, but if you compare side by side, the Samsung and Hisense can play louder and fuller due to higher power and more speakers. Still, owners have been pleasantly surprised that a projector so slim could sound this decent – it’s markedly better than what you get from the tiny speakers in most flat TVs.
• Hisense PX3-Pro: Hisense equipped this with a robust sound system as well. It has dual front-facing speakers with 50W total power and Harman Kardon tuning projectorscreen.com. While the spec could be interpreted as 2 × 25W, some materials phrase it as “two 50W speakers,” which is a bit confusing. In either case, it’s a powerful sound by projector standards. These speakers are also labeled as “Dolby Atmos” capable – again, like Samsung, it can process Atmos and try to virtualize some surround. The sound quality is very good: clear highs and mids, with strong volume output. The Hisense can easily function on its own without external speakers for most content. In fact, in one pros/cons list, the sound was highlighted as a pro: “Two front firing 50W Harman Kardon ‘Dolby Atmos’ enabled speakers provide great sound quality and volume for built-in speakers.” projectorscreen.com That sums it up – it’s surprisingly robust. Watching movies, you’ll get a sense of stereo separation and a bit of pseudo-surround, and it handles music and effects without distortion at normal loudness. Bass is decent but somewhat limited by the size of drivers (no dedicated subwoofer inside, just full-range drivers). If you push volume to maximum, a dedicated sound system would still outperform it, but among projectors, this is about as good as it gets built-in. Hisense also supports eARC on HDMI 3 projectorscreen.com, so you can output high-quality audio (Dolby TrueHD, Atmos, DTS-HD, etc.) to an external receiver/soundbar if you want. There’s also an optical audio out and even a 3.5mm headphone jack for flexibility projectorscreen.com. One cool feature: because it runs Google TV, you can also use Google Assistant voice to control volume or even sync it with other Google Cast speakers in multi-room setups, etc.

In summary: Samsung’s 40W 2.2.2 system is the most complex and does a great job creating an immersive sound for a single-box solution projectorreviews.com. Hisense’s 50W stereo is the loudest and very clear, a close second (and likely more powerful in pure wattage than Samsung, though without separate up-firing drivers) projectorscreen.com. Epson’s 20W 2.1 system is the least powerful on paper, but punches above its weight due to Yamaha’s tuning – it’s perfectly adequate for normal use and arguably one of the best among lower-powered UST projectors projectorreviews.com. If audio is a high priority and you don’t plan to use external speakers, Samsung and Hisense have the edge. If you are going to hook up a surround system or a quality soundbar, then the built-in audio matters less; all three can pass audio out (Hisense and Samsung with eARC for full Dolby Atmos passthrough, Epson with ARC for up to Dolby Digital 5.1). And all three can connect via Bluetooth to external wireless speakers or headphones if needed.

A quick note on fan noise: While not part of sound system, it contributes to the audio experience. These laser projectors do have cooling fans. All three are reported to be reasonably quiet. Hisense in particular was noted for “very quiet fan operation” projectorscreen.com – you’re unlikely to hear it unless you mute everything in a silent room and put your ear near it. Epson’s larger chassis dissipates heat well; users haven’t flagged fan noise as an issue (there’s a High Altitude mode that increases fan speed if needed, but normally it’s modest). Samsung likewise is built for living room use, and its fan noise is subtle under normal conditions (it may rev a bit in high brightness mode but still generally quieter than the content audio). In any case, during normal viewing, the speakers’ sound will mask any slight projector hum.

To wrap up the audio section: you can happily watch content on any of these without an external audio device, which cannot be said for many projectors. However, for a true theater feel (deep bass, true surround), you’d augment them with a dedicated audio setup. At least they give you a decent experience out-of-the-box, and that’s important since UST projectors are often marketed as “Laser TV” replacements – they need to sound somewhat like a TV. All three succeed to varying degrees, with Samsung and Hisense being comparable to mid-range 2.0 or 2.1 soundbars, and Epson being more like a high-quality TV’s built-in audio.

Smart Features and Operating System

These projectors come with integrated smart TV platforms, allowing streaming and apps without needing an external device. Each has a different OS, aligning with the manufacturer’s ecosystem:

• Samsung (Tizen OS): The Premiere 9 runs Samsung’s Tizen smart TV OS projectorcentral.com – the same platform used in Samsung’s flat-panel TVs. This is a polished, modern interface with a full app store. It provides all the popular streaming apps – Netflix, YouTube, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+, Apple TV+, HBO Max, Hulu, etc., are available (Samsung confirmed access to Netflix and major OTT apps) projectorcentral.com. The interface is intuitive and fast, organized in a hub with apps and content recommendations. A notable requirement is that you must sign in with a free Samsung account to use the smart features (without an account, apps like Netflix or Disney+ won’t launch) projectorcentral.com. This is a one-time setup but worth mentioning. Once signed in, you get access to Samsung’s ecosystem features: Samsung TV Plus, which is a set of free live-stream internet TV channels (news, shows, etc.), is built-in – one reviewer called it the best free channel lineup among TV brands projectorcentral.com. There’s also Samsung’s Gaming Hub for cloud gaming: this allows you to connect a Bluetooth controller (e.g. Xbox or PS5 controller) and stream games directly from services like Xbox Game Pass (Cloud), Nvidia GeForce Now, Amazon Luna, and others projectorcentral.com projectorcentral.com. For someone without a console, this is a fun way to enjoy gaming on a big screen. The projector supports multiple voice assistants – you can choose between Samsung’s own Bixby, Amazon Alexa, or use Google Assistant via an app. With voice control, you can search for content or even control smart home devices. Samsung’s smartThings integration means the projector can act as a hub to control lights, thermostats, etc., and it has an Intelligent Mode that can auto-adjust picture and sound based on ambient conditions (for example, a “Vision Booster” feature increases color/contrast in bright rooms) projectorcentral.com. Additionally, Samsung provides an Ambient Mode – when you’re not actively watching, you can have it display art, photos, a clock, or other info on the wall projectorcentral.com, similar to Samsung’s Frame TVs. Screen mirroring from mobile devices is supported too: it has Tap View for Samsung phones (just tap your phone to the projector to mirror), as well as AirPlay 2 support for Apple devices and general Miracast for others samsung.com. Tizen OS is smooth and ad-free (aside from maybe some Samsung-promoted content on the home screen, but it’s not intrusive). It feels very “TV-like,” which is the goal – users can treat this projector exactly like a smart TV. The remote is a smart remote with a built-in microphone and a few shortcut buttons, making navigation easy. Updates to apps and the OS come through Samsung’s regular TV update channels. In short, Samsung offers a comprehensive smart experience – you technically don’t need any external streaming stick or box, as all content can be accessed internally. This makes it an easy appliance for family members to use without fuss. Samsung has essentially transplanted their TV brains into the projector, which many will appreciate.
• Epson (Android TV 11): The LS800 uses Android TV (specifically version 11) as its operating system projectorreviews.com. This is Google’s widely used TV platform (now succeeded by Google TV interface on newer devices, but Android TV 11 is still very functional and similar in capabilities). Through Android TV, you have access to the Google Play Store for Android TV, meaning you can install thousands of apps – Netflix, YouTube, Prime Video, Disney+, Hulu, Spotify, etc. It supports Google Chromecast built-in, so you can cast videos or mirror your Android phone/Chrome browser to the projector easily projectorreviews.com. It also has Google Assistant voice control – the Epson remote has a mic; you press the Assistant button and you can ask to search for titles, or say “Play Stranger Things on Netflix” and so on projectorreviews.com. The voice can also help control volume or answer general questions (“What’s the weather?” etc.). Being Android, the interface is fairly straightforward: you have a home screen with app rows and content suggestions (depending on the launcher version – by 2025, it might have the newer Google TV-style update). It also means the LS800 has Wi-Fi 5 and Bluetooth 5.0 connectivity built-in for internet and device connections rtings.com rtings.com. One important note: Netflix is not officially supported on Epson’s Android TV. This is a quirk – many Android TV projectors face Netflix compatibility issues because Netflix certifies only certain devices. Epson’s documentation and reviews point out you’ll need to use a workaround or external device for Netflix projectorreviews.com. For example, you can plug in a Roku/Fire Stick or use screen casting. Epson even provided a USB power port intended for an external streaming dongle (because they anticipated some might need it) projectorreviews.com. All other major apps are available (YouTube, Amazon, Disney+, etc. work fine on the LS800). This Netflix issue aside, the Android TV system is user-friendly and familiar to millions. It doesn’t have the polished launcher of Samsung or the deep integration of certain cable services, but it is highly customizable and feature-rich. Additionally, since it’s essentially the same as a Chromecast, you can use Google Cast from any compatible app on your phone (Android or iOS) or laptop to send content to the projector. Android TV also allows multiple user accounts (for Google services) and has Google’s security updates periodically. The LS800 can also accept APK sideloading if you want to install apps that aren’t in the official store (tech-savvy users might do this for some niche apps). Another plus: Android TV has YouTube in full 4K HDR, which not every platform does correctly, but it’s smooth here. The Epson’s interface was noted as “intuitive and easy to navigate” projectorreviews.com, so even non-techy users can find content easily. One can press the Assistant button and say “find action movies” and get results across apps, etc. In summary, aside from the Netflix quirk, the LS800’s smart platform covers virtually everything a smart TV would, including live TV streaming services (you can install Sling, YouTube TV, etc.). If Netflix is a must, plugging in a $30 streaming stick solves it; otherwise, all other streaming needs are met internally. The projector’s average consumer might not even realize it’s not a “TV” because the Android interface is standard on many TVs too.
• Hisense (Google TV): The PX3-Pro uses Google TV (Android) as its platform rtings.com. Google TV is essentially the new interface on top of Android TV – functionally similar but with a different home screen that is content-centric (it shows recommendations and aggregates content from your apps). Under the hood, it’s running Android (likely Android TV 10 or 11 with the Google TV UI). The benefit here is a slightly more modern, personalized user experience. It has full Chromecast capability and also Apple AirPlay 2 support rtings.com, which is somewhat rare – this means you can easily mirror or cast from iPhones, iPads, and MacBooks natively (something not all Android TVs do). This is great for Apple users who want to beam photos or Safari tabs to the big screen. The app selection is excellent – Google TV has the Google Play app store, so virtually every major streaming app is available and Netflix is supported on Hisense (Hisense TVs usually have Netflix, and indeed the Best Buy listing explicitly mentions Netflix, Disney+, etc., as available). Additionally, Dolby Vision and HDR10+ support on the device means apps like Netflix and Disney+ will stream in Dolby Vision HDR when available – a unique advantage, since the Epson/Samsung would only play the HDR10 layer. The Hisense’s interface can also integrate live TV if you have sources, and it supports Google Assistant voice queries via the remote. You can use voice to search across all apps (e.g., search a movie and it will show if it’s on Netflix, or Prime, etc.). Because it’s a Google TV, you can create separate profiles for different family members if desired, each with their own watchlists and recommendations. It also ties into the Google ecosystem – so if you have Nest cameras or thermostats, you could potentially view camera feeds or control smart home devices through Assistant on the projector. With Wi-Fi 6E, it has a very fast wireless connection for streaming 4K content smoothly (provided you have a Wi-Fi 6/6E router) projectorscreen.com. The Bluetooth 5.3 allows connecting game controllers, headphones, or speakers with better energy efficiency and range projectorscreen.com. The PX3-Pro being a “Laser Cinema” means Hisense envisions people using it like a regular TV, so they’ve made the interface very welcoming. Boot-up is quick from standby (nearly instant-on for smart features, since lasers turn on fast). And because Hisense has experience with smart TVs (their ULED TV line), the stability is generally good. The remote control is similar to their TVs – usually it includes shortcut buttons for Netflix, Prime Video, YouTube, etc., and has a built-in mic for voice. The “Designed for Xbox” aspect doesn’t directly affect the smart OS, but it means there might be an Xbox section in the menu or a quick input switching; primarily it’s a marketing integration, since one still uses an actual Xbox console or xCloud. One more feature: the Hisense supports IMAX Enhanced content (it’s more of a certification, but on certain streaming apps like Bravia Core, it might show IMAX Enhanced content if available). Also, with eARC and Dolby Atmos support, streaming apps that output Atmos (like Netflix, Disney+) can send Atmos to an external audio system if connected.

