Hisense PX4 Pro Review: A Brilliant Ultra-Short Throw Projector Held Back by Software

Introduction to the Hisense PX4 Pro

The Hisense PX4 Pro arrives as the latest evolutionary step in the company's popular family of ultra-short throw (UST) laser projectors. While it brings several notable hardware improvements, including a physical iris and support for variable refresh rate (VRR) gaming, it also introduces a few design quirks and software limitations. Priced at $4,499 (though often found with early discounts around $3,999), it aims to serve as a high-end, space-saving alternative to traditional large-screen televisions.

Design and Build Quality

Borrowing design cues from the high-end Hisense L9Q, the PX4 Pro features a more compact, curved profile finished in an elegant silver colorway. Measuring 21.3 x 11.3 x 5.6 inches and weighing just under 18.3 pounds, it is remarkably easy to position compared to standard TVs. Thanks to its ultra-short 0.2:1 throw ratio, you can place it inches away from a wall or dedicated projection screen to cast a massive, immersive image ranging from 80 to 200 inches.

However, UST projection presents unique physical challenges. Even minor misalignments can drastically distort the picture geometry, meaning you will need a perfectly flat surface and careful setup. Connectivity options are robust, featuring four HDMI ports (including two with HDMI 2.1 bandwidth supporting ALLM and eARC), optical audio output, dual USB ports, Gigabit Ethernet, and reliable Wi-Fi 7 capabilities. Noticeably missing, however, is a physical lens cover to protect the top glass from dust accumulation when not in use.

Performance and Picture Quality

The standout addition to the PX4 Pro is its physical aperture iris, which allows users to manually clamp down light output to achieve deeper black levels in dark home theater environments, or open it up wide for daytime viewing in uncontrolled lighting. In testing, the projector delivered a dazzling peak brightness of 3,612 ANSI lumens, slightly exceeding its official 3,500-lumen rating.

Color reproduction is similarly impressive, with colorimeter tests showing 100% sRGB, 98% DCI-P3, and 96% BT.2020 color space coverage. Unfortunately, the viewing experience is occasionally hampered by a forced software feature called "Scenario Enhancement." Designed to dynamically adjust picture settings per scene, it frequently triggers noticeable color shifts, brightness flickering, and blackouts. Because this feature is locked when the optical iris is active, it undercuts the projector's true dark-room potential.

Audio Capabilities

Equipped with an integrated 4.0.2-channel speaker system delivering 66W of power, the PX4 Pro punches well above the typical audio performance of standard projectors. Side-firing drivers create an unexpectedly wide soundstage that enhances dialogue clarity and spatial effects. While it performs admirably for casual viewing, deep bass impact during action blockbusters is limited, meaning home theater enthusiasts will still want to pair it with a dedicated subwoofer or soundbar system.

Gaming Performance

For gamers, the PX4 Pro shines. It boasts an impressively low input lag of 51ms at standard 4K, which drops to a responsive 23ms when Game Mode is engaged. Furthermore, switching to a 1080p resolution unlocks a blistering 240Hz refresh rate with VRR support, resulting in zero perceivable input latency and buttery-smooth motion during fast-paced gameplay. Note that built-in cloud gaming options like Xbox Game Pass yielded disappointing artifacting despite a fast network connection, so local hardware is strongly recommended.

Smart TV Interface

Unlike previous models that utilized Google TV, the PX4 Pro runs on Hisense’s proprietary VidaaOS. While navigation is snappy and responsive, the interface leaves room for improvement. It comes pre-loaded with numerous bloatware applications and features aggressive home-screen advertising. Furthermore, the app store lacks certain mainstream options like Hulu, and managing advanced picture settings can feel overly opaque due to hidden dependencies and grayed-out menus.

The redesigned silver remote control features a sleek profile, shortcuts to major streaming services, a USB-C rechargeable battery, and an integrated solar panel. A particularly handy feature is the remote-finder function triggered via the projector's power button, which causes the remote to emit a loud beeping sound.

Verdict

The Hisense PX4 Pro is a powerful, feature-rich ultra-short throw projector that delivers gorgeous visuals, exceptional brightness, and top-tier gaming specs. However, its high price tag, aggressive software enhancements, and limited VidaaOS ecosystem keep it from achieving absolute perfection. If you can live with its software quirks, it remains a compelling cinematic centerpiece for the home.