Hisense PX3-Pro: a perfect ultra short throw projector for gaming and movies

DA Gadgets September 21, 2024 Home Theater, Projectors, Televisions

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Hisense
PX3-Pro:
two-minute
review

Hisense
has
been
has
been
responsible
for
some
of
the

best
ultra
short
throw
projectors,
and
the
Hisense
PX3-Pro
is
among
its
latest.
The
PX3-Pro
has
a
daunting
task
following
up
on
the

Hisense
PX2-Pro,
but
Hisense
has
pulled
it
off
with
some
key
upgrades.

The
new
Hisense
PX3-Pro
differs
in
design
from
the
PX2-Pro,
but
under
the
hood,
it
gets
an
upgraded
projection
system
that’s
much
brighter
at
3,000
lumens
and
also
boasts
a
1080p/240Hz
mode.
This
feature
turns
it
from
an
exceptional
ultra
short
throw
(UST)
projector
into
a
speed
demon
of
a
gaming
projector
–
Hisense
even
bills
it
as
the
“world’s
first
designed
for
Xbox
UST
projector.”
And
with
rich
color,
strong
contrast,
and
Dolby
Vision
HDR
support,
the
PX3-Pro
ranks
up
there
with
the
best
4K
projectors
when
it
comes
to
picture
performance.

While
the
PX3-Pro’s
built-in
sound
isn’t
quite
as
impressive
as
its
picture,
it
at
least
has
the
volume
level
to
match
the
visuals,
and
Hisense
offers
plenty
of
ways
to
connect
to
better
speaker
systems.
All
of
this
comes
at
a
higher
price
than
its
predecessor,
but
it
seems
well
worth
the
extra
expense.

Hisense
PX3-Pro
review:
price
and
release
date

First
available:
October
2024

Price:
$3,499
/
£2,499

Availability
of
the
Hisense
PX3-Pro
is
set
to
begin
in
mid-October
2024.
It
is
priced
at
$3,499
/
£2,499,
a
marked
increase
over
the
lower
brightness
PX2-Pro,
which
launched
at
$2,999
in
June
2023.
Like
the
rest
of
the
Hisense
PX
series,
the
PX3-Pro
doesn’t
come
with
a
projection
screen.

The
Hisense
PX3-Pro
comes
with
a
full-size
remote
control
and
features
the
Google
TV
smart
TV
platform
for
streaming

(Image
credit:
Future)

Hisense
PX3-Pro
review:
Specs

Swipe
to
scroll
horizontally

Screen
sizes
supported:

80-150
inches

Brightness
(specified):

3,000
Lumens

HDR
support:

Dolby
Vision,
HDR10+,
HDR10,
HLG

Optical
technology:

3-laser
DLP

Smart
TV:

Google
TV

Connections:

2x
HDMI
2.1,
1x
HDMI
2.0
with
eARC,
optical
digital
audio
out,
3.5mm
audio
out,
2x
USB-A,
Ethernet

Dimensions:

21.7
x
11.7
x
4.8
inches
(55
x
30
x
12.2cm)

Weight:

19.8
pounds
(9
kg)

The
PX3-Pro
features
dual
HDMI
2.1
ports
and
supports
gaming
at
1080p/240Hz

(Image
credit:
Future)

Hisense
PX3-Pro
review:
design
and
features

Futuristic-looking
design

All-in-one
capability
plus
flexibility
for
different
setups

Streaming
and
gaming
benefit
from
hardware
and
software
upgrades

Where
the
Hisense
PX2-Pro
was
a
simple
under-the-hood
refresh
of
its
predecessor,
The
PX1-Pro,
the
new
PX3-Pro
sees
some
bigger
changes
both
to
its
internal
components
and
its
outward
appearance.
The
design
has
a
stylistic
resemblance
to
its
predecessors,
but
it
gives
off
more
of
a
proper
futuristic
vibe
than
the
prior
models
with
their
retro-futuristic
looks.

The
whole
unit
is
done
up
in
gray
and
silver
surfaces
of
all
types:
matte,
shiny,
smooth,
and
coarse.
It
features
large
grilles
on
either
side
for
air
intake
and
exhaust
–
generating
3,000
lumens
creates
some
heat
even
when
using
lasers.
The
front
also
gets
a
perforated
grille
for
the
built-in
speakers.
At
either
side
of
the
grille
are
vertical
slots
in
shiny
housing
that
have
standby
lighting
built
in,
so
when
the
projector
is
turned
off,
these
illuminate
the
mirrored
finish
inside.
This
may
appeal
to
some,
but
I
found
it
a
little
tacky
compared
to
the
PX2-Pro’s
subtler
design.

Style
aside,
perhaps
the
most
critical
design
change
is
the
projector’s
size.
It’s
a
little
wider
and
taller
than
its
predecessors,
but
not
as
deep
front-to-back.
That
combined
with
a
shift
from
a
0.25:1
throw
ratio
to
a
0:22
throw
ratio
means
the
PX3-Pro
can
sit
closer
to
a
wall,
protruding
into
the
room
less,
and
still
provide
a
massive
picture.