In summary, all three projectors are “smart” and can operate independently for streaming media. The Samsung’s Tizen offers a slick, TV-like experience with unique extras (Samsung TV Plus channels, Ambient Mode, Gaming Hub) projectorcentral.com projectorcentral.com. The Epson’s Android TV is a robust, widely-compatible system with Google’s ecosystem and Chromecast, albeit lacking Netflix app support out-of-box projectorreviews.com. The Hisense’s Google TV gives you the full Android/Google feature set plus AirPlay and the convenience of Dolby Vision streaming content rtings.com rtings.com.

For ease of use: Samsung might be the most plug-and-play for an average user (particularly if they’re coming from a Samsung TV, they’ll find it very familiar). Hisense’s interface is also user-friendly and actually likely to be familiar to anyone who’s used a recent Chromecast with Google TV or newer Sony/ TCL TVs. Epson’s is straightforward too, just a tad more “generic” in appearance. Each has an app store if you need to download specific services.

It’s worth noting none of these projectors include a TV tuner (they’re not “TVs” in that sense), so if you want to watch OTA broadcast channels, you’d need an external tuner or use an app if streaming. But many cable replacement apps exist (Sling, YouTube TV, etc.).

One area to highlight: Software Updates and Support. Samsung and Hisense push updates to their OS periodically (Samsung via its TV firmware updates; Hisense via Google TV updates). Epson can get Android TV updates too – in fact, users have seen updates improving stability. As of 2025, the LS800’s Android TV 11 might not upgrade to Google TV UI, but it will continue to function with the current interface and app updates.

Voice Control: All support voice, but Samsung even allows Alexa as an option (which could be useful if you have Alexa smart home devices). Epson/Hisense use Google Assistant only (unless you connected an Alexa-enabled Chromecast perhaps, but not natively). So if you are an Alexa household, Samsung fits in slightly better; if you prefer Google Assistant, Epson/Hisense shine (and if you use Apple Siri/HomeKit, none directly support Siri, though AirPlay 2 on Hisense indicates some level of HomeKit compatibility for basic casting).

Finally, for those interested in advanced integration: Epson dropped RS-232 and LAN control ports on LS800 projectorreviews.com, so it relies on network A/V control via Wi-Fi if needed (which is uncommon, but some custom installers use those). Samsung and Hisense might allow IP control via apps (Samsung SmartThings, etc.), but not RS-232 either. This mostly matters for custom home automation setups.

In everyday terms, the smart OS differences could influence your choice if you have strong preferences (e.g., you love the Samsung ecosystem with SmartThings and HDR10+ content, or you rely on Google/Chromecast for everything, or you want Dolby Vision on Netflix which only Hisense can do internally). Otherwise, all will let you binge Netflix or Disney+ on a 100″+ screen with just a wifi connection and no extra boxes – which is pretty great.

Connectivity

When hooking up devices, you’ll find all the necessary ports on these projectors. Here’s a breakdown of physical connectivity and wireless options for each:

• Samsung Premiere 9: It comes with 3 HDMI inputs. These are HDMI 2.0 bandwidth (up to 18 Gbps), which means they support signals up to 4K 60Hz (with HDR) techradar.com. One of the HDMI ports is labeled for audio output with eARC (Enhanced Audio Return Channel) to pass high-quality audio (Dolby Atmos, etc.) to a receiver or soundbar techradar.com. Samsung hasn’t published detailed port specs publicly in text, but it’s similar to the prior model: likely 2 standard HDMI 2.0 and 1 HDMI 2.0 with eARC. There is also a USB Type-A port for media playback (you can plug in a thumb drive to view photos/videos or play music) and for powering small devices (5V output). For audio, aside from HDMI eARC, the projector likely provides an optical digital audio out (Toslink) – the previous model did, and the Best Buy images for PX3-Pro showed an optical port which likely all have. Samsung also supports wireless audio via Bluetooth – you can pair Bluetooth speakers or headphones to it. In terms of network, it relies on Wi-Fi (dual-band) – no wired Ethernet jack on Samsung’s design, which is common for Samsung TVs too (some have, some don’t; the Premiere 9 seems not to mention one, and Samsung’s own spec sheet doesn’t list LAN, implying Wi-Fi only). It does have an RF antenna input – actually, checking Samsung’s site, it’s not clear if the LPU9D has an RF coax input (the earlier LSP9T had one only in some regions for tuning OTA TV if region firmware allowed). The U.S. model might not include a TV tuner, so probably no coax input for antenna/cable. It does have HDCP 2.2/2.3 support on HDMI for protected content. One of the HDMI ports on Samsung also supports ALLM/VRR signals from consoles (but again limited to 60Hz VRR range). Control ports: The Samsung has an Ex-Link port (typically a 3.5mm jack for serial control) which can be used by integrators if needed. And it likely has a USB service port for firmware updates manually (though updates can be done via internet too). For power, it uses an AC input (with internal power supply). In summary, Samsung’s connectivity is akin to a high-end TV: 3 HDMI (4K60), eARC support, USB, optical audio out, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth. It’s enough to connect a cable box, a game console, and maybe a Blu-ray player or streaming device (though you don’t need a streaming stick unless you prefer one). If you have more devices, you’d need an HDMI switch or AV receiver. The lack of HDMI 2.1 means if you plugged in, say, a PS5 and Xbox, both would run max 4K60. That’s fine for movies and most uses. The eARC port means you can send the internal smart app audio to a soundbar or receiver with Atmos in full quality – convenient if using built-in apps. Wireless connectivity (Wi-Fi 5 and BT) covers streaming and peripheral needs.
• Epson LS800: It offers 3 HDMI 2.0 ports (HDCP 2.3) projectorreviews.com. They are labeled as HDMI 1, 2 (ARC), and 3 (Game) projectorreviews.com. HDMI 2 supports ARC (Audio Return Channel) to send audio out to external sound systems projectorreviews.com. This is standard ARC (Dolby Digital, DTS, 5.1 support; not the extended bandwidth eARC, so it might not pass advanced formats like Atmos via TrueHD). HDMI 3 is the low-latency port for gaming, with 1080p120 capability and ~16.7ms input lag as discussed projectorreviews.com. All three HDMI inputs can accept 4K HDR @ 60Hz signals simultaneously (if you switch between them) projectorreviews.com. So you could have, for example, a 4K Apple TV on HDMI1, a 4K Blu-ray on HDMI2, and a console on HDMI3. Epson removed some legacy ports from this model: there is no LAN (Ethernet) port and no RS-232 serial port projectorreviews.com – so it’s Wi-Fi only for network (802.11ac Wi-Fi 5, which is fine for 4K streaming) and relies on Wi-Fi or HDMI-CEC for control integration. The LS800 has Bluetooth 5.0 for audio output (and possibly input for remote control, but mainly for audio out). For other connections, Epson provides a USB Type-A port that serves multiple purposes: you can use it to power a streaming stick (5V, 1A) and also to play media files from a USB drive projectorreviews.com. In fact, Epson explicitly mentions using the USB power for a Netflix workaround stick projectorreviews.com. There’s also likely a second USB port for service or additional storage. The projector includes an optical (SPDIF) audio output as well – not explicitly listed in the snippet we have, but most Epson UST have an optical out. And it has a 3.5mm analog audio out (headphone jack) listed in some specs (the user manual shows one). These allow connecting to older sound systems or headphones. No antenna/coax input on the Epson (it’s not a TV tuner device). For control, it supports HDMI-CEC to turn on/off with other devices. The remote is IR/Bluetooth hybrid (voice uses Bluetooth). The power cable is an IEC connector. Overall, Epson LS800 connectivity is robust: three HDMI inputs ensure you probably don’t need an extra HDMI switch for 99% of setups. The fact that one HDMI is ARC means you can easily get audio out to a soundbar (though eARC would have been nicer for Atmos – if you need that, an optical cable or using the streaming app on a device direct to sound system might be needed). The omission of Ethernet is mostly fine for consumers (Wi-Fi is usually convenient), but if you prefer wired internet for stability, you’d have to use a separate Wi-Fi-Ethernet bridge or connect via an external box. For most, Wi-Fi streaming works great. The 3LCD engine means no special maintenance ports; just ventilation grilles.
• Hisense PX3-Pro: The Hisense has 3 HDMI ports as well, but uniquely two of them are HDMI 2.1 (48 Gbps) and one is HDMI 2.0 with eARC projectorscreen.com. In practice, HDMI 1 & 2 support up to 4K 120Hz and features like ALLM/VRR, and HDMI 3 is for eARC and maxes at 4K 60Hz projectorscreen.com. This setup is great: you could plug in an Xbox Series X and a PS5 (or high-end PC) into the two 2.1 ports and enjoy 4K120 on both, and use the third for something like a cable box or Fire Stick, while sending audio out via that same port’s eARC to a sound system. If you use an external AV receiver with HDMI 2.1 switching, you could also just use one port and let the AVR do the switching, but having two 2.1 ports gives flexibility. The PX3-Pro also includes a Gigabit Ethernet LAN port (RJ-45) for wired network projectorscreen.com. This is fantastic if you want the most stable connection for streaming large 4K files or just prefer a wired connection. It also has Wi-Fi 6E (802.11ax) built-in projectorscreen.com, so wireless is top-notch if you use that (less congestion, higher throughput on supporting routers). For audio, as mentioned, HDMI 3 supports eARC for full-resolution audio output projectorscreen.com. Additionally, there’s an Optical digital audio out and a 3.5mm headphone jack projectorscreen.com. This means you can easily hook up to older soundbars or stereo systems, or even plug headphones or an external analog speaker. There’s one USB 2.0 port for media playback or peripheral connection (like a USB drive with videos) projectorscreen.com. Some Hisense models also have a second USB (often 3.0) but the snippet only mentioned one USB 2.0. There’s a “Service” port as well (likely USB or a 3.5mm used by technicians). The Hisense, being oriented as a “Laser TV,” might also have an RF antenna input for a TV tuner in certain markets, but on the U.S. model PX3-Pro it’s not explicitly advertised, so likely no tuner (their bundled Laser TV kits sometimes put a tuner in the console unit, but not sure on this standalone). For control, it supports HDMI-CEC and likely IP control (it can be integrated into home systems via network since it has network control APIs like other Hisense smart TVs). Bluetooth 5.3 is included for connecting input devices or audio outputs wirelessly projectorscreen.com (Bluetooth 5.3 is very latest, with improvements in latency and multi-device handling). In short, the Hisense PX3-Pro has the most advanced connectivity: two 4K120-ready HDMI 2.1 ports projectorscreen.com, which is very forward-looking, plus every audio out option, plus wired and the newest wireless network support. This makes it quite future-proof; for example, if next-gen media players or consoles do 8K or higher bandwidth, it can potentially accept some of that (though 8K is not relevant here, just pointing out headroom).

