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Hisense C1 Projector

$949.99 ~~$1,499.99~~ at Amazon.com

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SUMMARY: The Hisense C1 is a well-balanced 4K TriChroma laser projector that blends vibrant visuals, smart streaming, and robust audio in a portable cube design. It delivers rich HDR performance and automated setup while maintaining whisper-quiet operation. It excels in dark to moderately lit environments, offering convenience for everyday viewing or casual gaming. Although it doesn't dominate in brightness or contrast by professional standards, it wins on flexibility, color reproduction, and user-friendly features, making it a strong candidate for stylish home media setups.

Best Used For: home theater and gaming

Released: 2023

Brand: Hisense

Specification	Details
Brightness	2000 ANSI Lumens
Resolution	4K UHD (3,840 × 2,160)
Contrast Ratio	2000000:1 (dynamic, advertised), 1700:1 (native)
Throw Ratio	1.2:1
Min/Max Throw Distance	1.73m-8m (65-300 inches)
Lamp Life	25000 hours
Connectivity	Confirmed: 1× HDMI 2.0 + 1× HDMI 2.1 (eARC ALLM), USB 2.0 & 3.0, Ethernet, optical, 3.5 mm
Keystone Correction	Fully automatic focus + keystone + alignment via AI
Zoom Lens	Confirmed zoom lens ratio = 1.2×
Input Lag	~150 ms; Game mode drop to ~50 ms
Audio Output	JBL 10 W ×2 = 20 W with Dolby Atmos
Aspect Ratio	16:9
Weight (kg)	4.6 kg
Lens Shift	Not available
Controller Type	voice backlit remote + control buttons atop
Noise Level (dB)	~31 dB
Size of Projection	65-300 inches

Highlights

The Hisense C1 positions itself as a premium lifestyle projector with a clean cubic design, triple laser engine, and smart TV capabilities integrated into a portable form factor. Despite being labeled “mini”, the unit weighs approximately 4.6 kg and carries a substantial internal sound system, making it more of a semi-portable projector suitable for flexible room-to-room placement than frequent travel.

One of the most notable technologies in the C1 is its TriChroma RGB Laser Engine, designed to deliver rich, vivid imagery. The projector is advertised with 1,600 ANSI lumens brightness, which is on the modest side for 4K projectors. However, independent measurements by sources like ProjectorReviews confirm a reality of ~1,946 ANSI lumens, exceeding manufacturer claims. This brightness level makes it viable for dark or moderately lit rooms, but not ideal for direct daylight viewing.

Hisense lists a contrast ratio of 2,000,000:1 (dynamic), which, like many dynamic contrast claims, proves overly optimistic. Real-world contrast testing reports a more grounded ~1,757:1 full on/off contrast, which is serviceable for most video content but does not rival OLED-like black levels. Viewers seeking deep cinematic blacks in challenging lighting conditions should temper expectations accordingly.

Resolution is listed as 4K UHD (3840×2160) and verified as such, utilizing a Texas Instruments 0.47” DMD chip with XPR (pixel-shifting) to deliver a genuine 4K experience. Unlike some pseudo-4K projectors, this one produces notably crisp details, particularly at screen sizes between 80″ and 150″.

Projection size ranges from a minimum of 65 inches to a maximum of 300 inches, depending on throw distance and environmental lighting. The throw ratio is fixed at 1.2:1, with a minimum throw distance of approximately 1.73 meters for 65”, and reaching over 8 meters for the maximum 300” display.

The laser light source promises a long-term output with an advertised lifespan of 25,000 hours, which aligns with standard expectations for modern RGB laser projectors. This figure is consistent across multiple reviews and is considered credible.

On the audio front, the Hisense C1 integrates a 20W stereo speaker system by JBL, split across two 10W drivers. The setup supports Dolby Atmos and performs exceptionally well for an all-in-one projector, delivering clear dialogue, decent stereo separation, and punchy mids. However, bass performance lacks some depth compared to dedicated soundbars or subwoofer setups.

The system utilizes VIDAA OS, Hisense’s proprietary smart TV platform. While it supports major services like Netflix, Disney+, Prime Video, YouTube, it lacks broader app support compared to Android TV or Google TV ecosystems. Still, it offers sufficient functionality for casual streaming, especially with integrated Wi-Fi 6E and voice assistant compatibility via Alexa.

Usability is enhanced by Hisense’s AutoMagic system, offering automatic focus, keystone correction, and intelligent screen alignment. These features are genuinely effective and speed up setup significantly. In real-world use, autofocus is accurate and quick, though extreme angle placements may still require manual adjustments.

The projector does not include a lens shift mechanism, limiting physical placement options. Instead, it relies heavily on digital correction to align the image. This is not uncommon for its class but should be factored into any ceiling or offset installations.