The
PX3-Pro
sits
on
four
height-adjustable
feet,
which
helps
get
the
picture
aligned
with
a
screen.
It
also
offers
digital
image
correction
and
adjustable
focus,
letting
you
dial
in
everything
perfectly.

Around
the
back,
you’ll
find
three
HDMI
ports,
including
one
with
eARC.
There’s
also
a
high-speed
USB
type-A
port
(and
another
on
the
right
side),
and
both
and
optical
digital
and
3.5mm
audio
output.
With
Google
TV
onboard,
the
PX3-Pro
can
tap
into
plenty
of
streaming
services,
including
Netflix,
and
has
both
Wi-Fi
6E
and
Ethernet
network
connections.

The
Hisense
PX3-Pro
has
comprehensive
high
dynamic
range
support,
including
Dolby
Vision
and
HDR10+.
Its
built-in
speakers
support
Dolby
Atmos
and
IMAX
Enhanced
for
DTS,
though
audio
is
best
passed
on
to
an
outboard
sound
system.
Unlike
its
predecessors,
the
PX3-Pro
offers
Active
3D
support
(requires
optional
3D
eyewear).

There
are
still
a
few
features
the
PX3-Pro
could
have
benefitted
from.
Optical
image
adjustments
beyond
focus
would
be
a
welcome
addition,
especially
zoom,
though
I’ve
never
seen
that
feature
in
a
UST
projector.
A
cover
would
be
a
more
reasonable
one,
as
dust
can
gather
quickly
on
top
of
UST
projectors.

Design
and
features
score:
4.5/5

The
PX3-Pro
has
exceptional
color,
along
with
powerful
contrast
in
dim
lighting
conditions

(Image
credit:
Future)

Hisense
PX3-Pro
review:
picture
and
sound
quality

Exceptional
color
and
brightness

Crisp
4K
picture
with
comprehensive
HDR
support

240Hz
mode
is
a
perk
for
gamers

The
Hisense
PX3-Pro
builds
on
a
strong
picture
quality
foundation.
The
PX2-Pro
offered
stunning
color
from
its
tri-chroma
projection
system
and
the
PX3-Pro
takes
that
up
a
notch
with
a
notably
brighter
picture,
rated
to
reach
3,000
lumens.
For
some
content,
like
cartoons
and
sports,
that’ll
make
a
very
presentable
picture
even
with
high
ambient
room
lighting.
It
also
gives
the
PX3-Pro
plenty
of
latitude
in
dim
lighting
conditions,
with
a
bright
enough
picture
that
it
can
call
for
some
dimming
of
the
laser
in
a
dark
room.

While
the
projector
has
powerful
contrast
as
is,
a
High
Dynamic
setting
for
Laser
Luminance
can
further
enhance
its
picture.
I’m
normally
wary
of
settings
like
this
that
adjust
the
picture
based
on
the
content
being
displayed
as
they
tend
to
have
noticeable
artifacts,
but
the
PX3-Pro
managed
it
admirably,
with
imperceptible
transitions.
The
only
odd
behavior
I
noted
was
a
sudden
brightening
when
white
subtitles
appeared
onscreen
during
dark
scenes.
Otherwise,
this
played
out
well
for
Guy
Ritchie’s

Sherlock
Holmes,
helping
to
punch
up
the
bright
scenes
while
avoiding
pumping
up
black
levels
in
dark
ones.

The
PX3-Pro’s
comprehensive
HDR
support
made
the
latest
seasons
of

The
Rings
of
Power
in
HDR10+
and

The
Avengers:
Endgame
in
Dolby
Vision
both
look
fantastic.
The
wide
color
gamut
of
the
triple-laser
projection
system
played
a
big
part
in
this,
giving
the
PX3-Pro
simply
astounding
color.
One
downside
of
this
is
that
rainbows,
a
regular
artifact
of
DLP
technology,
can
seem
a
little
more
pronounced.

The
PX3-Pro
serves
up
a
big,
bright
4K
picture
ranging
from
80
to
150
inches.
While
it’s
possible
to
project
images
beyond
these
sizes,
the
focus
range
is
limited
and
you
may
end
up
with
a
softer
image.

For
gamers,
the
Hisense
PX3-Pro
has
something
extra
special
in
store.
In
addition
to
simply
switching
to
a
game
mode
with
lower
input
lag,
the
projector
can
swap
over
to
a
1080p/240Hz
mode.
This
sacrifices
some
picture
detail
but
provides
buttery
smooth
visuals,
and
the
DLP
system
has
minimal
ghosting.
The
gameplay
is
highly
responsive
and
a
big
perk.
Though
the
projector
will
also
display
4K
120Hz
signals,
it
doesn’t
appear
to
display
every
frame
but
rather
skips
every
other
one
as
checked
with

Blur
Busters’
frame
skipping
tool.