Additional connectivity considerations: All three support HDMI CEC, which means if you turn on your game console, the projector can automatically turn on and switch to that HDMI input (and vice versa). They also support HDCP 2.3 for protected 4K content (so you can watch 4K Blu-rays, Netflix 4K, etc., without issue). If you want to connect a PC, all can act as a monitor via HDMI – you’d get 4:4:4 chroma at 4K60 on all of them, making text sharp if you ever project a desktop. The Hisense even lets you do [email protected] if your PC GPU supports HDMI 2.1 output (imagine spreadsheet at 120Hz on a 120″ screen, quite something!).

One thing none of these have: analog video inputs (no component/composite), which is expected in modern digital projectors – you’d need an HDMI converter for old devices like VCRs or older game consoles.

For power users: the presence of wired LAN on Hisense can be useful for integration (e.g., Crestron/Control4 modules might control it directly). The others can often be controlled via Wi-Fi apps (Epson can be controlled via the Epson iProjection app for basic functions, Samsung via SmartThings).

Mounting and placement connectivity: If you plan to ceiling-mount or put the projector somewhere, note that Samsung’s ports are likely on the back (facing away from screen), Epson’s are on the back side too, and Hisense’s are typically on the back or side. In UST setups, usually these face the wall – so manufacturers often cut out a groove or space so cables can route out the side. Check each if you care about super flush wall placement. There are extension options if needed (like right-angle HDMI adapters). All three use standard power cables (no external power bricks, which simplifies cable management).

To summarize connectivity: Hisense PX3-Pro offers the most future-proof ports (HDMI 2.1, LAN, etc.) projectorscreen.com, ideal if you have multiple modern devices or want wired internet. Epson LS800 gives you all the essentials (3 HDMI, ARC, USB) projectorreviews.com, more than enough for typical users, but lacks wired LAN and eARC. Samsung gives a solid selection (3 HDMI, eARC, USB, Wi-Fi) but with HDMI 2.0 limits techradar.com, reflecting that Samsung expects you to rely on internal apps for the fancy stuff (and their Gaming Hub instead of actual HDMI 2.1). In practical use, all can connect to cable/satellite boxes, Blu-ray players, game consoles, and sound systems just fine. If you have a high-end soundbar/receiver with Dolby Atmos, the Samsung and Hisense can pass Dolby Atmos (Samsung via eARC in Dolby Digital Plus or uncompressed if it supported eARC – need to confirm if it’s eARC or just ARC; official spec suggests eARC) and Hisense via eARC can pass full lossless Atmos projectorscreen.com. Epson’s ARC can pass Atmos but only in compressed form (Dolby Digital Plus with Atmos from streaming, which is still good).

From a user perspective, these connectivity differences might not be deal-breakers except possibly the HDMI 2.1 if you’re a gamer – that’s where Hisense clearly outshines. For someone with many devices, an HDMI switch or AVR can always be used, but it’s nicer that Hisense and Epson have 3 ports vs some older USTs that had only 2.

Design and Build Quality

All three projectors are designed to sit in your living space in front of a wall or screen, so their physical design is important – both aesthetically and functionally (size, noise, etc.). Let’s look at each:

• Samsung The Premiere 9 (LPU9D): Samsung’s design philosophy here was to make the projector stylish and unobtrusive, blending into home decor. The unit has a minimalist, premium build with rounded edges and a fabric-covered front designed by Danish textile brand Kvadrat projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. It basically looks like a high-end soundbar or piece of home audio equipment rather than a typical projector. The color is an off-white/gray tone. This fabric wrap hides the speakers and gives it a furniture-like appearance. Size-wise, the Samsung is fairly compact for a UST: about 21.7 inches wide, 5.6 inches tall, and 15.1 inches deep, weighing roughly 25.6 lbs projectorcentral.com projectorcentral.com. It will sit on a TV stand or shelf in front of your wall; ensure that stand is about 15 inches deep or more to accommodate it. Because of its short throw (throw ratio ~0.19:1), it can be placed very close to the wall – for a 100″ image, only ~4.4″ away, for 120″ about 7.7″ away, and for the max 130″ around 9.4″ away projectorcentral.com. This means it doesn’t stick far out into the room, which is nice. The build quality is excellent – seams are tight, the materials feel durable, and it has a sleek glossy top surface with a simplified control button. There are adjustable feet to level the image if your table isn’t perfectly even. It also offers keystone correction (4- and 15-point) projectorcentral.com, but like all projectors, it’s best to avoid using keystone if possible to maintain image fidelity. The Samsung uses an internal cooling system that vents out the sides/back; it’s engineered to be quiet and the laser light source means no lamp door or anything. Another design element: because it’s meant for casual use, Samsung made it pretty easy to set up – just plug in, focus (which is motorized if similar to prior model), and go. It even has eye protection mode (like if something gets too close to the beam, it dims). The overall aesthetic is modern and high-end – it will complement a living room without screaming “projector.” Many people might not even realize it’s a projector at first glance. In fact, Samsung markets it as a lifestyle product for everyday living spaces projectorreviews.com. They even picture it on nice furniture with decor around, emphasizing it blends in. If design and brand polish matter, Samsung is top-notch here. It’s also relatively portable (25 lbs isn’t too heavy to move around if you needed to), though it’s meant to stay put as your TV replacement. The remote is a small white smart remote (with solar charging on back, as Samsung’s latest remotes have, meaning you don’t need to change batteries).
• Epson EpiqVision LS800: Epson’s design is a bit more utilitarian but still home-friendly. It’s available in two colors – black (LS800B) or white (LS800W) – giving you flexibility to match your room projectorscreen.com projectorscreen.com. The shape is more boxy and wider than the Samsung/Hisense. It measures roughly 27.6 inches wide (based on weight distribution it’s the widest), about 6 inches tall, and roughly 13.4 inches deep (some sources say around 458mm depth) – and weighs about 27.6 lbs projectorreviews.com. It’s a large unit, mainly because of the triple-LCD optical engine and larger lens assembly. The LS800 has a new low-profile lens design: unlike older Epson USTs that had a big hump lens on top, the LS800’s lens is recessed just above the top surface, under a little hood. This allowed Epson to reduce the height a bit and push the unit closer to the wall without a protruding lens projectorreviews.com. In fact, it can sit extremely close: less than 7 inches for a 120″ screen projectorreviews.com, and it’s rated up to a massive 150″ screen size with about 9.9 inches away for 150″ rtings.com rtings.com. This extremely short throw distance (0.16:1 at wide) is class-leading, meaning the projector can tuck right up near the wall – great if your console table isn’t very deep. The build of the Epson feels solid; it has a matte plastic chassis with a fabric grille on the front (for speakers). The design is modern minimal – basically a rectangular block with slightly rounded edges. It’s not as designery as the Samsung, but the option for white helps it blend into light furniture or a white wall, whereas black can match darker setups or theater rooms. The top has touch-sensitive or small physical buttons for power, etc. It also has adjustable feet for leveling (including a center rear foot). One thing to note: because it’s large and its lens throws such a big image from so close, you’ll want to be precise in placement. Epson includes tools like digital alignment and warping adjustments if needed, but they recommend using the physical placement as much as possible (again, avoid keystone if you can). There is no motorized focus – focusing is manual via a dial or lever (Epson prioritized cost on optics; one has to open a small door and adjust focus). However, typically you do that once during setup. The LS800 chassis has big ventilation slits; the fans keep it cool quietly. One advantage of Epson’s 3LCD design: no color wheel and no rainbow effect projectorreviews.com, which some might consider part of “build quality” in terms of performance (there’s no spinning wheel that can potentially fail or make noise, and the color is equally bright to the white brightness). Epson also touts a longer throw ratio range (0.16–0.40 via digital zoom) which means you can actually use it to project smaller than 80″ if needed (digital zoom out to 60% size, although that is rarely used). The projector has an interesting width – some have described it like a “center speaker” shape. If placing on a cabinet, ensure it fits; you might need a 20+ inch deep cabinet for comfortable placement from the wall given its width and to allow some space for cables. Aesthetic-wise, the Epson is maybe the least “disguised” – it looks like a piece of AV equipment, albeit a sleek one. People often mount ALR screens on the wall above it, and the black or white unit can almost disappear below the screen especially if the cabinet is same color. The white version particularly blends into white walls nicely – an important consideration if you don’t want a big black box in your bright living room. On the flip side, the black version is good for dedicated darker theater rooms (less reflection, etc.). The LS800’s build is robust as you’d expect from Epson, a company known for durable projectors (it even has a 2-year warranty with rapid replacement service in many regions, reflecting their confidence in build quality projectorreviews.com).
• Hisense PX3-Pro: The Hisense has a sleek, piano-black (glossy black) design with a relatively slim profile. It’s around 21.7 inches wide, 4.7 inches tall, and 11.8 inches deep, weighing about 19.4 lbs rtings.com rtings.com. This makes it the lightest of the three and also the lowest in height. Its styling is minimalist too: a rectangular body with slightly rounded corners and a black fabric mesh on the front for the speakers. It looks quite similar to Hisense’s other “Laser TV” models (like the L9 or PX1 series), with maybe some green status LEDs or subtle logo placements. Because it’s black and smaller, it can be quite unobtrusive on a TV stand. The front face has an IR receiver and sensors for eye protection – if someone or a pet gets too close to the light, the Hisense will dim or blank the image to prevent eye glare projectorscreen.com. This is a nice safety feature (Epson and Samsung have similar ones too). The lens is on the top back area, recessed under a hood. There’s likely a manual focus slider hidden around the lens area (some Hisense models have a wheel accessible by removing a top cover). The Hisense also has adjustable feet for leveling. It can throw an 80″ to 150″ image with its 0.22 throw ratio, as mentioned – e.g., about 8 inches away for 100″, ~14 inches for 130″ projectorscreen.com. So it needs to sit a tad further than the Epson or Samsung for equivalent size (because 0.22 vs 0.19 means a bit more distance). In reality, on a TV console that’s fine – you might place it ~11 inches from the wall to get a common 120″ image. The lighter weight and slightly smaller footprint of the PX3-Pro make it easier to handle during setup. The build feels premium; perhaps not as fancy as the Samsung’s fabric wrap, but the materials are solid. The top likely has a high-gloss or semi-gloss finish (which can collect dust or fingerprints, so keep a microfiber cloth handy). The design is functional yet modern – it won’t draw much attention, which is good as you want viewers focusing on the screen. In many setups, the projector itself sits low and maybe even hidden by the cabinet’s front edge, so looks might not matter as much, but Hisense did well to make it look like a sleek high-tech device. A plus: since it’s not as wide as the Epson, it might fit on narrower furniture more easily. Also, the lower height (4.7″) means if your screen’s lower border is fixed at a certain height, the Hisense leaves more space. For example, with a very low TV stand, a taller projector could potentially intrude on the image if the screen is low – but the Hisense’s slim design mitigates that.

In terms of noise and heat, all use lasers so they get warm but not boiling. The fans will exhaust warm air typically out the sides or back. None of them output significant light out the front (like long throw projectors do), which is nice – all light goes to the screen, and stray light is minimal (USTs tend to have a bit of scatter light around the screen edges but that’s more screen-dependent). The Hisense’s quiet fans (thanks to that large vent and efficient lasers) mean the unit stays unobtrusive projectorscreen.com. Samsung is also low-noise; and Epson’s larger body likely dissipates heat with slower fan speeds (Epson projectors often have Eco modes that run very quietly). If you put them in a closed cabinet, ensure ventilation (though most will be on top of a console, exposed to air).

All three have a certain “presence” in the room since they sit out in front of the wall, but they’re far smaller than a equivalent 100″ TV would be. And when the lights are down and a huge image is on the wall, these chassis effectively disappear.

Durability: All use laser light sources rated 20,000+ hours projectorreviews.com projectorscreen.com, so there’s no replacing lamps – effectively maintenance-free. Maybe occasional dusting of the vents. The Epson’s 3LCD panels are in a sealed optic path (dust-resistant design) – no issues reported with dust so far. DLP chips in Samsung/Hisense are also sealed, but triple laser can sometimes produce a bit of speckle on certain ALR screens (sparkly artifacts in bright areas); this is mitigated by screen choice and distance. People have different tolerance to that, but generally PX3-Pro’s speckle was minor projectorscreen.com and Samsung’s was minor projectorcentral.com. If it bothers, one can use a different screen material or slight defocus trick. It’s not a build flaw, just a laser physics aspect.

Setup ease: Many users will set these up themselves. Typically, you place the unit, connect sources, turn it on, then adjust focus and position until the image fits your screen (or desired size). Samsung and Hisense include some automatic tools (like Hisense has a phone app that can auto-align using a photo of the screen – though one review said it “doesn’t work well” so manual is best rtings.com). The Epson doesn’t have fancy auto-calibration but offers manual geometric correction if needed. However, ideally you physically align it so the image is square and fills the screen. This can take a bit of patience – micro-adjusting projector position to get the corners perfect – but once done, it’s stable. All three have some digital correction ability (keystone or warping) if you absolutely need to tweak corners.

From a style perspective: Samsung is arguably the best looking device (soft fabric, premium vibe) which might matter if it’s in a stylish living room projectorreviews.com. Epson offers color choice and is clearly designed as a serious piece of AV gear (bigger, maybe less living-roomy, but not ugly by any means – especially the white model can hide in plain sight). Hisense is somewhere in between – a slick consumer electronics design that’s modern and inoffensive, mostly seen in black. Given it’s lower profile and smaller, some might prefer its subtlety.

If you have a ceiling-mounted UST projector shelf (some people mount them above or hang off wall), weight matters – the Epson is heavier, so ensure any mount handles ~28 lbs plus some safety margin. Samsung and particularly Hisense are lighter and easier to ceiling mount if one chose (though USTs are typically placed on a low table below the screen, not ceiling).

All include standard warranties (which we’ll detail soon) that cover build quality issues, so you can feel confident in their construction.

In short, Samsung’s build is premium and decor-friendly, Epson’s is larger but offers a pro feel and color options, and Hisense’s is compact, shiny, and modern. None look like old-school projectors; they’re meant to sit proudly in your home. As one reviewer said about Samsung, it’s a device that “helps the projector blend into different home environments” projectorreviews.com – a sentiment that likely applies to the others as well with their thoughtful designs.

Pricing and Value

When comparing these three, price is a significant factor. They fall into different price brackets, which can influence the value proposition each offers:

• Samsung The Premiere 9 (LPU9D): This is the most expensive of the trio by a considerable margin. The launch MSRP was $5,999.99 in the US projectorreviews.com. As a premium Samsung product (essentially a flagship device), it holds a high price. By 2025, it’s still generally around that $6K mark, though occasionally one might find slight discounts or bundle deals (for instance, Samsung ran a promotion offering a free Gen 2 Freestyle projector with purchase for a limited time projectorreviews.com). At $6000, the Samsung is in the upper echelon of UST projectors. The question is: does it justify that cost? It certainly delivers on features (triple laser, 4K HDR, great sound, Tizen OS) but many experts have pointed out that competing projectors (like the Hisense PX3-Pro, Formovie Theater, etc.) offer similar or even better performance for much less money projectorreviews.com. Essentially, with Samsung you pay a premium for the brand, build, and perhaps for early adoption of HDR10+. For some consumers, the Samsung brand trust and its polished experience might be worth it. It’s also the only one sold through many high-end retail channels and installation firms, sometimes with white-glove service. However, objectively, the Samsung’s high price and a few missing high-end features (no Dolby Vision, not the best black level or gaming) make it a tougher sell on pure value. Reviews often mention that the price is a major con for the LPU9D, saying “the price, average contrast, and missing features compared to competitors… make it a tougher sell” projectorreviews.com. So, the Samsung is for those who want the luxury option and are willing to pay for it. It’s akin to buying a high-end brand TV vs a value brand.
• Epson EpiqVision LS800: Epson launched the LS800 at a more moderate $3,499 MSRP projectorreviews.com. This immediately positioned it as a very strong value relative to many other USTs with similar specs (for example, previous generations of triple laser projectors were $4-5K). Street prices for the LS800 have been even better: by mid-2024 and into 2025, it’s not uncommon to find it on sale around $2,999, and sometimes bundled with an ALR screen for a bit more. In one AVS Forum discussion, a user noted they got it for about $3,000 on discount in 2025 avsforum.com. For what it offers (4K picture, 4000 lumen brightness, solid image quality, built-in Android TV), that price is quite compelling. Epson aimed the LS800 to be a living room TV replacement for the mass market, and priced it accordingly. Also, Epson includes a 2-year warranty (with usually next-business-day replacement), which adds value in terms of support. So, with Epson you get a lot of screen for your buck. It’s not the absolute cheapest UST out there (there are some around $2K or below, but those have lower specs or are older models), but it’s one of the best price-to-performance in the high brightness category. If you consider that a high-end 100″ TV (if it existed) would cost far more, $3K for essentially a 100-120″ “TV” is a good deal. There is a caveat: to truly replace a TV, you likely need an ALR screen which can cost another few hundred to a thousand dollars depending on size/quality. Epson often sells bundles with a 100″ or 120″ screen (for example, LS800 + 100″ screen for around $4,499 list). But since we are comparing projectors alone, the LS800 still comes out as a value leader here. It was even named or considered among the “best USTs for bright rooms” thanks largely to its price/performance. Some comparisons note that except for its UST capability and smart features, its image is comparable to some less expensive projectors (like standard-throw models), but since it’s one of the few that combine everything (UST + 4K + high brightness + smart) at this price, it stands somewhat alone. In a general audience value sense, if you want the biggest image for the money and will use it in varied lighting, the Epson is a safe bet.
• Hisense PX3-Pro: Hisense priced the PX3-Pro at $3,499 MSRP as well projectorscreen.com, essentially the same bracket as Epson. Street prices similarly have seen some discounting – it might go on sale for ~$3,300 or with some bonus (Best Buy sometimes includes a discount if bought with a screen, etc.). Hisense also often sells this model as part of bundles with an ALR screen (making it a full “Laser TV” package). Compared to Epson, the Hisense offers additional features (Dolby Vision, wider color, HDMI 2.1, etc.) for roughly the same list price. That makes it an excellent value proposition on paper – you get premium features that even some $4K–$5K projectors don’t have, at $3.5K. Indeed, the PX3-Pro has received very positive feedback on value: for example, TechRadar in 2024 called it “not cheap but offers great picture quality, features, and versatility for the money” techradar.com. And PCMag gave it an Editor’s Choice, highlighting that it delivers “top-tier image quality plus integrated smart TV features, support for every common HDR mode, and a Designed for Xbox gaming performance” at a price much lower than other flagships x.com. So Hisense is kind of undercutting the big names while packing in as much tech as possible. Historically, Hisense is known to price their Laser TV products aggressively to gain market share. One could argue that the PX3-Pro gives you 90% of what the Samsung does (and in some ways more) for almost half the price. Therefore, if you’re purely looking at feature-per-dollar, the Hisense PX3-Pro likely offers the best value among these three. It’s still a significant investment at ~$3.5K plus maybe a screen, but considering it can replace a TV that would cost much more at that size, it’s compelling. Hisense also usually has a standard 2-year warranty on their Laser projectors bestbuy.com, matching Epson (Samsung now also has 2-year on this product samsung.com).

In terms of availability:

• Samsung’s Premiere 9 is sold via Samsung’s website, custom installers, and select retailers (it might not be stocked in every big box due to its price). It’s available in North America, Europe, and other markets (sometimes under slightly different model codes). As of 2025, it’s readily available for order where high-end home theater equipment is sold.
• Epson LS800 is widely available through many channels: online retailers (Amazon, B&H, etc.), local projector specialty stores, and sometimes big retailers like Best Buy (though often online only). It launched in late 2022, so by 2025 it’s commonly in stock and even included in many “best of” lists, indicating retailers keep it around.
• Hisense PX3-Pro became available around 2023 and is sold at major retailers like Best Buy (in-store and online) bestbuy.com, Amazon, and through custom AV dealers. Hisense also sells via its own site in some regions. It’s globally available as well in various markets (in some places it might have a different model name like “Laser Cinema PX3-Pro”). Given Hisense’s push, it’s not hard to purchase one.

Each brand’s support and ecosystem might factor in value too:

• Samsung has a strong support network and brand reliability (but also note Samsung’s warranty is 2 years vs many TVs which are 1 year – they gave an extra year likely because it’s a projector).
• Epson is renowned for customer support – their warranty often includes next-day replacement if something goes wrong, which is a big value-add (no waiting weeks for repairs, they just send a new unit and you send the old back). That peace of mind is worth considering.
• Hisense is relatively newer in the UST market but has been backing their products well; their lasers have been improving generation by generation. They also sometimes include a “X-year Laser Light Warranty” or promotions, but currently it’s 2 years parts/labor standard bestbuy.com.

Now, from a value perspective:

• If your budget is around $3,000–$3,500, the choice will likely be between Epson and Hisense. If you prioritize the absolute widest features (DV, better contrast, gaming), the Hisense PX3-Pro is worth the slight premium over Epson (if any – they’re about the same price) because it “out-specs” the Epson in many areas for similar cost. That’s tremendous value rtings.com.
• If you prioritize a trusted long-time projector brand, maximum brightness for ambient light, and maybe saving a couple hundred (if Epson is on sale cheaper than Hisense at times), the Epson is a great value and gives a bright, beautiful image without some of the extras you might not miss.
• The Samsung is for those who either got a deal or simply want the Samsung brand integration (maybe they have Samsung phones, Samsung appliances, etc., and they trust the ecosystem or got a package deal). Unless its price drops significantly or you have a higher budget, the Samsung is the luxury option.

As an analogy, think of these like cars: Samsung is the Lexus or BMW – pricey, well-built, some unique perks (like HDR10+ and that design), but costly. Epson is like a Toyota – reliable, does everything it needs to, not the flashiest but arguably the most practical for many. Hisense is maybe like a Hyundai Genesis – offering high-end features at a value price, hoping to sway you from the established players, with a few cutting-edge inclusions for the tech-savvy.

Recent news and reviews often tout the Hisense PX3-Pro as one of the top recommendations of the year due to its balance of quality and price techradar.com. For example, in late 2024 it won awards (the mention of TechRadar and PCMag awards shows that) and experts said its “consistent performance across categories solidified its position as the top choice” among USTs hisense-usa.com. That’s pretty strong for a ~$3.5K unit against Samsung’s $6K. Meanwhile, the Epson LS800 also has made best-of lists for people needing a bright-room projector or gaming projector due to its low lag, often noted as a Best Value Pick for a living room UST.

So, bottom line on pricing/value: Samsung = high price, niche appeal, Epson = strong value, broad appeal especially for bright usage, Hisense = high-end features at mid-range price, excellent value for home theater and gaming. If budget isn’t an issue, you might still consider Samsung for its polish, but many informed buyers in 2025 are gravitating to options like the Hisense because they offer so much for nearly half the price of the top-tier brands projectorreviews.com.

Availability and Warranty

Availability: All three models are currently available (2025) through their respective brand channels and authorized retailers. None of them are discontinued at the time of writing – they are current or recent flagship models.

• Samsung’s The Premiere 9 can be purchased directly from Samsung’s website (Samsung US lists it under projectors, often as the 130″ class Premiere) and through select retailers like Best Buy, Amazon (through Samsung’s Amazon store or third-party sellers), and specialized home theater dealers. It might be a special order in some brick-and-mortar stores due to its price. Samsung also sometimes showcases it in demo at high-end home theater showrooms. Globally, it’s available in regions like Europe and Asia as well. For instance, in Europe it might be called LSP9 or LPU9 with a local code, but essentially same unit. So getting one isn’t difficult if you have the funds – Samsung continuously stocks it and even had promotions (like the free projector giveaway in late 2023) to spur sales projectorreviews.com.
• Epson LS800 is widely available. Major online retailers carry it (Amazon, B&H, ProjectorPeople, etc.), and Best Buy also sells it (sometimes online only, sometimes in Magnolia design centers you might find one). Epson’s own online store and certified dealers stock it. Because it’s been out since late 2022, there’s plenty of supply and even open-box/refurb deals around sometimes. It’s also sold internationally (in Europe it might be called EH-LS800B/W, in Asia similar naming). So, essentially anywhere you can buy projectors, the LS800 is likely an option. Epson’s broad distribution network is a plus – you can even find it in some Costco or large retailers bundled with screen in certain seasons.
• Hisense PX3-Pro is available through Best Buy (USA) – as of 2024/2025, Best Buy has been a major retail partner for Hisense Laser TVs bestbuy.com. It’s also on Amazon and through specialty AV retailers like ProjectorScreen.com, etc. Hisense’s own website lists it and often directs to retail partners. In some cases, it’s bundled with a screen (some retailers sell a “Hisense 120L5” or such bundle, but the PX3-Pro specifically is often sold standalone so you can pick your screen). Internationally, Hisense sells similar triple laser USTs – in some markets the PX3-Pro might be part of their Laser Cinema series. For example, in some countries they have the model named Laser Cinema 120L9 or C1, etc., but the PX3-Pro (with DV and Xbox) seems primarily a U.S./North America model. It’s gaining traction in the enthusiast community too, so availability is strong and should continue through 2025.