Connectivity is solid, including 2× HDMI ports (1x HDMI 2.0, 1x HDMI 2.1 with eARC and ALLM), USB 2.0 and 3.0, optical audio out, Ethernet port, and a 3.5 mm audio jack. Wireless screen mirroring is supported via AirPlay, Miracast, and DLNA, enhancing versatility for various user devices.

Input lag, while not advertised officially, has been measured in testing at approximately 150 ms for standard viewing modes. When Game Mode is activated, this reduces to around 50 ms, which is acceptable for casual gaming but not recommended for competitive play.

The unit includes a voice-enabled remote control with backlit keys and top-mounted physical buttons for basic controls. While it lacks advanced gesture or gyroscope features, the remote is responsive and ergonomic.

The manufacturer claims a noise level of under 31 dB, and this has been validated in testing. Fan noise remains low even under full brightness, making it unobtrusive during movie sessions.

Additional features that stand out include Dolby Vision and HDR10 support, real MEMC (motion smoothing) for sports and action content, and a quirky but useful “curious toddler” laser safety detection system that disables projection if motion is detected in front of the lens.

In summary, the Hisense C1 carves a unique position in the projector market. It offers an exceptional color gamut (advertised as up to 110% BT.2020), strong audio performance, and fully integrated smart features. While it doesn’t match professional home theater projectors in raw contrast or brightness, it excels in convenience, design, and ease of use—making it a compelling choice for stylish home media setups where flexibility and aesthetic are as important as raw technical power.

Amazon Price History

Date	Price (USD)
2025-07-05	949.99
2025-07-07	949.99

Since 2025-07-05

Auto Product Comparison

Product	Hisense C1 Projector	Optoma W335 Projector	Magcubic HY450 Projector	VIZONY DP04 Projector
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Badges	Best Deal			Best Deal
Price	$949.99 ~~$1,499.99~~ at Amazon.com	$788.00 at Amazon.com	$179.99 at Amazon.com	$49.98 ~~$119.98~~ at Amazon.com
Brand	Hisense	Optoma	Magcubic	VIZONY
Check Details		Check Details	Check Details	Check Details
Brightness	2000 ANSI Lumens	3800 ANSI Lumens	~400–500 ANSI lumens (advertised)	450 ANSI Lumens (advertised)
Resolution	4K UHD (3,840 × 2,160)	1280x800 (WXGA)	Native 1080P, supports 4K input (downscale)	Native 1080P
Contrast Ratio	2000000:1 (dynamic, advertised), 1700:1 (native)	22000:1 (dynamic, advertised)	~1200–1500:1 (advertised)	10000:1 (advertised)
Throw Ratio	1.2:1	1.94:1 - 2.16:1	0.6:1 Ultra Short Throw	not specified
Min/Max Throw Distance	1.73m-8m (65-300 inches)	3.6' for 30" to 32.9' for 300"	~0.45m to 2.5m	not specified
Lamp Life	25000 hours	6,000 hours (Bright) / 15,000 hours (Eco)	20000 hours	100000 hours (advertised)
Connectivity	Confirmed: 1× HDMI 2.0 + 1× HDMI 2.1 (eARC ALLM), USB 2.0 & 3.0, Ethernet, optical, 3.5 mm	HDMI, VGA, Composite, USB, RS232	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI, USB, AV	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI, USB, AV, headphone jack
Keystone Correction	Fully automatic focus + keystone + alignment via AI	Vertical ±40°	Auto Keystone Correction (Vertical)	15°± vertical
Zoom Lens	Confirmed zoom lens ratio = 1.2×	Manual 1.1x zoom	No optical zoom	50% to 100% digital
Input Lag	~150 ms; Game mode drop to ~50 ms	Not specified	~40ms	not specified
Audio Output	JBL 10 W ×2 = 20 W with Dolby Atmos	10W mono speaker	2 x 8W stereo speakers	Built-in 10W Hi-Fi stereo speakers
Aspect Ratio	16:9	16:10 native; 16:9, 4:3	16:9 / 4:3	16:9
Weight (kg)	4.6 kg	3.04 kg	1.65 kg	1.09 kg
Lens Shift	Not available	Not available	Not available	not available
Controller Type	voice backlit remote + control buttons atop	IR remote	Voice control, remote	remote control
Noise Level (dB)	~31 dB	27 dB (Eco mode)	~30 dB	not specified
Size of Projection	65-300 inches	29.61" - 300.37" (diagonal)	40" to 150" (best under 120'')	35-250 inches
Connectivity	Confirmed: 1× HDMI 2.0 + 1× HDMI 2.1 (eARC ALLM), USB 2.0 & 3.0, Ethernet, optical, 3.5 mm	HDMI, VGA, Composite, USB, RS232	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.0, HDMI, USB, AV	WiFi 6, Bluetooth 5.2, HDMI, USB, AV, headphone jack