Audio
on
the
PX3-Pro
isn’t
half-bad
either.
Its
50W
Harman
Kardon-designed
speakers
can
get
loud
enough
to
match
the
size
of
the
pictures
the
PX3-Pro
projects,
and
the
sound
has
an
impressive
range
with
booming
bass,
though
it
doesn’t
get
deep
into
sub-bass
territory.
What
it
really
lacks
is
the
spatial
aspect.
The
stereo
separation
isn’t
very
wide,
and
there
are
no
side,
rear,
or
height
channels.
This
means
that
even
though
the
projector
supports
Dolby
Atmos
and
Imax
Enhanced
for
DTS,
it’s
best
used
with
external
speakers.

Picture
and
sound
quality
score:
4.5/5

The
PX3-Pro’s
Google
TV
smart
interface

(Image
credit:
Future)

Hisense
PX3-Pro
review:
value

High
price
but
a
compelling
picture

Versatility
adds
to
its
value

The
Hisense
PX3-Pro
doesn’t
come
cheap
at
$3,499.
Its
price
puts
it
a
ways
above
its
predecessor
and
sets
it
up
against
others
like
the

Epson
Home
Cinema
LS800.
It
also
raises
the
question
of
whether
you
should
instead
opt
for
a
big
TV
since
you
can
get
an
83-inch
OLED
like
the

LG
C4
for
not
too
much
more.

But
the
PX3-Pro
brings
a
lot
to
the
table.
It
has
enough
brightness
and
detail
to
comfortably
stretch
its
4K
picture
to
massive
proportions.
The
PX3-Pro
also
supports
3D
content
and
a
wide
range
of
HDR
formats,
has
a
240Hz
refresh
rate
mode,
and
has
Google
TV
built-in
(with
a
fast
enough
processor
to
run
it
smoothly).
There’s
little
question
that
the
PX3-Pro
UST
offers
a
lot,
and
it’s
a
worthy
rival
to
TVs
and
other
projector
types.

Value
score:
4.5/5

(Image
credit:
Future)

Swipe
to
scroll
horizontally

Hisense
PX3-Pro

Row
0
–
Cell
0

Notes

Rating

Design
and
features

An
impressively
compact
all-in-one
package
that’s
versatile
enough
to
work
with
all
sorts
of
external
home
theater
hardware

4.5/5

Picture
&
sound
quality

Color
gamut
stands
out,
and
the
extra
brightness
alongside
wide
HDR
support
makes
for
visually
stunning
images.
It’s
no
match
for
a
sun-drenched
room,
but
excels
in
dim
and
dark
ones.

4.5/5

Value

It’s
not
cheap
but
offers
great
picture
quality,
features,
and
a
high
level
of
versatility
for
the
money.

4.5/5

Should
I
buy
the
Hisense
PX3-Pro?

(Image
credit:
Future)

Buy
it
if…

Don’t
buy
it
if…

Also
consider…

Swipe
to
scroll
horizontally

Comparison:
4K
UST
projectors

Hisense
PX3-Pro

Hisense
PX2-Pro

Epson
LS800

Hisense
L9G

Price:

$3,499

$2,999

$3,499

$5,499

Screen
sizes
supported:

80
to
150
inches

90
to
130
inches

Up
to
150
inches

100
inches

Brightness
(specified):

3,000
lumens

2,400
lumens

4,000
lumens

3,000
lumens

HDR
support

HDR10+,
HDR10,
HLG,
Dolby
Vision

Dolby
Vision,
HDR10,
HLG

HDR10,
HLG

HDR10,
HLG,
Dolby
Vision

Optical
technology:

3
laser
DLP

Laser
3LCD

3
laser
DLP

Smart
TV:

Google
TV

Google
TV
/
VIDAA

Android
TV

Connections:

2x
HDMI
2.1,
1x
HDMI
2.0
(1
with
eARC),
optical,
3.5mm

2x
HDMI
2.0
(1
with
ARC),
HDMI
2.0

3x
HDMI
2.0
(1
with
ARC)

2x
HDMI
2.1,
1x
HDMI
2.0
(with
eARC),
1x
RF,
optical

(Image
credit:
Future)

How
I
tested
the
Hisense
PX3-Pro

Tested
at
home
in
multiple,
real-world
viewing
conditions

Presented
the
display
with
a
variety
of
media
and
formats

I
have
tested
numerous
projectors
and
displays
over
the
last
half-decade

I
tested
the
Hisense
PX2
Pro
at
home,
in
real-world
conditions.
This
saw
it
faced
with
ambient
light
coming
in
from
numerous
windows,
in-room
lighting,
as
well
as
ambient
noise
that
both
the
projector
and
speaker
systems
had
to
overcome.
The
projector
was
tested
both
against
a
bare,
white
wall
and
an

Akia
Screens
CineWhite
screen.
It
was
presented
with
standard
definition
and
4K
HDR
streamed
content,
and
PC
gameplay.

My
testing
evaluates
the
projector’s
performance
with
respect
to
its
price
and
competition
from
other
models
I
and
colleagues
at
TechRadar
have
tested.