All three have warranties to protect your purchase:

• Samsung LPU9D Warranty: Samsung provides a 2-year limited manufacturer’s warranty on this projector samsung.com. This typically covers defects in materials and workmanship. If something fails (not due to physical damage or misuse) within 24 months of purchase, Samsung will repair or replace it. You usually would work through their customer support or the retailer for service. Samsung’s warranty on projectors (especially at this price) is double what they give on TVs (most Samsung TVs are 1 year). The inclusion of 2 years shows Samsung’s confidence and also aligns with competitors. It likely includes parts and labor. However, like many warranties, it wouldn’t cover, say, accidental damage (you can get separate accidental damage coverage if needed). Some retailers might offer extended warranties or a Geek Squad protection plan if you want to extend coverage beyond 2 years. But out-of-the-box, 2 years is the coverage.
• Epson LS800 Warranty: Epson also offers a 2-year limited warranty on the projector, and often a separate 90-day warranty on the lamp – but since this is lamp-free (laser), the 20,000-hour laser is generally covered under the 2-year device warranty (sometimes they word it as 2-year or 20,000 hours, whichever comes first, on the light source – but practically 20k hours in 2 years is impossible to reach). According to Epson’s spec sheet, it’s a 2-year warranty with usually Next-Business-Day replacement service (Epson will ship a replacement unit quickly if a problem is diagnosed, with a return label for the defective unit) projectorreviews.com. This is a great benefit of Epson – they have one of the best support reputations. Many users have reported painless exchanges if something was wrong (like a rare early failure). The warranty also covers the 3LCD optical engine against issues like dust blobs, etc. After 2 years, Epson offers out-of-warranty repair services for a fee. They sometimes also have extended warranty plans (you can purchase additional year or two). But 2 years standard is competitive. It’s also good to note that under warranty Epson often pays shipping both ways (especially with their exchange program), so you’re not out-of-pocket for that.
• Hisense PX3-Pro Warranty: Hisense in the U.S. provides a 2-year parts & labor warranty on their Laser projectors bestbuy.com. Specifically, from the Best Buy spec: “Warranty – Parts: 2 Years; Warranty – Labor: 2 Years” bestbuy.com. This matches the others. If something goes wrong, you’d contact Hisense support. Hisense will either arrange in-warranty repair or replacement depending on the issue. They have authorized service centers in many areas. Some owners have mentioned that Hisense sometimes opts to swap out units for major issues (depending on stock). Hisense’s warranty also likely covers the laser light engine for that period (some brands cover the laser separately but here it seems fully covered). Additionally, in some past models, Hisense advertised a longer warranty on the laser itself (like 5 years on light source) but I don’t see that explicitly for PX3-Pro – so assume 2 years for everything. As Hisense is relatively new to high-end projectors, one might wonder about service, but they have been selling Laser TVs for a few years and seem to honor warranties properly. Hisense also sometimes provides on-site service (someone comes to your home to service or pick up) in some regions for large products, but not sure if that applies to projectors. Possibly not – likely you ship it in or go through retailer.

Customer Support & Firmware: It’s relevant to note that all three companies have been issuing firmware updates to improve their projectors. By 2025, each of these has seen a few updates:

• Samsung may have issued updates to add apps or fix minor issues; their Tizen platform gets periodic updates (and new features like Gaming Hub might have come via update if not present at launch).
• Epson pushed at least one firmware update that early adopters noted improved picture quality (maybe detail enhancement algorithms) – one user noted a ~700MB update that “made the picture look better,” likely refining some processing or Android TV fixes avsforum.com.
• Hisense has updated the PX3-Pro’s firmware as well, including adding features like ALLM, VRR improvements, and general stability. They also might respond to community feedback (e.g., if something like dynamic tone mapping in game mode was requested, maybe an update can address it in the future).

When considering value, having active support and updates is part of it. For instance, Rtings.com updated their PX3-Pro review in May 2025 noting the mention of a newly reviewed competitor rtings.com, indicating the PX3-Pro is still current and being compared with new releases. No new model has superseded these yet in their lineups (Samsung’s Premiere 9 is the latest since late 2023, Epson LS800 since 2022, Hisense PX3-Pro since 2023).

Longevity and Replacement Parts: Because these use lasers, one doesn’t need to worry about lamp replacements (which often had 90-day warranty or needed periodic replacement at cost). The lasers are rated for many years of typical use (20,000 hours equates to ~4 hours a day for 14 years). It’s likely the projector will be technologically out of date or you’ll upgrade before the light source dims significantly (and even then, many lasers keep going beyond 20k with somewhat reduced brightness).

Inputs and Burn-in: Unlike OLED TVs, these projectors have no risk of burn-in from static images, etc., which is peace of mind (warranty doesn’t need to mention that, but it’s a usage aspect – you can use them for digital art display or gaming HUDs without fear of panel burn-in, which is nice especially for such expensive devices).

After-warranty support: After the warranty, Samsung’s and Hisense’s repairs might be more costly (laser parts, DLP chips). Epson tends to have a good supply of parts even later and sometimes offers trade-in programs for older units. But given all are current and new, any needed service within first 2 years is covered anyway.

To ensure warranty validity: It’s usually advised to register your product on the manufacturer’s website with proof of purchase. Also, buy from authorized dealers to ensure warranty is honored (especially for Samsung and Epson – they specify warranty only if bought from authorized sellers). Hisense likely similar.

Conclusion of warranties: All three being 2-year is great because some older projectors were just 1 year. So you have at least two years of worry-free use. If you are the type to keep a projector for, say, 5+ years, you may consider purchasing an extended warranty. Retailers like Best Buy offer their own (e.g., 3 or 5-year Geek Squad Protection). Sometimes Epson sells extended service plans. Given the complexity of these devices (lasers, electronics), an extended plan could be peace of mind, but it’s optional. Historically, Epson projectors are quite reliable. Samsung’s hardware is usually reliable too, but the complexity of triple lasers can have issues like misalignment or electronic glitches (rare, but possible). Hisense’s earlier lasers had some teething issues (like some user reports on older models), but the PX3-Pro being a refined third-gen, we haven’t seen widespread problems publicly.

Finally, recent news in 2025 indicates none of these have been replaced yet by newer models from their brands (Samsung’s next would likely be if they make an “LPU10” or something, not announced yet; Epson could eventually do a new model but nothing as of early 2025 beyond LS800; Hisense might release a successor in future but currently PX3-Pro is the top model along with their L9 series which comes with screen). All in all, these projectors are a safe buy in 2025 and will be supported for years to come in terms of both software and service.

Recent Updates and 2025 Developments

The home projector landscape continues to evolve, and each of these models has seen its share of news and updates through 2024 into 2025:

• Samsung The Premiere 9: This projector was introduced in late 2023 as Samsung’s second-generation UST, and it garnered attention as the first projector with HDR10+ support. Through 2024, it received firmware updates optimizing its picture processing. In 2025, it remains Samsung’s flagship UST with no announced successor yet (Samsung tends to keep models for a couple of years). Recent expert commentary in 2025 often compares the LPU9D to newer entrants, noting that while it still offers a superb picture, competitors have matched or exceeded it in some areas for less cost projectorreviews.com. There haven’t been any hardware changes – the LPU9D is the current model. However, one update of note: Samsung’s Gaming Hub feature (which allows direct access to cloud gaming) became available on this projector via software update in late 2023 projectorcentral.com, expanding its capabilities (it’s a feature that wasn’t on the 2021 model and now is on the 2023 model by default). Also, Samsung in mid-2024 released a minor update improving the Intelligent Mode (which adapts brightness/contrast to the room) and adding more streaming apps support (e.g., supporting newer services as they launch). In terms of market news, The Premiere 9 has been featured at tech expos and was part of Samsung’s showcase at CES 2024, reinforcing Samsung’s commitment to ultra-short-throw “Lifestyle” projectors. By 2025, the initial hype has settled and the LPU9D is seen as a premium choice for those wanting a top-tier living room projector. No serious widespread issues have been reported, which is good news (the previous LSP9T had some early firmware quirks with color that were fixed – the LPU9D appears to have learned from that and launched more polished). Samsung hasn’t added Dolby Vision (and likely won’t due to their HDR10+ stance), but they did add support for HDR10+ Gaming (a variant of HDR10+ for games) which could be relevant if future devices output that – an interesting future-ready tidbit.
• Epson LS800: Since its launch, the LS800 has been quite stable, but a few updates improved user experience. As noted, some users in 2024 got a large firmware update which they felt improved picture (possibly Epson tweaking its video processing or Android TV performance) avsforum.com. Epson also released a “Detail Enhancement” firmware update in 2024 (found on their support site) that refined how sharpness and fine detail are handled epson.com. This suggests Epson is actively supporting the product. In 2025, Epson has not announced a direct successor (like an LS900), so the LS800 continues to be their latest model. They did, however, launch some related products: in late 2024 Epson announced the Epson LS650 (a lower-tier UST, 1080p resolution) and showcased concept models like a possible 4K 3LCD with 120Hz support in the future – but nothing concrete to replace LS800 yet. The LS800 has been recognized in 2023/2024 in various awards: for instance, ProjectorCentral and other outlets put it on their “Best of” lists for UST or gaming. By 2025, it’s considered a mature, proven choice. Any early complaints (like lack of Netflix app) are well-known and workarounds exist, so consumers are aware. Interestingly, Epson has been quiet about any firmware enabling Netflix – likely due to certification, so that remains the one gap. On the community front (AV forums, etc.), the LS800 has a generally positive track record with users praising its bright image and gaming performance, and a few wishing for better black level (which is expected). There was mention on forums of some people using the LS800 outdoors for events due to its brightness – showcasing its versatility. In terms of availability, Epson’s production seems to have kept up with demand; no shortages mentioned in 2024/2025, which is good (some prior models had supply issues but not this one). Looking forward, many anticipate Epson might integrate some new tech like pixel-shift 4K 120Hz or even eventually a native 4K chip, but for now LS800 stands as is. As of 2025, it’s a safe purchase knowing it’s fully supported and unlikely to be outdated until maybe Epson’s next release in perhaps 2026.
• Hisense PX3-Pro: The PX3-Pro succeeded the PX1-Pro/PX2-Pro line and hit the market in late 2023. Throughout 2024, it quickly gained a reputation as one of the best USTs for image quality. In 2024, Hisense rolled out a couple of firmware updates: one improved the gaming mode by enabling VRR up to 120Hz (initial units may have shipped with VRR off, then got turned on via update), and addressed some minor bugs like menu settings that “didn’t work or were finicky” (per the review notes) projectorscreen.com. By mid-2024, reviews from sites like TechRadar, ProjectorScreen, and Rtings were all very positive, effectively putting the PX3-Pro at or near the top of UST rankings. In fact, in Rtings’s updated comparisons as of early 2025, the Hisense often comes out better than competitors in contrast and features rtings.com rtings.com. Hisense also made news by heavily promoting the “Designed for Xbox” aspect – they had marketing tie-ins with Microsoft in late 2024, making the PX3-Pro demoed at some gaming events, which helped highlight the 120Hz gaming capability. In 2025, Hisense hasn’t announced a direct replacement yet. They have other models (like the L9H which is a triple laser with a bundled screen, focusing more on living room TV use) and a new model called the Hisense C1 in some markets (which is actually a portable RGB laser UST, not as bright, more niche). The PX3-Pro remains their flagship standalone UST for enthusiasts. It has been recognized with awards: for instance, ProjectorScreen.com gave it a “Highly Recommended” and even said it set a new benchmark in some aspects. PCMag’s Editor’s Choice in early 2024 was a big accolade. These all carried into marketing through 2025 (as seen in Best Buy’s listing which plastered those recommendations on product images bestbuy.com). Also notable: at CES 2025, Hisense’s booth featured their Laser TV lineup prominently. While they showed off an ultra-bright model (like a 4000+ lumen L9K concept) and an 8K UST prototype, those are likely late 2025 or beyond products. The PX3-Pro therefore will continue to be a top recommendation for most of 2025. On the software side, Hisense might release further tweaks – for instance, some users hoped for better dynamic tone mapping in game mode (since currently it’s limited) projectorscreen.com; if technically feasible, a firmware could address that eventually. And any small bugs (like maybe adjusting how color uniformity at top of image is handled, if possible via software) could be refined. Hisense has an online community forum and seems to listen to feedback.

One more broad trend by 2025: Ultra-short-throw projectors have become more mainstream. There’s more consumer awareness, and these three models have contributed greatly. We see them being compared often to each other and to others like the Formovie Theater, AWOL Vision LTV-3500, etc. Many tech sites in 2025 have articles like “Best UST Projectors of 2025” – typically, Hisense PX3-Pro and Epson LS800 appear on those lists (Samsung sometimes, though often its price knocks it down in value-centric lists). For example, one 2025 roundup might praise the Hisense for all-around movie performance, the Epson for bright room use, and Samsung for premium build/OS, which is exactly how we’ve detailed them.

Experts’ quotes in 2025 reflect that initial impressions were correct:

• Rtings (updated May 2025) says “the Hisense PX3-PRO is a great projector for movies… with extremely wide color gamut and impressive contrast” rtings.com and “packed with features… very versatile” rtings.com, which is high praise aligning with everything we’ve discussed.
• A ProjectorCentral 2024 review of Samsung noted that “its features may not justify the $5,999 price tag compared to other options” projectorcentral.com, indicating consensus that Samsung is a luxury rather than a value play.
• Meanwhile, Sound&Vision’s 2023 review of LS800 concluded it’s “one of the better options on the market, as it offers better image quality than other comparable products” in the UST space (especially noting its brightness advantage) rtings.com.

No drastic changes (like price drops or new models replacing them) have occurred up to mid-2025, so anyone looking at these now can be confident they’re still current and relevant. If anything, the field around them has more competition, but these models each carved out a strong position:

• Samsung as the premium brand choice (often bought by those already in Samsung’s ecosystem or requiring HDR10+ for specific use).
• Epson as the go-to for a bright, reliable all-purpose projector especially if you don’t need DV.
• Hisense as the darling of home theater enthusiasts who want the cutting-edge tech and image quality without going into the $5-6K range.

Looking ahead beyond 2025, we might see:

• Samsung potentially exploring even higher brightness or maybe an 8K model (they demoed an 8K UST concept earlier, but no product yet).
• Epson might develop a new 3LCD UST that integrates their higher-end tech (like perhaps using their 4K Pro-UHD Gen 2 from LS12000, or adding Dolby Vision through some partnership – though DV on projectors is rare without a dedicated chip).
• Hisense will likely continue refining tri-laser tech; maybe a PX4-Pro eventually with even higher brightness or something like a built-in screen alignment camera (just speculation).

For now, 2025 buyers can enjoy that these projectors are at a sweet spot of maturity: they use refined technology (not first-gen kinks), have had firmware updates ironing things out, and they still feel very high-end.

In recent news, it’s worth mentioning that these projectors have expanded adoption of HDR standards:

• Hisense supporting both Dolby Vision and HDR10+ is part of a trend we see where some projectors try to be format-agnostic. In contrast, brands like Epson haven’t joined that yet (Dolby Vision requires certain hardware/partnerships).
• The gaming features in Hisense set a precedent – more upcoming models from others are likely to include HDMI 2.1 as well, as seen with AWOL Vision adding 4K120 on new models and even Xgimi announcing a UST with similar features. But Hisense got there first in the UST space.

Lastly, one of the most telling pieces of recent expert evaluation comes from Rtings’ head-to-head: “The Hisense PX3-PRO is better than the Epson LS800, but they excel in different environments…Epson brighter for ambient, Hisense better contrast for dark, and wider feature set” rtings.com. That’s effectively the nuanced understanding many 2025 shoppers have come to.

So the landscape in 2025 has these three as standout choices depending on your needs:

• If you want the brightest “TV replacement” and a reputable brand: Epson LS800 is often recommended.
• If you want the best home theater image and full feature set for movies and gaming: Hisense PX3-Pro usually tops the list.
• If you want a premium brand experience or have specific Samsung ecosystem reasons: The Premiere 9 is there, albeit at a high cost.

Conclusion

In summary, the Samsung Premiere 9 (LPU9D), Epson EpiqVision LS800, and Hisense PX3-Pro are all formidable ultra-short-throw 4K projectors, but each caters to a slightly different audience and use-case:

• Samsung The Premiere 9 (LPU9D): Samsung’s premium “Laser TV” for stylish living spaces. It offers a bright, razor-sharp 4K picture up to 130″ with incredibly rich colors (thanks to its triple RGB lasers covering ~142% of DCI-P3) projectorreviews.com. It’s the only one of the three with HDR10+ support for enhanced contrast in compatible content projectorreviews.com. The design is sleek and living-room friendly – the projector itself looks like a piece of high-end audio gear with its fabric-wrapped chassis and compact footprint projectorreviews.com. It has the most robust built-in audio (40W 2.2.2 with Atmos) so you won’t urgently need a separate soundbar projectorreviews.com. Samsung’s Tizen smart platform is a big plus for ease of use: you get all major apps (Netflix, YouTube, Prime, etc.) and extras like Samsung TV Plus channels and the Gaming Hub for console-free gaming projectorcentral.com. However, all this comes at a steep price (~$6000), and Samsung consciously positioned it as a luxury option. In performance, while it’s very good, experts note its native contrast and black level are only average for the category projectorreviews.com, meaning dedicated home theater enthusiasts might find dark scenes less impressive than on some rivals. It’s more geared towards a casual big-screen TV experience: terrific in moderate lighting, vibrant for sports and streaming, and capable of impressing friends on movie night, all with the convenience of a smart TV interface. If budget isn’t a concern and you value the polished Samsung ecosystem (or you really want HDR10+ content to shine), the Premiere 9 is a compelling choice. As one reviewer put it, you’ll “weigh the Samsung brand’s convenience against competitors’ performance”, since alternatives like Hisense offer similar or better picture for less money projectorreviews.com. In sum, Samsung delivers a beautifully built, feature-rich UST that integrates seamlessly into your home – it feels like a luxury product – but you do pay a significant premium for that prestige.
• Epson EpiqVision Ultra LS800: The bright and fast all-rounder, ideal for mixed-use and bright environments. Epson’s LS800 is all about combining high brightness with big size for a family living room. It’s rated at 4,000 lumens and in real use puts out around 2,500–3,000 lumens in its accurate modes soundandvision.com, making it one of the brightest UST projectors available. This is the projector you want if you’ll often watch during the day or with lights on – it can stand up to ambient light better than most, and it’s even been touted as a “laser TV for bright rooms” rtings.com. The image is sharp 4K (via Epson’s 3LCD pixel-shifting) and color is vibrant (though only ~80% of the full cinema P3 gamut, it still looks rich) soundandvision.com. Epson deliberately trades a bit of ultimate color gamut for brightness, which in everyday viewing means a punchy picture for TV, sports, and gaming. Where the LS800 shines, beyond brightness, is ease of use and gaming. It has virtually no rainbow effect (3LCD has zero RBE) projectorreviews.com, and it boasts some of the lowest input lag in the UST class – ~20ms at 4K60, and as low as ~10ms at 1080p 120Hz soundandvision.com. It even supports [email protected] via its HDMI 3 game port projectorreviews.com. That makes it a superb choice for console gaming on a giant screen; you get responsive gameplay with minimal blur. The integrated Android TV 11 OS provides a familiar smart interface with Chromecast built-in projectorreviews.com, so streaming is simple (just note Netflix isn’t pre-loaded, an external device is needed for that one app projectorreviews.com). Audio is a pleasant surprise too: the 20W Yamaha 2.1 speaker system produces clear and full sound, rated among the best in-built audio on a UST projectorreviews.com. In terms of design, the LS800 is larger and comes in either white or black, but it’s well-engineered and can sit very close to the wall (it’s rated for up to 150″ images) projectorreviews.com. It lacks Dolby Vision and HDR10+ – it sticks to standard HDR10/HLG projectorreviews.com – so it doesn’t get the dynamic HDR tone-mapping that the Hisense or Samsung can leverage. Its contrast in dark scenes is decent but not class-leading; blacks are a bit gray in a pitch-dark room (sequential contrast measured ~3000:1) soundandvision.com. In a dim or moderate setting, however, its very bright whites help create a perception of good contrast rtings.com. Overall, the Epson LS800 is a fantastic value (usually around $3K) considering its giant, bright image and low-lag performance projectorreviews.com. It’s an especially good choice if you envision using the projector as a daily TV replacement – from Saturday afternoon sports to cartoons with the kids – where ease of use, reliability, and ambient light performance matter. It’s backed by Epson’s strong 2-year warranty and support (often with exchange service) projectorreviews.com, giving peace of mind as well. As one expert summary put it: “The Epson LS800 is very bright, with decent contrast, and it comes with Android TV… one of the better options on the market” rtings.com. This projector is for those who want a huge screen with TV-like convenience and need the versatility to handle a variety of content and room conditions.
• Hisense PX3-Pro (TriChroma Laser Cinema): The feature-packed home cinema powerhouse for dark rooms and gamers. The Hisense PX3-Pro has rapidly earned a reputation as one of the best Ultra-Short-Throw projectors available. It brings together almost every advanced technology in the UST realm: a triple-laser light engine that covers nearly the entire BT.2020 color space (98% measured, which is essentially 151% of DCI-P3) projectorscreen.com, giving it extraordinarily vivid and accurate colors. It’s the only unit in this trio to support all major HDR formats – HDR10, HLG, plus dynamic HDR10+ and Dolby Vision projectorscreen.com. This means regardless of your HDR content (be it a 4K Blu-ray with Dolby Vision or Amazon’s HDR10+ shows), the PX3-Pro can take full advantage, mapping highlights and shadows scene-by-scene for optimal effect. In dark room viewing, the Hisense truly excels: its native contrast is the highest here (measured up to ~6300:1 on/off) projectorscreen.com, and reviewers consistently mention its deep blacks and punchy contrast for nighttime movie sessions rtings.com. Add to that its very wide color gamut and you get a image that is rich, cinematic, and nuanced, outclassing what most other USTs can do in a home theater environment rtings.com. At the same time, it’s plenty bright – about 3,000 lumens claim, with ~2,500 lumens in calibrated mode projectorscreen.com – so you can still use it in moderate ambient light or for a big sports game with friends (though it won’t outshine the Epson in a sunlit room, it’s more than sufficient for typical living room lighting). The PX3-Pro is also a dream for gamers: it’s one of the first USTs with HDMI 2.1 inputs, allowing 4K 120Hz and even 1080p 240Hz gaming rtings.com. It’s “Designed for Xbox,” and in practice that means you can connect an Xbox Series X or PS5 and enjoy ultra-smooth, low-lag gameplay on a 100″+ screen – an experience virtually unmatched by other projectors as of 2025. It supports ALLM and VRR (variable refresh up to 120Hz) for tear-free gaming rtings.com. The input lag is impressively low (estimated in the ~16ms range at 4K60, even lower at high frame rates), making it responsive enough even for competitive gaming. To complement the visuals, the Hisense has a robust built-in sound system: 50W stereo speakers tuned by Harman Kardon that deliver loud, clear audio with a surprising amount of bass projectorscreen.com. And if you have an Atmos setup, the projector’s eARC can pass through Dolby Atmos audio to your receiver projectorscreen.com. On the smart side, it runs the Google TV platform, which means a slick interface with Google Assistant and Chromecast/AirPlay 2 support rtings.com. All the key streaming apps are available (Netflix, etc., in Dolby Vision quality where applicable). In terms of design, the PX3-Pro is the most compact and lightweight of the three – a glossy black box that’s relatively low-profile, which many will appreciate for placement. It also includes eye-protection sensors (useful for families) projectorscreen.com. Given all these features, one might expect an exorbitant price, but the PX3-Pro is roughly in the mid-$3000s – making it a tremendous value. Professional reviews and enthusiasts have consistently noted that Hisense “hit a home run” with this model by offering high-end flagship performance at a reasonable cost techradar.com x.com. It essentially brings the performance that previously required a $5K-$6K projector into a mid-$3K bracket. In a head-to-head, Rtings concluded: “The Hisense PX3-PRO is better than the Epson LS800… the Hisense has far better contrast and punchier colors… and a wider feature set” rtings.com. For someone serious about home theater or wanting the bleeding edge in a living room, the PX3-Pro is easy to recommend: you get beautiful 4K HDR picture quality, future-proof gaming support, and complete HDR format compatibility in one package. It’s truly a projector that “checks all the boxes” for 2025. Just keep in mind that to fully appreciate its strengths (like those deep blacks and wide color), a controlled lighting environment is ideal – in a dark room with a good ALR or cinema screen, the PX3-Pro’s image can rival that of a traditional projector two or three times its price projectorscreen.com.

To conclude, all three models deliver an immersive, 100″+ cinematic experience, but they cater to different priorities:

• Choose the Samsung Premiere 9 if you want a luxurious, plug-and-play UST projector with a refined design, strong built-in audio, and a comprehensive Smart TV system – and you’re willing to invest significantly for the Samsung brand quality and HDR10+ support projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com. It’s great for general TV/movie watching in style, though not the top choice for dark-room purists or hardcore gamers (due to its higher input lag) techradar.com.
• Choose the Epson LS800 if your environment is bright or you need versatility – it’s the brightest of the bunch and superb for everyday viewing, sports, and gaming. It offers a very balanced performance with reliable operation, and at a price that undercuts its competition projectorreviews.com. It may not have the absolute best blacks or widest color, but it’s incredibly practical and user-friendly, a true living room workhorse that still wows with a giant image. Many see it as “the better option for rooms that aren’t light controlled” thanks to its brightness and accuracy out-of-box rtings.com.
• Choose the Hisense PX3-Pro if you’re after the ultimate in picture quality and features for a home theater setup (or even a hybrid living room setup). It’s the only one with Dolby Vision, and its combination of wide color gamut, strong contrast, and advanced gaming capabilities make it stand out rtings.com rtings.com. You get an elite-level performance at a mid-range price, which is why experts frequently call it one of the top UST projectors available. It’s perfect for movie enthusiasts and gamers who want it all – vivid HDR, smooth 120Hz motion, and booming sound – on a massive screen at home.

In 2025, it’s remarkable that we have such choices: you really can’t go terribly wrong with any of these three, as each brings something special. The general public will appreciate that they all are easy to set up (no ceiling mounts or long cables needed) and come with smart platforms, meaning you can treat them much like you would a large TV. The difference is you’re getting an image size that no traditional television can match, turning your living space into a genuine home theater. As one reviewer noted about these UST laser projectors, “it’s like having a movie theater screen without the dedicated room”, and that rings true here.

Finally, to wrap up with a bit of expert consensus: one home theater expert wrote that ultra-short-throws have matured to the point where the Hisense PX3-Pro’s “consistent performance across categories solidified its position as the top choice” for a UST in its class hisense-usa.com, while the Epson LS800 “offers better image quality than other comparable products” for bright-room use rtings.com, and the Samsung LPU9D “delivers an enhanced spectrum of color and a true cinema experience with 4K picture quality” projectorreviews.com albeit at a luxury price. These summaries align well with our findings.

In conclusion, your decision should hinge on what matters most for your setup:

• If you want maximum brightness and a do-it-all family projector, the Epson LS800 is a stellar pick soundandvision.com.
• If you crave maximum image fidelity, HDR format support, and gaming prowess, the Hisense PX3-Pro is hard to beat projectorscreen.com rtings.com.
• If you value design, brand integration, and a polished smart experience, and are willing to pay for it, Samsung’s Premiere 9 will serve you exceptionally well projectorcentral.com projectorcentral.com.

Each brings the “big screen, big sound” experience to your home, turning ordinary content into something truly cinematic. With any of these three, you’re essentially getting a 100-120 inch 4K “laser TV” that can anchor your home entertainment – an outcome that even a few years ago would have cost much more or required more compromises. It’s an exciting time for home theater fans and the general public alike, as these projectors make the dream of a massive, vibrant home cinema more accessible than ever. Enjoy the show!

Sources:

• Samsung – The Premiere 9 official specs and review projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com projectorcentral.com
• Projector Reviews – Samsung Premiere 9 intro and analysis of improvements projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com
• TechRadar – noted Samsung’s input lag (~53ms) and 4K/60 limitation techradar.com
• ProjectorCentral – Samsung review discussing features vs price projectorcentral.com projectorcentral.com
• Epson – LS800 specs and reviews noting 4000lm brightness and 2-year warranty projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com
• Sound & Vision – Epson LS800 measurements (brightness ~2600lm in Cinema, 3500:1 contrast, ~10ms lag at 1080p120) soundandvision.com soundandvision.com
• Rtings – Epson LS800 verdict (“very bright… decent contrast… colors decently vibrant”) rtings.com
• ProjectorScreen – Hisense PX3-Pro review (Dolby Vision, HDR10+, nearly full BT.2020, measured contrast 6350:1, ~3400 lumens) projectorscreen.com projectorscreen.com
• Rtings – Hisense PX3-Pro overview (“immersive HDR… low-latency mode… gaming up to 240Hz in 1080p and 60Hz 4K”) rtings.com rtings.com
• ProjectorScreen – Pros/Cons of PX3-Pro (excellent contrast, wide color, great gaming, 3000lm, good out-of-box color) projectorscreen.com
• Rtings – Comparative statements (Hisense vs Epson: “Epson brighter for non-light-controlled, Hisense far better contrast and wider features” rtings.com; also Hisense vs others indicating its strengths in brightness/contrast/gamut rtings.com).
• Best Buy – warranty info (Samsung 2-year samsung.com, Hisense 2-year parts/labor bestbuy.com)
• Projector Reviews – general comments (Samsung average contrast for cost projectorreviews.com, Epson’s new lens and color no rainbow projectorreviews.com projectorreviews.com)
• Manufacturer quotes – Samsung: “enhanced spectrum of a billion+ colors… true-to-life 4K picture” projectorreviews.com, Epson: “displays exceptional out-of-the-box color… without distracting rainbowing” projectorreviews.com, Hisense: reference to “top choice” remarks hisense-usa.com.